# XIII: The Explosion explained — The Teeth of the Tiger

> Chapter companion for The Teeth of the Tiger by Maurice Leblanc.

## What happens

As the deadline for the fourth mysterious letter approaches, the public and police are in a state of high agitation. Don Luis Perenna, now identified as Arsène Lupin, has disappeared after warning the police of an imminent explosion at Hippolyte Fauville's house. The Prefect of Police, M. Desmalions, initially skeptical, orders the house evacuated at the last minute. The explosion occurs exactly at three o'clock, destroying the house. Meanwhile, Don Luis, having dug a tunnel from his hiding place to reach a telephone, survives and later reunites with Sergeant Mazeroux, vowing to free Marie Fauville and Gaston Sauverand from prison.

## Themes in this chapter

### Intelligence and Cunning

Don Luis's clever escape through a tunnel and his strategic warning to the police highlight his resourcefulness and foresight.

### Crime and Punishment

The explosion and the police investigation underscore the tension between criminal acts and the pursuit of justice.

### Love and Obsession

Don Luis's determination to save Florence Levasseur and Marie Fauville reveals his deep personal motivations and emotional stakes.

## Character check-ins

### Don Luis Perenna

Survives the explosion by digging a tunnel to a telephone, warns the police, and later emerges determined to prove the innocence of Marie Fauville and Sauverand.

### Sergeant Mazeroux

Assists Don Luis after his escape, provides food and clothing, and accompanies him to meet the Prefect.

### M. Desmalions

Prefect of Police who initially hesitates but ultimately orders the evacuation of the house moments before the explosion.

### Florence Levasseur

Mentioned as having fled; she is Don Luis's secretary and the woman he loves, currently sought by police.

### Marie Fauville

Imprisoned and persisting in suicidal plans; Don Luis aims to secure her release.

### Gaston Sauverand

Arrested and imprisoned; Don Luis intends to prove his innocence.

## Key lines

> The fourth mysterious letter! The fourth of those letters 'posted by the devil and delivered by the devil,' as one of the newspapers expressed it!

The fourth letter, described by the press as diabolically delivered, has arrived.

_Sets the stage for the chapter's central event._

> At three o'clock exactly, the house was blown up.

The explosion occurred precisely at the predicted time.

_Confirms the accuracy of the threat and Don Luis's warning._

> I shall send a bullet through my head. I could not go on living after making myself look so ridiculous.

The Prefect threatens suicide if the explosion does not happen, highlighting his embarrassment.

_Shows the Prefect's internal conflict and the high stakes of the situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_teeth_of_the_tiger_se/chapters/xiii-the-explosion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_teeth_of_the_tiger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_teeth_of_the_tiger_se/chapters