# The Last Battle explained — The Crystal Stopper

> Chapter companion for The Crystal Stopper by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Identity

Lupin's multiple aliases (M. Nicole) and the hidden list in Daubrecq's glass eye underscore the theme of concealed identity and trickery.

### Sacrifice and Maternal Love

Clarisse Mergy's desperate efforts to save her son Gilbert drive much of the plot, culminating in Lupin's risky intervention.

### Crime and Punishment

The looming execution of Gilbert and Vaucheray, and Lupin's violent acts to delay justice, highlight the tension between crime and its consequences.

## Character check-ins

### Arsène Lupin

Reveals the hiding place of the list in Daubrecq's glass eye, confesses to the shooting at the execution, and reflects on his feelings for Clarisse.

### Alexis Daubrecq

His glass eye is revealed to contain the genuine list of the Twenty-Seven; he is brought to Lupin in a trunk.

### Clarisse Mergy

Lupin recalls his kiss with her on the fishing-smack and her subsequent avoidance of him; she is saved from death by the delayed execution.

### Gilbert

His execution is delayed by Lupin's intervention; later revealed to be farming in Algeria under his real name, Antoine Mergy.

### Prasville

Confronts Lupin (as M. Nicole), examines the glass eye, and confirms the list's authenticity; initially holds Lupin at gunpoint.

### Vaucheray

Killed by Lupin's shot during the execution to create chaos and delay Gilbert's beheading.

### Victoire

Mentioned as the servant who suggested the house on the Boulevard Arago, enabling Lupin's plan.

## Key lines

> It was simply to go for Daubrecq's eye, that eye 'emptied within so as to leave a void which it is impossible to suspect,' the eye which you see before you.

Lupin explains that the real list was hidden in Daubrecq's glass eye, which was hollowed out to conceal it.

_Lupin reveals the secret of the crystal stopper to Prasville._

> By killing that infamous brute, that hardened criminal, Vaucheray, and wounding the executioner, I spread disorder and panic; I made Gilbert's execution physically and morally impossible; and I thus gained the few hours which were indispensable for my purpose.

Lupin admits to shooting Vaucheray and the executioner to delay Gilbert's beheading.

_Lupin justifies his actions to Prasville as a necessary tactic._

> I swear before heaven that she was something more than a grateful mother, something more than a friend yielding to a moment of susceptibility, that she was a woman also, a woman quivering with emotion...

Lupin recalls that Clarisse's kiss on the boat was a genuine romantic moment, not just gratitude.

_Lupin reflects on his deep feelings for Clarisse Mergy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/chapters/xiii-the-last-battle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/chapters