# XVIII explained — The Secret House

> Chapter companion for The Secret House by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

T. B. Smith, disguised as an old messenger, meets Count Poltavo on the downs and arrests him for blackmail. Poltavo offers to trade information about Farrington and the Secret House for his freedom, but T. B. locks him in a cottage while consulting Scotland Yard. A muffled scream from the locked room interrupts their discussion.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrecy

T. B. Smith's elaborate disguise as an old messenger and the use of a fake Duke of Ambury to trap Poltavo highlight the theme of deception.

### Crime and Blackmail

Poltavo is arrested for attempting to extort money by blackmail, and the chapter revolves around his criminal dealings with Farrington.

### Justice and Detection

T. B. Smith's careful planning, disguise, and arrest of Poltavo exemplify the pursuit of justice and detective work.

## Character check-ins

### Count Poltavo

Arrested by T. B. Smith after attempting to collect blackmail; offers to reveal Farrington's secrets in exchange for avoiding extradition.

### T. B. Smith

Disguises himself as an old messenger to capture Poltavo; orchestrates the arrest and negotiates for information about the Secret House.

### Mr. Gregory Farrington

Revealed to be Montague Fallock; Poltavo claims to know his escape plan and agent list.

### Lady Constance Dex

Confirmed alive and held by Farrington; she shot at him and planned reprisals.

### Mr. Ela

Arrives with Scotland Yard men; coordinates the police operation around the Secret House.

### Dr. Fall

Mentioned as having written to Poltavo about Lady Constance's welfare.

## Key lines

> I do not know how they captured her, or the circumstances of the case. All I can tell you is that she is perfectly well and being looked after.

Poltavo admits ignorance of Lady Constance's capture but assures T. B. she is safe and cared for.

_Poltavo reveals Lady Constance's status to T. B. during their interrogation._

> The man who is known as Moole is a half-witted old farm labourer who was picked up by Farrington some years ago to serve his purpose. He is the man who unknowingly poses as a millionaire.

Poltavo explains that Moole is a simple farmhand used by Farrington to impersonate a wealthy man.

_Poltavo discloses Farrington's scheme involving Moole to T. B._

> You will never take Farrington.

Poltavo claims that Farrington cannot be captured.

_Poltavo offers this as a secret he is willing to sell for his freedom._

> The Dukedom of Ambury ceased to exist two hundred years ago. It is one of those titles which have fallen into disuse.

T. B. reveals that the Duke of Ambury is a fictional title, used as bait to trap Poltavo.

_T. B. explains his deception to the captured Poltavo._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_house_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_house_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_house_se/chapters