The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
The 13th of October explained
Anthony Cade visits Baron Lolopretjzyl and Captain Andrassy at Harridge's Hotel, hinting that he can supply a genuine prince for the Herzoslovakian Loyalist cause.
What happens
Anthony Cade visits Baron Lolopretjzyl and Captain Andrassy at Harridge's Hotel, hinting that he can supply a genuine prince for the Herzoslovakian Loyalist cause. He then calls on financier Herman Isaacstein in the City, proposing a deal for oil concessions in exchange for backing a suitable claimant to the throne, and warns Isaacstein that a revolver used in Prince Michael's murder was found in his suitcase, urging him to come to Chimneys that evening.
Themes in this chapter
Political Intrigue and Diplomacy
Anthony negotiates with the Baron and Isaacstein over the Herzoslovakian succession and oil concessions, revealing the diplomatic maneuvering behind the throne.
Wealth and Power
Isaacstein's financial influence and the oil concessions highlight the role of wealth in political power struggles.
Characters to notice
- Anthony Cade
Visits Baron Lolopretjzyl and Herman Isaacstein, proposing to supply a prince for Herzoslovakia and warning Isaacstein about the revolver found in his suitcase.
- Baron Lolopretjzyl
Receives Anthony at Harridge's Hotel; is told that Anthony can supply a genuine prince for the Loyalist party.
- Captain Andrassy
Present with the Baron; initially hostile but unbends slightly when Anthony speaks of noblemen and gentlemen.
- Herman Isaacstein
Visited by Anthony in the City; is offered a deal for oil concessions and warned about the revolver found in his suitcase.
Key passages
“Business is based on the well-known principle of supply and demand. You want something, the other man has it. The only thing left to settle is the price.”
Anthony explains that negotiation is simply a matter of one party having what the other needs, and then agreeing on terms.
Anthony uses this principle to introduce his proposal to the Baron.
“I’m offering you the real genuine article—out of the bottom drawer.”
Anthony assures the Baron that the prince he can provide is authentic, using a colloquial expression to emphasize its legitimacy.
Anthony hints that he himself is the genuine prince.
“Do you know that they’ve found the revolver, the one Michael was shot with? Do you know where they found it? In your suitcase.”
Anthony reveals that the murder weapon was discovered in Isaacstein's luggage.
This shocks Isaacstein and compels him to agree to go to Chimneys.