File No. 113 · Chapter
V explained
Prosper Bertomy is interrogated by Judge Patrigent, who tries to break his composure after a tense interview with his father.
What happens
Prosper Bertomy is interrogated by Judge Patrigent, who tries to break his composure after a tense interview with his father. Prosper maintains his innocence, providing a detailed account of his finances and movements. His father, M. Bertomy, offers to repay the stolen money to preserve the family honor, but Prosper vehemently refuses, insisting on his innocence and vowing to clear his name.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Honor
M. Bertomy's offer to repay the stolen money to preserve the family name, and Prosper's refusal, highlight the conflict between familial duty and personal innocence.
Investigation and Detection
Judge Patrigent's interrogation and the detailed tracking of Prosper's finances and movements demonstrate the investigative process.
Deception and Appearance
The judge's tactics and the revelation of Nina Gypsy's true identity underscore the theme of hidden truths and false appearances.
Characters to notice
- Prosper Bertomy
Maintains his innocence during interrogation, provides detailed financial accounts, and refuses his father's offer to repay the stolen money.
- M. Patrigent
The judge interrogating Prosper, using psychological tactics to extract a confession.
- Raoul de Lagors
Mentioned as a lender of money to Prosper and as having left Paris; his absence complicates the investigation.
- Marquis de Clameran
Mentioned as a friend of Raoul de Lagors and as having requested early payment of funds.
- Nina Gypsy
Referred to as Mme. Gypsy; Prosper wrote a note to protect her, and the judge reveals her true identity as Palmyre Chocareille.
- André Fauvel
The victim of the robbery; Prosper is accused of stealing from him, and M. Bertomy plans to repay him.
Key passages
“I came here.” “You can’t swear to that, because no one can boast of knowing the real face of M. Lecoq.”
The constable explains that M. Lecoq is a master of disguise, constantly changing his appearance.
Highlights Lecoq's legendary skill in deception.
“I will justify myself or perish in the attempt. Human justice is liable to error; although innocent, I may be convicted: so be it.”
Prosper declares he will prove his innocence even if it means risking conviction.
Shows Prosper's determination and despair.