# XIV explained — Monsieur Lecoq

> Chapter companion for Monsieur Lecoq by Émile Gaboriau.

## What happens

Lecoq, undeterred by colleagues' jeers, searches for Father Absinthe and investigates the prisoner's claim about a trunk left at a hotel near the Northern Railway Station. He visits the Hotel de Mariembourg, where the landlady, Madame Milner, confirms that a man named May registered on Sunday, February 20th, and left a trunk. Lecoq retrieves the commissary of police to compel opening the trunk.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deduction and Scientific Observation

Lecoq systematically investigates the prisoner's claim about the trunk, using observation and deduction to verify details despite setbacks.

### Deception and Disguise

Lecoq adopts an English accent and alters his appearance to avoid detection while questioning hotel proprietors, and later drops the disguise when confronted.

### Ambition and Professional Rivalry

Gevrol's jealousy and mockery of Lecoq highlight the rivalry within the police force, as Lecoq strives to prove his theory against opposition.

## Character check-ins

### Monsieur Lecoq

Persists in his investigation despite mockery from colleagues; searches for Father Absinthe and visits hotels to verify the prisoner's story about a trunk.

### Father Absinthe

Mentioned as absent; Lecoq is anxious about his prolonged disappearance and fears Gevrol's interference.

### Gevrol

Jealous inspector who spreads ridicule about Lecoq and is suspected of trying to undermine his investigation.

### Madame Milner

Proprietor of the Hotel de Mariembourg; confirms that a man named May registered and left a trunk; initially suspicious of Lecoq.

### Polyte Chupin

Mentioned as Lecoq needs to find his wife's address to serve a summons.

## Key lines

> He laughs best who laughs last.

Lecoq consoles himself that he will ultimately triumph over the mockery of his colleagues.

_Reflects Lecoq's determination and confidence in his investigative abilities._

> Where there's a will, there's a way.

Lecoq resolves to succeed despite the difficulty of finding an unknown person in a large city.

_Highlights Lecoq's perseverance and inner motivation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters/xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/monsieur_lecoq_se/chapters