# XIII: Who Are the Four? explained — The Just Men of Cordova

> Chapter companion for The Just Men of Cordova by Edgar Wallace.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_just_men_of_cordova_se/chapters/xiii-who-are-the-four
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_just_men_of_cordova_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_just_men_of_cordova_se/chapters