The Third Round · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Third Round by H. C. McNeile.

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Chapter 1
In Which the Metropolitan Diamond Syndicate Holds Converse with Mr. Edward Blackton
Sir Raymond Blantyre and Mr. Leibhaus, representing the Metropolitan Diamond Syndicate, visit Mr. Edward Blackton at his hotel in Montreux. They reveal that Professor Goodman has discovered a method to synthesize diamonds, which would ruin the diamond trade. Despite their offer of £250,000 to suppress the discovery, Goodman refuses, planning to present it to the Royal Society. The Syndicate, desperate, hints at Blackton's reputation (via the Comte de Guy) and proposes that he 'remove' Professor Goodman. Blackton, intrigued but noncommittal, asks for time to decide, while his private dossier on the visitors reveals their financial and personal vulnerabilities.
Chapter 2
II: In Which Professor Goodman Realises That There Are More Things in Life Than Chemistry
Algy Longworth informs Hugh Drummond that Professor Goodman has discovered a method to manufacture diamonds artificially and has refused a quarter of a million pounds to suppress the discovery. Drummond warns that the Professor's decision could ruin wealthy interests and may put him in danger. Later, Drummond encounters the Professor outside his club, who shows him an anonymous threatening letter. Drummond notices the Professor is being followed and confronts the follower. They proceed to lunch at Drummond's club, where they are joined by Toby Sinclair, who mentions that Sir Raymond Blantyre, head of the diamond syndicate, recently returned from Switzerland smiling. Drummond suspects Blantyre's behavior is suspicious given his supposed impending ruin.
Chapter 3
III: In Which Strange Things Happen in Professor Goodman’s Laboratory
The chapter opens with Sir Raymond Blantyre and the Metropolitan Diamond Syndicate meeting behind locked doors, tense over their hiring of Mr. Blackton to suppress Professor Goodman's discovery. Mr. Lewisham, one of the members, is wracked with guilt and nearly backs out, but Blackton manipulates the situation, suggesting Lewisham visit Goodman to retrieve a compromising letter. Blackton, revealed to be a master of disguise, returns to his London pied-à-terre, where his secretary Freyder awaits. Blackton plans to use Lewisham as a pawn, intending to murder him and pass it off as Goodman's death, all while maintaining his artistic satisfaction in the crime.
Chapter 4
IV: In Which Mr. William Robinson Arrives at His Country Seat
Mr. Blackton, having secured the second payment from the syndicate, prepares to leave London and begin his work at the house Freyder acquired for him. He is satisfied with the outcome of the 'accident' that killed Professor Goodman, though he remains wary of the loose end concerning Mr. Lewisham. Meanwhile, Captain Drummond and Algy Longworth bring Brenda Goodman to her father's house, where they learn of the explosion from the Inspector. Drummond, suspicious of foul play, deduces that the explosion was too large to have been an accident and decides to investigate on his own, planning to attend the inquest.
Chapter 5
In Which Mr. William Robinson Loses His Self-Control
Mr. Robinson reveals his plan to force Professor Goodman to manufacture diamonds, but discovers that Goodman's notes are missing. Goodman admits he gave them to Captain Drummond for safekeeping. Robinson, enraged, struggles to regain composure, then dictates a letter to Drummond instructing him to send the notes to Goodman's lawyers, Tootem, Price & Tootem. He leaves Goodman imprisoned, warning him not to attempt escape.

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In Which the Metropolitan Diamond Syndicate Holds Converse with Mr. Edward Blackton

II: In Which Professor Goodman Realises That There Are More Things in Life Than Chemistry

III: In Which Strange Things Happen in Professor Goodman’s Laboratory

IV: In Which Mr. William Robinson Arrives at His Country Seat

In Which Mr. William Robinson Loses His Self-Control