The Three Just Men · Chapter
IV: The Snake Strikes explained
Mirabelle Leicester has lunch with Dr.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Joan Newton's visit to Mirabelle is part of a larger scheme, and the characters are involved in hidden identities and motives.
Crime and Punishment
The murder of Sam Barberton by snake bite introduces a violent crime, setting the stage for the pursuit of justice.
Characters to notice
- Mirabelle Leicester
Has lunch with Dr. Oberzohn and later meets Joan Newton at the laboratory.
- Dr. Eruc Oberzohn
Takes Mirabelle to lunch at the Ritz-Carlton and returns her to the laboratory.
- Joan Newton
Visits Mirabelle at the laboratory, claiming to know her aunt and inviting her to Chester Square.
- Leon Gonsalez
Discusses the situation with Manfred and Poiccart, and later finds Barberton dead on the Embankment.
- George Manfred
Leads the search for Barberton and discovers his body on the Embankment.
- Raymond Poiccart
Remains at Curzon Street while Manfred and Gonsalez search for Barberton.
- Sam Barberton
Found dead on the Embankment with a snake bite mark on his neck.
- Dr. Elver
Accompanies Manfred and Gonsalez, identifies the cause of Barberton's death as a snake bite.
Key passages
“Half an hour later the inquisitive chauffeur put his foot on the starter and sent his car on the trail of the Rolls, wondering what Mirabelle Leicester had in common with Joan Alice Murphy, who had brought so many rich young men to the green board in Captain Newton’s beautiful drawing-room, where stakes ran high and the captain played with such phenomenal luck.”
The curious chauffeur followed the Rolls-Royce, puzzled by Mirabelle's connection to Joan Alice Murphy, a woman known for luring wealthy men to Captain Newton's gambling den.
Highlights the connection between Joan Newton and gambling, and the chauffeur's suspicion.
“Dead,” he said laconically, and then: “Good God!” He pointed to the neck, where a red patch showed. “What is that?” asked Manfred steadily. “The snake!” said the doctor.”
Dr. Elver confirmed Barberton was dead and pointed to a red mark on his neck, identifying it as a snake bite.
Reveals the method of murder and the title's significance.