# The Golden Woman explained — The Three Just Men

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters/v-the-golden-woman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters