# The Red Signal explained — The Secret of Chimneys

> Chapter companion for The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie.

## What happens

Superintendent Battle and George Lomax discuss the coded letters found in Anthony Cade's room. Battle has summoned Professor Wynward to decode them, revealing a cipher that points to a hidden diamond. The decoded message references 'Richmond Seven Straight Eight Left Three Right,' which Virginia suggests relates to a Holbein portrait of the Earl of Richmond in the Council Chamber. Battle suspects the diamond is hidden there, and Bundle confirms a secret passage from the Council Chamber. Meanwhile, Anthony and Virginia share a romantic moment, with Anthony expressing his love and determination to kiss her before he leaves.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Revelation

The decoding of the letters reveals hidden messages and the location of the diamond, while Anthony and Virginia's private feelings are disclosed.

### Political Intrigue and Diplomacy

George Lomax's anxiety over the letters and the involvement of Herzoslovakian royalty highlight the political stakes.

### Adventure and Risk-Taking

Anthony's willingness to compromise for love and the search for the hidden diamond reflect adventurous elements.

## Character check-ins

### Superintendent Battle

Leads the investigation, reports to George Lomax, and decodes the cipher with Professor Wynward's help.

### George Lomax

Anxious about the letters, questions Anthony Cade's trustworthiness, and authorizes the decoding.

### Anthony Cade

Returns the letters to Battle, discusses his love for Virginia, and learns about the cipher's clue.

### Virginia Revel

Interacts romantically with Anthony, suggests the Holbein portrait clue, and knows the house's secrets.

### Bundle

Offers a lift to London, knows about secret passages, and agrees to show the Council Chamber passage.

### Professor Wynward

Decodes the cipher quickly, dismisses the task as simple, and provides the decoded message.

## Key lines

> I can't understand it at all... They're in code, you say?

George Lomax expresses confusion about the coded letters.

_Highlights George's frustration and reliance on Battle._

> It's the red signal again. When I first saw you—that day in Pont Street, I knew I was up against something that was going to hurt like fun.

Anthony tells Virginia that meeting her felt like a warning of emotional pain.

_Reveals Anthony's deep feelings and the 'red signal' metaphor for danger._

> Richmond Seven Straight Eight Left Three Right.

The decoded cipher gives directions related to Richmond.

_Key clue pointing to the Holbein portrait and the hidden diamond._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters/xxii-the-red-signal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_chimneys_se/chapters