# In Which Drummond Leaves the S.Y. Gadfly explained — The Third Round

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

## What happens

Drummond, bound aboard the S.Y. Gadfly, manages to free himself using a safety-razor blade. He devises a plan to escape as they pass Ted Jerningham's yacht, hoping to enlist Ted's help to rescue Professor Goodman. When the moment comes, he slips overboard and is picked up by Ted's motorboat, with the help of a girl who feigns hysteria to distract the crew. They rescue the Professor from the water, and Drummond reveals his belief that Carl Peterson (Mr. Robinson) will head to Montreux, where Irma is. Drummond resolves to follow and settle the score.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Drummond pretends to be mad, and later fakes his own death to escape.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Drummond's loyalty to Professor Goodman drives his risky escape plan.

### The Price of Secrets

The secret of the Professor's process leads to danger and the need for rescue.

## Character check-ins

### Hugh Drummond

Frees himself from ropes, escapes the Gadfly, and rescues Professor Goodman.

### Mr. William Robinson

Believes Drummond and Goodman are drowned; expresses false condolences.

### Professor Goodman

Rescued from the water, nearly drowned but alive.

### Ted Jerningham

Assists in the rescue, using his motorboat and quick thinking.

### Irma

Mentioned as being in Montreux, where Peterson is expected to return.

## Key lines

> Still smiling benevolently, Mr. Robinson strolled away, and shortly afterwards a series of sharp orders followed by a faint throbbing announced that the voyage of the S.Y. Gadfly had commenced.

Mr. Robinson left with a pleasant smile, and soon the yacht's engines started, signaling the beginning of the journey.

_Shows Robinson's calm demeanor and the start of the voyage._

> And with a feeling of impotent rage Drummond realised how easy it would be to cut the ropes and go quietly overboard.

Drummond felt angry and helpless, knowing he could easily free himself and swim away, but he couldn't because of the Professor.

_Highlights Drummond's internal conflict and loyalty._

> He thinks he’s safe, which is where he goes into the mulligatawny up to his neck.

He believes he is safe, but that will be his downfall.

_Drummond's confidence in outsmarting Peterson._

## Links

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