# On the Road explained — The Secret Tomb

> Chapter companion for The Secret Tomb by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

Dorothy's circus travels through old French towns, but she is preoccupied by the recent crime. After a week of melancholy, she regains her spirits and shares stories of her childhood. She meets Raoul Davernoie, who informs her that d'Estreicher has escaped. Fearing for Raoul's grandfather's safety, she immediately leaves with Raoul to Hillocks Manor. They arrive to find the gate locked and the dog barking; with the help of Captain Montfaucon, they enter and interrupt an attack on the grandfather by d'Estreicher and an accomplice, who flee.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Peril

Dorothy's journey and the urgent rescue at Hillocks Manor highlight the constant danger and adventurous spirit of the narrative.

### Resilience and Courage

Dorothy overcomes her grief and acts decisively, showing resilience; she and her companions courageously confront the attack on Raoul's grandfather.

### Family and Kinship

Dorothy's bond with her circus 'brats' and her concern for Raoul's grandfather underscore themes of family and loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Initially melancholic, then recovers her cheerfulness; shares her childhood story; takes decisive action upon learning d'Estreicher's escape.

### Baron Saint-Quentin

Walks at the head of the caravan, picks up newspapers after Dorothy, weeps with joy when she recovers her spirits, and is left in charge of the circus.

### Raoul Davernoie

Meets Dorothy at Vitré, informs her of d'Estreicher's escape, drives her to Hillocks Manor, and helps rescue his grandfather.

### D'Estreicher

Has escaped from Roborey; attacks Raoul's grandfather at Hillocks Manor with an accomplice, but flees when confronted.

### Sire Montfaucon

Helps Dorothy climb the wall and later reports seeing two men fleeing, including 'the nasty gentleman' (d'Estreicher).

### Castor

Part of the circus troupe; stops fighting during Dorothy's melancholy period.

## Key lines

> Every day, at the easy walk or slack trot of One-eyed Magpie, Dorothy’s Circus moved on.

The circus traveled daily at a leisurely pace behind the horse One-eyed Magpie.

_Describes the slow, steady progress of the circus._

> I’ve always danced on the tight rope. Some people are born poets. I was born a ropedancer.

Dorothy claims that tightrope dancing is innate to her, just as poetry is to others.

_Reveals Dorothy's self-identity and connection to her mother._

> D’Estreicher free! … Free to act! … It’s frightful!

Dorothy is horrified that d'Estreicher has escaped and is at large.

_Shows her immediate fear and sense of urgency._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters/vi-on-the-road
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters