The Three Just Men · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Three Just Men by Edgar Wallace.
Chapter 1
The Firm of Oberzohn
Mirabelle Leicester, living with her aunt Alma at Heavytree Farm, sees an advertisement for a laboratory secretary and applies. She is interviewed by Dr. Eruc Oberzohn, who hires her on the spot, pays her in advance, and insists she start immediately. He tricks her into sending a telegram to her aunt, which he burns, and locks her in the laboratory.
Chapter 2
The Three Men of Curzon Street
The chapter introduces the Triangle Detective Agency at 233 Curzon Street, run by George Manfred. Sam Barberton arrives seeking help to find Mirabelle Leicester, hinting at a secret worth money and danger from a 'crowd'. After he leaves, Manfred's associates Poiccart and Gonsalez reveal that Mirabelle has already been hired by Dr. Oberzohn, and they question how long Barberton has to live.
Chapter 3
The Vendetta
Captain Monty Newton visits Dr. Oberzohn's office and they discuss their scheme involving Mirabelle Leicester. Newton corrects a telegram Oberzohn wrote to Mirabelle's aunt, making it more natural, and devises a plan to lure Mirabelle to Chester Square. Oberzohn reveals his vendetta against the Three Just Men for killing his brother Adolph, but Newton dismisses them as out of business. They coordinate messages to ensure Mirabelle is isolated and brought into their plot.
Chapter 4
IV: The Snake Strikes
Mirabelle Leicester has lunch with Dr. Oberzohn at the Ritz-Carlton, then returns to the laboratory. Joan Newton visits her, claiming to know her aunt and inviting her to Chester Square. Meanwhile, Leon Gonsalez, George Manfred, and Raymond Poiccart discuss saving Sam Barberton. They track Barberton to the Embankment, where they find him dead with a red mark on his neck, identified by Dr. Elver as a snake bite.
Chapter 5
The Golden Woman
Barberton is murdered on the Embankment under police observation. Manfred, Gonsalez, and Poiccart discuss the killing, suspecting Pfeiffer or Gurther. They plan to protect Heavytree Farm and learn that Inspector Meadows is in charge of the case. Meadows visits, and they investigate Barberton's belongings, finding a gold statue and a list of weights, leading Manfred to deduce Barberton discovered a treasure trove. Manfred keeps the identity of 'Johnny' as his private mystery.
Chapter 6
In Chester Square
Mirabelle Leicester arrives at Chester Square, where she is warmly but suspiciously welcomed by Joan Newton. Joan attempts to befriend her while hiding the true purpose of her visit. Monty Newton orchestrates a plan to send Mirabelle to the Arts Ball in a distinctive green and red domino, overriding Joan's previous arrangements. The chapter ends with Monty receiving unsettling news from a newspaper, causing him visible distress.
Chapter 7
Moral Suasion
Leon Gonsalez confronts Montague Newton at his home, demanding to know the whereabouts of Mirabelle Leicester. After a tense exchange and a brief appearance by Inspector Meadows, Gonsalez physically restrains Newton and uses the threat of torture to extract information. Newton reveals that Mirabelle and Joan have gone to the Arts Ball, and Gonsalez leaves after warning Newton about the murder of Barberton.
Chapter 8
VIII: The House of Oberzohn
This chapter describes the grim, isolated house of Dr. Oberzohn, located in a triangle formed by railroad viaducts and the Grand Surrey Canal. The house is a replica of his Swedish birthplace, and he lives there with two dangerous men, Iwan Pfeiffer and Sven Gurther, both German criminals. Leon Gonsalez observes them as pitiless and dehumanized. The chapter also follows Joan Newton and Mirabelle Leicester at the Arts Ball, where Joan becomes increasingly frightened as she realizes the gang's sinister plans involve gunmen and a woman. Mirabelle is introduced to a man calling himself Lord Evington, who is actually Gurther, and she dances with him, unaware of the danger.
Chapter 9
Before the Lights Went Out
At the Arts Ball, Mirabelle dances with Mr. Gurther, who poses as Lord Evington. Feeling homesick and uneasy, she agrees to sit out with him. He orders her an orangeade, secretly lacing it with a red powder. When she tastes bitterness, he swaps glasses. She becomes dizzy and faint. As the waiter opens a side door, Leon Gonsalez is revealed waiting outside. Before any action occurs, the lights go out.
Chapter 10
When the Lights Went Out
After the Arts Ball, the Three Just Men tend to a drugged Mirabelle Leicester in a safe house. Leon Gonsalez revives her with an antidote while they evade Gurther and Oberzohn's men. They smuggle Mirabelle out via a mews, and Leon fires a signal rocket to scare off their pursuers. Inspector Meadows investigates the ballroom, and later visits the house, but is deceived by Poiccart's butler act.
Chapter 11
Gurther
Dr. Oberzohn hides Gurther in the factory vaults after the failed attack at the Arts Ball. Monty Newton returns home to find Oberzohn studying chess, and they discuss the police pursuit, Mirabelle's escape, and the threat posed by Johnson Lee and Elijah Washington. Oberzohn reveals letters from Johnson Lee to Barberton, indicating a connection to Mirabelle. Later, Oberzohn disciplines Gurther for his poor timing and leads him to a hidden room in the factory vaults.
Chapter 12
Leon Theorizes
Leon Gonsalez presents his theory linking Dr. Oberzohn to a series of murders, including those of a stockbroker, a blackmailer, and a bank clerk, all connected by the use of a trained snake. Inspector Meadows is skeptical but intrigued. The Three Just Men reveal their knowledge of Oberzohn's methods and their intention to keep the snake's attention on themselves. Elijah Washington, a snake expert from Chicago, arrives and dismisses the idea that a snake could have killed Barberton in the manner described, adding a new layer of mystery.
Chapter 13
XIII: Mirabelle Goes Home
Mirabelle Leicester awakens at Heavytree Farm, disoriented and with a thick head, after being drugged at the Arts Ball. Her aunt Alma reveals she was brought home by Leon Gonsalez and a nurse. Mirabelle learns that the Four Just Men are guarding the house. A blind visitor, Johnson Lee, arrives and questions her about her father's work in Angola and the murder of Sam Barberton. He expresses admiration for the Four Just Men and departs, unaware that Oberzohn has marked him for death, while the Three Men plot Oberzohn's demise.
Chapter 14
The Pedlar
Mirabelle, back at Heavytree Farm, reflects on the events surrounding the advertisement and Oberzohn's scheme, realizing she has been under surveillance. She feels protected by Leon Gonsalez's men. A pedlar arrives and is denied entry by the guards, but later sneaks into a barn, overpowers a guard, and enters the house. He holds Mirabelle at gunpoint, locks Aunt Alma and the nurse in a cupboard, and prepares to abduct her. Aunt Alma escapes through a wine cellar, and as the pedlar drags Mirabelle out, Leon Gonsalez appears, gun drawn.
Chapter 15
Two "Accidents"
Leon Gonsalez deals with an attack at Heavytree Farm, capturing a pedlar and engaging in a gunfight with attackers. Later, George Manfred visits Dr. Oberzohn and Monty Newton, warning them to leave Mirabelle alone. After leaving, Manfred and Leon narrowly escape a falling iron casting rigged as an accident. Leon investigates and later orchestrates a fire that destroys Oberzohn's factory, having ensured the night watchman is safe.
Chapter 16
XVI: Rath Hall
Leon Gonsalez captures Lew Cuccini after he breaks into Rath Hall, using psychological intimidation to extract information about the signal for a planned attack. Meanwhile, Dr. Oberzohn deals with a fire at his London premises and manipulates Gurther and Pfeiffer, sending Gurther to kill Gonsalez. Leon reveals that Gurther is already dead on the lawn.
Chapter 17
Written in Braille
Leon Gonsalez and George Manfred decipher Braille documents from Barberton's safe, uncovering a Portuguese land concession crucial to Oberzohn's scheme. Meanwhile, a raid on Johnson Lee's house by Cuccini, Mike Selwyn, and a gunman is thwarted by Leon, who captures them. Pfeiffer is found dead, killed by Gurther, revealing a double-cross within Oberzohn's gang.
Chapter 18
The Story of Mont d’Or
Leon Gonsalez reads a letter from Sam Barberton detailing his discovery of a cache of gold statuettes in a cave in Angola, which explains the motive behind the attacks on Mirabelle Leicester and the murder of Barberton. The chapter reveals the conspiracy involving Oberzohn and his gang to secure the gold concession, and ends with the news that Mirabelle has been abducted from Heavytree Farm.
Chapter 19
At Heavytree Farm
Mirabelle and Aunt Alma settle back into a routine at Heavytree Farm after the attack, with Digby recovering from his wound. Mirabelle learns from Digby that the Three Just Men are wealthy and pursue justice as a hobby. A mysterious stranger (Poiccart) passes by, asking about onions. That night, Joan Newton lures Mirabelle downstairs, where Monty Newton and an accomplice overpower Mirabelle with gas, wrap her in a blanket, and transport her by trolley toward London, with Joan reluctantly complicit.
Chapter 20
Gurther Reports
Dr. Oberzohn, who never sleeps in a bed, learns from Gurther that Pfeiffer is dead from a snake bite during a failed mission. Oberzohn hides Gurther from Inspector Meadows, who arrives to search for Mirabelle Leicester. Meadows warns Oberzohn that three men are after him, but Oberzohn remains defiant, holding a special marriage license as a weapon.
Chapter 21
The Account Book
Manfred confronts Monty Newton about Mirabelle Leicester's whereabouts and warns him of deadly consequences if she is harmed. Meanwhile, at Heavytree Farm, it is discovered that Mirabelle has been abducted using dental gas and with the help of a woman. Poiccart's unexpected visit to the farm is revealed. Manfred later interviews a client with a suspicious story about his sister, which he recognizes as a setup by Dr. Oberzohn.
Chapter 22
In the Store Cellar
Mirabelle Leicester wakes in an underground vault, guarded by Joan Newton. Joan reveals she is Monty Newton's fiancée and that Mirabelle will be held for five days. Dr. Oberzohn visits, claiming he is protecting Mirabelle from danger, and hints at his chemical experiments. Mirabelle learns Oberzohn believes she is wealthy, which she knows is false. Joan discusses the Four Just Men and Gurther's dangerous nature.
Chapter 23
The Courier
The Three Just Men prepare to send Elijah Washington on a dangerous mission to Lisbon with a letter for the Minister of Colonies. They discuss the ongoing police inactivity regarding the Barberton murder and the surveillance on their house. Digby is assigned to observe Oberzohn's house and search an old barge. Manfred reveals that a taxi driver is a spy for Oberzohn, and Washington is given a decoy wallet while the real letter is sewn into his jacket lining. Washington leaves, aware he is being followed.
Chapter 24
On the Night Mail
Dr. Oberzohn receives a telegram in Portuguese, which he translates and discusses with Gurther behind locked doors. He then makes a series of phone calls and later strolls in his garden. Meanwhile, Elijah Washington boards a night train and is joined by a veiled woman in his compartment. He becomes suspicious when he notices hair on her wrist, and a violent struggle ensues. The attacker, revealed to be Gurther in disguise, escapes by jumping from the train as it slows near Horsham Junction.
Chapter 25
XV: Gurther Returns
Gurther returns to Dr. Oberzohn after failing to kill Leon Gonsalez. Oberzohn, unusually mild, takes Gurther into his confidence, revealing the fortune tied to Mirabelle Leicester and the plan to marry her or eliminate her. He also explains the letter from Gonsalez to the Colonial Office in Lisbon regarding the concession. Oberzohn manipulates Gurther by promising him a share if misfortune befalls Montague Newton.
Chapter 26
In Captivity
Mirabelle and Joan endure a second day of captivity in a locked room. Joan grows increasingly hysterical, fearing Gurther and the mysterious green baize box. Mirabelle, drawing strength from her faith in Gonsalez and the Three Just Men, tries to calm her. Meanwhile, Leon Gonsalez orchestrates the arrest of a spy working for Oberzohn, and learns from Inspector Meadows that Oberzohn has obtained a marriage licence to wed Mirabelle, prompting Leon to plan a desperate intervention.
Chapter 27
At Frater's
Manfred, Gonsalez, and Poiccart surveil Oberzohn and Monty Newton as they take Joan to the theatre. They observe a lame man who is actually Gurther in disguise, and discuss the theft of cars and the layout of the theater.
Chapter 28
Work for Gurther
Dr. Oberzohn assigns Gurther to eliminate a traitor, and Gurther perfects an elaborate disguise to carry out the murder. Meanwhile, Monty Newton and Joan Newton enjoy a night at the theatre, where Monty is killed in the dark during a play, likely by Gurther.
Chapter 29
XXX: Joan a Prisoner
Joan is abducted by Gurther after Monty's apparent death, drugged, and taken to Oberzohn's factory. Meanwhile, Dr. Oberzohn proposes marriage to Mirabelle, who refuses. Oberzohn threatens her with worse fates and prepares a grave, while his henchmen grow restless.
Chapter 30
The Things in the Box
Mirabelle and the drugged Joan are imprisoned in the factory cellar. Gurther attacks them, but during the struggle a snake escapes from a broken green box. Gurther is bitten and dies, while Oberzohn forces Mirabelle to leave Joan and come with him.
Chapter 31
The Search
Leon Gonsalez, George Manfred, and Digby search the factory grounds for Mirabelle Leicester. They discover a sprung mantrap with blood, a strip of cloth, and a ventilator grating. Descending into a vault, they find Gurther dead from snakebite and Joan Newton unconscious on a bed. Manfred takes Joan to the hospital while Leon searches Oberzohn's house, finding it empty. Oberzohn returns with Mirabelle, locks her in a room, and prepares to defend the house with hired gunmen, including Cuccini, offering them a share of a goldmine fortune.
Chapter 32
The Siege
The siege of Heavytree Farm reaches its climax. Dr. Oberzohn forges a confession from the dead Cuccini to shift blame, while the Three Just Men plan a rescue. Leon Gonsalez devises a scheme using gas to neutralize the deadly snakes in the snake-room. Elijah Washington provides crucial expertise on the snakes' behavior. The attack proceeds with bombs and a tank, and Mirabelle is rescued. Oberzohn is confronted by Manfred, Gonsalez, and Poiccart, and dies from a poisoned cigarette holder. The chapter ends with Mirabelle safe and Washington lamenting the loss of valuable snakes.
Chapter 33
The Death Tube
Manfred explains to a police chief how Oberzohn used frozen snake venom in blowpipes disguised as cigarette holders to assassinate victims. He also reveals that Leon secured the renewal of Mirabelle's goldfield lease using stolen signed notepaper. Later, Poiccart expresses concern that Leon may be falling in love.
