813 · Chapter
XIII: The Seven Scoundrels explained
Lupin, now posing as the chief of the detective service, investigates the Altenheim gang.
What happens
Lupin, now posing as the chief of the detective service, investigates the Altenheim gang. He learns from a terrified headwaiter about a mysterious master who commands the gang, described as short, slender, fair-haired, and dressed in black. Lupin sends Doudeville to Veldenz to obtain the birth certificate of the Chevalier de Malreich. He then stakes out the gang's hideout at No. 3, Route de la Revolte in Neuilly, identifying seven accomplices. Later, at a restaurant, Lupin confronts the headwaiter, Dominique Lecas, a former butler to Altenheim. Under threat, Dominique reveals that Altenheim's real name was Raoul de Malreich, and confirms the existence of a feared chief who gives orders on scraps of paper or by telephone.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Disguise
Lupin adopts multiple disguises (workman, artist) and claims the identity of chief of the detective service, while Altenheim's true identity as Raoul de Malreich is uncovered.
Deception and Truth
The headwaiter's terror and the gang's secrecy highlight the theme of hidden truths; Lupin uses deception to extract information about the mysterious chief.
Crime and Justice
Lupin, a former criminal, now pursues justice against the Altenheim gang, blurring the lines between lawbreaker and law enforcer.
Characters to notice
- Arsène Lupin
Disguised as a workman, he investigates the Altenheim gang's hideout and later confronts Dominique Lecas at a restaurant, revealing his identity as Prince Lupin and claiming to be the new chief of the detective service.
- Jean Doudeville
Sent by Lupin to Veldenz to obtain the birth certificate of the Chevalier de Malreich; later meets Lupin at the Restaurant Buffalo and accompanies him to Caillard's restaurant.
- Dominique Lecas
Former butler to Baron Altenheim, now working as a headwaiter at Caillard's. He is terrified of the mysterious chief and reluctantly reveals Altenheim's real name as Raoul de Malreich.
- Baron Altenheim
Referred to as the deceased leader of the gang; his real name is revealed to be Raoul de Malreich.
- Raoul de Malreich
Identified as the real name of Baron Altenheim, a French-born German nobleman.
- Sergeant Gourel
Mentioned by Lupin as 'my poor old Gourel,' whom he intends to avenge.
Key passages
“He is the master… the chief.… Nobody knows him.”
The headwaiter describes the mysterious leader of the gang as an unknown master.
Reveals the existence of a shadowy figure commanding the criminals.
“He kills where another might steal a bit of bread.”
The headwaiter says the chief kills casually, unlike others who would only steal.
Emphasizes the chief's ruthless and murderous nature.
“I am discharging M. Weber and resuming the post of honor which I occupied with such distinction and to the general satisfaction under the name of M. Lenormand.”
Lupin, in his letter, declares he is taking over the detective service from Weber.
Shows Lupin's audacity and his assumption of the Lenormand identity.