# Back to Paris explained — El Dorado

> Chapter companion for El Dorado by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Sir Percy Blakeney recounts the daring rescue of the Dauphin from the Temple prison, explaining how he seized the moment of chance to smuggle the child out. He then decides to return to Paris despite the immense danger, because Armand St. Just has been captured and is being used as a decoy by Chauvelin. Sir Andrew Ffoulkes accompanies him part of the way, and they rendezvous with Lord Tony and Lord Hastings to hand over the Dauphin for safe passage to Mantes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sacrifice and Redemption

Percy risks his own safety by returning to Paris to save Armand, demonstrating self-sacrifice for a comrade.

### Love and Loyalty

Percy's loyalty to Armand, Marguerite's brother, drives his decision to go back into danger, reflecting deep bonds of friendship and family.

### Honor and Duty

Percy feels a duty to rescue Armand despite the personal risk, and the League members faithfully execute their roles in the escape plan.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Percy Blakeney

Narrates the escape of the Dauphin and resolves to return to Paris to rescue Armand St. Just.

### Sir Andrew Ffoulkes

Assists Percy with the coal-cart and horse, and accompanies him to the rendezvous with Hastings and Tony.

### Armand St. Just

Mentioned as having been arrested and held by Chauvelin; his capture motivates Percy's return to Paris.

### The Dauphin

Successfully rescued from the Temple prison and handed over to Hastings and Tony for transport to Mantes.

### Lord Hastings

Receives the Dauphin from Percy and is tasked with riding to Mantes with the child.

### Lord Tony

Present at the rendezvous; helps with the horses and is part of the plan to escort the Dauphin to safety.

## Key lines

> I pray you all give me no credit in this or any other matter in which we all work together, but the quickness of seizing Chance by the hair during the brief moment when she stands by my side.

Percy insists that his success is due to seizing the right moment rather than personal brilliance.

_Reflects Percy's characteristic modesty and philosophy of opportunism._

> It's no use, Tony. Armand is in Paris. I saw him in the corridor of the Temple prison in the company of Chauvelin.

Percy explains that he must return to Paris because Armand has been captured and is with Chauvelin.

_Highlights the personal stakes that compel Percy to go back into danger._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_dorado_se/chapters/part-i-xxi-back-to-paris
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_dorado_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_dorado_se/chapters