The False Lemoine and the Real Detective

This thread follows the shifting identity of the French investigator and the deception that allows King Victor to operate inside the investigation.

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A Stranger at the Lake

A French Visitor Appears Anthony Cade encounters a neatly dressed, black-bearded stranger near the boathouse and accepts his claim that he has lost his way to the inn. The stranger is actually M. Lemoine, investigating unofficially. Suspicion as Cover His apparent trespassing makes him look like another conspirator, which helps him observe the household without declaring his official role. Anthony Cade notices the odd circumstances but does not yet know the man’s purpose.

A Watchful Colleague

Undercover Observation M. Lemoine monitors the council chamber and the French governess while Superintendent Battle investigates the murder. He withholds his identity because an official presence might alert King Victor. Suspicion Multiplies His secret method adds another layer of distrust to a house already filled with strangers. Anthony Cade and Virginia Revel mistake his surveillance for possible criminal activity.

The Apparent Capture

A Fight in the Dark Virginia Revel and Bill Eversleigh help Anthony Cade seize the man searching the council chamber. He identifies himself as a colleague from the Sûreté and presents his credentials to Battle. An Explanation Delayed The struggle has been real, but the supposed burglar is the genuine M. Lemoine. His unofficial investigation has achieved access at the cost of confusing the people he is trying to help.

The Suitcase Discovery

A Gun in Isaacstein’s Luggage M. Lemoine stops Herman Isaacstein’s suitcase from leaving and finds the revolver used in Prince Michael Obolovitch’s murder. The discovery appears to point toward the financier. A Trap May Be Set Battle does not treat the gun as a final answer, and Anthony Cade questions how it came to be planted. The evidence is later traced to Queen Varaga’s effort to frame Herman Isaacstein.

The Impostor Replaces Him

A Criminal Assumes the Badge King Victor has taken M. Lemoine’s place and uses the detective’s identity to manipulate the final gathering. The real M. Lemoine is held at the Dover hideout until Anthony Cade rescues him. The Disguise Is Broken Hiram P. Fish prevents King Victor from escaping when the genuine detective arrives. The reversal shows that even an investigator’s credentials can be another criminal disguise.

Friday afternoon at Chimneys

The first weekend at Chimneys

Sunday night during the second search

Monday morning

The evening of October 13