The Three Just Men · Chapter
The Siege explained
The siege of Heavytree Farm reaches its climax.
What happens
The siege of Heavytree Farm reaches its climax. Dr. Oberzohn forges a confession from the dead Cuccini to shift blame, while the Three Just Men plan a rescue. Leon Gonsalez devises a scheme using gas to neutralize the deadly snakes in the snake-room. Elijah Washington provides crucial expertise on the snakes' behavior. The attack proceeds with bombs and a tank, and Mirabelle is rescued. Oberzohn is confronted by Manfred, Gonsalez, and Poiccart, and dies from a poisoned cigarette holder. The chapter ends with Mirabelle safe and Washington lamenting the loss of valuable snakes.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Vengeance
The Three Just Men execute their own form of justice on Oberzohn, bypassing the legal system.
Deception and Disguise
Oberzohn forges Cuccini's confession to deceive the authorities and shift blame.
Crime and Punishment
The siege culminates in the punishment of Oberzohn and his accomplices for their crimes.
Characters to notice
- Leon Gonsalez
Devises the plan to use gas to kill the snakes and rescue Mirabelle; observes the searchlight and coordinates the attack.
- Dr. Eruc Oberzohn
Forces his men to sign a forged confession; places Mirabelle in the snake-room; is killed by a poisoned cigarette holder.
- George Manfred
Leads the confrontation with Oberzohn; pushes him against the wall and pronounces judgment.
- Mirabelle Leicester
Rescued from the snake-room; found half laughing, half crying after the ordeal.
- Elijah Washington
Provides expert knowledge on snakes; explains their habits and helps identify species; laments the loss of valuable snakes.
- Raymond Poiccart
Assists in carrying the steel cylinder and participates in the final confrontation.
Key passages
“He has cheated the hangman of ten pounds.”
He has avoided execution by the state, saving the hangman a small fee.
Leon's remark after Oberzohn's death, implying he died by their own justice.
“There’s five thousand dollars’ worth dead,” he said, in despair, “but there’s enough left to start a circus!”
Washington laments the loss of valuable snakes but notes there are still enough to form a circus.
Washington's pragmatic and slightly humorous reaction to the snake deaths.