The Crystal Stopper · Chapters
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Chapter companions for The Crystal Stopper by Maurice Leblanc.
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Chapter 1
The Arrests
Arsène Lupin orchestrates a burglary at the Villa Marie-Thérèse, the home of Deputy Daubrecq, with his accomplices Gilbert and Vaucheray. The plan goes awry when the manservant Léonard is killed, and Vaucheray is wounded. Lupin stages a heroic rescue to avoid suspicion, but after the police arrive, he escapes by boat. Gilbert and Vaucheray are arrested, and Lupin learns of the murder and the mysterious object Vaucheray took from a cupboard.
Chapter 2
II: Eight from Nine Leaves One
Lupin reflects on the organization of his gang and the danger facing Gilbert and Vaucheray, who are accused of murder during the Enghien burglary. He investigates the mysterious crystal stopper, which was stolen from his flat, and learns about Deputy Daubrecq. A woman visits Lupin's flat but vanishes; later, Lupin spies on Daubrecq, who detects him and taunts him with the subtraction 'eight from nine leaves one.'
Chapter 3
The Home Life of Alexis Daubrecq
Lupin installs his former wet-nurse Victoire as a cook in Daubrecq's house to search for the crystal stopper, which is crucial to saving Gilbert and Vaucheray from execution. While observing Daubrecq, Lupin witnesses a mysterious woman attempt to stab Daubrecq and later discovers she is also seeking the stopper. He arranges a meeting with her at the theater, but Daubrecq interrupts before she can reveal her name.
Chapter 4
IV: The Chief of the Enemies
Lupin reflects on Gilbert's plight and his own obsession with the crystal stopper. Victoire unexpectedly finds the stopper in Daubrecq's house, but it later reappears in the drawer. Lupin discovers a panel cut into Daubrecq's bedroom door and, during a nighttime stakeout, captures a small child emerging from the room. He escapes with the child, leaving a message for the gang to retrieve him at Rue Chateaubriand.
Chapter 5
V: The Twenty-Seven
Clarisse Mergy reveals to Lupin the tragic story of her husband Victorien Mergy, whose name was on the infamous list of the Twenty-Seven, leading to his suicide after Daubrecq blackmailed him. She explains how Daubrecq stole the list from Germineaux and has used it to wield power. Clarisse describes her long search for the list, discovering that the crystal stopper is the hiding place. She also recounts her son Gilbert's return and her subsequent forgiveness. The chapter ends with Clarisse attempting suicide after her younger son Jacques is kidnapped, and Lupin vows to return the boy by midnight.
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