The Just Men of Cordova · Chapter
XIII: Who Are the Four? explained
Black reveals to Sir Isaac that he has discovered the identities of three of the Four Just Men—Charles Grimburd, Wilkinson Despard, and Horace Gresham—by bribing a servant.
What happens
Black reveals to Sir Isaac that he has discovered the identities of three of the Four Just Men—Charles Grimburd, Wilkinson Despard, and Horace Gresham—by bribing a servant. He then takes Sir Isaac on a secretive journey to meet the discharged servant, who confirms the group's temporary inactivity. Meanwhile, Lord Verlond informs Lady Mary that her brother, long thought dead, is alive, and Black and Sir Isaac settle their debts.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Black uncovers the secret identities of the Four Just Men through bribery and surveillance, while Lord Verlond reveals a long-hidden family secret.
Wealth and Greed
Black spends £200 to buy information, and Sir Isaac's debts are settled, underscoring the role of money in power and corruption.
Characters to notice
- Colonel J. Black
Reveals his discovery of the Four Just Men's identities and orchestrates a secret meeting with a bribed servant.
- Sir Isaac Tramber
Accompanies Black to the meeting and settles his debts, feeling exultant.
- Lord Verlond
Informs Lady Mary that her brother is alive, though he feigns annoyance.
- Lady Mary Cassilirs
Learns from Lord Verlond that her brother is alive, reacting with joy.
- Horace Gresham
Mentioned by Black as the suspected leader of the Four Just Men.
- Despard
Identified by Black as one of the Four Just Men; his servant was bribed for information.
Key passages
“I’ve got a piece of information that will please you. You are the sort of chap who is scared by these ‘Four Just Men.’ Well, you needn’t be any more. I’ve found out all about them.”
Black tells Sir Isaac that he has discovered the identities of the Four Just Men, so there is no longer any reason to fear them.
Black reveals his intelligence coup to Sir Isaac.
“The fourth is the leader: can’t you guess who it is? Gresham, of course.”
Black asserts that Horace Gresham is the leader of the Four Just Men.
Black speculates on Gresham's role as the mastermind.
“Would you be startled to know that that young demon of a brother of yours is still alive?”
Lord Verlond asks Lady Mary if she would be shocked to learn that her brother is alive.
Lord Verlond reveals the survival of Lady Mary's brother.