The Third Round · Chapter
In Which the Metropolitan Diamond Syndicate Holds Converse with Mr. Edward Blackton explained
Sir Raymond Blantyre and Mr.
What happens
Sir Raymond Blantyre and Mr. Leibhaus, representing the Metropolitan Diamond Syndicate, visit Mr. Edward Blackton at his hotel in Montreux. They reveal that Professor Goodman has discovered a method to synthesize diamonds, which would ruin the diamond trade. Despite their offer of £250,000 to suppress the discovery, Goodman refuses, planning to present it to the Royal Society. The Syndicate, desperate, hints at Blackton's reputation (via the Comte de Guy) and proposes that he 'remove' Professor Goodman. Blackton, intrigued but noncommittal, asks for time to decide, while his private dossier on the visitors reveals their financial and personal vulnerabilities.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Power
The Syndicate's fear of losing their monopoly on diamonds drives them to consider murder, illustrating how wealth and power can corrupt ethical judgment.
Science and Ethics
Professor Goodman's pursuit of scientific discovery clashes with the Syndicate's financial interests, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of scientists.
Deception and Disguise
Blackton's dual identity as the Comte de Guy and his use of a private dossier highlight the theme of deception, as he conceals his true nature and intentions.
Crime and Consequence
The Syndicate's proposal to 'remove' Goodman is a premeditated crime, foreshadowing the moral and legal consequences that may follow.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Edward Blackton
The central figure, a master of deception and manipulation, who is approached by the Syndicate to eliminate Professor Goodman. He maintains a calm, calculating demeanor and keeps a private dossier on wealthy individuals.
- Sir Raymond Blantyre
Vice-President of the Metropolitan Diamond Syndicate, who nervously presents the Syndicate's desperate proposal to Blackton, revealing his own financial strain and moral discomfort.
- Mr. Jabez Leibhaus
Also a Vice-President of the Syndicate, present during the meeting, though he remains largely silent, deferring to Sir Raymond.
- Professor Goodman
The scientist whose discovery of synthetic diamonds threatens the diamond industry. He is described as oblivious to financial concerns, focused solely on the scientific value of his work.
- Mr. Freyder
Mentioned as having previously been involved with the Syndicate and having directed them to Blackton, indicating his role as a connector.
Key passages
“I pointed out to him that after all no one could say that it was a discovery which could benefit the world generally, profoundly wonderful though it was. Its sole result, so far as I could see, would be to put diamond tiaras within the range of the average scullery maid.”
Sir Raymond argued that Goodman's discovery would only make diamonds cheap and common, destroying their value and the industry's profits.
Highlights the Syndicate's materialistic perspective versus Goodman's scientific idealism.
“In the name of my Syndicate I offered him two hundred and fifty thousand pounds to suppress it. He rang the bell—apologised for leaving me so abruptly—and the servant showed me out.”
The Syndicate offered Goodman a fortune to keep his discovery secret, but he dismissed them without a second thought.
Shows Goodman's indifference to money and the Syndicate's desperation.
“Am I to understand, Sir Raymond, that you are trying to threaten me into helping you?”
Blackton directly challenges Sir Raymond, implying that the mention of the Comte de Guy was a veiled threat.
Reveals Blackton's sharp perception and his willingness to confront intimidation.
“And so, if I understand you aright, your proposal is that I should interest myself in the—shall we say—removal of Professor Goodman? Or, not to mince words, in his death.”
Blackton bluntly states the Syndicate's unspoken request: to kill Professor Goodman.
Brings the criminal intent into the open, showing Blackton's cold pragmatism.
