# XXII: Of That There Could Be No Question explained — El Dorado

> Chapter companion for El Dorado by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Sir Percy Blakeney, disguised as a working man, observes Armand St. Just being followed by spies after his release from prison. Realizing Armand is being used as a decoy, Percy resolves to protect him for Marguerite's sake. He retrieves a letter from Armand via a child messenger, which reveals Armand's despair over Jeanne Lange's imprisonment and his plea for Percy to meet him secretly that night.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sacrifice and Redemption

Percy risks his own safety to redeem Armand and save Jeanne, driven by love and duty.

### Love and Loyalty

Armand's devotion to Jeanne and Percy's loyalty to Marguerite and Armand underscore the chapter's emotional core.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Percy Blakeney

Disguised as a working man, he tracks Armand and retrieves a hidden letter, vowing to protect his brother-in-law.

### Armand St. Just

Released from prison but under surveillance, he sends a desperate letter to Percy pleading for help to save Jeanne Lange.

### Jeanne Lange

Mentioned as still imprisoned and threatened with death, the object of Armand's anguish.

### Marguerite Blakeney

Referenced by Percy as the reason he must save Armand, to spare her from mourning her brother.

## Key lines

> He had the presence of mind not to make a sign or to utter a sound; he was obviously being followed, but in that brief moment Sir Percy had seen in the young man's eyes a look that reminded him of a hunted creature.

Armand, though clearly under surveillance, showed restraint by not acknowledging Percy, but his terrified expression revealed his desperate situation.

_Highlights the danger and tension of Armand's surveillance._

> The young man had been made free that he might prove a decoy for more important game.

Percy realizes Armand's release was a trap to lure him or other fugitives into capture.

_Reveals the strategic cruelty of the revolutionary authorities._

> For God's sake, Percy, remember that Jeanne is all the world to me.

Armand implores Percy to prioritize Jeanne's rescue above all else, showing his desperation.

_Emphasizes Armand's emotional plea and the stakes of the mission._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_dorado_se/chapters/part-i-xxii-of-that-there-could-be-no-question
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_dorado_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/el_dorado_se/chapters