The Third Round · Chapter
In Which Drummond Leaves the S.Y. Gadfly explained
Drummond, bound aboard the S.Y.
What happens
Drummond, bound aboard the S.Y. Gadfly, manages to free himself using a safety-razor blade. He devises a plan to escape as they pass Ted Jerningham's yacht, hoping to enlist Ted's help to rescue Professor Goodman. When the moment comes, he slips overboard and is picked up by Ted's motorboat, with the help of a girl who feigns hysteria to distract the crew. They rescue the Professor from the water, and Drummond reveals his belief that Carl Peterson (Mr. Robinson) will head to Montreux, where Irma is. Drummond resolves to follow and settle the score.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Professor Goodman’s psychological breaking point—his haggard, defiant accusation (“What have you done to that…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Disguise
Drummond pretends to be mad, and later fakes his own death to escape.
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Drummond's loyalty to Professor Goodman drives his risky escape plan.
- The Price of Secrets
The secret of the Professor's process leads to danger and the need for rescue.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Drummond
Frees himself from ropes, escapes the Gadfly, and rescues Professor Goodman.
- Mr. William Robinson
Believes Drummond and Goodman are drowned; expresses false condolences.
- Professor Goodman
Rescued from the water, nearly drowned but alive.
- Ted Jerningham
Assists in the rescue, using his motorboat and quick thinking.
- Irma
Mentioned as being in Montreux, where Peterson is expected to return.
Key passages
“Still smiling benevolently, Mr. Robinson strolled away, and shortly afterwards a series of sharp orders followed by a faint throbbing announced that the voyage of the S.Y. Gadfly had commenced.”
Mr. Robinson left with a pleasant smile, and soon the yacht's engines started, signaling the beginning of the journey.
Shows Robinson's calm demeanor and the start of the voyage.
“And with a feeling of impotent rage Drummond realised how easy it would be to cut the ropes and go quietly overboard.”
Drummond felt angry and helpless, knowing he could easily free himself and swim away, but he couldn't because of the Professor.
Highlights Drummond's internal conflict and loyalty.
“He thinks he’s safe, which is where he goes into the mulligatawny up to his neck.”
He believes he is safe, but that will be his downfall.
Drummond's confidence in outsmarting Peterson.
