Fantômas · Chapter
At the Saint-Anthony's Pig explained
In the basement tavern Saint-Anthony's Pig, a chaotic night unfolds as Berthe tries to enlist her brother Hogshead Geoffroy's help to remove iron bars from a window.
What happens
In the basement tavern Saint-Anthony's Pig, a chaotic night unfolds as Berthe tries to enlist her brother Hogshead Geoffroy's help to remove iron bars from a window. The tavern is filled with colorful characters, including Bouzille, a tramp turned attraction, and Julot, who discusses a robbery at the Royal Palace. A fight erupts, leading to a police raid that ends with a detective stabbed and the green man (Juve) revealing that his companion is actually Charles Rambert in disguise as Mademoiselle Jeanne. Gurn escapes in the confusion.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Lady Beltham’s d…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Identity and Deception
Charles Rambert is disguised as Mademoiselle Jeanne, and Juve operates undercover as the green man, highlighting themes of hidden identity and deception.
- Crime and Justice
The chapter involves a robbery at the Royal Palace, a stabbing of a detective, and Juve's pursuit of criminals, including Gurn's escape.
- Theatricality and Performance
The tavern's atmosphere, with dancers, a guitar player, and Bouzille as a paid attraction, emphasizes performance and spectacle.
Characters to notice
- Hogshead Geoffroy
Berthe's brother, a strong man being recruited to remove iron bars from a window; becomes drunk and quarrelsome.
- Bouzille
A tramp who became a local attraction outside the tavern after his story was published; recognizes the green man.
- Julot
A man spying on Berthe and Geoffroy's conversation; discusses the Royal Palace robbery with Billy Tom.
- Inspector Juve
The green man who reveals himself as the detective; arrests Charles Rambert in disguise and notes Gurn's escape.
- Charles Rambert
Disguised as Mademoiselle Jeanne, a pale young man with a budding beard; identified and arrested by Juve.
- Mealy Benoît
A drunk who arrives with Ernestine; becomes involved in a conflict with Geoffroy.
Key passages
“Pay for a drink, and I'll listen to you”
Buy me a drink and I'll hear what you have to say.
Hogshead Geoffroy's demand to his sister before she explains her plan.
“I am Juve, the detective!”
I am Inspector Juve, the detective!
Juve reveals his true identity to the disguised Charles Rambert.
“Good Lord! Gurn has got away!”
Oh no! Gurn has escaped!
Juve's frustrated exclamation upon realizing Gurn is not among the arrested.
