# XII explained — The Lerouge Case

> Chapter companion for The Lerouge Case by Émile Gaboriau.

## What happens

Albert is arrested and taken to prison, where he falls into a deep sleep. M. Daburon interrogates Albert, who maintains his innocence despite the mounting evidence. M. Tabaret initially believes Albert is guilty but later, after reading the examination report, becomes convinced that Albert is innocent and that a judicial error has been made.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

The chapter explores the tension between legal procedure and the possibility of judicial error, as Tabaret shifts from certainty of guilt to belief in Albert's innocence.

### Obsession and Detection

Tabaret's methodical approach to constructing an accusation and his subsequent doubt highlight the obsessive nature of detective work.

## Character check-ins

### Albert de Commarin

Arrested and placed in solitary confinement; during interrogation he maintains his innocence and struggles to account for his whereabouts on the evening of the murder.

### M. Daburon

The investigating magistrate who interrogates Albert and is initially convinced of his guilt, but later shows uncertainty.

### M. Tabaret

The detective who first deduces Albert's guilt but later, after reading the examination report, becomes convinced that Albert is innocent.

### Constant

The clerk who grins at Tabaret's astonishment and provides the examination report to Tabaret.

### Count Rheteau de Commarin

Mentioned as having been struck with apoplexy during Albert's arrest.

### Claire d'Arlange

Albert recalls memories of her while being processed in prison.

## Key lines

> I have with my own hands opened an abyss! I have lost her a second time, and by my own fault.

The magistrate feels he has ruined his chance with Claire by acting too hastily against Albert.

_M. Daburon's self-reproach after realizing the consequences of his actions._

> He is evidently guilty, replied the magistrate, with a harshness very different to his usual manner.

The magistrate speaks curtly, asserting Albert's guilt.

_Tabaret is surprised by the magistrate's tone._

> Sir, said he to the magistrate in a strange voice, I have been the involuntary cause of a terrible mistake. This man is innocent.

Tabaret declares that he has inadvertently led to a grave error and that Albert is not guilty.

_Tabaret's reversal after reading the examination report._

> Before God, he answered, and by all that is most sacred on earth, I swear to you, sir, that I am innocent!

Albert swears solemnly that he did not commit the murder.

_Albert's protestation of innocence during interrogation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lerouge_case_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lerouge_case_se/chapters