The Cask · Chapter
XI: Mm. Dupierre Et Cie explained
Inspector Burnley and Lefarge travel to Paris to investigate the cask.
What happens
Inspector Burnley and Lefarge travel to Paris to investigate the cask. They meet with M. Thévenet of Dupierre et Cie, who explains that the cask was sent to Felix containing a valuable group of statuary. The letter ordering the cask was received on March 30th, enclosing 1,500 francs in notes. The cask was packed and dispatched the same day. The detectives arrange to have the cask brought to the showroom for identification.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
The cask's label was altered, suggesting someone tampered with it after it left the showroom, hiding the true contents.
Crime and Investigation
Burnley and Lefarge systematically trace the cask's origin, interviewing witnesses and examining documents.
Characters to notice
- Inspector Burnley
Travels to Paris with Lefarge, interviews M. Thévenet, examines the order letter.
- M. Lefarge
Arranges for the cask to be transported, provides background on Dupierre et Cie.
- M. Paul Thévenet
Managing director of Dupierre et Cie, explains the cask's origin and the order from Felix.
- Mr. Felix
Mentioned as the buyer of the statuary; his letter ordering the cask is presented.
Key passages
“We have the cask in a cart outside. Perhaps, if we brought it in, you would be good enough to see if it could be identified, firstly if it is yours, and secondly, if so, if it is the particular one you sent to Felix.”
Burnley asks M. Thévenet to examine the cask to confirm it came from Dupierre et Cie and was the one sent to Felix.
Key moment of identification linking the cask to the firm.
“The letter was written by hand on one side of a single sheet of paper and was as follows:— 141 West Jubb Street, Tottenham Court Road, London, WC , 29th March, 1912 . Messrs Dupierre et Cie. , Rue Provence, Rue de la Convention, Grenelle, Paris. Gentlemen .—I am anxious to purchase the group of statuary...”
The letter from Felix orders a specific statue and encloses payment, leading to the cask being dispatched.
The letter provides a crucial clue about the cask's origin and the buyer.