The Three Just Men · Chapter
The Story of Mont d’Or explained
Leon Gonsalez reads a letter from Sam Barberton detailing his discovery of a cache of gold statuettes in a cave in Angola, which explains the motive behind the attacks on Mirabelle Leicester and the murder of Barberton.
What happens
Leon Gonsalez reads a letter from Sam Barberton detailing his discovery of a cache of gold statuettes in a cave in Angola, which explains the motive behind the attacks on Mirabelle Leicester and the murder of Barberton. The chapter reveals the conspiracy involving Oberzohn and his gang to secure the gold concession, and ends with the news that Mirabelle has been abducted from Heavytree Farm.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Power
The discovery of gold statuettes drives the entire plot, motivating murder, abduction, and conspiracy.
Deception and Disguise
Leon impersonates Inspector Meadows on the phone to gather information.
Crime and Punishment
The chapter details the crimes of murder, abduction, and fraud, with the Just Men planning to intervene.
Characters to notice
- Leon Gonsalez
Reads Barberton's letter aloud and deduces the conspiracy; plans to drive to Heavytree Farm.
- George Manfred
Present during the discussion of the letter; agrees to accompany Leon on the drive.
- Sam Barberton
Author of the letter describing his gold discovery; his murder is discussed as part of the plot.
- Mirabelle Leicester
Abducted from Heavytree Farm; her absence is discovered during the phone call.
- Dr. Eruc Oberzohn
Implied as the mastermind behind the plot to secure the gold concession and abduct Mirabelle.
- Inspector Meadows
Agrees with Leon's deductions about the conspiracy.
Key passages
“I have struck rich at last, and the dream I’ve often talked over with you has come true.”
Barberton announces his successful gold discovery.
Opening of the letter revealing the treasure.
“Barberton was killed to prevent his meeting the girl and telling her of his find.”
Leon deduces that Barberton was murdered to stop him from informing Mirabelle about the gold.
Key deduction linking the murder to the conspiracy.
“They’ve got Mirabelle Leicester after all.”
Leon realizes that Mirabelle has been abducted.
Climactic revelation at the end of the chapter.