The Third Round · Chapter
IV: In Which Mr. William Robinson Arrives at His Country Seat explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Blackton, having secured the second payment from the syndicate, prepares to leave London and begin his work at the house Freyder acquired for him. He is satisfied with the outcome of the 'accident' that killed Professor Goodman, though he remains wary of the loose end concerning Mr. Lewisham. Meanwhile, Captain Drummond and Algy Longworth bring Brenda Goodman to her father's house, where they learn of the explosion from the Inspector. Drummond, suspicious of foul play, deduces that the explosion was too large to have been an accident and decides to investigate on his own, planning to attend the inquest.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Blackton's multiple identities and his satisfaction with his 'best-looking role' highlight the theme of deception.
Crime and Consequence
The chapter deals with the aftermath of the murder of Professor Goodman and the syndicate's attempt to cover up their crime.
The Price of Secrets
The secret of the Professor's discovery and the syndicate's actions to suppress it come at a high cost, leading to death and suspicion.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Edward Blackton
Receives the final payment from the syndicate and prepares to leave London, reflecting on the success of his plan and the loose end of Mr. Lewisham.
- Sir Raymond Blantyre
Pays Blackton the remaining quarter million and expresses agitation about the accident and the fate of Mr. Lewisham.
- Hugh Drummond
Brings Brenda Goodman to the scene of the explosion, questions the Inspector, and begins to suspect foul play, deciding to investigate further.
- Algy Longworth
Accompanies Drummond and Brenda, reacts with shock to the news of the explosion, and discusses the suspicious circumstances with Hugh.
- Brenda Goodman
Arrives at her father's house and is met with the news of his death, which she already suspects.
- Professor Goodman
Reported dead in the explosion at his house, with his boot being the only identifiable item found.
Key passages
“Mr. William Anderson was leaving London for another of his prolonged visits abroad.”
Mr. Blackton was departing from London under the alias of Mr. William Anderson.
Highlights Blackton's use of multiple identities.
“The whole fabric of the house had been undermined, and it was only at considerable personal risk that the police pursued their investigations.”
The house was so badly damaged that the police were in danger while searching for evidence.
Describes the severity of the explosion.
“There must have been an immense amount of explosive used. The darned place looks as if it had had a direct hit with a big shell.”
Drummond notes that the explosion was so powerful it was like a bomb had hit the house.
Drummond's key observation that leads him to suspect foul play.