The Third Round · Chapter
In Which Drummond Plays a Little Game of Trains explained
Drummond, unconscious after being struck, is brought to Mr.
What happens
Drummond, unconscious after being struck, is brought to Mr. Robinson's house in the New Forest. Robinson, revealing his intense personal hatred for Drummond, insists on keeping him alive to savor his revenge. He discusses with Freyder the need to alter their plans and timetable due to Drummond's capture, and reveals his intention to dispose of him by weighting his feet and dropping him overboard. Robinson then goes to check on Professor Goodman, who has been forced to perform an experiment. Later, Drummond appears to have lost his mind, playing with his shoes as if they were trains. Robinson tests him, and despite a moment of suspicion, concludes he is insane. He orders Drummond's wrists to be lashed, which proves difficult due to Drummond's feigned madness and physical strength. After a struggle, they succeed, and Robinson examines his eyes, confirming his belief that Drummond is mad, and has him taken to his room.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Robinson's personal vendetta against Drummond takes precedence over practical concerns, as he insists on keeping him alive to savor his revenge.
Deception and Disguise
Drummond's masterful performance as a madman is a key element, deceiving Robinson and his men to avoid being restrained.
Crime and Consequence
The chapter details the criminal enterprise's planning, including the disposal of bodies and the alteration of plans due to Drummond's interference.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Drummond
Unconscious upon arrival, then feigns madness by playing with his shoes as trains to avoid being secured and to mislead Robinson.
- Mr. William Robinson
Reveals his deep personal hatred for Drummond, insisting on keeping him alive for revenge. He plans to dispose of him by dropping him overboard with weights.
- Mr. Freyder
Reports on events in London and discusses altered plans with Robinson. He is callous about Drummond's fate and assists in securing him.
- Professor Goodman
Mentioned as having been forced to carry out an experiment for Robinson, with his resistance broken.
- Sir Raymond Blantyre
Mentioned as a co-conspirator who is now a liability; Robinson considers him a villainous scoundrel.
- Phyllis
Mentioned by Robinson as a test to see if Drummond is shamming his insanity.
Key passages
“I don't think I should ever have forgiven you, my dear Freyder, if you'd had the misfortune to kill him. That supreme joy must be mine and mine alone.”
Robinson tells Freyder he would never forgive him for killing Drummond, as he wants the pleasure of doing it himself.
Highlights Robinson's intense personal hatred for Drummond.
“I shall merely attach some heavy weights to his feet and drop him overboard. I am not anxious that his body should be recovered, any more than that of our other friend.”
Robinson plans to kill Drummond by weighting his feet and throwing him into the sea, ensuring his body is never found.
Reveals Robinson's cold and calculated method of murder.
“For him to die without knowing would rob this final coup of its crown. It is the one thing needed, Freyder, to make it perfect.”
Robinson wants Drummond to be aware of his fate, as killing him without his knowledge would diminish the satisfaction of his revenge.
Shows Robinson's desire for a complete and personal victory over Drummond.