The Three Just Men · Chapter
Written in Braille explained
Leon Gonsalez and George Manfred decipher Braille documents from Barberton's safe, uncovering a Portuguese land concession crucial to Oberzohn's scheme.
What happens
Leon Gonsalez and George Manfred decipher Braille documents from Barberton's safe, uncovering a Portuguese land concession crucial to Oberzohn's scheme. Meanwhile, a raid on Johnson Lee's house by Cuccini, Mike Selwyn, and a gunman is thwarted by Leon, who captures them. Pfeiffer is found dead, killed by Gurther, revealing a double-cross within Oberzohn's gang.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
The Braille documents conceal a valuable land concession; Gurther's double-cross is revealed.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Pfeiffer is killed by Gurther, indicating betrayal within Oberzohn's gang.
Crime and Punishment
The burglars are captured and face justice, though Cuccini may escape due to complications.
Characters to notice
- Leon Gonsalez
Leads the defense of the house, captures the burglars, and discovers Pfeiffer's body.
- George Manfred
Reads Braille documents and deduces the significance of the hidden papers.
- Gurther
Implied to have killed Pfeiffer in a double-cross, though not present in the chapter.
- Dr. Eruc Oberzohn
Referenced as the mastermind behind the scheme and the order to eliminate Gurther.
- Montague Newton
Mentioned as Gurther's alias, but not directly appearing.
- Inspector Meadows
Assists in the raid aftermath and identifies Mike Selwyn.
- Iwan Pfeiffer
Found dead, killed by Gurther, mistaken for Gurther initially.
- Lew Cuccini
Captured during the raid; his absence causes confusion among the burglars.
Key passages
“I have a notion that the thing we're seeking is not here. It is hardly likely that he would allow a communication of that character to be jumbled up with the rest of the correspondence.”
Manfred suspects the crucial document is hidden separately from the other letters.
Manfred's insight leads to the discovery of the concealed concession.
“And this, I think, is what we are looking for.”
Gonsalez finds the hidden compartment in the ledger.
The hollowed-out book contains the Portuguese land concession.
“Pfeiffer! I could have sworn it was the other! There has been some double-crossing here.”
Leon is surprised to find Pfeiffer dead instead of Gurther, realizing a betrayal occurred.
The double-cross within Oberzohn's gang is revealed.