Daybreak explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Redemption and Moral Transformation

  Lanyard is given a chance to start anew, reflecting his moral transformation and the possibility of redemption.

• Loyalty and Betrayal

  Wertheimer's dual identity as a supposed criminal and actual agent highlights themes of loyalty and deception.

Characters to notice

• Michael Lanyard

  Stunned by Wertheimer's revelation, then moved by his generosity; accepts the offer to leave England.

• Mr. Wertheimer

  Reveals himself as a Scotland Yard special agent; explains his undercover role and grants Lanyard freedom to leave England.

• Lucia Bannon

  Referred to as Lucy Shannon; supports Lanyard emotionally and is thanked by Wertheimer for her assistance.

• Ware Bannon

  Reported dead after a fatal haemorrhage during arrest; revealed as the mastermind behind the 'International Underworld Unlimited' scheme.

• Adolph Ekstrom

  Implied to be the pilot of the pursuing aeroplane; his fate is discussed.

• Comte Remy de Morbihan

  Mentioned as crippled and involved in the plot with Ekstrom.

Key passages

• “Wertheimer isn't my name, but it is so closely identified with my—ah—insinuative personality as to warrant the misapprehension.”

  Wertheimer admits his name is false but says his alias fits his undercover persona.

  Wertheimer reveals his true identity as a Scotland Yard agent.

• “if you're in England a week hence, I'll be tempted to undertake the job on general principles.”

  Wertheimer warns Lanyard to leave England within a week or face arrest.

  Wertheimer gives Lanyard a deadline to leave the country.

• “When we arrested him at three this morning—charged with complicity in the murder of Roddy—he flew into a passion that brought on a fatal haemorrhage. He died within ten minutes.”

  Bannon died of a hemorrhage shortly after being arrested for involvement in Roddy's murder.

  Wertheimer reports Bannon's death.