The Just Men of Cordova · Chapter
X: A Policeman’s Business explained
This chapter introduces Willie Jakobs, a small-time thief and pensioner of Colonel Black, who witnessed Black rifling a dead man's pockets and has been paid for his silence.
What happens
This chapter introduces Willie Jakobs, a small-time thief and pensioner of Colonel Black, who witnessed Black rifling a dead man's pockets and has been paid for his silence. After receiving poisoned chocolates—likely from the Four Just Men—his dog dies, and he is arrested. Released, he finds his payments stopped and attempts blackmail, but is forced back to thieving. While pickpocketing a drunk man near a bus, he is caught by Constable Fellowe, who is on special duty. Meanwhile, Frank Fellowe confronts Black and May Sandford, declaring his love for May even as he threatens to arrest her. Black returns to his flat to find it searched and a seal of the Four Just Men left behind, unsettling him.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Corruption
The chapter details Jakobs' life as a thief and Black's corruption, including bribery and murder cover-up, highlighting the pervasive crime and moral decay.
Deception and Identity
Jakobs lives a double life as a gentleman thief, Black conceals his past crimes, and Frank Fellowe hides his police identity while confronting May, illustrating layers of deception.
Love and Sacrifice
Frank Fellowe's love for May Sandford is expressed through his willingness to make her hate him by arresting her, showing sacrifice of personal happiness for duty.
Characters to notice
- Willie Jakobs
A small-time thief and pensioner of Colonel Black, he witnessed Black rifling a dead man's pockets. After receiving poisoned chocolates, his dog dies, and he is arrested. His payments stop, and he attempts blackmail before returning to thieving, only to be caught by Constable Fellowe.
- Colonel J. Black
Black is the benefactor of Jakobs, paying him for silence about the dead man. He is confronted by Frank Fellowe and later finds his flat searched, with the seal of the Four Just Men left behind, unsettling him.
- Frank Fellowe
Frank confronts Black and May Sandford, declaring his love for May even as he threatens to arrest her. He is determined and bitter, showing a conflict between duty and love.
- May Sandford
May is present during Frank's confrontation with Black. She is scornful of Frank's threat to arrest her, despite his declaration of love.
- Constable Fellowe
A tall young policeman in civilian dress, he is on special duty and catches Jakobs pickpocketing near a bus, addressing him as 'Mr. Fellowe'.
Key passages
“He was a man of some character, albeit an unfortunate person with 'something behind him.'”
He was a notable figure, though unlucky and with a criminal past.
Introduces Jakobs as a man with a hidden, shady history.
“To him every Saturday morning came postal orders to the value of two pounds sterling from a benefactor who asked no more than that the recipient should be happy and forget that he ever saw a respected dealer in stocks and shares in the act of rifling a dead man’s pockets.”
Every Saturday, Jakobs received two pounds from a benefactor who only wanted him to stay quiet about witnessing a stockbroker robbing a dead man.
Reveals Black's bribery to ensure Jakobs' silence about the murder.
“I love you enough to make you hate me. Can I love you any more than that?”
My love for you is so strong that I am willing to make you despise me by doing my duty.
Frank expresses his conflicted love for May, prioritizing duty over personal affection.