XXIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Yellow Peril

  Fu-Manchu's plot to kidnap Lord Southery and ship him to China exemplifies the 'Yellow Peril' fear of Eastern domination.

• Fear and Paranoia

  The tense atmosphere in the vault, the suspicion of Fu-Manchu's presence, and the dread of his green eyes pervade the chapter.

• Death and Mystery

  The exhumation of a 'newly buried man' who speaks from the tomb creates a macabre and mysterious scene.

Characters to notice

• Nayland Smith

  Persuades Henderson to exhume Lord Southery, leads the rescue, and is wounded by a dacoit's knife.

• Dr. Petrie

  Assists Smith in the rescue, fires at Fu-Manchu, and tends to Smith's wound.

• Lord Southery

  Found alive in his tomb after being kidnapped by Fu-Manchu; speaks of being 'raised from the dead.'

• Mr. Henderson

  Lord Southery's solicitor, reluctantly agrees to the exhumation and assists in the vault.

• Dr. Fu-Manchu

  Appears at the vault with a dacoit, attacks Smith, and escapes by car; suspected of planning to ship Southery to China.

• Karamanèh

  Expected to send word for a raid on Fu-Manchu's house.

Key passages

• “I am raised from the dead.”

  Lord Southery declares he has been brought back from death.

  Southery's first words after being found alive in the vault.

• “The yellow society lacks a Southery, but that Dr. Fu-Manchu was in Germany three years ago I have reason to believe; so that, even without visiting the grave of your great Teutonic rival, who suddenly died at about that time, I venture to predict that they have a Von Homber.”

  Smith suggests Fu-Manchu's organization has kidnapped other geniuses, including a German rival of Southery.

  Smith speculates on the scope of Fu-Manchu's operations.

• “If I am right, and you prevent me from acting, you become a murderer, Mr. Henderson.”

  Smith warns Henderson that inaction could lead to Southery's death.

  Smith's argument to persuade Henderson to allow the exhumation.