# XXIII explained — Monsieur Lecoq

> Chapter companion for Monsieur Lecoq by Émile Gaboriau.

## What happens

Lecoq and Father Absinthe visit the renowned detective Tabaret, who is bedridden with gout. Lecoq recounts the details of the triple murder and the investigation, seeking advice. Tabaret praises Lecoq's work but criticizes his mistakes, particularly his failure to distrust appearances, and asserts that M. d'Escorval's broken leg is a fiction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Tabaret emphasizes the axiom of distrusting appearances, criticizing Lecoq for believing the plausible story of M. d'Escorval's broken leg.

### Deduction and Scientific Observation

Tabaret's methodical critique of Lecoq's investigation highlights the importance of logical deduction and careful observation.

## Character check-ins

### Monsieur Tabaret

The bedridden detective, also known as Tirauclair, who listens to Lecoq's account and offers critique and advice.

### Monsieur Lecoq

The young detective who visits Tabaret to seek guidance on the investigation.

### Father Absinthe

Accompanies Lecoq to Tabaret's home and is present during the consultation.

### Gevrol

Mentioned as the inspector who betrayed Lecoq during the investigation.

## Key lines

> Always distrust appearances; believe precisely the contrary of what appears true, or even probable.

Never trust what seems obvious; assume the opposite of what appears to be true or likely.

_Tabaret reminds Lecoq of this core detective principle, which Lecoq failed to apply._

> I don't suppose it; I'm sure of it.

I am certain that M. d'Escorval's broken leg is a fabrication.

_Tabaret confidently asserts that the story of the broken leg is false, challenging Lecoq's assumptions._

## Links

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