The Baron of the Locks

Perle leaves because they have run out of both fuel and food with no money to resolve the situation. When she walks to a nearby restaurant seeking help, she meets Maurice Montbernon, the heir to a famous winemaking house, who offers her a more stable lifestyle. Jérôme accepts her departure, reasoning that given the circumstances, she is entitled to seek a better arrangement.

Earlier, the story establishes Perle as Jérôme's former lover whom he won back, suggesting their relationship was always somewhat transactional.

Jérôme wins the yacht in a private card game against a marquis who is trying to sell his motor yacht. He beats the marquis at baccarat and takes the yacht, valued at nine million, as his prize. Additionally, the marquis promises to mail two million to a post office of Jérôme's choosing, which becomes an important plot point later.

The two million was promised as part of the yacht transaction - the marquis agreed to mail the remaining two million to a post office Jérôme would designate. After waiting at the isolated inn near the lock and repeatedly telephoning to check on its arrival, Jérôme finally receives confirmation that the money has been deposited. He uses it to refuel the yacht and continue his journey toward Monte Carlo.

Jérôme considers staying because Maria, the gentle widow who runs the inn, offers him credit, simple meals, and her soft, steady charm makes him imagine a quieter, more peaceful existence away from the relentless cycle of gambling and high-stakes risk. The contrast between his volatile past life and the tranquil rural setting creates a genuine moment of temptation toward a simpler future.

The fuel shortage at the lock forces him to stop and creates the first prolonged pause in his journey, making reflection possible.

When the fuel runs out at the Champagne lock, Jérôme discovers he has no ready cash to buy more. They also have no food. This sudden loss of resources forces them into a desperate situation where Perle must seek help elsewhere. The setback demonstrates how Jérôme's gambler lifestyle leaves him vulnerable when luck turns against him.

Jérôme accepts her departure because he recognizes that their relationship was always based on his fortunes rather than deep loyalty. When he tells her she is entitled to a new arrangement given the circumstances, he demonstrates the transactional nature of their bond. His focus remains on the two million waiting at the post office rather than on losing Perle.

Jérôme continues gambling because it defines his identity - he is a baron by birth who became a former fighter ace and now drifts between casinos and racetracks. The lifestyle represents his fundamental nature as a risk-taker seeking the next big score. Even when tempted by Maria's peaceful inn, the lure of wealth and fresh adventures proves stronger.

After receiving the two million, Jérôme refuels the yacht and sets course toward Monte Carlo, leaving behind the Champagne locks, Maria's inn, and the possibility of an ordinary life. The story ends with him heading south, ready for new adventures, with the memory of Perle's departure and the allure of wealth driving him forward.