813 · Chapter
VIII: The Olive-Green Frock-Coat explained
In a basement room, M.
What happens
In a basement room, M. Weber discovers the olive-green frock-coat of M. Lenormand, leading to a dying Altenheim revealing that Prince Sernine is actually Arsène Lupin and also M. Lenormand. Lupin admits the truth, is handcuffed by Jean Doudeville, and taken to Santé Prison, where he settles into his cell. Meanwhile, Lupin's earlier escape plan is thwarted by a mysterious figure who steals his disguise parcel and blocks his exit, leaving him trapped as Weber's men close in.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Lupin's dual identity as Sernine and Lenormand is exposed; the olive-green frock-coat and disguise kit symbolize layered deception.
Deception and Truth
Altenheim's dying revelation uncovers the truth behind Lupin's masquerade, while Lupin continues to play games with Weber.
Characters to notice
- Arsène Lupin
Revealed as both Prince Sernine and M. Lenormand; admits identity to Weber; handcuffed and imprisoned at Santé.
- M. Lenormand
Identified as Lupin's disguise; his olive-green frock-coat is found in a cupboard.
- Baron Altenheim
Dying, reveals Lupin's dual identity; dies after confessing.
- M. Weber
Deputy-chief who discovers the frock-coat and extracts the confession from Altenheim; arrests Lupin.
- Jean Doudeville
Lupin's accomplice present at the scene; handcuffs Lupin and receives whispered instructions.
Key passages
“He made one of his men draw back the shutters of a large air-hole, which admitted a sudden burst of daylight, and he turned toward Altenheim.”
Weber ordered a shutter opened, letting in daylight, and faced Altenheim.
Scene setting in the basement.
“M. Weber opened the cupboard. On one of the shelves was a parcel wrapped in black cloth. He opened it and found a hat, a little box, some clothes. He gave a start. He had recognized M. Lenormand's olive-green frock-coat.”
Weber found a black cloth parcel in the cupboard containing Lenormand's distinctive coat.
Discovery of the disguise evidence.
“Altenheim turned his eyes toward Sernine. An idea struck M. Weber: 'Ah, I see! Lupin stole M. Lenormand's clothes and reckoned upon using them to escape with.'”
Altenheim looked at Sernine, leading Weber to deduce Lupin planned to escape disguised as Lenormand.
Weber's initial interpretation.
“'There's... there's... Sernine.' 'Sernine! Eh, what?' 'Sernine... Lenormand.'”
Altenheim gasped that Sernine and Lenormand are the same person.
The dying revelation.
“'Are you M. Lenormand?' 'Yes.'”
Weber asked directly, and Lupin confirmed he is Lenormand.
Lupin's admission.
“He pointed to Altenheim's corpse. 'There, it was that scoundrel who pitched me into the water, in a sack, with a paving-stone round my waist. Only, he forgot to take away my knife.'”
Lupin explained Altenheim tried to drown him but he escaped using a knife.
Lupin's account of his survival.