# IV: The Chief of the Enemies explained — The Crystal Stopper

> Chapter companion for The Crystal Stopper by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

Lupin disguises himself as a retired tradesman; the child's identity as the 'chief of the enemies' is a deception.

### Fate and Desperation

Gilbert's impending execution drives Lupin's desperate search for the stopper.

## Character check-ins

### Arsène Lupin

Obsessed with the crystal stopper; captures a child from Daubrecq's house.

### Gilbert

Lupin pities him, facing execution; described as a devoted, cheerful young man.

### Victoire

Finds the crystal stopper in Daubrecq's drawer; assists Lupin in the escape.

### Alexis Daubrecq

Target of Lupin's investigation; leaves the stopper in a drawer despite being spied upon.

### Vaucheray

Mentioned as Gilbert's accomplice in the murder case.

## Key lines

> Poor boy! murmured Lupin, when his eyes fell on Gilbert's letter next morning. How he must feel it!

Lupin feels deep sympathy for Gilbert upon reading his letter.

_Shows Lupin's emotional connection to Gilbert._

> Here's what you've been hunting for.

Victoire announces she has found the crystal stopper.

_Key moment: the stopper is unexpectedly recovered._

> I've brought you the indomitable chief of our enemies, the Hercules of the gang. Have you a feeding-bottle about you?

Lupin presents the captured child to Victoire with ironic humor.

_Reveals the child is the supposed leader of the opposing group._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/chapters/iv-the-chief-of-the-enemies
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/chapters