The Third Round · Chapter
XII: In Which He Samples Mr. Blackton’s Napoleon Brandy explained
Drummond confronts Blackton (Peterson) at the Palace Hotel in Montreux, having tracked him down after the destruction of the Gadfly.
What happens
Drummond confronts Blackton (Peterson) at the Palace Hotel in Montreux, having tracked him down after the destruction of the Gadfly. Blackton is initially confident, believing himself safe with the secret of Professor Goodman's process and the news that Robinson was presumed drowned. However, Drummond reveals he knows Blackton's true identity and gives him an ultimatum: fight to the death on a glacier or face the police. Blackton, seeing no way out, reluctantly accepts. He hands over the copy of the professor's notes, which Drummond burns. Sir Raymond Blantyre arrives, and Drummond exposes his role in the conspiracy, threatening him with prosecution. The chapter ends with Drummond and Blackton alone, acknowledging their final confrontation is imminent.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Blackton's entire identity is a deception, and he is confident in his disguise until Drummond sees through it. The chapter highlights the layers of lies and false identities used by the criminals.
Revenge and Justice
Drummond seeks a personal form of justice, wanting a final duel that appeals to his sense of fair play. He also threatens Blantyre with legal consequences, showing a dual path of revenge and formal justice.
The Price of Secrets
The secret of Professor Goodman's process is the central object of desire. Its cost is measured in lives, and its destruction is a key act in the chapter, symbolizing the end of its power.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Drummond
Confronts Blackton at the Palace Hotel, having deduced his plans and followed him to Montreux. He forces Blackton to accept a duel on a glacier, burns the professor's notes, and exposes Blantyre's crimes.
- Mr. Edward Blackton
Arrives in Montreux believing his plot has succeeded. He is cornered by Drummond and forced to accept a fight to the death, handing over the last copy of the professor's notes.
- Sir Raymond Blantyre
Confronts Blackton at the hotel, but is exposed by Drummond as an instigator of murder. He is threatened with prosecution and collapses in fear.
- Irma
Blackton's accomplice, present at the hotel. She informs him of Blantyre's presence and later leaves the room, claiming she is going to Evian-les-Bains.
- Professor Goodman
Mentioned as having been restored to his family in London, angry and wanting Blantyre's blood. His notes on the process are destroyed by Drummond.
- Mr. Lewisham
His death is revealed to have been at Blackton's hands, and his body was disposed of. Blantyre realizes the connection.
Key passages
“He had a strange faculty for hitting the nail on the head far more often than not.”
Drummond had an uncanny ability to be correct in his judgments.
This describes Drummond's intuitive and direct thinking process.
“The sudden plunging of Peterson from the dizzy heights of success into the valley of utter failure must not be a hurried affair, but a leisurely business in which each word would tell.”
Drummond wanted Peterson's downfall to be a slow, deliberate process, not a quick defeat.
This shows Drummond's desire for a theatrical and satisfying confrontation.
“He was caught—and he knew it. Once the police had him, he was done for utterly and completely.”
Blackton realized he was trapped and that the police would mean his absolute ruin.
This captures Blackton's moment of despair and acceptance of his situation.
“I have never made the mistake of underrating you.”
Drummond has always taken Blackton seriously as an opponent.
This shows Drummond's respect for Blackton's cunning and danger.
