# The Siege explained — The Three Just Men

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-siege
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_three_just_men_se/chapters