XV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deduction and Scientific Observation

  Lecoq's internal debate about the prisoner's cleverness and his renewed logical reasoning—'the more appearances are against my presumptions, the more certain it is that I am right'—highlights the theme of deduction and scientific observation.

• Deception and Disguise

  The mysterious accomplice who flees from Toinon's house and the earlier betrayal of plans by Father Absinthe underscore the theme of deception and disguise, as characters hide their true intentions and identities.

Characters to notice

• Monsieur Lecoq

  Lecoq experiences a crisis of confidence after his visit to the Hotel de Mariembourg, but then renews his resolve, convinced that the prisoner's cleverness proves his guilt. He forgives Father Absinthe's betrayal and leads the investigation to find the Widow Chupin's daughter-in-law.

• Father Absinthe

  Father Absinthe returns in a pitiable state, having gotten drunk and betrayed Lecoq's plans to the enemy. He is deeply ashamed and apologetic, but Lecoq forgives him and they continue the investigation together.

• Polyte Chupin

  Polyte is mentioned as the husband of Toinon, the Widow Chupin's son, and is associated with undesirable acquaintances. Lecoq suspects his friends may be involved in the murders.

• Widow Chupin

  The Widow Chupin is mentioned as the mother-in-law of Toinon, and Lecoq seeks to find Toinon to learn more about the Chupin family and their associates.

• Toinon

  Toinon, called 'the virtuous Toinon,' is the daughter-in-law of the Widow Chupin. She is questioned by Lecoq about her husband's friends, but is evasive and defensive about her family.

• Papillon

  Father Papillon, the cab driver, arrives early to offer his services to Lecoq, insisting on using up the fare paid by the women. He drives Lecoq and Father Absinthe to the suburbs to find Toinon.

Key passages

• “I must yield; this evidence is conclusive. My presumptions were only chimeras; my deductions the playthings of chance! All I can now do is to withdraw, with the least possible damage and ridicule, from the false position I have assumed.”

  Lecoq feels defeated and considers giving up, believing his theories were wrong and that he must retreat to avoid embarrassment.

  Lecoq's moment of despair after the Hotel de Mariembourg visit.

• “What a fool I am! Is it possible to be so strong in theory, and yet so ridiculously weak in practise? Ah! I am only a child, a mere novice, disheartened by the slightest obstacle.”

  Lecoq scolds himself for being so good at theory but weak in practice, feeling like a novice who gives up too easily.

  Lecoq's self-criticism and renewed determination.

• “It is evident that such a prisoner would not resort to old, hackneyed, commonplace expedients. Time, patience, and research are requisite to find a flaw in his defense. With such a man as he is, the more appearances are against my presumptions, and in favor of his narrative, the more certain it is that I am right—or else logic is no longer logic.”

  Lecoq reasons that a clever prisoner would use sophisticated tactics, so the stronger the evidence against his theory, the more it confirms he is correct.

  Lecoq's logical reversal, turning apparent defeat into proof of his theory.