The Secret of Chimneys · Chapter
The Red Signal explained
Superintendent Battle and George Lomax discuss the coded letters found in Anthony Cade's room.
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.
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
This is the story's dramatic climax because it reveals the full scope of the false Lemoine’s scheme and Anthon…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
