# XIII: Confessional explained — The Lone Wolf

> Chapter companion for The Lone Wolf by Louis Joseph Vance.

## What happens

Lanyard and the girl (Lucia Bannon) discuss the events of the previous night, including the murder of Roddy and the switch of identities. Lanyard reveals his desire to abandon his life as the Lone Wolf, return the stolen Omber jewels, and turn over the Huysman stabilizator plans to France. He asks the girl to accompany him when he returns the jewels, and she agrees, expressing belief in his sincerity. Their conversation also touches on her father, Ware Bannon, and his possible role in the plot against Lanyard.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Moral Transformation

Lanyard declares his intention to abandon his criminal life, return stolen goods, and make reparation for his crimes.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

The girl's loyalty to Lanyard is tested as she chooses to believe him and accompany him, while Bannon's betrayal is suspected.

### Identity and Duality

Lanyard grapples with his dual identity as the Lone Wolf and his desire to become an honest man.

## Character check-ins

### Michael Lanyard

Reveals his intention to quit crime, return the Omber jewels, and give the Huysman stabilizator plans to France.

### Lucia Bannon

Expresses belief in Lanyard's sincerity and agrees to accompany him when he returns the jewels.

### Ware Bannon

Suspected by Lanyard of orchestrating the plot against him; the girl acknowledges his hatred for Lanyard.

### Comte Remy de Morbihan

Mentioned as part of the gang that Lanyard despises and as having revealed Lanyard's identity as the Lone Wolf.

### Popinot

His Apaches are said to be picketed everywhere in Paris, watching for Lanyard.

### Greggs

Identified by Lanyard as the one who murdered Roddy and tried to drug him.

## Key lines

> Then it was Greggs murdered Roddy and tried to drug me!

Lanyard realizes that Greggs is the one who killed Roddy and attempted to drug him.

_Lanyard deduces the identity of the murderer based on the girl's description._

> I want a fighting chance to do what I'd never in the world get them to credit—give it all up and leave them a free field.

Lanyard expresses his desire to quit crime entirely, though he doubts his enemies will believe him.

_Lanyard reveals his intention to abandon his life as a thief._

> I have stopped, Miss Shannon. The Lone Wolf has prowled for the last time.

Lanyard declares that he has permanently retired from his criminal career.

_Lanyard affirms his decision to stop being the Lone Wolf._

> Those go back to Madame Omber.

Lanyard plans to return the stolen Omber jewels to their owner.

_Lanyard intends to make amends by returning the jewels._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lone_wolf_se/chapters/xiii-confessional
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lone_wolf_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lone_wolf_se/chapters