# XVIII: In Robore Fortuna explained — The Secret Tomb

> Chapter companion for The Secret Tomb by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

Dorothy reveals that she has solved the mystery of the treasure by interpreting the Latin motto 'In robore fortuna' as a reference to an oak tree (rouvre). She explains that the diamonds are hidden in the hollow of an oak. Later, she learns from Raoul that there were two gold medals—one invalid, one valid—and realizes that she inadvertently robbed Raoul of his inheritance. She secretly resolves to restore it. At a family dinner, she is lighthearted and affectionate. The next morning, she leaves a letter declaring that Errington, Webster, Dario, and Raoul are the true heirs and that the fourth diamond is theirs.

## Themes in this chapter

### Treasure and Legacy

Dorothy solves the riddle of the treasure's hiding place, and the chapter revolves around the inheritance and rightful ownership of the diamonds.

### Intelligence and Intuition

Dorothy's clever interpretation of the Latin motto and her intuitive understanding of the countryside reveal her unique intelligence.

### Identity and Disguise

The revelation of the two medals and the true heirs underscores hidden identities and the concealment of facts.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Reveals the treasure's hiding place, learns of the two medals, and decides to restore Raoul's inheritance.

### Raoul Davernoie

Confronts Dorothy about the settlement, reveals the existence of the two medals, and reads her farewell letter.

### Archibald Webster

One of the three cousins; questions Dorothy about the money and is amazed by her insight.

### Marco Dario

One of the three cousins; presses Dorothy for the truth about the diamonds.

### George Errington

One of the three cousins; asks Dorothy about the source of the three hundred thousand francs.

### Count Octave de Chagny

Present at the gathering, astonished by Dorothy's revelation.

## Key lines

> In robore fortuna.… In robore fortuna.…

The fortune is in the oak.

_Dorothy translates the Latin motto to reveal the treasure's hiding place in a hollow oak tree._

> I have hidden my fortune in the hollow of a rouvre oak.

The treasure is concealed inside an oak tree.

_Dorothy explains the meaning of the motto to the assembled family._

> By my eternal salvation, this is the truth. Errington, Webster, Dario, and you, Raoul, are the veritable heirs of the Marquis de Beaugreval, specified in his will.

I swear that you four are the true heirs to the treasure.

_Dorothy's letter declares the cousins and Raoul as the rightful heirs._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters/xviii-in-robore-fortuna
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_tomb_se/chapters