The Three Just Men · Chapter
The Firm of Oberzohn explained
Mirabelle Leicester, living with her aunt Alma at Heavytree Farm, sees an advertisement for a laboratory secretary and applies.
What happens
Mirabelle Leicester, living with her aunt Alma at Heavytree Farm, sees an advertisement for a laboratory secretary and applies. She is interviewed by Dr. Eruc Oberzohn, who hires her on the spot, pays her in advance, and insists she start immediately. He tricks her into sending a telegram to her aunt, which he burns, and locks her in the laboratory.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks Joan’s psychological breaking point: she moves from dazed…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Disguise
Dr. Oberzohn deceives Mirabelle by burning her telegram and locking her in the laboratory, presenting a false front of legitimacy.
- Innocence and Corruption
Mirabelle's naive trust in the advertisement and her employer contrasts with Oberzohn's corrupt and manipulative actions.
Characters to notice
- Mirabelle Leicester
Sees the advertisement, applies, and is hired by Dr. Oberzohn; she is eager to leave the farm for London.
- Aunt Alma
Mirabelle's aunt; warns her about the dangers of London and the Four Just Men, and is left behind at Heavytree Farm.
- Dr. Eruc Oberzohn
The employer who interviews and hires Mirabelle; he is manipulative, burns her telegram, and locks her in.
Key passages
“Glory! ... I am young—I have no experience—I have my higher certificate—and daddy was something in the world of science.”
Mirabelle excitedly realizes she meets all the requirements for the job.
Shows her enthusiasm and naivety.
“Today, or it shall be never.”
Dr. Oberzohn insists she must start work immediately or lose the opportunity.
Highlights his coercive control.
