Memoirs of Arsène Lupin · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes reference earlier works by Maurice Leblanc, provide historical context for Josephine Balsamo's flight from Fontainebleau, and mention the origin of the legend of the Thousand Millions of the Congregations as well as the acquisi
What happens
The endnotes reference earlier works by Maurice Leblanc, provide historical context for Josephine Balsamo's flight from Fontainebleau, and mention the origin of the legend of the Thousand Millions of the Congregations as well as the acquisition of the treasure of the Kings of France.
Themes in this chapter
Treasure and Greed
The endnotes discuss the treasure of the Kings of France and the legend of the Thousand Millions of the Congregations, both tied to themes of wealth and acquisition.
Characters to notice
- Josephine Balsamo
Referenced in the context of her unexplained flight from Fontainebleau.
- Joseph Balsamo
Mentioned in relation to the second enigma of Cagliostro.
Key passages
“The first enigma was solved by a young girl (see The Secret Tomb , by Maurice Leblanc). The two next were solved by Arsène Lupin (see The Island of the Thirty Shrouds and The Hollow Needle ). The solving of the fourth is the theme of this book.”
The first puzzle was solved by a young girl, the next two by Arsène Lupin, and the fourth is the subject of this book.
This note outlines the progression of enigmas across Leblanc's works.
“Hitherto none of the biographies of Josephine have given any explanation of the fact that she in a way fled from Fontainebleau. Only Monsieur Frederic Masson, scenting the truth, writes: “Perhaps one day some letter will be found which will demonstrate the physical necessity of this departure.””
No biography has explained Josephine's flight from Fontainebleau, though Frederic Masson speculated that a future letter might reveal the physical reason.
This highlights a historical gap regarding Josephine Balsamo's actions.
“There is no doubt that the well-known legend of the Thousand Millions of the Congregations had its origin in this tithe.”
The legend of the Thousand Millions of the Congregations clearly originated from this tithe.
This connects a popular legend to a specific historical practice.
“The acquisition of the treasure of the Kings of France, the second enigma of Cagliostro, and the discovery of that impenetrable retreat from which, fifteen years later, he could only be dislodged by the help of a flotilla of torpedo-boats, dates from this epoch.”
The acquisition of the French royal treasure, the second Cagliostro enigma, and the discovery of a hidden retreat that later required torpedo boats to dislodge him all date from this period.
This summarizes key events tied to Cagliostro's treasure and retreat.