VI: M. Lenormand Succumbs explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Truth

  Lenormand uncovers Gertrude's deceptive calm and the hidden passage, revealing the truth behind the conspiracy.

• Crime and Justice

  The chapter focuses on the investigation of a murder and the plot against Mrs. Kesselbach, with Lenormand seeking justice.

Characters to notice

• M. Lenormand

  Leads the investigation, deduces Gertrude's involvement, and discovers the secret passage.

• Sergeant Gourel

  Assists Lenormand, reports on the two accomplices, and helps search the Pavillon Hortense.

• Dolores Kesselbach

  Visits Lenormand, provides information about Gertrude, and accompanies him to Garches.

• Gertrude

  The red-haired maid suspected of being in league with the conspirators.

• Steinweg

  Old friend of Kesselbach, questioned about Pierre Leduc and reveals a secret.

• Dieuzy

  Inspector who brings Steinweg to the Prefecture.

Key passages

• “I've found out how it was, chief, said Gourel, panting for breath. There were two of them. They went this way and out of the Place Dauphine. There was a motorcar waiting for them. There were two people inside: one was a man dressed in black, with a soft hat pulled over his eyes... That's he, muttered M. Lenormand, that's the murderer, the accomplice of Ribeira—Parbury. And who was the other? A woman, a woman without a hat, a servant-girl, it might be... And good-looking, I'm told, with red hair.”

  Gourel reports that two people escaped in a motorcar: a man in black and a red-haired woman. Lenormand identifies the man as the murderer and Ribeira's accomplice.

  Lenormand deduces the accomplices' identities from Gourel's report.

• “So that everything becomes plain. Gertrude is in league with the two ruffians who are conspiring round the Kesselbach case, in order either to discover and carry out the famous scheme, or to capture the widow's millions.”

  Lenormand concludes that Gertrude is conspiring with the two criminals to exploit the Kesselbach scheme or steal the widow's fortune.

  Lenormand's deduction about Gertrude's role in the plot.

• “I was right, said M. Lenormand. The communication is of recent date. You see, it's a piece of work hurriedly done, and not intended to last for any length of time... No masonry... Two planks placed crosswise at intervals, with a joist to serve as a roof; and that is all.”

  Lenormand discovers a hastily built secret passage in the Pavillon Hortense, confirming his suspicions about a hidden route for the conspirators.

  Discovery of the secret passage linking to the plot.