The Third Round · Chapter
In Which Hugh Drummond Loses His Self-Control explained
The day after the inquest, Hugh Drummond is troubled by the death of Professor Goodman and the suppressed letter.
What happens
The day after the inquest, Hugh Drummond is troubled by the death of Professor Goodman and the suppressed letter. He plans to investigate Professor Scheidstrun and Sir Raymond Blantyre. Scheidstrun unexpectedly visits, but Drummond soon realizes the visitor is an impostor—actually Carl Peterson in disguise. A chaotic scene ensues as Drummond attacks the fake professor, only to discover it is the real Scheidstrun wearing a wig. The real Scheidstrun and his wife are later revealed to be pawns of Mr. William Robinson, who orchestrates their attendance at Goodman's funeral and pays them for their cooperation.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
The fake Scheidstrun impersonation and the real Scheidstrun's hidden role highlight layers of deceit.
The Price of Secrets
Drummond's suppressed knowledge and the hidden motives behind Goodman's death weigh heavily.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Drummond
Grieving and suspicious, he resolves to investigate Goodman's death and confronts the disguised Scheidstrun.
- Professor Scheidstrun
Visits Drummond but is revealed to be the real professor, manipulated by Robinson.
- Mr. William Robinson
Masterminds the scheme, using Scheidstrun as a pawn and paying him for his role.
- Algy Longworth
Present at Drummond's house, melancholic about his postponed wedding.
- Frau Scheidstrun
Defends her husband and later discusses the payment with him.
Key passages
“It must be admitted that there was an air of gloom over Hugh Drummond’s house on the day following the inquest.”
The mood at Drummond's home was somber the day after the inquest.
Sets the tone for the chapter.
“You’re not the man who came to see me yesterday,” he said quietly. “You’re not Professor Scheidstrun at all.””
Drummond calmly accuses the visitor of being an impostor.
Key moment of realization.
“His money is far from the devil,” replied his wife prosaically.”
Frau Scheidstrun pragmatically notes that the payment is valuable despite its source.
Reveals the couple's complicity.