The Third Round · Chapter
X: In Which Drummond Goes on Board the S.Y. Gadfly explained
Drummond, having been knocked unconscious and captured by Peterson (masquerading as Mr.
What happens
Drummond, having been knocked unconscious and captured by Peterson (masquerading as Mr. Robinson), feigns unconsciousness to overhear the villain's plans. He learns of a yacht and a man upstairs, and later, while pretending to be insane, he communicates with Professor Goodman, urging him to delay their departure. Goodman, realizing he has been deceived, stalls Robinson by requesting special salts for making colored diamonds, which Robinson agrees to procure, delaying their trip to the yacht. Robinson, determined to exact revenge on Drummond, plans to take both prisoners aboard the S.Y. Gadfly, where he intends to eventually dispose of them.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Drummond feigns unconsciousness and later insanity to deceive his captors, while Robinson hides his true identity as Peterson.
Revenge and Justice
Robinson's personal vendetta against Drummond drives his decisions, promising Freyder a chance to harm him and reserving the final blow for himself.
The Price of Secrets
Professor Goodman's secret knowledge of making diamonds puts him in mortal danger, and he realizes the promise of rejoining his wife was a lie.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Drummond
Recovers consciousness after being knocked out, feigns unconsciousness to overhear Peterson's plans, and later feigns insanity to communicate with Professor Goodman.
- Mr. William Robinson
Revealed to be Peterson, he plans to take Drummond and Goodman aboard his yacht, the S.Y. Gadfly, and is determined to exact revenge on Drummond.
- Professor Goodman
Realizes he has been fooled by Robinson and, following Drummond's warning, attempts to delay their departure by requesting special salts for making colored diamonds.
- Mr. Freyder
The man who knocked Drummond unconscious; his face is bandaged, and Robinson promises him a chance to get revenge on Drummond.
Key passages
“You may do anything you like to him, my dear fellow, save actually kill him. I shall watch it all with the greatest pleasure. I only reserve to myself the actual coup de grâce.”
Robinson tells Freyder he can harm Drummond however he wants, as long as he doesn't kill him, because Robinson wants the pleasure of delivering the final blow himself.
Highlights Robinson's personal desire for revenge.
“The sooner we start, the sooner will come that delirious moment when you once more clasp Mrs. Goodman in your arms.”
Robinson sarcastically tells Goodman that the sooner they leave, the sooner he'll be reunited with his wife, though Goodman later realizes this is a lie.
Shows Robinson's manipulative nature and Goodman's dawning realization.