# The Three Men of Curzon Street explained — The Three Just Men

> Chapter companion for The Three Just Men by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Manfred, Poiccart, and Gonsalez operate under false identities (butler and chauffeur) to maintain secrecy; Oberzohn uses a fake advertisement to lure Mirabelle.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Barberton is torn between protecting a secret and trusting the detective agency; the 'crowd' is implied to be treacherous.

## Character check-ins

### George Manfred

Head of the Triangle Detective Agency; interviews Sam Barberton and discusses the case with his associates.

### Sam Barberton

Client seeking help to find Mirabelle Leicester; carries a secret and fears a 'crowd'.

### Raymond Poiccart

Disguised as Manfred's butler; observes Barberton and comments on his character.

### Leon Gonsalez

Disguised as Manfred's chauffeur; reveals that Mirabelle Leicester has been hired by Dr. Oberzohn.

### Mirabelle Leicester

Subject of Barberton's search; has taken a job at Oberzohn's laboratory.

### Dr. Eruc Oberzohn

Mentioned as the employer who hired Mirabelle Leicester through a deceptive advertisement.

## Key lines

> No. 233 had the appearance of a little man crushed in a crowd and unable to escape, and there was in its mild frontage the illusion of patient resignation and humility.

The small house at 233 Curzon Street looked like a tiny person squeezed among larger buildings, seeming to accept its humble position patiently.

_Describes the physical appearance of the detective agency's headquarters._

> The question is: how long has Mr. Samuel Barberton to live?

Gonsalez asks how much time Barberton has left before he is killed.

_Highlights the imminent danger Barberton faces from Oberzohn's crowd._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters/ii-the-three-men-of-curzon-street
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters