The Three Just Men · Chapter
The Golden Woman explained
Barberton is murdered on the Embankment under police observation.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Punishment
Barberton's murder under police observation highlights the theme of crime and the pursuit of justice.
Deception and Disguise
The snake-like killers (Gurther and Pfeiffer) operate with stealth, and Manfred keeps 'Johnny' a secret.
Wealth and Power
The discovery of a gold statue suggests hidden treasure and the motives of greed.
Characters to notice
- George Manfred
Investigates Barberton's murder, deduces the gold statue's significance, and keeps 'Johnny' as his private mystery.
- Leon Gonsalez
Discusses the murder with Manfred and Poiccart, theorizes about Gurther's instability.
- Raymond Poiccart
Arranges patrols for Heavytree Farm and discusses the snake's reappearance.
- Inspector Meadows
Takes charge of the Barberton case, visits Curzon Street, and searches the dead man's hotel room.
- Sam Barberton
Murdered on the Embankment; his belongings reveal a gold statue and a list of weights.
- Dr. Elver
Briefly appears at the murder scene and later informs Manfred that Meadows is handling the case.
Key passages
“Barberton had been stricken down in the heart of London, under the very eyes of the policeman, it proved.”
Barberton was killed in central London, right in front of a police officer.
Establishes the murder's audacity and the challenge to police authority.
“You said the snake would reappear, and the snake has reappeared.”
You predicted the killer would strike again, and they have.
Highlights the group's foreknowledge and the ongoing threat.
“The thing to do is to find Miss Leicester.”
The next step is to locate Mirabelle Leicester.
Connects the murder to the search for Mirabelle.