# In Captivity explained — The Three Just Men

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

## What happens

Mirabelle and Joan endure a second day of captivity in a locked room. Joan grows increasingly hysterical, fearing Gurther and the mysterious green baize box. Mirabelle, drawing strength from her faith in Gonsalez and the Three Just Men, tries to calm her. Meanwhile, Leon Gonsalez orchestrates the arrest of a spy working for Oberzohn, and learns from Inspector Meadows that Oberzohn has obtained a marriage licence to wed Mirabelle, prompting Leon to plan a desperate intervention.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Corruption

Mirabelle's innocence is contrasted with the corrupt schemes of Oberzohn and Gurther; Joan's hysteria reveals her vulnerability and moral confusion.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Joan's loyalty to Monty is tested by her fear of being abandoned; Leon's loyalty to Mirabelle drives his urgent plan to thwart Oberzohn's marriage.

## Character check-ins

### Mirabelle Leicester

Wakes to find Joan sobbing; tries to comfort her and make tea; reflects on her faith in Gonsalez and the Three Just Men; blushes at her own thoughts of him.

### Joan Newton

Sinks into deep depression and hysteria; fears Gurther and the green baize box; expresses anger at Monty for leaving them; defends Monty's character.

### Leon Gonsalez

Spends the morning studying a railway map; plans to attend a detective play; arranges the arrest of Oberzohn's spy; learns of Oberzohn's marriage licence and plots to stop the wedding.

### George Manfred

Discusses the situation with Leon and Poiccart; suggests taking Aunt Alma to the play; questions Leon's plan but trusts his instincts.

### Raymond Poiccart

Reluctantly agrees to attend the detective play; expresses dislike for mystery plays; voices concern that Oberzohn might kill Mirabelle.

### Inspector Meadows

Assists Leon by arresting and interrogating Oberzohn's spy; reports the discovery of Oberzohn's marriage licence to Leon.

## Key lines

> I hate this place! Why does he keep me here? God! If I thought the hound was double-crossing me⁠ ⁠… ! I'll go mad if they keep me here any longer.

Joan expresses her intense hatred of the prison-like room and her fear that Monty has betrayed her.

_Highlights Joan's deteriorating mental state and her suspicion of Monty's loyalty._

> He's got the blood of a fish, that man! There's nothing he wouldn't do. Monty ought to be flogged for leaving us here at his mercy.

Joan describes Gurther as cold-blooded and dangerous, blaming Monty for abandoning them.

_Reveals Joan's fear of Gurther and her anger at Monty for leaving them in his care._

> If he marries her, she cannot be called in evidence against him.

Leon realizes that Oberzohn's plan to marry Mirabelle would legally prevent her from testifying against him.

_Key plot point explaining Oberzohn's motive for the marriage and the urgency of Leon's intervention._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters/xvi-in-captivity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters