The Black Gang · Chapter
In Which Scotland Yard Sits Up and Takes Notice explained
Sir Bryan Johnstone, Director of Criminal Investigation, is puzzled by a strange report from Chief Inspector McIver.
What happens
Sir Bryan Johnstone, Director of Criminal Investigation, is puzzled by a strange report from Chief Inspector McIver. McIver recounts how he and his men were chloroformed and left on the pavement outside their own homes after surrounding a suspected house in Barking. A note left by the mysterious perpetrator reveals that he has taken Zaboleff and Waldock, dropped Flash Jim in Piccadilly Circus, and flogged two others. Meanwhile, Hugh Drummond visits Sir Bryan and recounts his own encounter in Piccadilly Circus, where he found a man who had been chloroformed and left by a car. The two stories connect, and Sir Bryan and McIver realize that Drummond's testimony may be crucial to the investigation.
Themes in this chapter
Vigilante Justice
The mysterious perpetrator takes the law into his own hands, capturing criminals and leaving them for the police to find, as seen in the note left for McIver.
Disguise and Deception
The perpetrator's identity is unknown, and he uses stealth and deception to overpower the police, as evidenced by the owl hooting and the chloroform attack.
Fear of the Other
The suspected house in Barking is associated with 'Red papers' and Bolsheviks, reflecting contemporary anxieties about foreign radicals.
Characters to notice
- Sir Bryan Johnstone
Director of Criminal Investigation, puzzled by McIver's report and later listens to Drummond's account.
- Inspector McIver
Chief Inspector who was chloroformed and left on his doorstep after surrounding a house in Barking.
- Hugh Drummond
Visits Sir Bryan and recounts finding a doped man in Piccadilly Circus, connecting to McIver's case.
- Zaboleff
Reported to be at the suspected house in Barking; later taken by the mysterious perpetrator.
- Flash Jim
Seen at the Barking house; later dropped in Piccadilly Circus by the perpetrator.
Key passages
“I was picked up from behind as if I was a baby. Yes, sir, a baby.”
McIver was lifted from behind with ease, as if he were a small child.
Highlights the physical strength and audacity of the unknown assailant.
“To think of an old bird like you, Mac, going and showing yourself up in a chink of light.”
The note mocks McIver for exposing himself to view through a gap in the shutters.
Shows the perpetrator's familiarity with police tactics and his condescending attitude.