# III explained — The Square Emerald

> Chapter companion for The Square Emerald by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Leslie Maughan encounters Peter Dawlish on the Thames Embankment with Chief Inspector Coldwell. She invites him to visit her, revealing she knows his motive for murdering Druze.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Justice

Peter Dawlish's forgery conviction and his stated intent to murder Druze.

### Redemption and Resilience

Leslie challenges Peter's self-pity and offers him a chance to engage in a bigger matter.

## Character check-ins

### Leslie Maughan

Meets Peter Dawlish on the Embankment and invites him to visit her.

### Peter Dawlish

Found watching the river; discusses murder and accepts Leslie's invitation.

### Mr. Coldwell

Accompanies Leslie and identifies Peter Dawlish.

## Key lines

> Down and out?

Are you homeless and hopeless?

_Leslie asks Peter about his situation._

> Down, but not out

I am down on my luck but not defeated.

_Peter's response to Leslie's question._

> I was thinking about murder.

I was contemplating killing someone.

_Peter reveals his homicidal thoughts._

> If Druze dies, it will be because he doesn't love children!

Druze will be killed because he dislikes children.

_Leslie's theory about Druze's motive._

## Links

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