The Golden Triangle · Chapter
XV: The Belle Hélène explained
Patrice and Don Luis pursue Siméon, who has fled with the gold aboard the barge Belle Hélène.
What happens
Patrice and Don Luis pursue Siméon, who has fled with the gold aboard the barge Belle Hélène. Don Luis realizes Siméon has laid a false trail, and the gold is not on the barge. They race back to Paris, fearing for Coralie's safety. Don Luis deduces a woman accomplice is involved, possibly Grégoire in disguise.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Hidden Identities
Siméon's elaborate false trail with the Belle Hélène and the revelation that Grégoire may be a woman in disguise highlight the theme of deception.
Greed and Corruption
The pursuit of the stolen gold and Siméon's manipulation of the treasure for personal gain underscore greed and corruption.
Characters to notice
- Patrice Belval
Accompanies Don Luis in pursuit of Siméon and the gold; expresses concern for Coralie's safety.
- Don Luis Perenna
Leads the chase, deduces Siméon's deception, and orders Ya-Bon to guard Berthou's Wharf.
- Siméon Diodokis
The antagonist who lays a false trail with the Belle Hélène and escapes to Paris.
- Ya-Bon
Ordered by Don Luis to guard Berthou's Wharf and capture Siméon alive if seen.
- Coralie
Taken to a safe house on Boulevard Maillot for protection while the men pursue Siméon.
- Grégoire
Mentioned as possibly being a woman in disguise and an accomplice of Siméon.
Key passages
“Old Siméon is a wonderful old hand! He's a match worth meeting. He gives you a run for your money. He laid a trap in which I've been fairly caught.”
Don Luis admits Siméon outwitted him with a clever decoy.
Don Luis acknowledges Siméon's cunning in setting a false trail.
“But who the devil can this woman be?”
Don Luis wonders about the identity of the female accomplice.
Don Luis suspects a woman is involved in the deception.