The Black Gang · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Black Gang by H. C. McNeile.

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Chapter 1
I: In Which Things Happen Near Barking Creek
In a dark, isolated house near Barking Creek, a group of men, including Waldock, Zaboleff, and Flash Jim, are conducting a secret meeting. They are suddenly interrupted by a masked leader and his men, who systematically intimidate, assault, and capture the attendees. The leader, a vigilante figure, flogs two Jewish men, captures Zaboleff and Waldock, and leaves with them, while the police, led by Inspector McIver, arrive too late. The chapter establishes the mysterious vigilante's methods and his conflict with both criminals and the police.
Chapter 2
In Which Scotland Yard Sits Up and Takes Notice
Sir Bryan Johnstone, Director of Criminal Investigation, is puzzled by a strange report from Chief Inspector McIver. McIver recounts how he and his men were chloroformed and left on the pavement outside their own homes after surrounding a suspected house in Barking. A note left by the mysterious perpetrator reveals that he has taken Zaboleff and Waldock, dropped Flash Jim in Piccadilly Circus, and flogged two others. Meanwhile, Hugh Drummond visits Sir Bryan and recounts his own encounter in Piccadilly Circus, where he found a man who had been chloroformed and left by a car. The two stories connect, and Sir Bryan and McIver realize that Drummond's testimony may be crucial to the investigation.
Chapter 3
In Which Hugh Drummond Composes a Letter
Hugh Drummond encounters Algy Longworth and Miss Farreydale outside the Carlton, learns of Lady Manton's party, and decides to infiltrate her household under false pretenses. He returns home, dictates a deceptive letter to Lady Manton, and prepares for his mission, revealing his serious determination beneath his jovial facade.
Chapter 4
In Which Count Zadowa Gets a Shock
Count Zadowa, posing as Mr. William Atkinson, meets with Charles Latter, M.P., at his Hoxton headquarters. He gives Latter orders to incite unrest in Sheffield and to carry out a scheme that will throw thousands out of work. Meanwhile, a disguised intruder (likely Hugh Drummond) overpowers the clerk downstairs and infiltrates the building, leading to a confrontation that shocks the Count.
Chapter 5
In Which Charles Latter, M.P., Goes Mad
Charles Latter, a Member of Parliament leading a double life, is confronted in his bedroom by Hugh Drummond, who reveals himself as the leader of the Black Gang. Drummond exposes Latter's plot to blow up a power station for money, ties him up, and stages a fake explosion with a block of wood and fuse, driving Latter to madness. The next day, Sir Bryan Johnstone and Inspector McIver discuss Latter's sudden insanity, unaware of Drummond's involvement.

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I: In Which Things Happen Near Barking Creek

In Which Scotland Yard Sits Up and Takes Notice

In Which Hugh Drummond Composes a Letter

In Which Count Zadowa Gets a Shock

In Which Charles Latter, M.P., Goes Mad