# V explained — File No. 113

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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