Belbo's False Courier

Foucault's Pendulum

Aglie exploits Belbo's invented map story to make him carry a suitcase connected to a bomb threat, then leaves him exposed to police suspicion.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Claim of a Map The Claim of a Map from "Foucault's Pendulum". A Bluff Becomes Leverage Belbo's provocation Belbo tells Aglie that he knows the map's secret and that its solution is simple.

The Claim of a Map from "Foucault's Pendulum". A Bluff Becomes Leverage Belbo's provocation Belbo tells Aglie that he knows the map's secret and that its solution is simple.

A Bluff Becomes Leverage Belbo's provocation Belbo tells Aglie that he knows the map's secret and that its solution is simple. He intends the claim to mock Aglie's fascination with hidden knowledge. Aglie's response Aglie appears intrigued and asks for details. Belbo believes he has gained the upper hand without realizing that the other man may be testing him.

The Suitcase Favor The Suitcase Favor from "Foucault's Pendulum". An Innocent Errand A request Aglie asks Belbo to carry a suitcase and leave it on a reserved train seat for a contact in Florence.

The Suitcase Favor from "Foucault's Pendulum". An Innocent Errand A request Aglie asks Belbo to carry a suitcase and leave it on a reserved train seat for a contact in Florence.

An Innocent Errand A request Aglie asks Belbo to carry a suitcase and leave it on a reserved train seat for a contact in Florence. Belbo agrees, trusting the relationship and expecting ordinary books inside. Hidden contents The suitcase contains explosives. The bearded passenger's intervention makes Belbo appear to be the person who brought the bomb aboard.

An Isolated Suspect An Isolated Suspect from "Foucault's Pendulum". No One Will Hear Him A public description News reports describe the passenger whose clothing and occupation match Belbo.

An Isolated Suspect from "Foucault's Pendulum". No One Will Hear Him A public description News reports describe the passenger whose clothing and occupation match Belbo.

No One Will Hear Him A public description News reports describe the passenger whose clothing and occupation match Belbo. The suitcase has transformed a private favor into apparent evidence of terrorism. The trap closes A caller directs Belbo to Paris and demands the map. With Aglie missing and De Angelis refusing help, Belbo has no credible way to explain himself.

Shortly before Belbo's departure

On the morning of the Bologna train journey

The day after the train incident