# X: Towards the Golden Fleece explained — The Secret Tomb

> Chapter companion for The Secret Tomb by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

Dorothy recovers from her ordeal and resumes the journey toward Roche-Périac. Along the way, she encounters a tramp who repeats a family motto about fortune being in the firm heart and mentions his annual vigil at the church. She also meets the old Baron and Juliet Assire, who are drawn to the peninsula but stopped by the tide. At the ruined clock, Dorothy meets an Englishman and a Russian soldier, all apparently summoned to the same meeting place.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Peril

Dorothy's journey to Roche-Périac is framed as a quest for the Golden Fleece, with obstacles and mysterious encounters.

### Treasure and Legacy

The motto 'In robore fortuna' and the inherited instructions drive characters toward a hidden fortune.

### Resilience and Courage

Dorothy overcomes physical torpor and emotional turmoil, pressing on with determination.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Recovering from fever, she leads the caravan toward Roche-Périac, determined to capture the Golden Fleece.

### Baron Saint-Quentin

Insists Dorothy rest; accompanies the caravan and expresses concern about the future.

### Raoul Davernoie

Dorothy thinks of him with anger and tenderness, conflicted about his father's role in the crime.

### Sire Montfaucon

Takes Dorothy's place in the leading role during a performance near Nantes.

### Marquis de Beaugreval

The old Baron, found standing with Juliet Assire at the causeway, unable to cross the water.

### Juliet Assire

Accompanies the old Baron to the peninsula, both appearing dazed and automaton-like.

### Archibald Webster

The Englishman who arrives on horseback at the ruined clock, taciturn and phlegmatic.

### Kourobelef

The Russian soldier with a shaven head and arm in a sling, who arrives at the clock meeting.

## Key lines

> In robore fortuna!

Fortune lies in strength.

_The motto found on the clock and elsewhere, central to the treasure hunt._

> One isn't miserable while one's brave: Fortune is in the firm heart.

Courage brings fortune; a brave heart is never truly poor.

_The tramp Hyacinth repeats his father's saying, echoing the chapter's theme._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters/x-towards-the-golden-fleece
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters