The Three Just Men · Chapter
Gurther Reports explained
Dr.
What happens
Dr. Oberzohn, who never sleeps in a bed, learns from Gurther that Pfeiffer is dead from a snake bite during a failed mission. Oberzohn hides Gurther from Inspector Meadows, who arrives to search for Mirabelle Leicester. Meadows warns Oberzohn that three men are after him, but Oberzohn remains defiant, holding a special marriage license as a weapon.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Oberzohn hides Gurther in a secret compartment and deceives Meadows during the search.
Wealth and Power
Oberzohn's obsession with the Monte Doro fortune drives his plot to control Mirabelle.
Crime and Punishment
Meadows warns of inevitable punishment for Oberzohn, despite the doctor's cleverness.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Eruc Oberzohn
Reveals his sleepless habits, his plan to marry Mirabelle via a special license, and his calm defiance during Meadows' search.
- Gurther
Returns to report Pfeiffer's death by snake bite; is hidden by Oberzohn in a secret compartment during the police search.
- Iwan Pfeiffer
Reported dead by Gurther, having been bitten by the snake.
- Inspector Meadows
Leads a police search of Oberzohn's house for Mirabelle, warns Oberzohn of the three just men.
- Mirabelle Leicester
Mentioned as the abducted girl whom Meadows seeks and Oberzohn intends to marry.
Key passages
“Mirabelle dead gave him one chance; Mirabelle alive and persuaded, multiplied that chance by a hundred.”
Killing Mirabelle would only give him one opportunity, but convincing her to cooperate would greatly increase his chances.
Oberzohn weighs the value of Mirabelle's life against his fortune.
“I want to put you where I can give you a fair trial, in accordance with the law of this country, and I shall resist, to the best of my ability, any man taking the law into his own hands.”
Meadows intends to arrest Oberzohn legally and prevent vigilante justice.
Meadows asserts his authority against the three just men.