# The Blue Diamonds explained — Arsène Lupin Versus Herlock Sholmes

> Chapter companion for Arsène Lupin Versus Herlock Sholmes by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

The chapter details the investigation into the murder of Baron d'Hautrec, where Ganimard suspects Antoinette Bréhat (the 'blonde Lady') of the crime, linking her to Arsène Lupin. The famous blue diamond ring is discovered on the victim's finger, leading to a public auction. At the auction, the Countess de Crozon wins the diamond after a rival bidder, Herschmann, is momentarily distracted by a mysterious letter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Justice

The murder of Baron d'Hautrec and the investigation by Ganimard highlight the pursuit of justice amid mysterious circumstances.

### Cunning vs. Brute Force

Ganimard's deductive reasoning and the clever distraction of Herschmann at the auction illustrate the battle of wits against Lupin's schemes.

### Class and Greed

The auction of the blue diamond draws wealthy bidders, including a capitalist and a countess, showcasing the intersection of wealth, desire, and crime.

## Character check-ins

### Ganimard

Investigates the murder of Baron d'Hautrec, accuses Antoinette Bréhat, and links the case to Arsène Lupin.

### Herlock Sholmes

Summoned by the Count and Countess de Crozon to assist in the case against Lupin.

### Madame de Crozon

Proposes hiring Herlock Sholmes and later bids on and wins the blue diamond at auction.

### Herschmann

Bids against the Countess for the blue diamond but is distracted by a mysterious letter, losing the auction.

### Arsène Lupin

Suspected by Ganimard of being connected to the murder and the blonde Lady's actions.

### Antoinette Bréhat

Accused of murdering Baron d'Hautrec; her golden hair links her to the blonde Lady.

## Key lines

> I can foresee the result of a duel between Herlock Sholmes and Arsène Lupin. The Englishman will be defeated.

Ganimard predicts that Herlock Sholmes will lose in a confrontation with Arsène Lupin.

_Ganimard expresses his belief in Lupin's superiority over the English detective._

> It is only when I do not understand things that I suspect Arsène Lupin.

Ganimard admits that he blames Lupin whenever a case baffles him.

_Ganimard's characteristic suspicion of Lupin in the face of inexplicable events._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ars_ne_lupin_versus_herlock_sholmes_se/chapters/ii-the-blue-diamonds
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ars_ne_lupin_versus_herlock_sholmes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ars_ne_lupin_versus_herlock_sholmes_se/chapters