# In Which Hugh Drummond Loses His Self-Control explained — The Third Round

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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