# XVII: The Secret Perishes explained — The Secret Tomb

> Chapter companion for The Secret Tomb by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

Dorothy's daring bluff with a rifle forces d'Estreicher to flee, but she cannot bring herself to shoot him. Her three suitors—Webster, Errington, and Dario—pursue him in vain. Over the following days at Roche-Périac, the men are enchanted by Dorothy, each proposing marriage; she promises to choose on August 1st. They depart, and Dorothy uses the Beaugreval treasure to pay off the moneylender Voirin at Hillocks Manor, saving the estate for Raoul.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Courage

Dorothy's bluff against d'Estreicher and her refusal to kill him demonstrate both daring and moral restraint.

### Treasure and Legacy

The Beaugreval treasure is used to save the family estate, fulfilling the legacy while the diamonds remain hidden.

### Identity and Disguise

Dorothy's dual nature as princess and circus manager fascinates her suitors, blending roles of nobility and showmanship.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Confronts d'Estreicher with a bluff, spares his life, charms her suitors, and pays off the moneylender to save Hillocks Manor.

### D'Estreicher

Outwitted by Dorothy's bluff, he escapes but vows to return for the diamonds and for her.

### Archibald Webster

One of Dorothy's suitors; pursues d'Estreicher and later offers to help with the moneylender.

### George Errington

Another suitor; speaks of his mother and joins the pursuit of d'Estreicher.

### Marco Dario

Third suitor; proposes marriage and later remarks on Dorothy's unique ability to find treasure.

### Raoul Davernoie

Present at Hillocks Manor when the moneylender threatens foreclosure; saved by Dorothy's payment.

### Count Octave de Chagny

Offers to arrange payment for Raoul but is overruled by Dorothy's intervention.

### Monsieur Voirin

The moneylender demanding payment at Hillocks Manor; forced to leave by Dorothy.

## Key lines

> Sold! It's those brats and the rifle is nothing but old iron! My God, you have a nerve!

D'Estreicher realizes Dorothy's bluff, calling her audacious but acknowledging her nerve.

_Highlights Dorothy's clever deception and d'Estreicher's grudging respect._

> I would rather have my tongue torn out and be roasted over a slow fire than divulge the secret. They're mine. I'll take them when I please.

D'Estreicher vows never to reveal the diamonds' location, asserting his claim.

_Emphasizes the theme of treasure and legacy and d'Estreicher's stubbornness._

> The diamonds they desired was she, Dorothy. Their ancestor Beaugreval could not have foreseen for them a more magnificent treasure.

The suitors come to see Dorothy herself as the true treasure, surpassing the diamonds.

_Shifts focus from material wealth to romantic and personal value._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters/xvii-the-secret-perishes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters