# XXVI explained — Monsieur Lecoq

> Chapter companion for Monsieur Lecoq by Émile Gaboriau.

## What happens

The Duc de Sairmeuse and the Marquis de Courtornieu hastily review three hundred prisoners by lantern light, selecting thirty for trial by a military commission that replaces a court-martial. The Baron d'Escorval and Chanlouineau are at the top of the list. Meanwhile, Mme. d'Escorval and Marie-Anne travel to Montaignac with the help of Corporal Bavois, arriving at the Hotel de France to find Maurice and the abbé disheartened by the swift and lawless proceedings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Moral Ambiguity

The military commission, presided over by the duke who is both participant and judge, subverts legal justice and condemns without investigation.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

The duke and marquis, as aristocrats, wield unchecked power over the prisoners, while neighbors refuse to help the baroness out of fear of compromising themselves.

## Character check-ins

### Duc de Sairmeuse

Presides over the military commission and reviews prisoners, acting as participant, witness, and judge.

### Marquis de Courtornieu

Assists the duke in reviewing prisoners and selecting the thirty most dangerous conspirators.

### Baron d'Escorval

His name leads the list of prisoners selected for the military commission.

### Eugène Chanlouineau

Also at the top of the list; promises to save the baron, as relayed by Corporal Bavois.

### Corporal Bavois

Helps Mme. d'Escorval and Marie-Anne by providing a horse and escorting them to Montaignac.

### Mme. d'Escorval

Receives Maurice's letter and travels to Montaignac with Marie-Anne, arriving at the Hotel de France.

### Marie-Anne Lacheneur

Travels with Mme. d'Escorval to Montaignac after hearing of the baron's arrest.

### Abbé Midon

Plans to force an entrance to the duke's house; disheartened by the substitution of a military commission for a court-martial.

## Key lines

> They numbered three hundred, and the duke and his companion had decided to summon before the commission thirty of the most dangerous conspirators.

Out of three hundred prisoners, the duke and his associate selected thirty they deemed the most dangerous to face the commission.

_Highlights the arbitrary and rapid selection process._

> In contempt of all human laws and the commonest rules of justice, the presidency of this tribunal of vengeance and of hatred had been bestowed upon the Duc de Sairmeuse.

The duke was made president of the commission, defying legal norms and turning it into a tool of revenge.

_Emphasizes the perversion of justice._

> I have seen Chanlouineau. Be of good cheer; he promises to save Monsieur d'Escorval!

Corporal Bavois reports that Chanlouineau has vowed to rescue the baron.

_A glimmer of hope amid the dire situation._

## Links

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