# The Arrests explained — The Crystal Stopper

> Chapter companion for The Crystal Stopper by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

The burglary, murder, and arrests set the stage for themes of justice and retribution.

### Deception and Identity

Lupin's false identity as a rescuer and his escape demonstrate the theme of deception.

## Character check-ins

### Arsène Lupin

Leads the burglary, stages a cover as a rescuer, and escapes by boat after the murder.

### Gilbert

Accomplice in the burglary; arrested after a struggle with Lupin and Vaucheray.

### Vaucheray

Accomplice wounded in the shoulder; arrested and accused of killing the manservant Léonard.

### Léonard

Daubrecq's manservant; found dead with a dagger in his throat.

### Growler

One of the oarsmen rowing Lupin and his accomplices across the lake.

### Masher

One of the oarsmen rowing Lupin and his accomplices across the lake.

## Key lines

> Let the governor have his way, you ass! … As long as he gets off, isn’t that the great thing?

Vaucheray tells Gilbert to let Lupin escape, as that's what matters most.

_Vaucheray prioritizes Lupin's freedom over their own capture._

> I’m glad you’ve come. The beggar’s given me a lot of trouble. I wounded the other; but this one …

Lupin pretends to be a rescuer, claiming he subdued the criminals.

_Lupin's cover story to the police to avoid suspicion._

> Go, little bark, Float in the dark …

Lupin sings a lighthearted song as he rows away from the police.

_Lupin's nonchalant escape after the arrests._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/chapters/i-the-arrests
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/chapters