The Just Men of Cordova · Chapter
Three Men of Cordova explained
In Cordova, Manfred, a well-dressed man of leisure, is approached by a beggar who speaks in perfect English and asks if he knows Dr.
What happens
In Cordova, Manfred, a well-dressed man of leisure, is approached by a beggar who speaks in perfect English and asks if he knows Dr. Essley. After the beggar leaves, Manfred walks through the city and meets a policeman, then encounters a tourist who reveals himself to be Poiccart. They discuss Dr. Essley's mysterious past, including his travels to Australia and disappearance. Later, Dr. Essley himself arrives at Manfred's flat, asking about the Four Just Men and expressing anger at their vigilante justice.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Vigilantism
Dr. Essley's visit and his angry questioning about the Four Just Men highlight the tension between legal justice and the group's self-appointed role in punishing unpunished crime.
Deception and Identity
Manfred poses as a Spanish gentleman and a writer named 'de la Monte,' while the beggar is revealed to be Leon in disguise, and Poiccart appears as a tourist.
Characters to notice
- Manfred
A tall, bearded man in black with grey eyes, sipping coffee at the Café of the Great Captain. He speaks flawless Spanish and is later revealed to be part of the Four Just Men.
- Poiccart
A tourist of middle height and strong build, who joins Manfred and shares detailed information about Dr. Essley's background. He is a member of the Four Just Men.
- Dr. Essley
A grey-haired, shaggy-browed man of fifty who visits Manfred's flat. He is suspicious and confrontational, asking about the Four Just Men and expressing outrage at their methods.
- Leon
Referred to by Manfred as 'our Leon,' who sometimes adopts the begging profession and enters Cordova by rail as a respectable member of society.
- Gonsalez
Mentioned by Manfred in conversation with Poiccart, indicating he is part of the group.
Key passages
“The man who sat at the marble-topped table of the Café of the Great Captain—if I translate the sign aright—was a man of leisure.”
A leisurely man sat at a marble table in the Café of the Great Captain.
Introduces Manfred and the setting.
“Do you know Dr. Essley?”
Are you acquainted with Dr. Essley?
The beggar (Leon) asks Manfred about Dr. Essley, initiating the plot.
“You must come along and see Essley.”
You should come and meet Essley.
Poiccart invites Manfred to investigate Dr. Essley.
“Have you ever heard of the 'Four Just Men'?”
Do you know about the Four Just Men?
Dr. Essley directly asks Manfred about the vigilante group.