The Council of Justice · Chapter
IX: The Four vs. the Hundred explained
The Four Just Men execute Franz Kitsinger and two other members of the Red Hundred, thwarting their terrorist plots.
What happens
The Four Just Men execute Franz Kitsinger and two other members of the Red Hundred, thwarting their terrorist plots. The police find Kitsinger hanged with a label declaring his execution. The second man is discovered in a garden after a note leads police to him. Von Dunop, the third man, is killed while attempting to bomb the Home Secretary's house, despite being in police custody. The chapter highlights the Four Just Men's efficiency and the police's helplessness.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Manfred’s emotional and psychological peak occurs in his moment of weary reaction, where he acknowledges that…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Vigilante Justice vs. Legal System
The Four Just Men execute terrorists outside the law, while the police acknowledge their effectiveness but are bound by legal constraints.
- Anarchism and Political Terrorism
The Red Hundred's bomb plots and assassinations are central to the chapter's conflict.
- Failure of the Legal System
The police are unable to prevent the terrorists' acts, and the Four Just Men step in where the law fails.
- Public Opinion and Media Influence
The commissioner's comment about 'humiliating confession' and the public's reaction to the executions reflect media and public sentiment.
Characters to notice
- Superintendent Falmouth
Dines with the commissioner, receives news of the executions, and pursues Von Dunop, only to find him dead.
- Herr Von Dunop
The third terrorist, attempts to bomb the Home Secretary's house but is killed by the Four Just Men while in police custody.
- Lauder Bartholomew
Not directly present, but referenced as part of the Red Hundred's leadership.
- George Manfred
Implied to be involved in the executions, possibly as the 'tall policeman' who arrests Von Dunop.
- Leon Gonsalez
Likely one of the Four Just Men involved in the operations described.
- Poiccart
Likely one of the Four Just Men involved in the operations described.
- Sir William Seddon
The Home Secretary, whose house is targeted by Von Dunop.
Key passages
“It’s a humiliating confession,” said the chief commissioner when they brought the news to him, “but the presence of these men takes a load off my mind.”
The chief commissioner admits that the Four Just Men's actions are embarrassing for the police, but he is relieved they are dealing with the terrorists.
Highlights the police's conflicted view of vigilante justice.
“This is going to settle the Red Hundred,” said Falmouth. “These people are fighting them with their own weapons—assassination with assassination, terror with terror. Where do we come in?””
Falmouth believes the Four Just Men will defeat the Red Hundred by using the same violent methods, and questions the police's role.
Emphasizes the theme of vigilante justice versus legal authority.
“It is incredible; it is impossible! he was running till the constable caught him, and he has not been out of our hands! Where is the officer who held him?””
Falmouth is astonished that Von Dunop was killed while in police custody, and demands to know what happened to the officer who arrested him.
Shows the Four Just Men's ability to act undetected even under police surveillance.
