The Third Round · Chapter
In Which Drummond Receives an Addition to His Library explained
Four days after the events at the Palace Hotel, Drummond is still brooding over his failure to capture Peterson, repeatedly muttering 'Stung.' Algy tries to cheer him up, noting that his own engagement is back on track.
What happens
Four days after the events at the Palace Hotel, Drummond is still brooding over his failure to capture Peterson, repeatedly muttering 'Stung.' Algy tries to cheer him up, noting that his own engagement is back on track. Professor Goodman bursts in with an evening paper reporting the suicide of Sir Raymond Blantyre in Paris, who took veronal rather than face the consequences. Drummond reflects that Blantyre paid while Peterson escaped. Then a letter and parcel arrive from Rome, postmarked by Peterson, containing a taunting note and a children's geography book, 'Our Tiny Tots' Primer of Geography,' which Drummond recognizes as a mocking gesture.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Consequence
Blantyre's suicide illustrates the ultimate consequence of his involvement in crime, while Peterson escapes justice, highlighting the theme's irony.
The Price of Secrets
Blantyre's death underscores the heavy toll of hidden dealings, while Peterson's taunting letter and book hint at the ongoing cost of the secret war between him and Drummond.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Drummond
Morose and brooding over Peterson's escape, repeatedly saying 'Stung.' Receives a taunting letter and a mocking book from Peterson.
- Algy Longworth
Bright and cheerful again, his engagement no longer postponed, tries to console Drummond.
- Professor Goodman
Brings the news of Sir Raymond Blantyre's suicide, visibly agitated.
- Sir Raymond Blantyre
Found dead in his Paris hotel room, an empty bottle of veronal beside him—an apparent suicide.
- Denny
Drummond's faithful servant, delivers the letter and parcel and is alarmed by his master's reaction.
Key passages
“Stung in the centre and on both flanks. And biffed in the jaw into the bargain.”
I've been thoroughly beaten and humiliated.
Drummond expresses his frustration over being outwitted by Peterson.
“So Blantyre had failed to face the music. As usual, the lesser man paid, while Peterson got off.”
Blantyre couldn't handle the consequences and took his own life, while Peterson, the real culprit, escaped again.
Drummond reflects on the injustice of Blantyre's suicide versus Peterson's freedom.
“I have threatened often: I shall not always fail. You have threatened once: you could hardly hope to succeed. I shall treasure some edelweiss. Au revoir.”
I've warned you many times and will eventually succeed. Your single threat was futile. I'll keep a memento from the mountains. Goodbye for now.
Peterson's letter is a taunting farewell, hinting at future encounters.