The Mystery of the Yellow Room · Chapter
XXVIII: In Which It Is Proved That One Does Not Always Think of Everything explained
Rouletabille's revelations in court lead to the adjournment of the trial, the release of Robert Darzac on bail, and the exoneration of Daddy Jacques.
What happens
Rouletabille's revelations in court lead to the adjournment of the trial, the release of Robert Darzac on bail, and the exoneration of Daddy Jacques. Frédéric Larsan has vanished. Rouletabille becomes a celebrated figure but remains humble. In a train conversation with Sainclair, he explains how he came to suspect Larsan, citing the lie about the bamboo cane and the failure to connect it to Larsan's injury and disguise.
Themes in this chapter
The Role of the Press
The press amplifies Rouletabille's fame, illustrating the media's power to create public heroes.
Secrecy and Silence
Rouletabille's withheld suspicions and Larsan's concealed identity drive the plot; the lie about the cane is a key secret.
Characters to notice
- Joseph Rouletabille
Reveals his reasoning for suspecting Larsan; becomes the 'man of the hour' but remains modest.
- Sainclair
Narrates the chapter; questions Rouletabille about his deductions and the cane evidence.
- Frédéric Larsan
Has vanished after being exposed; his lie about the cane and his wound are discussed.
- Monsieur Robert Darzac
Released on bail after the trial adjournment; cleared of suspicion.
- Daddy Jacques
Receives a 'no cause for action' and is freed.
Key passages
“Why did we not immediately say to ourselves: 'Fred is lying. He could not have had this cane in London. He was not in London. He bought it in Paris'?”
Rouletabille questions why they did not realize Larsan's claim about the cane was false, given that he was not in London at the time.
Highlights the missed clue that could have exposed Larsan earlier.
“He had been wounded in the hand by Mademoiselle Stangerson, so that the cane was useful to enable him to close his hand in carrying it.”
Larsan used the cane to conceal his injured hand, which was hurt during the attack on Mademoiselle Stangerson.
Explains the practical motive behind Larsan's purchase of the cane.