Fantômas · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Fantômas by Pierre Souvestre.

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Chapter 1
The Genius of Crime
At a dinner party at the Château of Beaulieu, President Bonnet introduces the mysterious and terrifying figure of Fantômas, sparking a debate about crime and justice. The guests, including the Marquise de Langrune, the Baronne de Vibray, the Abbé Sicot, and young Charles Rambert, discuss the nature of crime and the difficulty of catching modern criminals. Charles Rambert, fascinated by Fantômas, later experiences a restless night filled with fearful imaginings.
Chapter 2
A Tragic Dawn
Etienne Rambert arrives at the Gare d'Orsay to catch a slow train to Verrières, heading for the château of Beaulieu. He is met by his son Charles and Thérèse Auvernois, who walk with him through the countryside. As they approach the château, the steward Dollon rushes out with the news that the Marquise de Langrune has been found murdered in her room.
Chapter 3
The Hunt for the Man
Examining magistrate M. de Presles arrives at the château of Beaulieu to investigate the murder of the Marquise de Langrune. He interviews the steward Dollon and the police sergeant, examines the crime scene, and begins his preliminary enquiry, noting the violent nature of the wounds and the forced bolt on the bedroom door. He learns the layout of the château and the sleeping arrangements on the night of the murder, concluding that the killer likely entered by force and that no one in the house appears to be the culprit.
Chapter 4
No! I Am Not Mad!
Two days after the murder of the Marquise de Langrune, two tramps are brought to the château by gendarmes. Meanwhile, Etienne Rambert confronts his son Charles, accusing him of the murder based on circumstantial evidence, including a bloodstained towel found in his room. Charles vehemently denies the accusation, and the conversation turns to the possibility of hereditary insanity. The chapter ends with Thérèse overhearing the argument and collapsing in horror.
Chapter 5
Arrest Me!
Inspector Juve, disguised as a tramp named François Paul, investigates the murder of the Marquise de Langrune near Beaulieu. He interacts with railway workers and arranges a fake arrest with Sergeant Doucet to maintain his cover, learning that the murderer has been identified.

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The Genius of Crime

A Tragic Dawn

The Hunt for the Man

No! I Am Not Mad!

Arrest Me!