# XIX: The Testing of an Alibi explained — The Cask

> Chapter companion for The Cask by Freeman Wills Crofts.

## What happens

Lefarge travels to Charenton and Brussels to verify M. Boirac's alibi. He confirms Boirac's presence at a restaurant in Charenton and at a hotel in Brussels, and checks details about his brother's house in Malines. After thorough investigation, Lefarge concludes that Boirac's statement is true, implying his innocence and shifting suspicion toward Felix.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

Lefarge uses deception, posing as a friend and using a false name, to extract information from witnesses.

### Crime and Investigation

The chapter focuses on the systematic verification of an alibi as part of a murder investigation.

### Justice and Innocence

Lefarge's conclusion that Boirac's alibi is true points toward his innocence and the pursuit of the real culprit.

## Character check-ins

### M. Lefarge

Conducts the investigation into Boirac's alibi, traveling to Charenton and Brussels.

### M. Boirac

The subject of the alibi investigation; his statement is tested and found true.

### François

Mentioned as having taken Boirac's bag to the Gare du Nord.

### M. Chauvet

Receives Lefarge's report at the Sûreté.

### Mr. Felix

Implicated as the alternative suspect if Boirac is innocent.

## Key lines

> He therefore came to the deliberate conclusion that the pump manufacturer's statement was true. And if it was true M. Boirac was innocent of the murder, and if he was innocent—Felix …

Lefarge decided that Boirac's alibi was genuine, meaning Boirac did not commit the murder, which then pointed to Felix as the likely killer.

_The climax of the chapter where Lefarge's investigation shifts suspicion to Felix._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cask_se/chapters/xix-the-testing-of-an-alibi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cask_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cask_se/chapters