# Chapter IV explained — File No. 113

> Chapter companion for File No. 113 by Émile Gaboriau.

## What happens

M. Patrigent conducts the formal examination of Prosper Bertomy, who maintains his innocence despite the lack of evidence. The judge also questions witnesses including M. Fauvel, Lucien, Cavaillon, and bank clerks, gathering details about Prosper's past and possible motives. Fanferlot provides information but conceals his knowledge of Madeleine. The investigation continues, with Patrigent becoming increasingly convinced of Prosper's guilt.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Justice

The chapter focuses on the judicial process, with M. Patrigent gathering evidence and conducting examinations to build a case against Prosper.

### Suspicion and Trust

M. Fauvel's trust in Prosper is shattered, and the judge's suspicion grows as witnesses provide conflicting accounts.

### Secrecy and the Past

Prosper's past gambling and associations are revealed, and Fanferlot conceals information about Madeleine, adding layers of secrecy.

## Character check-ins

### Prosper Bertomy

Undergoes formal examination, maintains innocence, but is returned to prison after signing the deposition.

### M. Patrigent

Presides over the examination, gathers witness testimony, and becomes convinced of Prosper's guilt.

### André Fauvel

Testifies against Prosper, expressing anger and providing details about Prosper's gambling and association with Raoul de Lagors.

### Cavaillon

Testifies as a friend of Prosper, declaring his belief in Prosper's innocence despite lacking proof.

### Fanferlot

Reports to the judge on his investigation, concealing information about Madeleine while providing details on Prosper and Nina Gypsy.

### Raoul de Lagors

Mentioned as a relative of Mme. Fauvel who may have led Prosper astray; fails to appear as a witness.

## Key lines

> Every suspected person under arrest must be examined within twenty-four hours.

The law requires that anyone arrested on suspicion be questioned within a day.

_This legal requirement frames the urgency of Prosper's examination._

> Reflection, which usually brings calmness and a desire to pardon, brought him anger and a thirst for vengeance.

Instead of calming down, M. Fauvel's thoughts made him more angry and vengeful.

_Describes M. Fauvel's emotional state during his testimony._

> To triumph over the obstinate defence of a prisoner who shuts himself up in absolute denial as if in a fortress, valid proofs are needed.

Overcoming a prisoner's stubborn denial requires solid evidence.

_Highlights the challenge of proving guilt without material proof._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/file_no_113_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/file_no_113_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/file_no_113_se/chapters