# IX: In Which Professor Goodman Has a Trying Time explained — The Third Round

> Chapter companion for The Third Round by H. C. McNeile.

## What happens

Mr. Robinson reveals to Professor Goodman that he is not Scheidstrun but a man seeking revenge on Carl Peterson. He explains that he staged Goodman's apparent death to thwart Peterson's murder plot and to secure the secret of Goodman's process for himself. After a tense negotiation, Goodman agrees to share his secret in exchange for his freedom, and they begin the experiment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Justice

Robinson's entire scheme is driven by a twenty-year desire for revenge against Peterson, which he considers an 'artistic revenge'.

### Deception and Disguise

Robinson disguises himself as Scheidstrun and poses as Goodman's brother, highlighting the theme of deception.

### The Price of Secrets

Goodman's scientific secret is the central object of desire, and its price is his freedom and the safety of his wife.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. William Robinson

Reveals his true identity and his twenty-year revenge plot against Peterson, having disguised himself as Scheidstrun to save Goodman and secure the secret.

### Professor Goodman

Learns the truth about his abduction and the deception, reluctantly agrees to share his process under duress.

### Carl Peterson

Mentioned as the target of Robinson's revenge, the man who originally plotted to murder Goodman.

## Key lines

> I have lived for nothing else; I have thought of nothing else. But one thing I was determined on—that my revenge when it did come should be a worthy one.

Robinson has dedicated his entire life to revenge, ensuring it would be a fitting and personal act.

_Highlights Robinson's obsession with revenge._

> It was a scheme after his own heart, and I made up my mind to strike at last. Apart from frustrating the monstrous crime of murdering you, I should achieve an artistic revenge.

Robinson saw an opportunity to both stop Peterson's murder plot and achieve a satisfying revenge.

_Explains Robinson's motivation for intervening._

> You are, as I think you must admit yourself, a little obstinate, aren’t you?

Robinson suggests Goodman is stubborn, which is why he didn't tell him the truth.

_Robinson justifies his deception by citing Goodman's character._

## Links

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