The Three Just Men · Chapter
XV: Gurther Returns explained
Gurther returns to Dr.
What happens
Gurther returns to Dr. Oberzohn after failing to kill Leon Gonsalez. Oberzohn, unusually mild, takes Gurther into his confidence, revealing the fortune tied to Mirabelle Leicester and the plan to marry her or eliminate her. He also explains the letter from Gonsalez to the Colonial Office in Lisbon regarding the concession. Oberzohn manipulates Gurther by promising him a share if misfortune befalls Montague Newton.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Oberzohn questions Newton's loyalty and manipulates Gurther with promises of wealth, highlighting the fragile alliances among the conspirators.
Wealth and Power
The central motivation is the enormous fortune from a mining concession, driving Oberzohn's schemes and his manipulation of Gurther.
Deception and Disguise
Gurther's disguise as a woman and his removal of makeup underscore the theme of deception; Oberzohn also conceals his true plans.
Characters to notice
- Gurther
Returns after a failed assassination attempt; is taken into Oberzohn's confidence and learns about the fortune and the plan.
- Dr. Eruc Oberzohn
Reveals the full plan to Gurther, including the fortune from the concession and his distrust of Montague Newton.
- Montague Newton
Discussed by Oberzohn as a dangerous fool who would betray them; his share of the fortune is mentioned.
- Mirabelle Leicester
The girl imprisoned in the underground room; Oberzohn plans to marry her or eliminate her to gain the fortune.
- Leon Gonsalez
Mentioned as the target of Gurther's failed attack and as the author of the letter to the Colonial Office.
- Iwan Pfeiffer
Referenced as the late associate who was killed by Gurther's snake; his fate serves as a warning.
Key passages
“That girl in the underground room? Gurther had many natural explanations for her imprisonment. And yet none of them fitted the conditions.”
Gurther speculates about why Mirabelle is imprisoned but cannot reconcile his theories with the reality.
Highlights Gurther's limited understanding of Oberzohn's larger plan.
“He would, without a wink of his eyelash, without a snap of his hand, send you and me to death, and would read about our execution with a smile, and then go forth and eat his plum-pudding and roast beef! That is our friend Heir Newton!”
Oberzohn accuses Newton of being utterly disloyal, claiming he would betray them without remorse.
Reveals Oberzohn's deep distrust of Newton and his justification for potential betrayal.
“Ten thousand English pounds,' he said at last. 'Gracious and learned doctor, that is a very small proportion of many millions,' said Gurther gently.”
Gurther objects that the offered share of ten thousand pounds is trivial compared to the millions at stake.
Shows Gurther's greed and his growing dissatisfaction with his compensation.