# Lupin's Lupins explained — The Teeth of the Tiger

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

## What happens

Don Luis Perenna has retired to Saint-Maclou, where he lives a peaceful life cultivating his garden, especially his lupins, and helping those in need. He speaks fondly of Arsène Lupin, defending his character and deeds. Meanwhile, Valenglay and the Prefect of Police await Perenna's arrival, confident he will capture the true criminal. Perenna arrives precisely on time and reveals that he has caught Jean Vernocq, a degenerate criminal responsible for multiple murders, including those of the Dedessuslamare couple and old M. Langernault. He also explains that Florence Levasseur only pitied Vernocq, not loved him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Disguise

Don Luis Perenna lives under a false identity, yet openly defends Arsène Lupin, blurring the line between his past and present selves.

### Justice and Injustice

Perenna helps victims of oppression and captures the true criminal, Jean Vernocq, bringing justice for multiple murders.

### Crime and Punishment

The chapter details Vernocq's crimes—robbery, murder, and manipulation—and his capture by Perenna.

## Character check-ins

### Don Luis Perenna

Retired to Saint-Maclou, cultivates lupins, helps the unfortunate, and defends Arsène Lupin's legacy. Later arrives at Valenglay's office precisely on time, having captured Jean Vernocq.

### Florence Levasseur

Present in Saint-Maclou with a happy face; her life is in the balance, but Perenna clarifies she only pitied Vernocq, not loved him.

### Valenglay

Prime Minister who awaits Perenna's arrival with the Prefect of Police, confident in his success.

### M. Desmalions

Prefect of Police who discusses Perenna's punctuality and receives updates from Angers and Le Mans.

### Jean Vernocq

Revealed as the true criminal: a degenerate responsible for multiple murders, including the Dedessuslamare couple and old M. Langernault, and for manipulating Florence.

### Arsène Lupin

Defended by Don Luis as a master of adventure who did more good than harm; his epitaph would read 'Here lies Arsène Lupin, adventurer.'

## Key lines

> He was a master of adventure.

Don Luis describes Arsène Lupin as an expert in adventurous exploits.

_Perenna's defense of Lupin's character._

> I have the proofs in my hands.

Perenna asserts he has evidence to support his claims about Vernocq's crimes.

_Perenna's confidence in his capture of the true criminal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_teeth_of_the_tiger_se/chapters/xxi-lupin-s-lupins
- 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