# Crime and Consequence in The Third Round

> Theme guide for The Third Round by H. C. McNeile.

The narrative follows a criminal conspiracy to suppress a scientific discovery, showing how the perpetrators—from the Syndicate to Blackton—face escalating psychological torment, betrayal, and eventual downfall, though some escape justice.

## Where it surfaces

- [In Which the Metropolitan Diamond Syndicate Holds Converse with Mr. Edward Blackton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/i-in-which-the-metropolitan-diamond-syndicate-holds-converse-with-mr-edward-blackton): The Syndicate's proposal to 'remove' Goodman is a premeditated crime, foreshadowing the moral and legal consequences that may follow.
- [III: In Which Strange Things Happen in Professor Goodman’s Laboratory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/iii-in-which-strange-things-happen-in-professor-goodman-s-laboratory): The Syndicate's hiring of Blackton to commit murder, and the psychological toll it takes on members like Lewisham, explores the moral consequences of criminal actions.
- [IV: In Which Mr. William Robinson Arrives at His Country Seat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/iv-in-which-mr-william-robinson-arrives-at-his-country-seat): The chapter deals with the aftermath of the murder of Professor Goodman and the syndicate's attempt to cover up their crime.
- [In Which Mr. William Robinson Loses His Self-Control](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/v-in-which-mr-william-robinson-loses-his-self-control): Robinson's criminal scheme is jeopardized by an unforeseen detail, showing how crime faces unexpected obstacles.
- [VII: In Which Drummond Takes a Telephone Call and Regrets It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/vii-in-which-drummond-takes-a-telephone-call-and-regrets-it): The investigation into Professor Goodman's death and the syndicate's involvement in suppressing his discovery point to the criminal activities and their potential consequences.
- [In Which Drummond Plays a Little Game of Trains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/viii-in-which-drummond-plays-a-little-game-of-trains): The chapter details the criminal enterprise's planning, including the disposal of bodies and the alteration of plans due to Drummond's interference.
- [In Which Drummond Receives an Addition to His Library](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/xiii-in-which-drummond-receives-an-addition-to-his-library): Blantyre's suicide illustrates the ultimate consequence of his involvement in crime, while Peterson escapes justice, highlighting the theme's irony.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/themes/crime_and_consequence
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/themes