# Mr. Leopold Asks Irrelevant Questions explained — The Cloven Foot

> Chapter companion for The Cloven Foot by M. E. Braddon.

## What happens

John Treverton is questioned by his lawyer, Mr. Leopold, about the night of La Chicot's murder. Leopold probes Treverton's alibi, his knowledge of Desrolles, and the possibility of a diamond necklace. The inquiry is adjourned, and Leopold places advertisements seeking Desrolles and the necklace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Justice

The chapter focuses on the legal inquiry into La Chicot's murder, with Mr. Leopold building a defense and questioning witnesses.

### Secrets and Deception

Treverton's reluctance to speak about Desrolles and the mystery of the diamond necklace suggest hidden truths.

## Character check-ins

### John Treverton

The accused, being questioned by his lawyer about the murder of his wife.

### Mr. Leopold

The criminal lawyer representing Treverton, asking probing questions about the case.

### Thomas Sampson

Honest Tom Sampson, present during the questioning, admiring Leopold's skill.

### Mr. Desrolles

A tenant in the house at the time of the murder, described as a broken-down gentleman; Treverton is reluctant to discuss him.

### George Gerard

Witness who discovered the dagger in Jack Chicot's colour box, subpoenaed by the prosecution.

### La Chicot

The murder victim, Treverton's wife; her death is the subject of the inquiry.

## Key lines

> I can tell you very little," answered John Treverton. "I know nothing to his discredit, except that he was poor, and too fond of brandy for his own welfare.

John Treverton says he knows little about Desrolles, only that he is poor and drinks too much.

_Treverton downplays his knowledge of Desrolles, hiding the fact that Desrolles is Laura's father._

> I neither met nor spoke to a mortal, except a man at a coffee stall near the Mother Redcap, on my way back.

Treverton claims he only spoke to a coffee stall vendor on his walk back from Hampstead Heath.

_This is a potential alibi witness, though Leopold doubts its usefulness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters/xl-mr-leopold-asks-irrelevant-questions
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cloven_foot_se/chapters