Arsène Lupin Versus Herlock Sholmes · Chapter
The Shipwreck explained
Herlock Sholmes presents his complete chain of circumstantial evidence to Monsieur and Madame d'Imblevalle, accusing Alice Demun of stealing the Jewish lamp and revealing that Bresson committed the second theft.
What happens
Herlock Sholmes presents his complete chain of circumstantial evidence to Monsieur and Madame d'Imblevalle, accusing Alice Demun of stealing the Jewish lamp and revealing that Bresson committed the second theft. After a dramatic confrontation on the Seine where Lupin and Sholmes are shipwrecked, Sholmes survives and later returns to the Rue Murillo to formally accuse Alice Demun, having recovered the stolen items.
Themes in this chapter
Cunning vs. Brute Force
Sholmes' logical deduction and Lupin's verbal sparring contrast with the physical struggle during the shipwreck.
Crime and Justice
Sholmes systematically builds a case against Alice Demun, while Lupin's escape challenges the pursuit of justice.
Duel of Wits
The verbal and strategic duel between Sholmes and Lupin culminates in the shipwreck confrontation.
Characters to notice
- Herlock Sholmes
Presents the evidence, survives the shipwreck, and formally accuses Alice Demun.
- Arsène Lupin
Confronts Sholmes during the shipwreck, taunts him, and disappears after being shot.
- Alice Demun
Silently accused by Sholmes; remains composed and does not defend herself.
- Monsieur d'Imblevalle
Listens to Sholmes' accusations and expresses disbelief regarding Alice Demun's guilt.
- Bresson
Revealed as the perpetrator of the second theft; committed suicide after being tracked.
- Folenfant
Leads the boat rescue and shoots Lupin during the shipwreck.
Key passages
“The key of the mystery, monsieur, yes, you shall have it. I am astonished that you haven't got it already. What then? What good will it do you? By that time you will have lost the battle.”
Lupin taunts Sholmes, saying he will reveal the secret but that it will be too late to change the outcome.
Lupin's boastful challenge during the shipwreck.
“I accuse the person who cut”
Sholmes begins to formally name Alice Demun as the thief.
Climactic moment of accusation.
“The Jewish lamp? It is in my possession.”
Sholmes announces he has recovered the stolen lamp.
Sholmes reveals his success in retrieving the item.