The Lone Wolf · Chapter
Return explained
Lanyard returns to Paris from London after two successful coups, including the theft of the Huysman plans and the Omber affair.
What happens
Lanyard returns to Paris from London after two successful coups, including the theft of the Huysman plans and the Omber affair. He spots Roddy and a Préfecture agent at the Gare du Nord but avoids detection. A taxi skid and flat tire lead him to impulsively change his destination to Troyon's, where he again encounters Roddy.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Chance
Lanyard's return is driven by impulse and a chance taxi skid, leading him to change his destination to Troyon's.
Surveillance and Paranoia
Lanyard is constantly aware of being watched by Roddy, the Préfecture agent, and a runner; he takes evasive actions.
Characters to notice
- Michael Lanyard
Returns to Paris after two coups, evades police surveillance, and impulsively decides to go to Troyon's.
- Roddy
Stationed at the Gare du Nord watching passengers; later seen again at Troyon's.
- Bourke
Mentioned as deceased; Lanyard's return to Troyon's had been contemplated since Bourke's death.
Key passages
“His return to Troyon’s, whereas an enterprise which Lanyard had been contemplating for several years—in fact, ever since the death of Bourke—came to pass at length almost purely as an affair of impulse.”
Lanyard had planned to return to Troyon's for years, but finally did so on a whim.
Highlights the impulsive nature of his return.
“Two coups to his credit since the previous midnight had made the shift advisable, though only one of them, the later, rendered it urgent.”
Two successful thefts in the last day made it necessary for Lanyard to leave London, especially the second one.
Explains the urgency behind his departure.
“But the agents of the various Continental secret services have a way of making their own laws as they go along: and for these Lanyard entertained a respect little short of profound.”
Lanyard greatly feared the Continental secret agents because they operated outside legal constraints.
Shows Lanyard's respect for the dangerous capabilities of foreign intelligence services.