The Confessions of Arsène Lupin · Chapter
The Sign of the Shadow explained
Lupin is shown a painting dated 15.4.2 by the narrator, who has observed that a neighbor, Louise d'Ernemont, leaves her home every April 15th.
What happens
Lupin is shown a painting dated 15.4.2 by the narrator, who has observed that a neighbor, Louise d'Ernemont, leaves her home every April 15th. Lupin investigates and learns that the painting depicts a courtyard linked to a hidden treasure of the guillotined farmer-general d'Ernemont. He visits the notary Maître Valandier, who explains that three identical paintings exist, each held by different heirs, and that the treasure has never been found. Despite the notary's skepticism, Lupin deposits 5,000 francs to search for the treasure on the next April 15th, a year away.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and Puzzle Solving
The chapter revolves around the cryptic date on the paintings and the century-old unsolved treasure hunt, which Lupin takes on as a puzzle.
Wealth and Greed
The hidden treasure of the farmer-general drives the actions of the heirs and the various impostors who have tried to claim it over the years.
Deception and Identity
Lupin disguises himself as Captain Jeanniot to investigate, and the story involves false claims and trickery among the heirs.
Characters to notice
- Arsène Lupin
Disguised as a retired officer, Lupin examines the painting and decides to investigate the d'Ernemont mystery, depositing 5,000 francs to search for the treasure.
- Louise d'Ernemont
A descendant of the farmer-general, she lives modestly with her daughter and leaves home every April 15th, the date on the painting.
- Maître Valandier
The notary handling the d'Ernemont estate; he explains the history of the treasure hunt and accepts Lupin's deposit.
- Charles d'Ernemont
The son of the farmer-general, who painted the three pictures and inscribed them with the date 15.4.2 before his death.
- Captain Jeanniot
The alias used by Lupin when dealing with the notary and the heirs.
Key passages
“I received your telegram and here I am”
Lupin arrives in response to the narrator's summons.
Lupin enters disguised as an elderly officer.
“the 15th of April plays an important part in the life of Louise d'Ernemont”
The narrator reveals that Louise d'Ernemont leaves home every April 15th.
This annual ritual is linked to the date on the painting.
“Here are your five thousand francs.”
Lupin pays the deposit to search for the treasure.
He commits to solving the mystery by the next April 15th.