The Scrap of Paper explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Crime and Justice

  Juve's investigation into Gurn's crime and the search for evidence to connect Gurn to the murder of the Marquise de Langrune.

• Identity and Deception

  Juve questions Gurn's true identity and the possibility that Gurn is linked to a more notorious criminal.

Characters to notice

• Inspector Juve

  Conducts a meticulous search of Gurn's flat, finds a map with a cut-out piece, and is surprised by Charles Rambert's arrival.

• M. Gurn

  The arrested suspect; his flat is searched, and a map linked to the Langrune murder is discovered.

• Charles Rambert

  Arrives unexpectedly at Gurn's flat, surprising Juve.

• Mme. Doulenques

  The concierge who admires Juve and provides him with the key to Gurn's flat.

Key passages

• “It was three o'clock when Juve arrived at the rue Lévert, and he found the concierge of number 147 just finishing her coffee.”

  At three o'clock, Juve reached the rue Lévert and encountered the concierge finishing her coffee.

  Sets the time and location for Juve's visit.

• “Juve went up the five floors to the flat formerly occupied by Gurn, reflecting somewhat moodily.”

  Juve climbed the five flights to Gurn's old flat, deep in thought.

  Describes Juve's mood as he ascends to the flat.

• “It's the map of the centre district all right: the map which shows Cahors, and Brives, and Saint-Jaury and—Beaulieu! And the missing piece—it is the missing piece that would give that precise district!”

  The map covers the central region including Cahors, Brives, Saint-Jaury, and Beaulieu, and the cut-out section would show the exact area of the château.

  Juve realizes the map's missing piece could link Gurn to the Langrune murder.

• “You? Charles Rambert! Or, I should say, Jérôme Fandor! Now what the deuce does this mean?”

  Juve is shocked to see Charles Rambert, whom he also knows as Jérôme Fandor, at the door.

  Juve's surprise at the unexpected visitor.