# In Which There Is a Stormy Supper Party at the Ritz explained — The Black Gang

> Chapter companion for The Black Gang by H. C. McNeile.

## What happens

In a private suite at the Ritz, the Reverend Theodosius Longmoor and his daughter Janet await a guest. The guest is Count Zadowa, who recounts how he trapped and killed three members of the Black Gang with a bomb. The Reverend, revealed to be a criminal mastermind, is furious because the bomb destroyed a desk containing six priceless diamonds he had hidden there. He threatens Zadowa, demanding he recover the diamonds from the police or face death. After Zadowa leaves, the Reverend explains to Janet that the diamonds were Russian crown jewels obtained from the murdered son of Grand Duke Georgius.

## Themes in this chapter

### Disguise and Deception

The Reverend Theodosius Longmoor is a facade for a criminal mastermind, and Janet is not his innocent daughter.

### Violence and Brutality

The chapter details the bombing that killed three men and the Reverend's violent reaction, nearly murdering Zadowa.

### Corruption of Power

The Reverend's absolute control over Zadowa and his casual disregard for human life demonstrate the corrupting influence of his power.

## Character check-ins

### Reverend Theodosius Longmoor

Revealed to be a ruthless criminal mastermind, furious about the destruction of his diamonds.

### Janet

The Reverend's companion, who is aware of his true nature and calms his rage.

### Count Zadowa

Recounts his bombing of the Black Gang's headquarters, which inadvertently destroyed the diamonds.

## Key lines

> I feel that it is almost wicked our staying in such an hotel as this, after the dreadful things we’ve seen.

The Reverend Theodosius expresses guilt over their luxurious accommodations given the suffering they witnessed in Europe.

_This is part of the facade he presents to the American tourists._

> You blew the desk to pieces, Zadowa, a desk that contained the six most perfect diamonds in the world, Zadowa. With your wretched bomb, you worm, you destroyed a fortune.

The Reverend Theodosius is enraged that Zadowa's bomb destroyed the desk where he had hidden six perfect diamonds, ruining his fortune.

_This reveals the true source of his anger and the value of what was lost._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters/ix-in-which-there-is-a-stormy-supper-party-at-the-ritz
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_gang_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_gang_se/chapters