# III explained — The Black Mask

> Chapter companion for The Black Mask by E. W. Hornung.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_mask_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_mask_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_mask_se/chapters