The Black Mask · Chapter
III explained
Raffles and Bunny, under assumed identities, stage an elaborate scheme to deceive a jeweler, Mr.
What happens
Raffles and Bunny, under assumed identities, stage an elaborate scheme to deceive a jeweler, Mr. Robinson, into handing over valuable gems. Raffles uses a duplicate cigarette box to swap the jewels, leaving the jeweler with a sealed box of worthless items. Bunny is initially confused but later learns the truth and pledges his loyalty to Raffles.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Performance
Raffles and Bunny perform elaborate roles as American tourists to deceive the jeweler, highlighting the theatrical nature of their crimes.
Loyalty and Friendship
Bunny's unwavering support and Raffles's trust in him are central, culminating in a handshake and pledge to stand by each other.
Characters to notice
- A. J. Raffles
Orchestrates the deception of the jeweler, using a false identity and a clever box-switching trick to steal the gems.
- Bunny
Plays the role of Ezra B. Martin, Raffles's future brother-in-law, and is initially bewildered but later reaffirms his loyalty to Raffles.
- Mr. Ezra B. Martin
The false identity assumed by Bunny during the scheme; referred to as Raffles's future brother-in-law from Chicago.
- Dr. Theobald
Mentioned as being sent on a fool's errand to Southampton to allow Raffles to show his face in Regent Street.
Key passages
“Stand by me, Bunny—if there’s a row!”
Support me, Bunny, if trouble arises.
Raffles calls on Bunny's loyalty just before the jeweler enters.
“You rabbit! Why couldn’t you wait till we got home?”
You fool! Why didn't you wait until we were back at the flat?
Raffles chides Bunny for his impatience after the scheme is revealed.