The Council of Justice · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Council of Justice by Edgar Wallace.

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Chapter 1
I: The Red Hundred
The chapter introduces the Four Just Men, a vigilante council that executes justice outside the law, and contrasts them with the Red Hundred, an anarchist organization holding its first international congress in London. The narrative follows the abduction of three German anarchist delegates by men impersonating police, and culminates in the Woman of Gratz's speech at the Phoenix Hall, where she reveals the Red Hundred's fear of the Four Just Men.
Chapter 2
The Fourth Man
After the shooting at Phoenix Hall, Superintendent Falmouth orchestrates a meticulous identification process to catch the perpetrators. George Manfred and Poiccart manage to escape with the help of a mysterious young man who vouches for them, later revealed to be Bernard Courtlander, a Hungarian prince. Courtlander offers his wealth and loyalty to the Four Just Men, passing their test of character. Meanwhile, Falmouth faces the press, and the Woman of Gratz is escorted home by François and Rudulph Starque, who makes an unwelcome romantic advance.
Chapter 3
III: Jessen, Alias Long
Charles Garret, a reporter for the Megaphone, initially refuses a dangerous assignment to contact the Four Just Men but later independently seeks out his informant, Mr. Jessen (alias Long), in Presley Street. Jessen runs a secret guild for reformed criminals, giving them better tools and techniques. Charles suggests the Four Just Men might approach Jessen for help, but Jessen dismisses the idea. Shortly after, Jessen disappears, leaving a note claiming the Four Just Men have taken him, causing alarm at the Home Office and Scotland Yard.
Chapter 4
IV: The Red Bean
The Inner Council of the Red Hundred meets in Greek Street, London, with members including Starque, François, Hollom, Mirtisky, Grabe, and Lauder Bartholomew. Bartholomew, a disgraced former British officer, has risen quickly in the organization due to his lies about aristocratic connections and his exploitation of the group's funds. During the meeting, the Woman of Gratz arrives, causing tension between Starque and Bartholomew. Bartholomew reveals he received two beans—one black, one red—which he claims are from a past incident involving a traitor. The group is terrified by the threat of the Four Just Men, and a bomb is discovered under the table, forcing a panicked escape. The chapter highlights Bartholomew's deceitful past and the growing fear within the Red Hundred.
Chapter 5
The Council of Justice
Lauder Bartholomew, seeking to escape the Red Hundred, plans to flee to Uganda but is intercepted by the Four Just Men. They coerce him into becoming their informant against the Red Hundred, revealing his past betrayal for a bribe. Bartholomew learns of the Red Hundred's plots against the Prince of the Escorial and the Bank of England, and meets Menshikoff, who pays him and suggests taking the Woman of Gratz with him.

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I: The Red Hundred

The Fourth Man

III: Jessen, Alias Long

IV: The Red Bean

The Council of Justice