The Crystal Stopper · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Crystal Stopper by Maurice Leblanc.
Chapter 1
The Arrests
Arsène Lupin orchestrates a burglary at the Villa Marie-Thérèse, the home of Deputy Daubrecq, with his accomplices Gilbert and Vaucheray. The plan goes awry when the manservant Léonard is killed, and Vaucheray is wounded. Lupin stages a heroic rescue to avoid suspicion, but after the police arrive, he escapes by boat. Gilbert and Vaucheray are arrested, and Lupin learns of the murder and the mysterious object Vaucheray took from a cupboard.
Chapter 2
II: Eight from Nine Leaves One
Lupin reflects on the organization of his gang and the danger facing Gilbert and Vaucheray, who are accused of murder during the Enghien burglary. He investigates the mysterious crystal stopper, which was stolen from his flat, and learns about Deputy Daubrecq. A woman visits Lupin's flat but vanishes; later, Lupin spies on Daubrecq, who detects him and taunts him with the subtraction 'eight from nine leaves one.'
Chapter 3
The Home Life of Alexis Daubrecq
Lupin installs his former wet-nurse Victoire as a cook in Daubrecq's house to search for the crystal stopper, which is crucial to saving Gilbert and Vaucheray from execution. While observing Daubrecq, Lupin witnesses a mysterious woman attempt to stab Daubrecq and later discovers she is also seeking the stopper. He arranges a meeting with her at the theater, but Daubrecq interrupts before she can reveal her name.
Chapter 4
IV: The Chief of the Enemies
Lupin reflects on Gilbert's plight and his own obsession with the crystal stopper. Victoire unexpectedly finds the stopper in Daubrecq's house, but it later reappears in the drawer. Lupin discovers a panel cut into Daubrecq's bedroom door and, during a nighttime stakeout, captures a small child emerging from the room. He escapes with the child, leaving a message for the gang to retrieve him at Rue Chateaubriand.
Chapter 5
V: The Twenty-Seven
Clarisse Mergy reveals to Lupin the tragic story of her husband Victorien Mergy, whose name was on the infamous list of the Twenty-Seven, leading to his suicide after Daubrecq blackmailed him. She explains how Daubrecq stole the list from Germineaux and has used it to wield power. Clarisse describes her long search for the list, discovering that the crystal stopper is the hiding place. She also recounts her son Gilbert's return and her subsequent forgiveness. The chapter ends with Clarisse attempting suicide after her younger son Jacques is kidnapped, and Lupin vows to return the boy by midnight.
Chapter 6
VI: The Death-Sentence
The chapter details the trial and sentencing of Gilbert and Vaucheray for murder, with the prosecution using them to attack Lupin indirectly. Lupin, disguised as Dr. Vernes, confronts Daubrecq at his home, revealing his true identity and demanding the release of a boy held by Daubrecq to prevent Clarisse Mergy's suicide. Daubrecq refuses, and Lupin prepares for a direct confrontation, having already arranged for his accomplices to flee.
Chapter 7
VII: The Profile of Napoleon
Prasville investigates Daubrecq's kidnapping. Clarisse Mergy introduces her companion, M. Nicole (Lupin in disguise), who deduces from a broken ivory piece that the Marquis d'Albufex is behind the abduction. Prasville agrees to provide information on d'Albufex. Later, Lupin scales a cliff to reach the Lovers' Tower, where Daubrecq is held, and discovers a barred opening.
Chapter 8
VIII: The Lovers’ Tower
Lupin observes Daubrecq being tortured by the Marquis d'Albufex and Sébastiani in a dungeon. Daubrecq eventually reveals the hiding place of the crystal stopper under duress. D'Albufex leaves to retrieve the document, planning to free Daubrecq afterward. Lupin retreats to intercept d'Albufex and Sébastiani on the road.
Chapter 9
IX: In the Dark
Lupin recovers from his wound in an Amiens hotel, tended by Clarisse Mergy and the Masher. He learns that Daubrecq escaped during the struggle at Mortepierre, and that eighteen days have passed, worsening Gilbert's situation. Lupin's fever returns, and he experiences delirium. Upon recovering, he learns that Gilbert's appeal has been rejected. Clarisse considers revealing her identity as Gilbert's mother to save him, but Lupin insists he will obtain the list of the Twenty-Seven. He deduces that Daubrecq has intercepted a letter from Clarisse, cutting out key travel details. Lupin and his accomplices rush to the Gare de Lyon, but find no trace of Clarisse or Daubrecq.
Chapter 10
X: Extra-Dry?
Clarisse Mergy, having tracked Daubrecq to a hotel in Nice, secretly enters his room in search of the crystal stopper. Daubrecq catches her and attempts to force her into a bargain for her son Gilbert's life, but Lupin, disguised as M. Nicole, along with the Growler and the Masher, ambushes and chloroforms Daubrecq, saving Clarisse.
Chapter 11
The Cross of Lorraine
Lupin, having secured the crystal stopper and the list of the Twenty-Seven, orchestrates a plan to save Gilbert and Vaucheray from execution. He transports Daubrecq in a trunk, meets with Clarisse Mergy, and arranges an interview with Prasville to exchange the list for pardons. Despite the looming execution date, Lupin remains confident and in control.
Chapter 12
XII: The Scaffold
Lupin frantically tries to save Gilbert from execution, first by seeking to buy Vorenglade's letters, then by orchestrating a daring rescue at the guillotine. Despite his efforts, Vaucheray is killed by a shot from Lupin's accomplice, and Gilbert is reprieved only temporarily. Prasville discovers Lupin's alias and the dual exit from his flat, but Lupin escapes.
Chapter 13
The Last Battle
Lupin reveals that the real list of the Twenty-Seven was hidden inside Daubrecq's glass eye, which he has now obtained. He explains to Prasville how he orchestrated the shooting at the execution to delay it, saving Gilbert. After a tense standoff, Prasville confirms the list's authenticity. The chapter concludes with Lupin reflecting on his feelings for Clarisse Mergy and the aftermath of the adventure.
Chapter 14
Endnotes
The endnotes provide translator's notes and references to other works in the Arsène Lupin series, clarifying historical and cultural details mentioned in the main text.
