# Deception and Disguise in The Third Round

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

Central to the plot, characters constantly adopt false identities—Blackton posing as a professor, Robinson as a benevolent brother—to deceive enemies and allies, highlighting the theme that appearances are never trustworthy.

## 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): Blackton's dual identity as the Comte de Guy and his use of a private dossier highlight the theme of deception, as he conceals his true nature and intentions.
- [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): Blackton's multiple identities and his manipulation of the Syndicate highlight the theme of deception, as he conceals his true intentions and plans.
- [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): Blackton's multiple identities and his satisfaction with his 'best-looking role' highlight the theme of deception.
- [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 uses a forged letter to deceive Drummond into surrendering the notes, maintaining his facade of benevolence.
- [In Which Hugh Drummond Loses His Self-Control](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/vi-in-which-hugh-drummond-loses-his-self-control): The fake Scheidstrun impersonation and the real Scheidstrun's hidden role highlight layers of deceit.
- [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): Drummond's suspicion that Professor Scheidstrun is actually the Comte de Guy in disguise, and the subsequent revelation that the man he met was a stranger, highlights the theme of mistaken identity and deception.
- [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): Drummond's masterful performance as a madman is a key element, deceiving Robinson and his men to avoid being restrained.
- [IX: In Which Professor Goodman Has a Trying Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/ix-in-which-professor-goodman-has-a-trying-time): Robinson disguises himself as Scheidstrun and poses as Goodman's brother, highlighting the theme of deception.
- [X: In Which Drummond Goes on Board the S.Y. Gadfly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/x-in-which-drummond-goes-on-board-the-s-y-gadfly): Drummond feigns unconsciousness and later insanity to deceive his captors, while Robinson hides his true identity as Peterson.
- [In Which Drummond Leaves the S.Y. Gadfly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/xi-in-which-drummond-leaves-the-s-y-gadfly): Drummond pretends to be mad, and later fakes his own death to escape.
- [XII: In Which He Samples Mr. Blackton’s Napoleon Brandy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_third_round_se/chapters/xii-in-which-he-samples-mr-blackton-s-napoleon-brandy): Blackton's entire identity is a deception, and he is confident in his disguise until Drummond sees through it. The chapter highlights the layers of lies and false identities used by the criminals.

## Links

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