VI: “Fantômas, It Is Death!” explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Fear and Terror

  Juve's palpable fear of Fantômas dominates the chapter, describing him as a supernatural force that inspires dread in even the most seasoned detective.

• Identity and Deception

  Fantômas's ability to hide his identity and elude capture is central; Juve argues that the murderer could have used a duplicate key, highlighting deception.

• Crime and Justice

  The chapter revolves around the investigation of the Marquise's murder and the pursuit of justice, with Juve torn between evidence against Charles and the possibility of Fantômas's involvement.

Characters to notice

• Inspector Juve

  Expresses fear of Fantômas but vows to hunt him; presents evidence against Charles Rambert; receives telegram confirming Fantômas's involvement; orders pursuit of the Ramberts.

• M. de Presles

  Magistrate skeptical of Fantômas's existence; arrives at Beaulieu; questions Dollon and the sergeant; authorizes pursuit of the Ramberts.

• Charles Rambert

  Accused of murder based on bloodstain evidence and his equivocal behavior; fled with his father during the night.

• Etienne Rambert

  Father of Charles; fled with his son after their incriminating conversation was overheard.

• Thérèse Auvernois

  Overheard the Ramberts' conversation and had a nightmare; reported the details to Dollon and the servants.

• M. Dollon

  Old servant who discovered Thérèse's distress and reported the Ramberts' flight to Juve and the magistrate.

Key passages

• “genius of crime in any case, then, M. de Presles, I am in a funk! I tell you frankly I am in a funk. I am frightened, because Fantômas is a being against whom it is idle to use ordinary weapons; because he has been able to hide his identity and elude all pursuit for years; because his daring is boundless and his power unmeasurable; because he is everywhere and nowhere at once and, if he has had a hand in this affair, I am not even sure that he is not listening to me now!”

  Juve confesses to M. de Presles that he is terrified of Fantômas, describing him as a genius criminal who cannot be caught by normal means, who hides his identity, and who might even be eavesdropping at that moment.

  Juve's fear and respect for Fantômas are laid bare, establishing the antagonist's almost supernatural reputation.

• “I took an oath, sir, that some day I would discover his identity and effect his arrest! Fantômas is an enemy of society, you say? I prefer to regard him first and foremost as my own personal enemy! I have declared war on him, and I am ready to lose my skin in the war if necessary, but by God I’ll have his!”

  Juve swears to personally hunt down Fantômas, viewing him as a personal enemy and vowing to capture him even at the cost of his own life.

  Juve's personal vendetta against Fantômas is declared, highlighting his determination despite fear.

• “Return immediately to Paris. Are convinced that extraordinary crime lies behind disappearance of Lord Beltham. Privately, suspect Fantômas’ work.”

  A telegram from the Criminal Investigation Department orders Juve back to Paris, stating that Lord Beltham's disappearance is an extraordinary crime and that Fantômas is privately suspected.

  Official confirmation that Fantômas is linked to Lord Beltham's case, escalating the investigation.

• “It is conclusive,” he said. “You have just proved to demonstration, M. Juve, that Charles Rambert is the guilty party. It is beyond argument. It is conclusive⁠—conclusive!” There were a couple of seconds of silence, and then Juve suddenly said “No!””

  M. de Presles declares the bloodstain evidence against Charles Rambert conclusive, but Juve immediately contradicts him, arguing that an outside intruder could have used a duplicate key.

  Juve's refusal to accept the obvious suspect shows his open-mindedness and suspicion of Fantômas's involvement.