Monsieur Lecoq · Chapter
V explained
Lecoq reads his report to the commissary and physicians, impressing them with his deductions despite Gevrol's jealousy.
What happens
Lecoq reads his report to the commissary and physicians, impressing them with his deductions despite Gevrol's jealousy. Father Absinthe discovers a bottle of brandy and drinks. Lecoq finds a sixth glass, proving the two women were not with the murderer. He also discovers that someone entered the crime scene in their absence, turning the Widow Chupin's apron pockets inside out. A footprint matching the accomplice's is found, and Lecoq recovers a valuable diamond earring.
Themes in this chapter
Deduction and Scientific Observation
Lecoq uses careful observation of glasses, footprints, and the apron to deduce the presence of an accomplice and correct his earlier assumptions.
Appearance vs. Reality
Gevrol's description of a drunken man is revealed by Lecoq to be a likely ruse to allow the accomplice to communicate with the murderer.
Ambition and Professional Rivalry
Gevrol's jealousy and Lecoq's determination to prove himself highlight the rivalry between the two detectives.
Characters to notice
- Monsieur Lecoq
Reads his report, deduces the presence of an accomplice, and finds the diamond earring.
- Gevrol
Jealous of Lecoq, he describes a drunken man who was placed in the same cell as the murderer, and later sends a man to the station-house.
- Father Absinthe
Discovers a bottle of brandy and drinks; helps search the crime scene and finds the footprint.
- Widow Chupin
Her apron, with pockets turned inside out, is found at the scene, indicating the accomplice's entry.
- M. Segmuller
The commissary who listens to Lecoq's report and comments on the crime's mysterious nature.
Key passages
“I think chance offered us a splendid opportunity, and we did not know how to seize it; and that the best thing we can do now is to give over mourning, and prepare to profit by the next opportunity that presents itself.”
Lecoq suggests that they missed a great chance and should focus on the next one.
Lecoq's response to Gevrol's interference with the drunken man.
“We are, I feel convinced, in presence of one of those mysterious crimes the causes of which are beyond the reach of human sagacity—this strikes me as being one of those enigmatical cases which human justice never can reach.”
The commissary believes the crime is too mysterious for human understanding.
The commissary's skeptical view of the case, which Lecoq silently challenges.
“My folly is not deserving of such luck.”
Lecoq feels unworthy of finding the diamond earring after his earlier mistake.
Lecoq's self-criticism after discovering the earring.