# The Pedlar explained — The Three Just Men

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

The pedlar is a disguise for Gurther, who infiltrates the farm; Lord Evington is revealed as a subterfuge; Mirabelle realizes the advertisement was a trap.

### Innocence and Corruption

Mirabelle's innocence is contrasted with the corrupt schemes of Oberzohn and his associates, who target her for unknown reasons.

## Character check-ins

### Mirabelle Leicester

Reflects on her danger and Oberzohn's scheme; feels protected by Gonsalez; is abducted by the pedlar but rescued by Gonsalez.

### Leon Gonsalez

Arranges guards at Heavytree Farm; appears at the end to confront the pedlar and rescue Mirabelle.

### Aunt Alma

Observes the pedlar; is locked in a cupboard but escapes via the wine cellar.

### Gurther

Disguised as the pedlar; overpowers a guard, abducts Mirabelle, and is confronted by Gonsalez.

### Montague Newton

Mentioned as one of the guards who drives away, leaving the pedlar to act.

## Key lines

> The advertisement was designed especially for her: that was her first conclusion. It was designed to bring her into the charge of Oberzohn.

Mirabelle deduces that the job advertisement was a trap specifically set to put her under Oberzohn's control.

_Mirabelle's realization of the conspiracy against her._

> When will you die? said Leon Gonsalez softly. Make a choice, and make it quick!

Leon Gonsalez confronts the pedlar with a drawn gun, giving him an ultimatum.

_Climactic moment of the chapter as Gonsalez intervenes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters/xiv-the-pedlar
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters