# X: The Red Cord explained — The Golden Triangle

> Chapter companion for The Golden Triangle by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

Patrice and Coralie discover that the tomb in the garden belongs to their parents, both murdered on April 14, 1895. Patrice learns that the lodge was bought by his father and later sold to Siméon Diodokis, who has been their secret protector. Siméon, now mad, leads Patrice to Bournef, who reveals a letter from Siméon warning of danger to Coralie. Patrice rushes home to find Ya-Bon wounded and Coralie strangled with a red silk cord, but she survives, terrified for Patrice's life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Hidden Identities

The tomb reveals the hidden past of Patrice and Coralie's parents, and Siméon's secret role as protector.

### Love and Sacrifice

Siméon's long-term dedication to avenging his friend and protecting Coralie and Patrice.

### Justice and Revenge

The quest to avenge the murdered parents and the ongoing threat to Coralie.

### Madness and Obsession

Siméon's madness and the obsessive nature of the enemy's attacks.

## Character check-ins

### Patrice Belval

Investigates the tomb, discovers his father's murder, and rescues Coralie from an attack.

### Coralie

Discovers her mother's tomb, prays fervently, and is attacked with a red cord.

### Ya-Bon

Wounded while guarding Coralie's door during the attack.

### Siméon Diodokis

Revealed as the secret protector, now mad; leads Patrice to Bournef.

### Bournef

Accomplice encountered at a café; shows Patrice a warning letter from Siméon.

### Essarès Bey

Mentioned as Coralie's husband; his death does not end the danger.

### M. Masseron

Investigates Siméon's room and receives the letter from Bournef.

### Arsène Lupin

Implied presence through the narrative style and the secret protector role.

## Key lines

> What was your mother’s name, Coralie?

Patrice asks Coralie for her mother's name.

_Leads to the discovery of the tomb's significance._

> The lodge was bought twenty-one years ago by my father. Two years later my father died; and the lodge, which of course formed part of his estate, was put up for sale by the present notary’s predecessor and bought by one Siméon Diodokis, a Greek subject.

Patrice reveals that Siméon Diodokis purchased the lodge after his father's death.

_Establishes Siméon's long connection to the property._

> I'm frightened for you!

Coralie expresses fear for Patrice's safety after the attack.

_Highlights the ongoing danger and her concern._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_triangle_se/chapters/x-the-red-cord
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_triangle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_golden_triangle_se/chapters