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+Project Gutenberg's A Royal Prisoner, by Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Royal Prisoner
+
+Author: Pierre Souvestre
+        Marcel Allain
+
+Release Date: January 13, 2009 [EBook #27789]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A ROYAL PRISONER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.
+(This file was produced from images generously made
+available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE FANTÔMAS DETECTIVE NOVELS
+
+
+A ROYAL PRISONER
+
+BY
+
+PIERRE SOUVESTRE
+AND
+MARCEL ALLAIN
+
+
+NEW YORK
+BRENTANO'S
+1918
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY BRENTANO'S
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+CHAPTER                                     PAGE
+
+I. A ROYAL JAG                                 3
+
+II. MOTHER CITRON'S TENANTS                   12
+
+III. THE TRAGEDY OF THE RUE DE MONCEAU        21
+
+IV. WHO DO THEY THINK I AM?                   33
+
+V. BY THE SINGING FOUNTAINS                   42
+
+VI. THE INVESTIGATION BEGINS                  49
+
+VII. THE KING RECEIVES                        63
+
+VIII. MARIE PASCAL                            69
+
+IX. A PARTY OF THREE                          76
+
+X. WULFENMIMENGLASCHK                         86
+
+XI. ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN STATIONS     98
+
+XII. CAMOUFLAGE                              110
+
+XIII. THE KINGDOM OF HESSE-WEIMAR            118
+
+XIV. QUEEN HEDWIGE RECEIVES                  127
+
+XV. THE MYSTERIOUS PRISON                    137
+
+XVI. THE THEFT OF THE DIAMOND                146
+
+XVII. ON THE RIGHT TRAIL                     155
+
+XVIII. A SLEEPER                             165
+
+XIX. FREE!                                   174
+
+XX. FREDERICK-CHRISTIAN                      180
+
+XXI. HORRIBLE CERTAINTY                      190
+
+XXII. BETWEEN US THREE--FANTÔMAS!            195
+
+XXIII. OFFICIAL OPINIONS                     210
+
+XXIV. JUVE'S LIES                            218
+
+XXV. "I WANT TO LIVE!"                       224
+
+XXVI. THE ACCUSING WAISTCOAT                 227
+
+XXVII. THE EXPLOSION OF THE NORD-SUD         234
+
+XXVIII. INNOCENT OR GUILTY?                  243
+
+XXIX. COMPROMISING DISCOVERIES               250
+
+XXX. SHADOWED                                256
+
+XXXI. THE DEATH WATCH                        264
+
+XXXII. THE ARREST OF FANTÔMAS                270
+
+
+
+
+A ROYAL PRISONER
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+A ROYAL JAG
+
+
+"After all, why not celebrate? It's the last day of the year and it
+won't come again for twelve months."
+
+It was close upon midnight.
+
+Jerome Fandor, reporter on the popular newspaper, _La Capitale_, was
+strolling along the boulevard; he had just come from a banquet, one of
+those official and deadly affairs at which the guests are obliged to
+listen to interminable speeches. He had drowsed through the evening and
+at the first opportunity had managed to slip away quickly.
+
+The theatres were just out and the boulevard was crowded with people
+intent on making a night of it. Numberless automobiles containing the
+fashionable and rich of Paris blocked the streets. The restaurants were
+brilliantly illuminated, and as carriages discharged their occupants
+before the doors, one glimpsed the neat feet and ankles of daintily clad
+women as they crossed the sidewalk and disappeared inside, following
+their silk-hatted escorts, conscious of their own importance.
+
+Many years of active service in Paris as chief reporter of _La Capitale_
+had brought Jerome Fandor in touch with a good third of those who
+constitute Parisian society, and rarely did he fail to exchange a nod, a
+smile, or half a dozen words of friendly greeting whenever he set foot
+out of doors.
+
+But in spite of his popularity he led a lonely life--many acquaintances,
+but few close friends. The great exception was Juve, the celebrated
+detective.
+
+In fact, Fandor's complex and adventurous life was very much bound up
+with that of the police officer, for they had worked together in solving
+the mystery of many tragic crimes.
+
+On this particular evening, the reporter became gradually imbued with
+the general spirit of gaiety and abandon which surrounded him.
+
+"Hang it," he muttered, "I might go and hunt up Juve and drag him off to
+supper, but I'm afraid I should get a cool reception if I did. He is
+probably sleeping the sleep of the just and would strongly object to
+being disturbed. Anyway, sooner or later, I'll probably run into some
+one I know."
+
+On reaching Drouet Square, he espied an inviting-looking restaurant,
+brilliantly lit. He was about to make his way to a table when the head
+waiter stopped him.
+
+"Your name, please!"
+
+"What's that?" replied Fandor.
+
+The waiter answered with ironical politeness:
+
+"I take it for granted you have engaged a table. We haven't a single
+vacant place left."
+
+Fandor had the same luck at several other restaurants and then began to
+suffer the pangs of hunger, having, on principle, scarcely touched the
+heavy dishes served at the banquet.
+
+After wandering aimlessly about, he walked toward the Madeleine and
+turned off into the Rue Royale in the direction of the Faubourg
+Saint-Honoré.
+
+As he was passing a discreet looking restaurant with many thick velvet
+curtains and an imposing array of private automobiles before it, he
+heard his name called.
+
+He stopped short and turned to see a vision of feminine loveliness
+standing before him.
+
+"Isabelle de Guerray!" he cried.
+
+"And how are you, my dear boy? Come along in with me."
+
+Fandor had known Isabelle de Guerray when she was a young school teacher
+just graduated from Sévres. Her career, beginning with a somewhat
+strange and unorthodox affair with a young man of good family who had
+killed himself for her, had progressed by rapid strides and her name was
+frequently cited in the minor newspapers as giving elegant "society"
+suppers, the guests being usually designated by their initials!
+
+Fandor remarked that the fair Isabelle seemed to be putting on weight,
+especially round the shoulders and hips, but she still retained a great
+deal of dash and an ardent look in her eyes, very valuable assets in her
+profession.
+
+"I have my table here, at Raxim's, you must come and join us," and she
+added with a sly smile, "Oh--quite platonically--I know you're
+unapproachable."
+
+A deafening racket was going on in the narrow, oblong room. The habitués
+of the place all knew each other and the conversation was general. No
+restraint was observed, so that it was quite permissible to wander
+about, hat on head and cigar between lips, or take a lady upon one's
+knees.
+
+Fandor followed Isabelle to a table overloaded with flowers and bottles
+of champagne. Here and there he recognized old friends from the Latin
+Quarter or Montmartre, among them Conchita Conchas, a Spanish dancer in
+vogue the previous winter. A tiny woman, who might have been a girl of
+fifteen from her figure, but whose face was marked with the lines of
+dissipation, ran into him and Fandor promptly put his arm round her
+waist.
+
+"Hello, if it isn't little Souppe!"
+
+"Paws down or I'll scratch," was the sharp reply.
+
+The next moment he was shaking hands with Daisy Kissmi, an English girl
+who had become quite a feature of Raxim's.
+
+Further on he noticed a pale, bald, and already pot-bellied young man,
+who was staring with lack-lustre eyes at his whiskey and soda. This
+premature ruin was listening distraitly to a waiter who murmured
+mysteriously into his ear.
+
+At the end of the room, surrounded by pretty women, sat the old Duke de
+Pietra, descendant of a fine old Italian family, and near him Arnold, an
+actor from the music halls.
+
+The patrons had no choice in regard to the supper, which was settled by
+the head waiter. Each received a bottle of champagne, Ostend oysters,
+and, later, large slices of _pâté de foie gras_, and as the bottles were
+emptied, intoxication became general, while even the waiters seemed to
+catch the spirit of abandon. When the Hungarian band had played their
+most seductive waltzes, the leader came forward to the middle of the
+room and announced a new piece of his own composition, called "The
+Singing Fountains." This met with instant applause and laughter.
+
+As the night wore on the noise became positively deafening. A young Jew
+named Weil invented a new game. He seized two plates and began scraping
+them together. Many of the diners followed his example.
+
+"Look here," exclaimed Conchita Conchas, leaning familiarly upon
+Fandor's shoulder, "why don't you give us tickets for to-morrow to hear
+these famous Fountains?"
+
+Fandor started to explain that the young woman would be in bed and sound
+asleep when that event took place, but the Spanish girl, without waiting
+for the answer, had strolled away.
+
+The journalist rose with the intention of making his escape, when a
+voice directly behind him made him pause.
+
+"Excuse me, but you seem to know all about these 'Singing Fountains.'
+Will you kindly explain to me what they are? I am a stranger in the
+city."
+
+Fandor turned and saw a man of about thirty, fair-haired, with a heavy
+moustache, seated alone at a small table. The stranger was well built
+and of distinguished appearance. The journalist suppressed a start of
+amazement.
+
+"Why, it's not surprising that you have not heard of them, they are
+quite unimportant. On the Place de la Concorde there are two bronze
+monuments representing Naiads emerging from the fountains. You probably
+have seen them yourself?"
+
+The stranger nodded, and poured out another glass of champagne.
+
+"Well," continued Fandor, "recently passers-by have fancied they heard
+sounds coming from these figures. In fact, they declare that the Naiads
+have been singing. A delightfully poetic and thoroughly Parisian idea,
+isn't it?"
+
+"Very Parisian indeed."
+
+"The papers have taken it up, and one you probably know by name, _La
+Capitale_, has decided to investigate this strange phenomenon."
+
+"What was Conchita asking you just now?"
+
+"Oh, nothing, merely to give her a card for the ceremony."
+
+The conversation continued and turned to other subjects. The stranger
+ordered more wine and insisted on Fandor joining him. He seemed to be
+particularly interested in the subject of women and the night life of
+Paris.
+
+"If only I could persuade him to come with me," thought Fandor. "I'd
+show him a stunt or two, and what a scoop it would make ... if it could
+be printed! He certainly is drunk, very drunk, and that may help me."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On the Place de la Concorde, deserted at this late hour, two men, arm in
+arm, were taking their devious way. They were Fandor and the stranger he
+had met at Raxim's.
+
+The journalist, with the aid of an extra bottle, had persuaded his new
+friend to finish the night among the cafés of Montmartre. The sudden
+change from the overheated restaurant to the cold outside increased the
+effects of the alcohol and Fandor realized that he himself was far from
+sober. As his companion seemed to be obsessed with the idea of seeing
+the Fountains, the journalist piloted him to the Place de la Concorde.
+
+"There you are," he exclaimed, "but you see they're closed. No more
+singing to-night. Now come and have a drink."
+
+"Good idea, some more champagne."
+
+Fandor hailed a taxi, and ordered the chauffeur to drive to the Place
+Pigalle. As he was shutting the door, he observed an old beggar, who
+evidently was afraid to ask for alms. Fandor threw him a coin as the
+taxi started.
+
+It was three in the morning, and the Place Pigalle was crowded with
+carriages, porters and a constant ebb and flow of all sorts of people.
+
+The journalist and his companion emerged some time later from one of the
+best known restaurants, both drunk, especially the stranger, who could
+scarcely keep his feet.
+
+"Look here, we must go ... go..."
+
+"Go to bed," interrupted Fandor.
+
+"No. I know where we can go...."
+
+"But we've been everywhere."
+
+"We'll go to my rooms ... to her rooms ... to Susy d'Orsel ... she's my
+girl ... d'ye know, she's been expecting me for supper since midnight."
+
+"More supper?"
+
+"Of course ... there's plenty of room left."
+
+With some difficulty the stranger managed to give the address, 247 Rue
+de Monceau.
+
+"All right," said Fandor to himself, "we'll have some fun; after all,
+what do I risk?"
+
+While the taxi shook them violently from side to side, Fandor grew
+comparatively sober. He examined his companion more closely and was
+surprised to see how well he carried himself in spite of his condition.
+
+"Well," he summed up, "he certainly has a jag, but it's a royal jag!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+MOTHER CITRON'S TENANTS
+
+
+"Now you've forgotten the fish knives and forks! Do you expect my lover
+to eat with his fingers like that old Chinaman I had for three months
+last year!"
+
+Susy d'Orsel spoke with a distinct accent of the Faubourg, which
+contrasted strangely with her delicate and distinguished appearance.
+
+Justine, her maid, stood staring in reply.
+
+"But, Madame, we have lobsters...."
+
+"What's that got to do with it, they're fish, ain't they?"
+
+The young woman left the table and went into the adjoining room, a small
+drawing-room, elegantly furnished in Louis XV style.
+
+"Justine," she called.
+
+"Madame."
+
+"Here's another mistake. You mustn't get red orchids. Throw these
+out.... I want either mauve or yellow ones.... You know those are the
+official colors of His Majesty."
+
+"Queer taste his ... His Majesty has for yellow."
+
+"What's that to do with you. Get a move on, lay the table."
+
+"I left the _pâté de foie gras_ in the pantry with ice round it."
+
+"All right."
+
+The young woman returned to the dining-room and gave a final glance at
+the preparations.
+
+"He's a pretty good sort, my august lover." Justine started in surprise.
+
+"August! Is that a new one?"
+
+Susy d'Orsel could hardly repress a smile.
+
+"Mind your own business. What time is it?"
+
+"A quarter to twelve, Madame." And as the girl started to leave the room
+she ventured:
+
+"I hope M. August won't forget me, to-morrow morning."
+
+"Why, you little idiot, his name isn't August, it's Frederick-Christian!
+You have about as much sense as an oyster!"
+
+The maid looked so crestfallen at this that Susy added, good-naturedly:
+
+"That's all right, Justine, A Happy New Year anyway, and don't worry.
+And now get out; His Majesty wants nobody about but me this evening."
+
+Susy d'Orsel, in spite of her physical charms, had found life hard
+during the earlier years of her career. She had become a mediocre
+actress merely for the sake of having some profession, and had
+frequented the night restaurants in quest of a wealthy lover. It was
+only after a long delay that fortune had smiled upon her, and she had
+arrived at the enviable position of being the mistress of a King.
+
+Frederick-Christian II, since the death of his father three years
+previously, reigned over the destinies of the Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar.
+Young and thoroughly Parisian in his tastes, he felt terribly bored in
+his middle-class capital and sought every opportunity of going,
+incognito, to have a little fun in Paris. During each visit he never
+failed to call upon Susy d'Orsel, and by degrees, coming under the sway
+of her charms, he made her a sort of official mistress, an honor which
+greatly redounded to her glory and popularity.
+
+He had installed her in a dainty little apartment in the Rue de Monceau.
+It was on the third floor and charmingly furnished. In fact, he was in
+the habit of declaring that his Queen Hedwige, despite all her wealth,
+was unable to make her apartment half so gracious and comfortable.
+
+Thus it was that Susy d'Orsel waited patiently for the arrival of her
+royal lover, who had telephoned her he would be with her on the night of
+December the thirty-first.
+
+The official residence of the King while in Paris was the Royal Palace
+Hotel, and although in strict incognito, he rarely spent the whole night
+out. But he intended to make the last night of the year an exception to
+this rule. As became a gallant gentleman, he had himself seen to the
+ordering of the supper, and a procession of waiters from the first
+restaurants of Paris had been busy all the afternoon preparing for the
+feast.
+
+Suddenly a discreet ring at the bell startled Susy d'Orsel.
+
+"That's queer, I didn't expect the King until one o'clock!" she
+exclaimed.
+
+She opened the door and saw a young girl standing on the landing.
+
+"Oh, it's you, Mademoiselle Pascal! What are you coming at this hour
+for?"
+
+"Excuse me, Madame, for troubling you, but I've brought your lace
+negligée. It took me quite a time to finish, and I thought you'd
+probably like it as soon as possible."
+
+"Oh, I thought it had already come. I'm very glad you brought it. There
+would have been a fine row if it hadn't been ready for me to wear this
+evening."
+
+Susy d'Orsel took the dressmaker into her bedroom and turned on the
+electric lights. The gown was then unwrapped and displayed. It was of
+mousseline de soie, trimmed with English point.
+
+Susy examined it with the eye of a connoisseur and then nodded her head.
+
+"It's fine, my girl, you have the fingers of a fairy, but it must put
+your eyes out."
+
+"It is very hard, Madame, especially working by artificial light, and in
+winter the days are so short and the work very heavy. That is why I came
+to you at this late hour."
+
+Susy smiled.
+
+"Late hour! Why the evening is just beginning for me."
+
+"Our lives are very different, Madame."
+
+"That's right, I begin when you stop, and if your work is hard, mine
+isn't always agreeable."
+
+The two women laughed and then Susy took off her wrapper and put on the
+new negligée.
+
+"My royal lover is coming this evening."
+
+"Yes, I know," answered Marie Pascal. "Your table looks very pretty."
+
+"You might make me a lace table cloth. We'll talk about it some other
+time, not this evening; besides, I can't be too extravagant."
+
+The dressmaker took her leave a few moments later and made her way with
+care in the semi-obscurity down the three flights of stairs.
+
+Marie Pascal was a young girl in the early twenties, fair-haired,
+blue-eyed and with a graceful figure. Modishly but neatly dressed, she
+had a reputation in the neighborhood as a model of discretion and
+virtue.
+
+She worked ceaselessly and being clever with her fingers, she had
+succeeded in building up so good a trade in the rich and elegant Monceau
+quarter, that in the busy season she was obliged to hire one or two
+workwomen to help her.
+
+As she was crossing the court to go to her own room, a voice called her
+from the porter's lodge.
+
+"Marie Pascal, look here a moment."
+
+A fat woman dressed in her best opened the door of her room which was
+lit by one flaring gas jet.
+
+Marie Pascal, in spite of her natural kindliness, could scarcely repress
+a smile.
+
+Madame Ceiron, the concièrge, or, as she was popularly called, "Mother
+Citron," certainly presented a fantastic appearance.
+
+She was large, shapeless, common, and good-natured. Behind her glasses,
+her eyes snapped with perpetual sharp humor. She had a mass of gray hair
+that curled round her wrinkled face, which, with a last remnant of
+coquetry, she made up outrageously. Her hands and feet were enormous,
+disproportionate to her figure, although she was well above middle
+height. She invariably wore mittens while doing the housework.
+
+Mother Citron, however, did very little work; she left that to a
+subordinate who, for a modest wage, attended to her business and left
+her free to go out morning, noon and night. She now questioned Marie
+Pascal with considerable curiosity, and the young girl explained her
+late errand to deliver the gown to Susy d'Orsel.
+
+"Come in and have a cup of coffee, Mam'zelle Pascal," urged the old
+woman, as she set out two cups and filled them from a coffee pot on the
+stove.
+
+Marie Pascal at first refused, but Mother Citron was so insistent that
+she ended by accepting the invitation. Besides, she felt very grateful
+to Madame Ceiron for having recommended her to the proprietor of the
+house, the Marquis de Sérac, an old bachelor who lived on the first
+floor.
+
+The Marquis had used his good offices to obtain for her an order for
+laces from the King of Hesse-Weimar. Mother Citron showed a kindly
+interest in this enterprise.
+
+"Well, did you see the King?"
+
+Marie Pascal hesitated:
+
+"I saw him and I didn't see him."
+
+"Tell me all about it, my dear. Is the lover of our lady upstairs a
+good-looking man?"
+
+"It's hard to say. So far as I could judge, he seemed to be very
+handsome. You see, it was like this. After waiting in the lobby of the
+Royal Palace Hotel for about an hour, I was shown into a large
+drawing-room; a sort of footman in knee breeches took my laces into the
+adjoining room where the King was walking up and down. I just caught a
+glimpse of him from time to time."
+
+"What did he do then?"
+
+"I don't know. He must have liked my laces for he gave me a large order.
+He didn't seem to pay much attention to them; he picked out three of the
+samples I sent in and what seemed queer, he also ordered some imitations
+of them."
+
+The concièrge smiled knowingly.
+
+"I expect the imitations were for his lawful wife, and the real ones for
+his little friend. Men are all alike. Another cup of coffee?"
+
+"Oh, no, thanks."
+
+"Well, I won't insist; each one to his taste. The life Susy d'Orsel
+leads wouldn't suit you. And the amount of champagne she gets through!"
+
+"No, I shouldn't care much about that."
+
+"All the same, there's something to be said for it. She has a first-rate
+position since she got the King ... and I get first-rate tips! Take
+to-night, for instance; I'll bet they'll be carrying on till pretty near
+dawn. It upsets my habits, but I can't complain. I'll probably get a
+good New Year's present in the morning."
+
+"Well, as it's very late for me, I'll go up to bed."
+
+"Go ahead, my dear, don't let me keep you."
+
+Marie Pascal had reached the stairs when she turned back.
+
+"Oh, Madame Ceiron, when can I thank the Marquis de Sérac for his
+kindness in introducing me to Frederick-Christian?"
+
+"No hurry, my child, the Marquis has gone to the country to spend the
+New Year's day with his relations and he won't be back before next
+week."
+
+Marie Pascal climbed the stairs to her room on the sixth floor and the
+concièrge returned to her quarters and settled herself in an armchair.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE TRAGEDY OF THE RUE DE MONCEAU
+
+
+Susy d'Orsel, tired of waiting for her royal lover, was sound asleep
+before the fire in her bedroom. Suddenly she was awakened by a loud
+noise. Still half asleep, she sat up listening. The sounds came from the
+stairs. Mechanically Susy glanced at the clock, which marked the quarter
+after three.
+
+"I'll bet it's him, but how late he is!"
+
+As the sounds drew nearer, she added:
+
+"He must be as drunk as a lord! After all, Kings are no better than
+other men."
+
+She quickly passed to the outer door and listened.
+
+"Why, it sounds as if there were two of them!"
+
+A key fumbled in the lock, then the owner of it apparently gave up the
+task as hopeless and began ringing the bell.
+
+Susy opened the door and Frederick-Christian staggered in followed by a
+man who was a total stranger to her.
+
+The latter, bowing in a correct and respectful manner, carried himself
+with dignity.
+
+The King bubbled over with laughter and leaned on the shoulder of his
+lady-love.
+
+"Take off your overcoat," she said, at length, and while he was
+attempting to obey her, she whispered:
+
+"If your Maj ..."
+
+Before she could finish the sentence the King put his hand over her
+mouth.
+
+"My ... my ... my dear Susy ... I'm very fond of you ... but don't begin
+by saying stupid things.... I am here ... incog ... incognito. Call me
+your little Cri-Cri, Susy...."
+
+"My dear," she replied, "introduce me to your friend."
+
+"Eh," cried the King, "if I'm not forgetting the most elementary
+obligations of the protocol; but after fourteen whiskeys, and good
+whiskey, too, though I've better here.... Susy don't drink any, she
+prefers gooseberry syrup ... queer taste, isn't it?"
+
+Susy saw the conversation was getting away from the point, so repeated
+her request:
+
+"Introduce me to your friend."
+
+Frederick-Christian glanced at his companion and then burst out
+laughing:
+
+"What is your name, anyway?"
+
+Fandor did not need to ask that question of the King. The moment he had
+set eyes on him in Raxim's he recognized in the sturdy tippler his
+Majesty Frederick-Christian II, King of Hesse-Weimar, on one of his
+periodic sprees. It was this fact which had made him break his rule and
+indulge freely himself.
+
+With a serious air he explained:
+
+"Sum fides Achates!"
+
+"What's that?" cried the King.
+
+"Exactly."
+
+Susy d'Orsel now thought both men were equally drunk. She fancied they
+were having fun with her.
+
+"You know I don't want English spoken here," she said drily.
+
+The King took his mistress round the waist and drew her to him.
+
+"Now don't get angry, my dear, it's only our fun, and besides it's not
+English, it's Latin ... bonus ... Latinus ... ancestribus ... the good
+Latin of our ancestors!... the Latin of the Kitchen! Cuisinus ...
+autobus ... understand?"
+
+Turning to the journalist he stretched out his hand:
+
+"Well, my old friend Achates, I'm jolly glad to meet you."
+
+"Achates isn't a real name," cried Susy, still suspicious.
+
+"Achates," explained Fandor, "is an individual belonging to antiquity
+who became famous in his faithful friendship for his companion and
+friend, the well-known globe-trotter, Æneas."
+
+"Come and sit down," shouted the King, as he rapped on the table with a
+bottle of champagne.
+
+"Hurry up, Susy, a plate and glass for my old friend, whose name I don't
+know ... because, you see, he's no more Achates than I am."
+
+"Oh, no, Madame," Fandor hastened to say, "I couldn't think of putting
+you to the trouble, besides spoiling the effect of your charming table.
+In fact, I am going home in a few moments."
+
+"Not on your life," shouted the King, "you'll stay to the very end."
+
+"Well, then, a glass of champagne, that's all I'll take."
+
+By degrees Susy had become reassured in regard to the young man.
+Although slightly drunk, his polite manner and good form pleased her.
+She took her place on the divan beside the King. Fandor sat opposite
+them and lighted a cigarette.
+
+Suddenly Susy rose from the table.
+
+"Where are you going?" demanded the King.
+
+"I'll be back in a moment ... something must be open. I feel a draught
+on my legs."
+
+"Why not show us your legs!" cried Frederick-Christian, and turning to
+the journalist added:
+
+"She's built like a statue ... a little marvel."
+
+Susy returned.
+
+"I knew it! The hall door was open. I hope nobody has got in."
+
+The King laughed at the idea.
+
+"If anyone did, let him come and join us, the more the merrier."
+
+"I thought I heard a noise," continued Susy, but the King made her sit
+down again beside him and the supper went on.
+
+As she drank glass after glass of wine, she became more and more amiable
+toward Fandor. And since the King paid little attention to her caresses,
+she began a flirtation with the journalist in order to pique him.
+
+This brought a frown from the royal lover, and Susy amused herself
+between the two men until supper ended and they all adjourned to her
+boudoir.
+
+Fandor, who had now become more sober, decided it was time to take his
+leave.
+
+"Suppose you both come and lunch with me to-morrow, will you?" he asked.
+To this they agreed and it was finally arranged that Fandor should call
+and pick them up at one o'clock the following day.
+
+The journalist felt his way downstairs in the semi-darkness and was just
+about to ask the concièrge to let him out when he was startled by
+seeing a heavy form fall with a thud onto the ground of the inner court.
+
+With a gasp of alarm the young man rushed forward and quickly realized
+that he was in the presence of a terrible tragedy.
+
+Lying on the ground, inert, was the body of Susy d'Orsel.
+
+The unfortunate girl had fallen from the third floor.
+
+Without hesitating, he lifted the body and finding no sign of life,
+cried loudly for help.
+
+But the entire house was asleep.
+
+What was to be done?
+
+Immediate action was necessary. After a moment's pause, he decided to
+take the unfortunate girl back to her own apartment. Arrived at the
+door, he found it locked on the inside. After ringing for some time, it
+was opened finally by the King. At the sight of Susy apparently
+lifeless, her head hanging backward, the King staggered to the wall.
+
+He wanted to ask a question, but the words stuck in his throat.
+
+Fandor entered the bedroom and laying Susy down attempted to undo her
+corset.
+
+"Vinegar and some water," he ordered.
+
+The King between his drunkenness and his alarm was quite useless, and
+the journalist, after applying a mirror to the girl's nostrils and lips,
+with a gesture of despair exclaimed:
+
+"Good God, she is dead!"
+
+However, being unwilling to risk his own judgment, he started to the
+door to seek aid.
+
+At this moment a violent knocking began and a voice from the hall cried
+out:
+
+"What's the matter? Is anyone hurt? I'm the concièrge."
+
+"The concièrge! Then, for Heaven's sake, Madame, get a doctor.
+Mademoiselle d'Orsel has killed herself, or at least she is very badly
+injured."
+
+The words were scarcely out of Fandor's mouth when the rapidly
+disappearing footsteps of the concièrge were heard clattering
+downstairs. Frederick-Christian, in a dazed condition, stood in the
+dining-room, mechanically drinking a liqueur.
+
+"Look here, what does this mean?" cried Fandor.
+
+The King looked at him with intense stupefaction, trying, it seemed, to
+co-ordinate his faculties. Then, with a greater calmness than in his
+condition seemed possible, he replied:
+
+"Why, I haven't the least idea."
+
+"But ... what have you done since I left you? You were both seated side
+by side on the sofa. How did Susy d'Orsel come to fall out of the
+window? What have you done?"
+
+"I don't know. I didn't budge from the sofa until you rang the bell."
+
+"But ... Susy!"
+
+"She left me for a moment. I thought she had gone to see you out."
+
+"That's impossible ... she didn't leave you ... it's you who ... for
+God's sake, explain!... It's too serious a business."
+
+The King seemed unable to take in the situation. Fandor determined to
+try a shock. Going close to him he spoke in a low voice:
+
+"I beg your Majesty to tell me."
+
+This had an immediate effect. The King staggered back and stared,
+wide-eyed.
+
+"I ... I don't understand."
+
+"Yes," insisted Fandor, "your Majesty does understand. You know that I
+am aware in whose presence I am standing. You are Frederick-Christian
+II, King of Hesse-Weimar... and I, your Majesty, am Jerome Fandor,
+reporter on _La Capitale_ ... a journalist."
+
+The King did not appear to attach much importance to Fandor's words.
+Peaceably, without haste, he put on his overcoat and hat. Then, picking
+up his cane, he moved toward the door.
+
+"Here! what are you doing?"
+
+"I'm going."
+
+"You can't."
+
+"Yes, I can; it's all right, don't worry, I'll arrange matters."
+
+The King appeared so calmly confident that Fandor stood dumbfounded.
+
+Here certainly was an individual out of the common! The journalist had
+seen many strange happenings in his adventurous career, but never had he
+come across such an amazing situation. For now he had no doubt of the
+guilt of the King. What, however, could have been the motive of such
+odious savagery? Was it possible he had taken seriously the innocent
+flirtation between Susy and himself? Had the King taken vengeance upon
+his mistress in a moment of jealous insanity?
+
+No, that was out of the question.
+
+In spite of his intoxication, Frederick-Christian seemed to be a man of
+normal temperament, and of a kindly disposition. His face betrayed none
+of the characteristics of the drink-maddened.
+
+The young man was about to question Frederick-Christian further when the
+hall door bell rang sharply.
+
+Fandor quickly opened the door and let in two policemen.
+
+"Is it here the tragedy took place?"
+
+"What! You know already?"
+
+"The concièrge notified us, Monsieur."
+
+Then turning to his companion:
+
+"See that no one gets out."
+
+"But I've sent for a doctor.... I must go and find one," cried Fandor.
+
+"That has already been attended to. We are here to ascertain the facts,
+to make arrests. Where is the victim of the crime?"
+
+As Fandor took the officer into the bedroom he expected at every moment
+to hear some exclamation at the discovery of the King. But the latter
+had mysteriously disappeared.
+
+The officer surveyed the body of the young woman and seemed in doubt how
+to begin his interrogatory. Suddenly his attention was diverted to the
+vestibule, where whispering was going on.
+
+Both men quickly returned to the hall door and Fandor overheard the
+final words of a third person who had entered the room, evidently the
+concièrge. She was saying:
+
+"It must be 'him' ... only treat him politely ... he isn't like an
+ordinary ..."
+
+Upon seeing the journalist the old woman stopped abruptly and made him a
+deep bow.
+
+"Ah, it's you, Madame," cried Fandor, "well, have you brought a doctor?"
+
+"We're looking for one, Monsieur," replied the old woman, "but to-night
+they seem to be all out enjoying themselves."
+
+One of the officers turned to Fandor and spoke with evident
+embarrassment.
+
+"It might be better if Monsieur would tell us exactly what happened. On
+account of possible annoyances ... besides, the business is too
+important ... and then the Government ..."
+
+Fandor explained briefly all he knew. He was careful not to mention the
+King by name, leaving it to his Majesty to disclose his own identity
+when the time came.
+
+"Then Monsieur means to say that a third person was present?" one of the
+officers asked.
+
+"Of course!" replied Fandor.
+
+"And where is this third person?"
+
+The officer looked decidedly skeptical and the journalist began to grow
+uneasy.
+
+"He was here with me just now; probably he's in one of the other rooms.
+Why don't you search?"
+
+But the search disclosed nobody.
+
+What on earth had become of the King? thought Fandor. He couldn't have
+jumped out of the window. The servant's staircase came into his mind,
+but the door to that he found locked.
+
+"It is useless for Monsieur to say more; kindly come with us to the
+police station."
+
+"After all, Monsieur was alone with the little lady," added the
+concièrge.
+
+Fandor went rapidly to the dining-room. He would show the three places
+at the table. But suddenly he remembered his refusal to take a plate.
+There were only two places laid.
+
+The two officers now held him gently by each arm and began to walk away
+with him.
+
+"Don't make any noise, please," they urged, "we must avoid all scandal."
+
+Without quite understanding what was happening, Fandor obeyed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+WHO DO THEY THINK I AM?
+
+
+The first faint light of dawn was filtering through the dusty windows of
+the police station.
+
+Sergeant Masson, pushing aside the game of dominoes he had been playing
+with his subordinate, declared:
+
+"I must go and see the chief."
+
+"At his house?" demanded the other in a tone of alarm.
+
+"Yes; after all, if I catch it for waking him that won't be so bad as
+having him come here at ten."
+
+The sergeant rose and stretched himself. He had entire charge of the
+Station and was responsible for all arrests. As a rule he felt himself
+equal to the task, but this time the tragedy of the Rue Monceau and the
+peculiar circumstances surrounding it seemed too much of a burden to
+bear alone.
+
+Ought he to have arrested the individual now at the Station? Had he been
+sufficiently tactful? What was to be done now?
+
+"Yes, I'm going to see the chief," he repeated, "besides, I shan't be
+gone long. Anything that 'he' asks for let him have, you understand?"
+
+It was about five-thirty, and the sky threatened snow. The air was fresh
+and not too cold. A few milk carts were the only vehicles in the
+streets. Porters were busy brushing off the sidewalks. Paris was making
+her toilette. Sergeant Masson stopped at a small house in a quiet street
+and mounted to the third floor. There he hesitated. The wife of the
+chief was known for her sharp temper. However, there was nothing to be
+done but ring, and this he did in a timid manner.
+
+In a few moments he heard the door-chain withdrawn, and a woman's voice
+cried:
+
+"Who is there?"
+
+"It is I, Madame, Sergeant Masson."
+
+"Well, what do you want?"
+
+"The chief is wanted at the Station right away."
+
+At these words the door opened wide and the woman stood revealed. She
+was about forty, dressed in her wrapper and with her hair still in curl
+papers.
+
+"Louis must go to the Station?" she demanded.
+
+"Yes, Madame, an arrest has been made ..."
+
+"He must go to the Station?" she repeated in a menacing tone.
+
+Sergeant Masson retreated to the landing. He simply nodded his head.
+
+"But he _is_ there! He told me he was! Ah, I see how it is!... He's been
+lying again. He's been running after women ... all right, he'll pay for
+it when he gets home!"
+
+The door shut with a bang and the lady disappeared.
+
+"What an idiot I've been," muttered the discomfited sergeant. "I ought
+to have known better. Of course he's not with his wife, he's with his
+mistress!"
+
+Several minutes later he reached another apartment in a neighboring
+street.
+
+This time he had no misgivings and congratulated himself upon his
+professional cleverness in tracking his man down.
+
+The same performance was gone through. A ring at the bell brought an
+answer to the door.
+
+"Who is there?" said a man's voice.
+
+"It is I ... Sergeant Masson."
+
+The door was opened and a young man stood in the hall. He was about
+thirty and wore an undershirt and drawers.
+
+"Well, Sergeant!"
+
+The sergeant shrank back; he would have been glad if he could have
+disappeared in the walls. The chief's secretary stood before him.
+
+"I was ... was looking ..." he stammered.
+
+The secretary interrupted with a smile.
+
+"No, he's not here. In fact, we are rarely found together."
+
+Then putting a hand on the sergeant's shoulder:
+
+"As gentleman to gentleman, I count on your discretion."
+
+The door shut softly and the sergeant turned sadly and went back to the
+Station, pondering over the personal annoyance this general post at
+night occasioned him.
+
+He was greeted on his return by a few sharp words.
+
+"Ah, there you are, Masson!... At last!... An event of the first
+importance occurs, an amazing scandal breaks out and you desert your
+post.... It's always the way if I'm not here to look after things. I
+shall have to report you, you know. Where have you been?"
+
+The speaker was a man still quite young, who wore the ribbon of the
+Legion of Honor. It was the chief himself. On the way home from some
+late party he had dropped into the Station out of simple curiosity.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Was he awake or was he dreaming?
+
+Fandor felt stiff all over, his head was heavy and his mind a blank....
+And then came a thirst, a devouring, insatiable thirst.
+
+Where he was and how he had arrived there were things past his
+comprehension.
+
+So far as the feeble light permitted, he made out the room to contain
+the furnishings of an office, and by degrees, as his mind cleared, he
+recalled with a start his arrest.
+
+He was at the police station.
+
+But why in this particular room? The walls were hung with sporting
+prints. Bookshelves, a comfortable sofa, upon which he had spent the
+night, all these indicated nothing less than the private office of the
+chief.
+
+And then he recalled with what consideration he had been conducted
+hither. Evidently they took him for an intimate friend of the King.
+Nevertheless, he was under arrest for murder, or at least as an
+accomplice to a murder.
+
+"After all," he thought, "the truth will come to light, they'll capture
+the murderer and my innocence will be established.
+
+"Besides, didn't the King promise to see me through. Probably before
+this he has already taken steps for my release."
+
+He then decided to call out:
+
+"Is there anyone here?"
+
+Scarcely had Fandor spoken when a man entered, who, after a profound bow
+to the journalist, drew the curtains apart.
+
+"You are awake, Monsieur?"
+
+Fandor was amazed. What charming manners the police had!
+
+"Oh, yes, I'm awake, but I feel stiff all over."
+
+"That is easily understood, and I hope you will pardon ... You see, I
+didn't happen to be at the station ... and when I got here ... why, I
+didn't like to wake you."
+
+"They take me for a friend of the King of Hesse-Weimar," thought Fandor.
+
+"You did perfectly right, Monsieur ..."
+
+"M. Perrajas, District Commissioner of Police ... and the circumstances
+being such ... the unfortunate circumstances ... I imagine it was better
+that you did not return immediately to your apartment ... in fact, I
+have given the necessary orders and in a few moments ... the time to get
+a carriage ... I can, of course, rely upon the discretion of my men who,
+besides, are ignorant of ..."
+
+"Oh, that's all right."
+
+Fandor replied in a non-committal tone. It would be wiser to avoid any
+compromising admission. A carriage!--what carriage, doubtless the Black
+Maria to take him to prison. And what did he mean by 'the discretion of
+his men?'
+
+"Well," thought Fandor, "he can count upon me. I shan't publish anything
+yet. And after all, it's going to be very hard for me to prove my
+innocence. Since I must rely on the King getting me out of this hole, it
+would be very foolish of me to give him away."
+
+"Besides," continued the officer, "I have had the concièrge warned; she
+has received the most positive orders ... and no reporter will be
+allowed to get hold of ..."
+
+The officer became confused in his explanation.
+
+"The incidents of last night," added Fandor.
+
+A knock at the door and Sergeant Masson entered.
+
+"The coupé is ready."
+
+"Very well, Sergeant."
+
+Fandor rose and was about to put on his overcoat, but the man darted
+forward and helped him on with it.
+
+"Do you wish me to come with you, Monsieur, or would you prefer to
+return alone?"
+
+"Oh, alone, thanks, don't trouble yourself."
+
+The door was opened wide by the polite officer and Fandor passed through
+the main hall of the Station, where everyone rose and bowed. Getting
+into his carriage, he was disagreeably surprised to see an individual
+who appeared to be a plain clothes man sitting on the seat. In addition
+a police cyclist fell in behind the carriage as escort.
+
+"Where the devil are they going to take me?" he wondered.
+
+To his intense surprise, they stopped ten minutes later at the Royal
+Palace, the most luxurious hotel in Paris.
+
+With infinite deference he was then conducted to the elevator and taken
+to the first floor.
+
+"Well, this lets me out," thought Fandor. "Evidently the King has sent
+for me ... in a few minutes I shall be free ... what a piece of luck!"
+
+He was shown into a sumptuous apartment and there left to his own
+devices.
+
+"Wonder what's become of Frederick-Christian," he muttered, after a wait
+of twenty minutes. "It's worse than being at the dentist's."
+
+As the room was very warm, Fandor removed his overcoat and began an
+investigation of his surroundings. Upon a table lay several illustrated
+papers and picking one up he seated himself comfortably in an armchair
+and began to read.
+
+Some minutes later a Major-domo entered the room with much ceremony and
+silently presented him with a card. This turned out to be a menu.
+
+"Well, they're not going to let me starve anyway," he thought, "and as
+long as the King has asked me to breakfast, I'll accept his invitation."
+
+Choosing several dishes at random, he returned the menu, and the man,
+bowing deeply, inquired:
+
+"Where shall we serve breakfast? In the boudoir?"
+
+"Yes, in the boudoir."
+
+The bow ended the interview and Fandor was once more left alone. But not
+for long. Close upon the heels of the first, a second man entered and
+handed the journalist a telegram and withdrew.
+
+"Ah, now I shall get some explanation of all this mystery! This should
+come from the King.... Has he got my name?... No!... the Duke of
+Haworth ... evidently the name of the individual I am supposed to
+represent."
+
+Fandor tore open the telegram and then stared in surprise. Not one word
+of it could he make out. It was in cipher!
+
+"Why the deuce was this given to me!... what does the whole thing mean?
+Is it possible they take me for...."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+BY THE SINGING FOUNTAINS
+
+
+Paris rises very late indeed on New Year's Day. The night before is
+given up to family reunions, supper parties and every kind of
+jollification. So the year begins with a much needed rest. The glitter
+and racket of the streets gives place to a death-like stillness. Shops
+are shut and the cafés are empty. Paris sleeps. There is an exception to
+this rule: Certain unfortunate individuals are obliged to rise at
+day-break, don their best clothes, their uniforms and make their way to
+the four corners of the town to pay ceremonial calls.
+
+These are the Government officials representing the army, the
+magistracy, the parliament, the municipality--all must pay their
+respects to their chiefs. For this hardship they receive little
+sympathy, as it is generally understood that while they have to work
+hard on New Year's Day, they do nothing for the rest of the year.
+
+The somnolence of Paris, however, only extends until noon. At that hour
+life begins again. It is luncheon time.
+
+This New Year's Day differed in no wise from others, and during the
+afternoon the streets were thronged with people.
+
+A pale sun showed in the gray winter sky and the crowd seemed to be
+converging toward the Place de la Concorde. Suddenly the blare of a
+brass band on the Rue Royale brought curious heads to the windows.
+
+A procession headed by a vari-colored banner was marching toward the
+banks of the Seine. The participants wore a mauve uniform with gold
+trimmings and upon the banner was inscribed in huge letters:
+
+     LA CAPITALE
+
+     THE GREAT EVENING PAPER
+
+With some difficulty the musicians reached the Obelisk and at the foot
+of the monument they formed a circle, while at a distance the crowd
+awaited developments.
+
+In the front rank two young women were standing.
+
+One of them seemed to be greatly amused at the gratuitous entertainment,
+the other appeared preoccupied and depressed.
+
+"Come, Marie Pascal, don't be so absent-minded. You look as if you were
+at a funeral."
+
+The other, a workgirl, tried to smile and gave a deep sigh.
+
+"I'm sorry, Mademoiselle Rose, to be out of sorts, but I feel very
+upset."
+
+Two police officers tried to force their way to the musicians and after
+some difficulty they succeeded in arresting the flute and the trombone
+players.
+
+This act of brutality occasioned some commotion and the crowd began to
+murmur.
+
+The employés of _La Capitale_ now brought up several handcarts and
+improvised a sort of platform. Gentlemen in frock coats then appeared on
+the scene and gathered round it. One or two were recognized and pointed
+out by the crowd.
+
+"There's M. Dupont, the deputy and director of _La Capitale_."
+
+A red-faced young man with turned up moustaches was pronounced to be M.
+de Panteloup, the general manager of the paper.
+
+As a matter of fact, those who read _La Capitale_ had been advised
+through its columns that an attempt would be made to solve the mystery
+of the Singing Fountains, which had intrigued Paris for so many weeks. A
+small army of newsboys offered the paper for sale during the ceremony.
+Marie Pascal bought a copy and read it eagerly.
+
+"They haven't a word about the affair yet," she cried.
+
+At that moment the powerful voice of M. de Panteloup was heard:
+
+"You are now going to hear an interesting speech by the celebrated
+archivist and paleographer, M. Anastasius Baringouin, who, better than
+anyone else, can explain to you the strange enigma of the Singing
+Fountains."
+
+An immense shout of laughter greeted the orator as he mounted the steps
+to the stage. He was an old man, very wrinkled and shaky, wearing a high
+hat much too large for his head. He was vainly trying to settle his
+glasses upon a very red nose. In a thin, sharp voice, he began:
+
+"The phenomenon of the Singing Fountains is not, as might be supposed,
+wholly unexpected. Similar occurrences have already been noted and date
+back to remote antiquity. Formerly a stone statue was erected in the
+outskirts of the town of Thebes to the memory of Memnon. When the beams
+of the rising sun struck it, harmonious sounds were heard to issue from
+it. At first this peculiarity was attributed to some form of trickery, a
+secret spring or a hidden keyboard. But upon further research, it was
+demonstrated that the sounds arose from purely physical and natural
+causes."
+
+The crowd which hitherto had listened in silence to the orator now began
+to show signs of impatience.
+
+"What the dickens is he gassing about?" shouted some one in the street.
+
+As the savant paid no attention to these signs the band struck up a
+military march. Finally when order was re-established M. Panteloup
+himself mounted the platform.
+
+"This fountain, ladies and gentlemen," he began in a powerful voice,
+"was built in 1836 at a cost of a million and a half francs. In the
+twenty-four hours its output is 6,716 cubic yards of water. It is
+composed, as you can see, of a basin of polished stone, decorated by six
+tritons and nereids, each holding a fish in its mouth from which the
+water flows out. Thus far there is nothing unusual and it is therefore
+with justifiable surprise that we discover the fact that at certain
+moments these fountains actually sing. Are we in the presence of a
+phenomenon similar to that recalled just now by M. Anastasius
+Baringouin? Are we, at the beginning of the twentieth century--the
+century of Science and Precision--victims of hallucination or sorcery?
+This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we are about to investigate, and we
+will begin by consulting the celebrated clairvoyant, Madame Gabrielle de
+Smyrne."
+
+A murmur of approbation greeted the pretty prophetess as she appeared,
+but at the same moment a police officer followed by fifteen men pushed
+his way to the foot of the platform and ordered M. Panteloup to cease
+attracting a crowd. The latter, however, was equal to the occasion.
+After lifting his hand for silence he shouted the famous cry:
+
+"We are here by the will of the people, we shall not go away except by
+force."
+
+The crowd cheered, and with the voices mingled the barking of dogs.
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen," continued M. Panteloup, "you hear the wonderful
+police dogs of Neuilly, Turk and Bellone. They are coming to help us to
+scent out the mystery."
+
+This was to be the termination of the ceremony, but an unlooked for
+addition to the program appeared in the person of one of those Parisian
+"Natural Men" or "Primitive Men."
+
+He was a very old, long-bearded man and wore a white robe. He went by
+the name of Ouaouaoua, and his portrait had been published in all city
+papers. A hush came over the crowd and then in the silence a vague
+metallic murmur was heard above the splash of the water.
+
+This time there was no mistake. The Fountains were singing.
+
+Thousands of witnesses were present and could testify to that fact.
+
+The crowd at once associated the arrival of Ouaouaoua with the music
+from the Fountains, and he was acclaimed the hero of the occasion.
+
+M. de Panteloup, seized with a happy inspiration, shook hands with
+Ouaouaoua and pinned on his white robe the gold medal of _La Capitale_.
+
+Proceedings were, however, summarily brought to a stop at this point.
+The prefect of the police drove up and his men scattered the crowd in
+all directions.
+
+Ten minutes after the Place de la Concorde had assumed its usual aspect
+and the tritons and nereids continued to pour out their 6,716 cubic
+yards of water every twenty-four hours.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE INVESTIGATION BEGINS
+
+
+M. Vicart, sub-director of the Police Department, was in an execrable
+humor.
+
+In all his long career such a thing had never happened before. In spite
+of the established rule, he had been deprived of his New Year holiday,
+which he usually spent in visits to governmental officials capable of
+influencing his advancement.
+
+He had been ordered to his office. His morning had been spent in endless
+discussions with M. Annion, his director. Numerous telegrams,
+interviews, work of all kinds instead of his customary rest. Besides, he
+had received from his friends only 318 visiting cards instead of 384,
+last year's number. It was most annoying. He was engaged in recounting
+his cards when a clerk announced the visit of detective Juve.
+
+"Send him in at once."
+
+In a few moments Juve entered.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Juve had not changed. In spite of his forty-odd years, he was still
+young looking, active, persevering and daring.
+
+For some time past he had been left very much to his own devices in his
+tracking of the elusive Fantômas, and he was rarely called in to assist
+in the pursuit of other criminals. Therefore he realized that it was an
+affair of the very first importance which called for his presence in M.
+Vicart's office.
+
+The detective found M. Vicart seated at his desk in the badly lighted
+room.
+
+"My dear Juve, you are probably surprised at being sent for to-day."
+
+"A little ... yes."
+
+"Well, you probably know that the King of Hesse-Weimar,
+Frederick-Christian II, has been staying incognito in Paris?"
+
+Juve nodded. He did not think it necessary to mention the incident that
+had occasioned this visit.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: See "A Nest of Spies."]
+
+"Now, Christian II has, or rather had, a mistress, Susy d'Orsel, a
+demi-mondaine. Were you aware of that?"
+
+"No, what of it?"
+
+"This woman has been murdered ... or rather ... has not been
+murdered ... you understand, Juve, has not been murdered."
+
+"Has not been murdered, very well!"
+
+"Now, this woman who has not been murdered threw herself out of the
+window last night at three o'clock; in a word, she committed suicide, at
+the precise moment when Frederick-Christian was taking supper with
+her ... you grasp my meaning?"
+
+"No, I don't. What are you trying to get at?"
+
+"Why, it's as clear as day, Juve ... the scandal! especially as the
+local magistrate had the stupidity to arrest the King."
+
+"The King has been arrested ... I don't understand! Then it wasn't
+suicide?"
+
+"That is what must be established."
+
+"And I am to take charge of the investigation?"
+
+"I put it in your hands."
+
+When M. Vicart had explained the circumstances of the case, Juve summed
+up:
+
+"In a word, Frederick-Christian II went to see his mistress last night,
+she threw herself out of the window, the King was arrested for murder;
+he put in a denial, claiming that a third person was present, this third
+person escaped, an inadmissible hypothesis, since nobody saw him and the
+door to the servant's staircase was locked ... this morning the King was
+set at liberty, and we have now to find out whether a crime was really
+committed or whether it was a case of suicide.... Is that it?"
+
+"That is it! But you're going ahead pretty fast. You don't realize,
+Juve, the seriousness of the supposition you formulate so freely.... You
+must know whether it's murder or suicide! Of course! Of course!... but
+you are too precise.... A King a murderer ... that isn't possible. There
+would be terrible diplomatic complications.... It's a case of
+suicide.... Susy d'Orsel committed suicide beyond a doubt."
+
+Juve smiled slightly.
+
+"That has to be proved, hasn't it?"
+
+"Certainly it must be proved. The accident happened at number 247 Rue de
+Monceau. Go there, question the concièrge ... the only witness.... In a
+word, bring us the proof of suicide in written form. We can then send a
+report to the press and stifle the threatened scandal."
+
+Juve rose.
+
+"I will begin an immediate investigation," he replied, smiling, "and M.
+Vicart, you may depend upon me to use all means in my power to clear up
+the affair ... entirely and impartially."
+
+When Juve had gone, M. Vicart realized a sense of extreme uneasiness.
+
+"Impartially!... the deuce!"
+
+Hurriedly he left his office and made his way through the halls to his
+chief, M. Annion. His first care must be to cover his own
+responsibility in the matter.
+
+M. Annion, cold and impassive, listened to his recital in silence and
+then broke out:
+
+"You have committed a blunder, M. Vicart. I told you this morning to put
+a detective on the case who would bring us a report along the lines that
+we desire. I pointed out to you the gravity of the situation."
+
+"But ..." protested M. Vicart.
+
+"Let me finish.... I thought I had made myself quite clear on that point
+and now, you actually give the commission to Juve!"
+
+"Exactly, Monsieur! I gave Juve the commission because he is our most
+expert detective."
+
+"That I don't deny, and therefore Juve is certain to discover the truth!
+It is an unpardonable blunder."
+
+At this moment a clerk entered with a telegram. M. Annion opened it
+quickly and read it.
+
+"Ah! this is enough to bring about the fall of the Ministry. Listen!"
+
+"The Minister of Hesse-Weimar to the Secretary of the Interior, Place
+Beauvau, Paris--Numerous telegrams addressed to his Majesty the King of
+Hesse-Weimar, at present staying incognito at the Royal Palace Hotel,
+Avenue des Champs Elysées, remain unanswered, in spite of their extreme
+urgence. The Minister of Hesse-Weimar begs the Secretary of the Interior
+of France to kindly make inquiries and to send him the assurance that
+his Majesty the King of Hesse-Weimar is in possession of these
+diplomatic telegrams."
+
+M. Annion burst out.
+
+"There now! Pretty soon they'll be accusing us of intercepting the
+telegrams ... Frederick-Christian doesn't answer! How can I help that! I
+suppose he's weeping over the death of his mistress. And now that fellow
+Juve has taken a hand in it! I tell you. Monsieur Vicart, we're in a
+nice fix!"
+
+While M. Annion was unburdening his mind to M. Vicart, Juve left the
+Ministry whistling a march, and hailed a cab to take him to the Rue
+Monceau.
+
+He quite understood what was required of him, but his professional
+pride, his independence and his innate honesty of purpose determined him
+to ferret out the truth regardless of consequences.
+
+As a matter of fact, the presence of the King in Paris was, in part, to
+render a service to Juve himself.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: See "Fantômas," Vols. I, II, III, IV.]
+
+If, therefore, the hypothesis of suicide could be verified, Juve would
+be able to be of use to the King; if, on the other hand, it had to be
+rejected, his report would prove that fact.
+
+On arriving at the Rue de Monceau, Juve went straight to the concièrge's
+office and having shown his badge, began to question her:
+
+"Tell me, Madame Ceiron, did you see the King when he came to pay his
+visit to his mistress?"
+
+"No, Monsieur. I saw nothing at all. I was in bed ... the bell rang, I
+opened the door ... the King called out as usual, 'the Duke of
+Haworth'--it's the name he goes by--and then he went upstairs, but I
+didn't see him."
+
+"Was he alone?"
+
+"Ah, that's what everyone asks me! Of course he was alone ... the proof
+being that when they went up and found poor Mlle. Susy, nobody else was
+there, so ..."
+
+Juve interrupted:
+
+"All right. Now, tell me, did Mlle. Susy d'Orsel expect any other
+visitor? Any friend?"
+
+"Nobody that I knew of ... at least that's what she said to her
+lace-maker--one of my tenants ... a very good young girl, Mlle. Marie
+Pascal--She said like this--'I'm expecting my lover,' but she mentioned
+nobody else."
+
+"And this Marie Pascal is the last person who saw Susy d'Orsel alive,
+excepting, of course, the King? The servants had gone to bed?"
+
+"Oh, Monsieur, the maid wasn't there. Justine came down about eleven,
+she said good-night to me as she went by ... while Marie Pascal didn't
+go up before eleven-thirty or a quarter to twelve."
+
+"Very well, I'll see Mlle. Pascal later. Another question, Mme. Ceiron:
+did any of your tenants leave the house after the crime ... I mean after
+the death?"
+
+"No, Monsieur."
+
+"Mlle. Susy d'Orsel's apartment is reached by two staircases. Do you
+know if the door to the one used by the servants was locked?"
+
+"That I can't tell you, Monsieur, all I know is that Justine generally
+locked it when she went out."
+
+"And while you were away hunting the doctor and the police, did you
+leave the door of the house open?"
+
+"Ah, no, Monsieur, to begin with, I didn't go out. I have a telephone in
+my room, besides I never leave the door open."
+
+"Is Justine in her room now?"
+
+"No, I have the key, which means that she's out ... she's probably
+looking after funeral arrangements of the poor young girl."
+
+"Mlle. d'Orsel had no relations?"
+
+"I don't think so, Monsieur."
+
+"Is Marie Pascal in?"
+
+"Yes ... sixth floor to the right at the end of the hall."
+
+"Then I will go up and see her. Thanks very much for your information,
+Madame."
+
+"You're very welcome, Monsieur. Ah, this wretched business isn't going
+to help the house. I still have two apartments unrented."
+
+Juve did not wait to hear the good woman's lamentations but hurriedly
+climbed the flights of stairs and knocked on the door indicated.
+
+It was opened by a young girl.
+
+"Mademoiselle Marie Pascal?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+"Can I see you for a couple of minutes? I am a detective and have charge
+of investigating the death of Mlle. d'Orsel."
+
+Mlle. Pascal led the way into her modest room, which was bright and
+sunny with a flowered paper on the walls, potted plants and a bird-cage.
+She then began a recital of the interview she had had with Susy. This
+threw no fresh light upon the case and at the end, Juve replied:
+
+"To sum it up, Mademoiselle, you know only one thing, that Mlle.
+d'Orsel was waiting for her lover, that she told you she was not very
+happy, but did not appear especially sad or cast down ... in fact,
+neither her words nor her attitude showed any thought of attempted
+suicide. Am I not right?"
+
+Marie Pascal hesitated; she seemed worried over something; at length she
+spoke up:
+
+"I do know more."
+
+"What?"
+
+Juve, to cover the young girl's confusion, had turned his head away
+while putting the last question.
+
+"Why," he remarked, "you can see Mlle. d'Orsel's apartment from your
+windows!"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, and that ..."
+
+"Were you in bed when the suicide took place?"
+
+"No ... I was not in bed, I saw ..."
+
+"Ah! You saw! What did you see?"
+
+"Monsieur, I haven't spoken to a soul about it; in fact, I'm not sure I
+wasn't mistaken, it all happened so quickly.... I was getting a breath
+of fresh air at the window, I noticed her apartment was lighted up, I
+could see that through the curtains, and I said to myself, her lover
+must have arrived."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"Then suddenly some one pulled back the hall-window curtains, then the
+window was flung open and I thought I saw a man holding Mlle. d'Orsel
+by the shoulders ... she was struggling but without crying out ...
+finally he threw her out of the window, then the light was extinguished
+and I saw nothing more."
+
+"But you called for help?"
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, I'm afraid I didn't act as I should have. I lost my head,
+you understand ... I left my room and was on my way downstairs to help
+the poor woman ... and then I heard voices, doors slamming ... I was
+afraid the murderer might kill me, too, so I hurried back to my room."
+
+"According to you, then, it was not a suicide?"
+
+"Oh, no, Monsieur ... I am quite sure she was thrown out of the window
+by some man."
+
+"Some man? But, Mademoiselle, you know Susy d'Orsel was alone with the
+King, so that man must be the King."
+
+Marie Pascal gave a dubious shrug.
+
+"You know the King?" Juve asked.
+
+"Yes, I sold him laces. I saw him through an open door."
+
+"And you are not sure that he is or is not the murderer?"
+
+"No, I don't know, that's why I've said nothing about it. I'm not sure
+of anything."
+
+"Pardon, Mademoiselle, but it seems to me you don't quite grasp the
+situation ... what is it you are not sure of?"
+
+"Whether it was the King who killed poor Mlle. Susy."
+
+"But you are sure it was a man who killed Mlle. d'Orsel?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur ... and I am also sure it was a thin, tall man ... in
+fact, some one of the same build as the King."
+
+"Well, Mademoiselle, I cannot see why you have kept this knowledge to
+yourself, it is most important, for it does away with the theory of
+suicide, it proves that a crime has been committed."
+
+"Yes, but if it wasn't the King, it would be terrible to suspect him
+unjustly ... that is what stopped me ..."
+
+"It must no longer stop you. If the King is a murderer, he must be
+punished like any other man; if he is innocent, the guilty man must be
+caught. You haven't spoken of this to the concièrge?"
+
+Marie Pascal smiled.
+
+"No, Monsieur, Mme. Ceiron is rather a gossip."
+
+"I understand, but now you need keep silence no longer; in fact, I
+should be glad if you would spread your news ... talk of it freely and
+I, on my side, will notify my chief.... I may add that we shall not be
+long in clearing up this mystery."
+
+Juve had a reason for giving this advice. The more gossip, the less
+chance would the police department have to stifle the investigation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Marie Pascal slept badly that night. She was too intelligent not to
+realize that her deposition had convinced Juve of the guilt of the King,
+and this troubled her greatly. She, herself, was persuaded that she had
+seen the King throw Susy out of the window, although she had had no time
+to identify him positively and the young girl was alarmed at the
+importance of her testimony.
+
+However, she determined to follow Juve's advice and spread the gossip.
+With that purpose she went down to see Mother Ceiron. As the concièrge
+was not in her room she called through the hallway:
+
+"Madame Ceiron!... Madame Ceiron!"
+
+A man's voice answered and a laundryman came downstairs carrying a
+basket.
+
+"The concièrge is on the sixth floor, Mademoiselle. I passed her as I
+was going up to get M. de Sérac's laundry."
+
+"Ah, thank you, then I will wait for her."
+
+Marie Pascal took a seat in the office, but at the end of ten minutes
+she became bored and decided to go out and get a breath of the fresh
+morning air.
+
+As she reached the entrance she noticed an article of clothing lying on
+the ground.
+
+"A woman's chemise," she exclaimed, picking it up. "The laundryman must
+have dropped it."
+
+Then suddenly she grew pale and retraced her steps to the office.
+
+"Good God!" she cried, leaning for support upon the back of a chair.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE KING RECEIVES
+
+
+The elegant attaché of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs bowed, saying:
+
+"I am extremely sorry to bring your Majesty this bad news."
+
+A voice from the depth of the cushions inquired:
+
+"What bad news?"
+
+"I am telling your Majesty that it would be difficult--even impossible
+for you to go to the Longchamps races as you had the intention of
+doing."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"The President of the Republic opens to-day the exposition at the
+Bagatelle Museum. If your Majesty went to the Bois de Boulogne you would
+run the risk of meeting him. You would then be obliged to stop and talk
+a few moments, but as this interview has not been foreseen and arranged
+for it would be very awkward."
+
+"That is true."
+
+"That is all I had to convey to your Majesty."
+
+"Let me see, what is your name, Monsieur?"
+
+"I am Count Adhemar de Candières, your Majesty."
+
+"Well, Count, many thanks! You may retire."
+
+The Count gracefully bowed himself out and with a convulsive movement of
+the cushions Jerome Fandor sprang up and burst out laughing.
+
+"Ah!" he cried, "I thought that chap would never go! Your Majesty!...
+Sire ... the King ... pleasant names to be called when you're not
+accustomed to them. I've already had twenty-four hours of it, and if it
+goes on much longer I shall begin to think it's not a joke.
+
+"And the King himself, what's become of him ... what is
+Frederick-Christian II doing now ... that's something I'd like to find
+out."
+
+The journalist had indeed sufficient food for thought. From the dawn of
+New Year's Day he had gone from surprise to surprise. At first he
+thought he had been brought to the Royal Palace Hotel at the instigation
+of the King. That would have been the simple solution of the affair. The
+King must have realized the awkward predicament in which his companion
+was placed and in spite of his drunken stupor he would come to his
+assistance as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, Fandor had been set
+at liberty. The journalist therefore had waited patiently for the
+arrival of the King, who was unaccountably late.
+
+Then little by little it began to dawn on him that the hotel people
+were considering him not as a friend of the King but as the King
+himself! Under ordinary circumstances, he would at once have made his
+identity known, but against that there were now a multitude of
+objections. His presence in the apartment of the murdered Susy d'Orsel
+had created an ambiguous and disagreeable situation. Again, was the
+personnel of the hotel really duped by the substitution?
+
+The situation was becoming more and more difficult for Fandor. He
+realized that he was being watched. The evening before one of the clerks
+of the Royal Palace Hotel had informed him that his Majesty's automobile
+was ready. For a moment Fandor did not know what to do, but finally
+decided to take a chance for an outing. As soon as he had come
+downstairs he regretted his decision. Among the persons lounging in the
+lobby he recognized five or six detectives whom he had known and he
+realized that the police would have accurate information as to where he
+might go. On reaching the door he saw three or four automobiles lined up
+outside. Which one belonged to the King? Faced by this situation he
+acted without hesitation, he turned quickly and went back to the Royal
+apartment, where during the rest of the evening he had been left in
+peace. The following morning he awoke with a violent headache, and
+applied the usual remedy for the neuralgia to which he was subject. He
+bound up his head with a large silk scarf which he found in the Royal
+wardrobe. During the course of the morning his hotel bill was brought to
+him, which amounted to four thousand francs.
+
+"Pretty stiff," he muttered, "for three days' stay. It may be all right
+for Frederick-Christian II, but for a poor devil of a journalist it is
+rather awkward."
+
+Fandor was wondering what he should do about it when the telephone rang
+to announce a visitor. After listening at the receiver, his face
+suddenly lighted with a broad smile.
+
+"Show him up," he answered.
+
+Several moments afterwards a man entered the apartment He was about
+forty and wore the conventional frock coat and light gloves.
+
+"I am," he said, "the private secretary of the Comptoir National de
+Crédit and am at your Majesty's disposition for the settlement of
+accounts. Your Majesty will excuse our sub-director for not having come
+himself to take your orders as it is his pleasure and honor generally to
+do, but he has been ill for several days and that is why I have begged
+permission for this audience with your Majesty."
+
+Fandor with difficulty repressed his desire to laugh and congratulated
+himself that he had escaped the danger of being shown up by the
+sub-director who knew the real King. The Secretary brought with him a
+large sum of money which he placed at the disposal of the sovereign. For
+a moment Fandor was tempted to accept the money but his scruples held
+him back. If things should turn out badly it would not do to lay himself
+open to the charge of usurping the Royal funds as well as the
+personality of the King. So he limited himself to handing over the hotel
+bill, saying:
+
+"Kindly settle this without delay and don't stint yourself with the
+tips."
+
+A little later a porter entered with newspapers. Fandor seized them
+eagerly, but after a single glance he could not repress a movement of
+impatience.
+
+"These idiots," he growled to himself, "always bring me the Hesse-Weimar
+papers, and I don't know a confounded word of German. What I would like
+to get hold of is a copy of _La Capitale_."
+
+He rang the bell intending to give the order for a copy to be sent up,
+but at that moment a servant announced:
+
+"Mlle. Marie Pascal is here, your Majesty."
+
+"What does she want?"
+
+The servant handed Fandor a letter.
+
+"Your Majesty has granted an interview to her."
+
+Without thinking the journalist asked: "Is she pretty?"
+
+The employé of the Royal Palace kept a straight face. He was too much in
+the habit of dealing with royal patrons. The King might joke as much as
+he pleased, but the same liberty was not granted to others. He therefore
+made a deep bow and said with a tone of profound deference:
+
+"I will send Marie Pascal to your Majesty."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+MARIE PASCAL
+
+
+Now that he had become a King and was obliged to receive unexpected
+visits in that capacity, Fandor had adopted the wise precaution of
+making his visitors wait in the main Salon, while he retired to the
+adjoining study. From there, thanks to a large mirror, he could see them
+without being seen himself. Following this precaution he waited for the
+appearance of his visitor and scarcely had she set foot in the Salon
+when he experienced an agreeable surprise.
+
+"Ah, there's a pretty girl."
+
+He was right. She was charming, with her large clear blue eyes, her fair
+hair and slight figure.
+
+"By Jove," thought Fandor, "here's a way to fill up my hours of
+solitude. It oughtn't to be hard for one in my position to get up an
+intrigue, and provided the lady is not too shy I can begin one of those
+adventures one reads of in fairy stories."
+
+Covering his face still further with his scarf and putting on a pair of
+blue spectacles he entered the Salon. The young girl betrayed a slight
+movement of surprise upon seeing him. At his silent invitation she sat
+down on the edge of an armchair without daring to raise her eyes. Then
+followed a long pause, until Fandor recollected that according to
+etiquette she was waiting for him to speak first.
+
+"Well, Mademoiselle, what can I do for you?"
+
+The young girl stammered: "I wanted to see you ... pardon ... to see
+your Majesty ... to tell him how grateful I am for the laces he ordered
+from me ... that your Majesty ordered."
+
+Fandor began to be amused at the embarrassment of the young girl, so to
+set her at ease he remarked:
+
+"Mademoiselle, just talk to me as you would to anyone else, and as for
+the laces, I shall be very glad to order others."
+
+A start of surprise from Marie Pascal gave Fandor the uneasy feeling
+that he had made a break.
+
+"Then, your Majesty, I suppose I must send the next lot to the Queen."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"How about the bill?"
+
+Fandor repressed a smile. Evidently these poor Kings must have one hand
+in their pockets. As the interview continued the young girl regained her
+confidence, and going close to Fandor, spoke in a tone of sincere
+anxiety:
+
+"Sire, it was not you ... oh, forgive me." And then in a lower tone: "I
+have denounced you, Sire."
+
+Then, dropping to her knees, Marie Pascal repeated all that had
+happened. Fandor now realized that the death of Susy d'Orsel had a
+witness and that a detective was now in possession of the facts.
+
+"And this detective! Is he tall, broad shouldered, about forty-five,
+with gray hair and clean shaven?"
+
+The young girl was astonished at the accuracy of the portrait.
+
+"Why, yes, Sire ... your Majesty is right."
+
+"It can be no other than Juve," thought Fandor joyfully. Then turning to
+Marie Pascal, "Now you must answer truthfully the question I am going to
+ask you. Will you tell me why, after accusing me of this dreadful crime,
+you have suddenly changed your opinion and come to tell me how sorry you
+are and that you are now sure I am not guilty? You must have very
+serious reasons for this change of front."
+
+"I have been convinced of your innocence," she replied, "by the most
+absolute proof." She then recounted to Fandor her discovery of the
+chemise belonging to the Marquis de Sérac.
+
+"After picking up this chemise I was about to give it over to Mme.
+Ceiron, the concièrge of the house, when my eyes happened to fall upon
+the ruffles on the sleeves. Attached to the right sleeve were some
+shreds of lace which seemed to have been torn from a larger piece. I am
+a lace maker and I recognized immediately that these pieces came from a
+dress I had just delivered to Mlle. Susy d'Orsel a few hours before."
+
+Fandor, who was listening with the closest attention, now asked: "What
+do you deduce from that, Mademoiselle?"
+
+"Sire, simply that the person who threw Susy d'Orsel out of the window
+was wearing that chemise."
+
+"And," continued the journalist, "as this belonged to the Marquis de
+Sérac?"
+
+"But it is a woman's chemise."
+
+Fandor quickly realized the importance of this testimony. First, that
+Susy d'Orsel had really been murdered and secondly that the King
+Frederick-Christian had had no hand in it.
+
+"Is your Majesty very unhappy over the death of Mlle. d'Orsel?"
+
+Fandor glanced sharply at the young woman and then replied
+enigmatically: "I am, of course, very much shocked at the tragic end of
+this poor girl. But what is the matter with you?"
+
+Marie Pascal was growing paler and paler and finally collapsed in his
+arms. Gently he placed Marie Pascal on a sofa. For a few moments Fandor
+sat there holding her hands. Then she sat up quickly.
+
+"What are you doing?"
+
+Ready to continue what he considered an amusing adventure, he was about
+to take her in his arms murmuring, "I love you." But she rose quickly
+and fled horror-stricken.
+
+"No, no, it's horrible." She sank down covering her face and crying
+hysterically.
+
+Fandor rushed over just in time to hear her murmur, "Alas, and I love
+you."
+
+A variety of sentiments and impressions passed through the mind of
+Fandor. At first, delighted with the avowal he had heard, he took her,
+unresisting, in his arms. Then suddenly he became the victim of a
+violent jealousy. For it was not to Fandor she had yielded but to the
+King of Hesse-Weimar, Frederick-Christian. She looked so pretty with her
+tears and her love that the situation became intolerable to him.
+
+"Sire," whispered the gentle voice of Marie Pascal, "may I remind you of
+a promise? Dare I ask for a souvenir?" She pointed to a photograph of
+Frederick-Christian II.
+
+"All right, all right," growled Fandor, "take it."
+
+She then handed him a pen and asked him to write a dedication.
+
+"No, I'll be hanged if I do," cried Fandor. Then seeing that the young
+girl was beginning to cry again, he added:
+
+"My dear Marie Pascal, I am very sorry but it is against the rule for me
+to write a single word on my portrait.... It is against the
+Constitution." The journalist searched through his pockets to find
+something he might give her as compensation, and then clasped her to his
+heart as the only thing possible to do under the circumstances. At this
+moment a servant entered and gravely announced:
+
+"Sire, Wulfenmimenglaschk is here." Had the sun or the moon or the King
+himself been announced Fandor's amazement would not have been greater.
+Marie Pascal was about to slip away embarrassed, hardly capable of
+leaving in so much happiness, when Fandor recalled her.
+
+"Mademoiselle!"
+
+"Sire!"
+
+"What you told me just now about the torn lace you had better repeat at
+police headquarters." Then in a lower tone he continued his
+instructions. When he had finished she nodded her head.
+
+Yes, she would go and find Juve, the detective Juve, as the King had
+ordered her, and she would tell him everything.
+
+The servant was waiting motionless for the King's answer.
+
+"Wulfenmimenglaschk," thought he, "that must be one of those
+extraordinary German-American cocktails which Frederick-Christian is
+accustomed to order." He turned to the servant:
+
+"Pour it out." At the man's surprise Fandor realized that he had made a
+mistake. At this moment a very fat man with scarlet face and pointed
+moustache appeared in the doorway and gave the military salute,
+announcing in a voice of thunder:
+
+"Wulfenmimenglaschk!"
+
+"Good God," murmured the journalist, dropping into an armchair. "This
+time I'm dished. He's come from Hesse-Weimar."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+A PARTY OF THREE
+
+
+Juve was busy searching in a bureau drawer while Marie Pascal was going
+through piles of linen in her cupboard.
+
+"You are sure you put it there?" asked Juve. "Madame Ceiron hasn't by
+any chance taken it away, has she?"
+
+"Oh, no," replied Marie Pascal, "I am quite sure I locked it in my
+drawer, and locked the door of my room as well."
+
+The room had been turned completely topsy-turvy, while Juve and Marie
+Pascal were searching anxiously and nervously through all the girl's
+belongings.
+
+When she left the Royal Palace Hotel, Marie Pascal had gone directly to
+Police Headquarters, where she had found Juve. After telling him the
+history of the chemise fallen from the Marquis de Sérac's laundry, she
+had repeated all the details of her interview with the King and the
+advice he had given her.
+
+"His Majesty Frederick-Christian was certainly wise in sending you
+here," he replied; "to begin with, it proves most conclusively that he
+has every intention of denying the crime of which you accused him
+yesterday, and of which you no longer accuse him to-day."
+
+Marie Pascal protested: "I never accused him!"
+
+"It amounted to the same thing, for the man you say threw Susy d'Orsel
+out of the window could only be the King, since he was alone with his
+mistress.... Now we get the further evidence of the chemise found by you
+quite by chance ... and by sending you to me His Majesty explicitly
+accuses a woman, the woman to whom that chemise belonged--of having
+killed Susy d'Orsel."
+
+"The first thing to be done, Mademoiselle, is to go to your room and
+have a look at this garment. The Marquis de Sérac himself is away, and
+besides, his reputation is well known. Therefore, we cannot accuse him.
+If the chemise was found among his laundry it would imply that the
+murderer, taken by surprise, hid himself in the Marquis's apartment and
+either changed his clothes there or dropped the chemise into the
+Marquis's laundry-bag on purpose to create a false scent."
+
+Without further words, Juve and the young girl drove to Rue de Monceau
+to examine the chemise which she had found that morning. Marie Pascal
+unlocked her door; a few moments later started in amazement. The chemise
+had disappeared. Afterward Juve began to wonder whether Marie Pascal
+had spoken the truth or whether it was a put-up story between herself
+and the King.
+
+"There's no use looking any further," he cried, "some one has stolen
+it."
+
+"But it's terrible," replied Marie Pascal. "It is the only evidence that
+would clear the King. The only proof that he is not guilty. How can
+anyone be sure that I really found the chemise?"
+
+Juve nodded. "That's what I have been asking myself, Mademoiselle."
+
+"Oh, what can be done?"
+
+The anxiety of the young girl interested Juve keenly.
+
+"It's very annoying, Mademoiselle. But, after all, it only affects you
+indirectly. The King will have to explain clearly whether he was alone
+with Susy d'Orsel or whether a woman accompanied him."
+
+"Yes, but then they will suspect him.... Oh, M. Juve, what do you
+think?"
+
+Juve gave a dry cough and answered:
+
+"Well, Mademoiselle, this is the way I figure it out. Susy d'Orsel has
+been the mistress of the King for about two years, and as you know
+constancy is unusual with men, it is quite possible that
+Frederick-Christian had had enough of his mistress and had become
+interested in another woman."
+
+"That doesn't explain anything."
+
+"Oh, yes, it does. It explains everything. Suppose, for instance, that
+the King had fallen in love with another demi-mondaine, and that had
+brought her to the apartment to notify Susy d'Orsel of his intention to
+break with her. Might not a quarrel have arisen between the two women
+and the new mistress, exasperated by some taunt, had thrown the
+unfortunate Susy d'Orsel out of the window?... That would be a
+commonplace enough story."
+
+While speaking Juve was watching carefully the expression on Marie
+Pascal's face. She had grown very pale and at the end protested with a
+cry:
+
+"No, no, you are wrong. The King had not two mistresses. And besides,
+the chemise I found was made of coarse linen, and would not certainly be
+worn by that sort of woman."
+
+"Ah," thought Juve, "I wonder if Marie Pascal by any chance is in love
+with his Majesty. That would explain many things. To begin with, the
+reason why she was watching Susy's window. Also why the King, touched
+perhaps by the caprice of this girl, had had a row with his mistress,
+and finally why Marie Pascal, having seen him again, had invented the
+story of the chemise, which could not be found. This young girl is
+imprudent. She lets it be seen too clearly how disagreeable the
+hypothesis would be to her. After reasoning thus to himself Juve turned
+to the young girl.
+
+"Well, Mademoiselle Marie, if my supposition is wrong there can be only
+one explanation, namely, that some woman committed the crime, a woman
+who was hidden in the apartment and who subsequently hid the chemise in
+the Marquis de Sérac's laundry bag, and then having learned of your
+discovery returned to your room to recover the compromising article."
+Marie Pascal remained silent. Juve continued with the intention of
+alarming her out of her reserve.
+
+"But if this last supposition is the right one we must admit that it is
+none the less unfortunate for the King. For once the chemise disappeared
+the King must be held guilty until further discovery."
+
+Marie Pascal replied simply:
+
+"It is frightful. The more so because I had this proof in my hand, and I
+know very well he is innocent."
+
+Juve picked up his hat and began buttoning his overcoat.
+
+"Naturally, Mademoiselle, you yourself know ... and I may add that I am
+of your opinion, but still you have no proof to offer, and
+consequently...."
+
+Marie Pascal wrung her hands in desperation.
+
+"What is to be done? How can the truth come to light.... Ah, I shall
+never forgive myself for having at first accused the King and then
+losing the proof of his innocence."
+
+"Oh, don't take it to heart too much. In criminal affairs the first
+results of the investigator are really conclusive."
+
+Juve nodded to the young girl and rapidly went downstairs smiling to
+himself. One thing and one alone had developed from his interview. The
+King denied his guilt.
+
+"The only thing I know," he thought, "is that the concièrge affirms that
+Frederick-Christian was alone when he came to see Susy d'Orsel.... If I
+can prove that definitely I can also prove by the chain of evidence that
+the King is guilty. But how to do it?"
+
+Juve hurried through the courtyard, passing the office of Mme. Ceiron,
+who was out at that moment. As he had already obtained the key of Susy
+d'Orsel's apartment, her absence did not trouble him.
+
+"I'll be willing to bet," he thought, "that I shall find nothing
+interesting in her rooms. But it is at least my duty to go over them
+carefully.... If only I could discover evidence showing that three
+persons were there together, but that is most unlikely. The officers,
+the doctors, the concièrge and the men who carried the body to the
+Morgue would have destroyed all traces."
+
+It was not without a slight shudder that Juve entered the apartment
+where the tragedy occurred. With a real catch at his heart he went
+through the bright, luxuriously decorated rooms, still giving evidence
+of a feminine presence.
+
+Death had entered there. The sinister death of crime, brutal,
+unforeseen. A hundred times more tragic for remaining unexplained. Juve,
+however, quickly stifled his feelings. He was there to investigate and
+nothing else mattered. The bedroom presented nothing worthy of notice,
+the boudoir was in perfect order, also the kitchen and the hall.
+
+Juve entered, finally, the dining-room. It was there, according to the
+testimony of witnesses, that the crime must have taken place. It was
+there in any case that Susy d'Orsel had received her lover.
+
+Nothing had been deranged. The table was still set for supper. Two
+places, side by side, bore mute witness that the King had been alone
+with his mistress.
+
+Juve at first carefully examined the general lay of the room. The
+disposition of the chairs, the two knives from the two forks, two fish
+plates, all went to prove there had been only two persons at the table.
+
+But suddenly he gave a start and his face expressed the keenest
+interest. He dropped to his knees and carefully examined the floor under
+the table.
+
+"Unless I am dreaming there are ashes here."
+
+Juve bent forward and noticed at the right of the sofa an ash receiver
+placed near the edge of the table, and below on the carpet a small heap
+of gray ash.
+
+"To begin with, we'll admit that Susy d'Orsel flicked the ash off her
+cigarette ... gray ash from Egyptian tobacco, a woman's cigarette."
+
+He now moved to the left of the sofa.
+
+"In the second place, here is another heap of ashes in this plate ...
+cigar ashes ... in fact here is the tend showing a German brand.... So
+the King was sitting on the right of Susy d'Orsel. Less careful, he used
+his plate instead of an ash receiver."
+
+Now bending down he noticed on the carpet a third heap of ash.
+
+"A third person has been smoking here. For there is no reason why the
+King should have changed his place and sat at the opposite side of the
+table where no place is laid.... Also this third person, in smoking a
+cigarette, and having no plate or ash receiver, dropped his ashes on the
+carpet."
+
+After a moment's thought Juve took from his pocket a small automatic
+lighting arrangement and going on his hands and knees under the table
+began a careful examination of its feet. In a moment he gave an
+exclamation of joy.
+
+"Ah, I have got it now. This is conclusive."
+
+And in fact Juve had made a most important discovery. The heavy legs of
+the table were joined by crosspieces and Juve had been able to determine
+where Susy d'Orsel had rested her feet. He saw also the slight traces of
+mud where the King had rested his feet. Most important, however, was the
+fact that further traces of mud had been left by a third pair of feet.
+
+"If only I could identify the feet that were placed here, and whether
+they belonged to a woman."
+
+A closer examination of the wood made him rise to his feet with a cry.
+Quickly taking a chair, he placed it before the table in the place that
+might naturally be occupied by a third guest, and then sat down. This is
+what he discovered. It was quite impossible for a woman to have been
+sitting there. Having stretched his legs and rested his feet upon the
+traces of mud, he discovered that one of the legs of the table came
+directly between his knees. A woman's skirt would have made this
+position impossible for her.
+
+"Why, the King was telling the truth! There were three persons in this
+dining-room a few moments before the crime was committed. And they were
+Susy d'Orsel, the King and another man."
+
+Juve now threw himself into an armchair and remained buried in thought.
+
+"To sum it up, the King alone is in a position to give me further
+information.... And if he should refuse to speak or should attempt to
+lie I have now within my hands the means of forcing him to tell the
+truth."
+
+He sprang up quickly.
+
+"The next thing to do is to go and see the King."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+WULFENMIMENGLASCHK
+
+
+Wulfenmimenglaschk!
+
+Fandor stared in consternation at the individual who had just entered
+the apartment of Frederick-Christian II.
+
+He was enormously fat and absurd looking. A large red nose stood out
+between two little blinking eyes; a heavy moustache bushed above his
+three well-defined chins. In his hand he held a soft green hat, through
+the ribbon of which was stuck a feather. He wore a wide leather belt
+containing cartridge cases, and the butts of two revolvers peeped out of
+his pockets.
+
+The man began once more.
+
+"Wulfen ..."
+
+Fandor stopped him with a movement of impatience.
+
+"Won't you please speak French, so long as we are in France?"
+
+For the twenty-fifth time this strange individual repeated the phrase
+which apparently meant his name and added in French:
+
+"Head of the Secret Service of the Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar and Attaché
+of your Majesty."
+
+Fandor congratulated himself that the table separated them. He expected
+at any moment to be shown up as an impostor. But thinking the best plan
+would be to try and bluff it through he said graciously:
+
+"Sit down, Monsieur Wulf."
+
+"But that isn't possible."
+
+"Yes, it is ... take that chair."
+
+"I should never dare to," answered the police officer.
+
+Fandor insisted.
+
+"We desire you."
+
+Wulf bowed to such formal instructions, murmuring:
+
+"I do so at the order of your Majesty."
+
+Fandor sprang up amazed.
+
+"Does he take me for the King too? That can't be possible. The head of
+the Secret Service! They must be carrying this joke out to the bitter
+end. I'm hanged if I can understand it."
+
+"What do you want?"
+
+The man who since his entrance had not taken his eyes off Fandor, now
+appeared to be considering him with the greatest admiration.
+
+"Ah! Heaven be thanked.... My most cherished desire has come to
+pass.... Your Majesty has been good enough to allow me the honor of a
+personal interview."
+
+"He must be mad," thought Fandor.
+
+"Of course I was well acquainted with your august features....
+Frederick-Christian II is popular in his kingdom ... his portrait hangs
+on the walls of private houses as well as public buildings. But your
+Majesty understands that portraits and the reality are often
+dissimilar.... Now, although for seventeen years I have belonged to the
+Secret Service of the Kingdom, I have never before had the honor of
+meeting his Majesty face to face."
+
+"So, Monsieur Wulf, you think I don't look like my portrait."
+
+"Pardon me, Sire, that is not what I wish to say. The portrait
+represents your Majesty as being taller and heavier, with a larger
+moustache and fairer hair."
+
+"In other words," said Fandor, smiling, "my portrait flatters me."
+
+"Oh, Sire, quite the contrary, I assure you."
+
+"Well, what do you want?"
+
+Wulf was evidently waiting for this question. He rose from the seat and
+made a careful inspection of the room, opening each door to see that no
+one was outside listening. Then he returned to Fandor and whispered:
+
+"I am here on a secret mission, Sire."
+
+"Well, let's hear what it is."
+
+"I am charged with two commissions, one which interests your Majesty,
+the other the Kingdom. To begin with, I have come to get your reply to
+the telegram in cipher which his Highness the Minister of the Interior
+sent your Majesty yesterday."
+
+"The deuce," thought Fandor, "this is getting annoying. What on earth
+shall I tell him?"
+
+Then with an air of innocence he asked:
+
+"What telegram are you speaking of? I have received none."
+
+"Your Majesty didn't receive it?"
+
+"Well, you know the service is rotten in France."
+
+"Yes," replied Wulf scornfully, "it's easy to see it's a Republic."
+
+Fandor smiled. If he was compelled to run down his own country for once,
+it wouldn't matter.
+
+"What can you expect with the continual strikes ... however, that's not
+our fault, is it, Wulf?"
+
+"Quite true, Sire."
+
+The Chief of the Secret Service leaned toward Fandor and whispered
+mysteriously.
+
+"I have it, Sire."
+
+"What," inquired Fandor, with somewhat of anxiety.
+
+"The text of the telegram."
+
+Wulf drew out a document and was about to hand it to Fandor, but the
+latter stopped him with a gesture.
+
+"Read it to me."
+
+"His Highness, the Minister of the Interior, begs to inform your Majesty
+that since his absence a propaganda unfavorable to the throne is being
+actively spread in the Court and in the town. The partisans of Prince
+Gudulfin believe the occasion favorable to seize the Government."
+
+Fandor pretended anger.
+
+"Ah, it's Prince Gudulfin again!"
+
+"Alas, Sire, it is always the Prince."
+
+Fandor repressed a violent laugh.
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"No, Sire. His Highness the Minister requested to know, in the name of
+the Queen, when your Majesty has the intention of returning to his
+Kingdom."
+
+Fandor rose and tapping Wulf amicably on the shoulder replied:
+
+"Tell the Queen that business of the greatest importance keeps me in
+Paris, but that before long I hope to return to the Court."
+
+Wulf looked at him without answering, and Fandor added with great
+dignity:
+
+"You can go now."
+
+"But I have a formal order not to return to Glotzbourg without your
+Majesty, and when your Majesty is ready I am at your orders. Even
+to-night."
+
+Then he added in a low tone:
+
+"That would be a pity, for in Paris ..."
+
+Fandor glanced quickly at him. So this fat police officer was like the
+rest of the world. He, too, wanted to have his fling in Paris.
+
+At this moment they were interrupted by the arrival of the servant
+carrying a tray of cocktails. Fandor turned smilingly to Wulf.
+
+"Have a cocktail, Wulf?"
+
+The officer almost choked with delight. In Hesse-Weimar he would never
+have imagined that his King could be so charming and simple in private
+life. He made some remark to this effect and the journalist answered:
+
+"Why not, Wulf? Hesse-Weimar and France are two different places ... we
+are now in a democracy, let's be democratic." Then clinking his glass
+with Wulf's he cried:
+
+"To the health of the Republic!"
+
+Fandor now led the conversation to the charms and seductions of Paris,
+and he pictured the delights of the city in such glowing terms that
+Wulf's little eyes sparkled and his purple face became even more
+congested. He lost his timidity. He expressed a wish to see the
+Moulin-Rouge and the Singing Fountains.
+
+"What do you know about them?" inquired Fandor.
+
+"Why, they speak of nothing else in Hesse-Weimar."
+
+"You shall hear them then.... Look here, Wulf, are you married?"
+
+"Yes, Sire."
+
+"Then I'll bet you deceive your wife."
+
+"Hum! I should be sorry if my wife heard you say that. For up to
+now ..."
+
+Fandor laughed.
+
+"Oh, we Kings know everything. Even more than your Secret Service."
+
+"That's true," cried Wulf, "absolutely true."
+
+"Wulf, Paris is the town of charming women. I am sure they will please
+you greatly. And as I have no need of your services to-morrow I will
+give you your liberty."
+
+The officer was about to break into thanks when the door opened and a
+servant announced:
+
+"Will your Majesty receive Monsieur Juve?"
+
+"Show him in."
+
+When the detective entered and heard Fandor addressed as His Majesty he
+opened his eyes and stood staring, while Fandor himself was obliged to
+stuff his handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself from roaring
+with laughter.
+
+Juve began:
+
+"What does this mean?..."
+
+But Fandor quickly stepped forward.
+
+"Monsieur Juve, let me introduce you to Monsieur Wulf. Monsieur Wulf is
+the head of the Secret Service in my Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar."
+
+Then tapping Wulf familiarly on the shoulder he added:
+
+"He's one of the greatest detectives in the world. He was able to find
+the King of Hesse-Weimar right here in this apartment.... Though he had
+never seen me, he found me and recognized me!"
+
+The officer beamed with delight at the compliment. Fandor then conducted
+him to the door, whispering advice as to the best way of passing his
+night in Paris.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Scarcely had the ridiculous Wulf disappeared when Juve seized Fandor by
+the shoulder.
+
+"Fandor! What does this mean?"
+
+"Why, Juve, simply that I'm the King of Hesse-Weimar--of which fact you
+had a proof just now."
+
+But Juve's face was serious.
+
+"Now, without joking, tell me what you are doing here."
+
+When Fandor had finished his explanation Juve seized him by the hand.
+
+"Where is the King, Fandor?"
+
+"I have already told you. I haven't the least idea. And, furthermore, I
+don't care."
+
+"You are crazy to talk this way. What is happening is extremely
+serious."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Simply because a charge of murder has been brought against
+Frederick-Christian."
+
+"Very few people know it," exclaimed the journalist.
+
+He stopped speaking suddenly. Outside the murmur of a crowd grew louder
+and louder as it approached. Juve and Fandor ran to the window just in
+time to receive a volley of stones which broke the glass in several
+places. The two men sprang back.
+
+"Put out the lights!" cried Juve.
+
+Below them the avenue was black with people. After a moment they could
+distinguish what they were shouting.
+
+"Murderer! Murderer! Down with the King!"
+
+"That surprises you, Fandor," exclaimed Juve, "but for the last
+forty-eight hours I have been watching this trouble grow, and I tell
+you it is going to end badly."
+
+At the head of the mob and more daring than the others appeared a
+strange individual. A long-bearded old man, dressed in white, was
+endeavoring to force his way into the hotel and a fight was taking place
+at the door.
+
+"I know him," muttered Juve, "I have seen him once or twice before
+trying to raise a row about this affair."
+
+"Why it's Ouaouaoua, the Primitive Man," cried Fandor.
+
+A squad of policemen now arrived on the scene, and without much
+difficulty succeeded in dispersing the mob.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Well, Juve."
+
+"Well, Fandor."
+
+"To tell you the truth, Juve," admitted the journalist, "I am beginning
+to get a little uneasy. However, this manifestation is against
+Frederick-Christian, not against me...."
+
+Juve interrupted.
+
+"Idiot, don't you understand what's happening? Either one of two things.
+You are the King, and therefore in the opinion of the public the
+murderer of Susy d'Orsel, or you are not the King, and in that case you
+are an impostor, which will make it all the more likely that you will be
+considered as the murderer."
+
+"Not much," cried Fandor. "You seem to forget it was I who picked
+up ..."
+
+"Who knows that?" continued Juve. "Why, my dear fellow, think for a
+moment, if the King is guilty, and even if he is not, he will be only
+too glad to throw the responsibility for this tragedy upon your
+shoulders.... That would let him out of it completely. The situation
+could not be much worse. Suppose that this evening, to-morrow, at any
+moment some one finds out that you are not the King, you will then not
+only be suspected of the murder of Susy d'Orsel, but you will be accused
+of having done away with the King.... Where is the King? You haven't the
+least idea. Then what answer could you make?"
+
+"The devil," murmured Fandor, suddenly growing pale. "I didn't think of
+that. You are right, Juve, I am in a bad fix."
+
+There was a moment of silence. The two men looked at one another,
+troubled and anxious. Then Fandor, struck by a sudden inspiration,
+seized his hat and cane.
+
+"What are you doing?" inquired Juve.
+
+"I ... Why I'm going to clear out."
+
+"How?... The King's apartment is surrounded by Secret Service men....
+They take good care of His Majesty.... You were forgetting that!"
+
+"That's true," said Fandor, depressed. "So now I am actually a prisoner.
+Look here, Juve, what has become of this Frederick-Christian? Haven't
+you any clue to follow?"
+
+"No."
+
+"He can't have vanished into thin air. We must find him if it is humanly
+possible."
+
+"That's my opinion, Fandor, but I am wondering how."
+
+And then suddenly to each of them the same thought occurred.
+
+Fantômas!
+
+Was it not probable that the strange crime of which Susy d'Orsel was the
+victim, the mysterious disappearance of the King, might be attributed to
+this enigmatic and redoubtable bandit?
+
+It would not have been the first time that the journalist and the
+detective had put forth a similar hypothesis.
+
+Fantômas had always symbolized the very essence of crime itself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN STATIONS
+
+
+On leaving Fandor, Juve walked up the Avenue Champs Elysées, refusing
+the offers of various cab drivers. He felt the need of movement as an
+antidote to his growing worry over the affair. On arriving at the Rue
+Saussaies, Juve sent up his card to M. Annion and requested an immediate
+interview. In a few moments he was shown into M. Annion's office.
+
+"Well, what's new? What's the result of your investigation, Juve?"
+
+"There is nothing much to report yet. The theory of suicide is possible,
+although a crime may have been committed. Whether the King is involved
+or not in this affair is still uncertain. It will take me a week at
+least to find out."
+
+"In other words, you know nothing yet. Well, I can tell you a few things
+you don't know. Pass me those documents."
+
+M. Annion looked through the papers and then continued:
+
+"When Vicart saw you this morning he forgot to give you some of the
+instructions I had charged him with.... I sent two of my men to the
+Royal Palace Hotel.... Do you know what they found?"
+
+"No, I haven't the least idea. There was nothing to learn at the Royal
+Palace itself."
+
+"On the contrary, they made an extraordinary discovery."
+
+"What was it?"
+
+"They discovered that the King is not the King. The individual who is
+posing as Frederick-Christian II is an impostor. Rather sensational
+news, isn't it?"
+
+"So sensational that I don't believe it."
+
+"And why not, if you please?"
+
+Juve avoided a direct reply. He asked:
+
+"Upon what do you place this supposed imposture?"
+
+M. Annion took up the papers before him.
+
+"I have the evidence here before me. But first I must tell you how our
+suspicions became aroused.... This morning, after your departure, we
+received a telegram from Hesse-Weimar inquiring why Frederick-Christian
+did not reply to the telegram sent him from his kingdom.... That gave me
+an inkling of what was going on.... I sent to the Royal Palace Hotel and
+there my two detectives learned that Frederick-Christian had gained the
+reputation of being extremely odd, in fact, half crazy. Furthermore,
+that he was acting in a manner totally different from that of former
+occasions. He now scarcely moves from his room, whereas previously he
+spent most of his time out of doors."
+
+M. Annion handed Juve the documents and begged him to look them over
+himself. After returning them Juve realized that his best chance would
+be to gain time.
+
+"This is going to cause a great deal of trouble. If an impostor is
+really installed in the Royal Palace Hotel we shall have to notify the
+Chancellor and ask for the authorization to verify ... In other words, a
+number of tiresome formalities will have to be complied with."
+
+"Wait a minute, I have more surprises for you. We now have the press on
+our trail. All the evening papers publish articles inferring the guilt
+of the King.... They come out boldly accusing him of murder. Would you
+believe that at seven o'clock this evening there was a shouting, howling
+mob in front of the Royal Palace? And so, my dear Juve, you had better
+take two men with you, and without delay go to the hotel and arrest the
+man who is passing for the King, and who is, besides, the murderer of
+Susy d'Orsel."
+
+This is what Juve feared; he determined to make every effort to prevent
+the arrest of Fandor.
+
+"All this is very well, but I think you will agree with me that it is a
+romance, Monsieur Annion."
+
+"May I ask why you think that?"
+
+"Certainly, Monsieur Annion.
+
+"You intend to arrest the false King because he is accused by the public
+of murder.... If he were the real King, would you be willing to arrest
+him without further proof?"
+
+"No ... naturally not ... but then he is an impostor, so that won't
+worry me."
+
+"Very good, Monsieur Annion, and now, suppose you have guessed wrong?
+After all, you are basing your conclusion upon a number of minor
+details, upon the observation of hotel clerks. All that is not
+sufficient. But don't you think anyone in Paris knows the King by
+sight?"
+
+"Only two persons knew him here.... The Ambassador of Hesse-Weimar, M.
+de Naarboveck, who has just been changed and whose successor has not as
+yet arrived. The other person is one of his friends, the Marquis de
+Sérac, who happens to be away from Paris just now."
+
+Juve smiled.
+
+"You forget one man, Monsieur Annion, who knows the King better than
+either of these. I refer to the head of the Secret Service of
+Hesse-Weimar ... one of my colleagues. He is at present staying at the
+Royal Palace and sees the King every day. Consequently it will be
+scarcely possible to deceive him."
+
+"What is his name?" asked M. Annion.
+
+"It's rather complicated; he calls himself Wulfenmimenglaschk, which we
+may cut to Wulf for all practical purposes. What should you think of his
+testimony?"
+
+M. Annion hesitated.
+
+"Of course, if this individual knows the King ..."
+
+"He is attached to the King's person."
+
+"And you are sure he recognized him at the Royal Palace?"
+
+"I'll bring him here and let him speak for himself."
+
+"Well, I'll give you until eleven to-morrow morning to produce this
+Wulf ... or whatever he calls himself; if then he cannot positively
+affirm that the King is really the King, you must arrest the impostor
+immediately. If, on the other hand, he does recognize him, we must refer
+the matter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs."
+
+"That is understood," replied Juve, and he took his leave.
+
+As Juve found himself again in the Rue de Saussaies his face clouded
+over.
+
+"Twenty-four hours gained anyway, but I wonder where the devil I can get
+hold of this Wulf? I might catch him at the Moulin-Rouge ... Fandor sent
+him there."
+
+Juve drove to the music hall and, showing his card, questioned the
+officials.
+
+"I'm looking for a fat little man, probably slightly drunk, foreign
+accent, wears a brown coat, tight trousers, white spats, and is
+plastered all over with decorations."
+
+"I saw him," cried one of the ushers. "I checked his overcoat and
+noticed the decorations. He left some time ago."
+
+"Confound it!" muttered Juve. "You don't know why he left so early? The
+show is only beginning."
+
+The usher smiled.
+
+"Well, he carried a couple of girls away with him. Probably he's in some
+nearby café."
+
+Juve decided to spend the whole night, if necessary, to find Wulf, and
+began a systematic search through all the cafés of Montmartre.
+
+At length, about three in the morning, he decided to give himself a rest
+and take a drink. For this purpose he entered a small café at the
+corner of the Rue de Douai and the Rue Victor-Masse, and ordered a beer.
+He put the usual question:
+
+"You don't happen to have seen a fat little man, drunk and profusely
+decorated?"
+
+The proprietor at once grew excited.
+
+"I should think I have seen him. He came in here asking for some
+outlandish brand of cigarettes, and ended by taking the cheapest I had,
+then paid for them with foreign money. And when I refused to take it, he
+threatened me with some King or other! Aren't we still a republic, I
+should like to know?"
+
+Evidently, from the description, it could be no other than the
+peripatetic Wulf.
+
+"Was he alone?" asked Juve.
+
+"Oh, he brought in a little blonde with him, but when she saw his fake
+money, I guess she gave him the slip, for he turned to the right and she
+went up the street in the opposite direction."
+
+"The devil!" exclaimed Juve; "the trail is lost again."
+
+A waiter stepped forward.
+
+"I think he went to the Courcelles Station; he asked me where it was."
+
+"The Courcelles Station!"
+
+Juve stood staring in amazement. What on earth could Wulf want to go
+there for?
+
+"Have you a telephone?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+With great difficulty Juve succeeded in getting the connection.
+
+"Hullo! Is that your Majesty?"
+
+Fandor's voice replied, laughingly:
+
+"Yes, it's His Majesty all right, but His Majesty doesn't like being
+wakened up at night. What can I do for you, my dear Juve?"
+
+"Can you tell me where Wulf is?"
+
+"How should I know? Probably with some women, he seems crazy about
+them."
+
+"No, he hasn't any French money."
+
+"Hold on, Juve; I advised him to take the circular tube as the best
+method of seeing Paris. I told him to stay on board till he reached the
+end of the line. Just a little joke of mine."
+
+Fandor burst out laughing, and Juve rang off, angrily.
+
+Once in the street, he stood a moment in doubt as to his next course. If
+Wulf was really taking a trip in the circular tube, he would be in
+process of going round and round Paris. How was it possible to overtake
+him?
+
+Hailing a taxi, he explained to the chauffeur:
+
+"Look here, I want you to take me to the Courcelles Station ... there we
+must find out in what direction the first train passes, either toward
+Porte Maillot or toward the Avenue de Clichy ..."
+
+The man stared stupidly and Juve found it necessary to explain in a few
+words the quest he was setting out upon.
+
+"If our man isn't on the first train that passes Courcelles, then we
+must hurry over to the Bois de Boulogne Station, understand?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Juve had the luck to learn from the ticket seller at Courcelles that she
+had noticed Wulf, and that he had bought a first-class ticket; this
+limited the search very considerably.
+
+The first train pulled in, but Wulf was not on board.
+
+Juve sprang into his taxi and now hurried over to the Bois de Boulogne.
+Here the same result met him; the next station was Auteuil, then
+Vaugirard, la Glacière and Bel-Air.
+
+It was now eight o'clock, and his appointment with M. Annion was at
+eleven. What was to be done?
+
+On reaching Menilmontant Station, Juve had about decided to abandon the
+chase.
+
+"I'll wait for one more train and then make some other plan," he
+muttered.
+
+By great good luck he caught sight of Wulf as it ran into the station.
+Rushing into the carriage, he seized his man and hauled him on to the
+platform.
+
+"What's the matter? Why are you here, Monsieur Juve? I am perfectly
+amazed ..."
+
+"Where are you going, Monsieur Wulf?"
+
+Wulf smiled fatuously:
+
+"I have been following his Majesty's advice, seeing Paris. What an
+immense city! I counted one hundred and twenty-seven stations since five
+o'clock this morning and I have crossed ten rivers! Why have you stopped
+me? I wanted to go to the end of the line."
+
+Juve bustled him into the waiting taxi.
+
+"I'll explain as we go," he replied. "It is a question of saving the
+King. He is menaced by powerful and terrible enemies."
+
+"I am ready to die for him," exclaimed Wulf. "What must I do?"
+
+"Oh, it's not necessary to die. All you have to do is to certify before
+the police authorities that the person you know as Frederick-Christian
+at the Royal Palace is actually the King."
+
+"I don't understand in the least what you mean!"
+
+"That doesn't matter; you have only to do as I say and all will be
+well."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+M. Annion was overcome.
+
+Wulf, after testifying to the identity of the King, had been sent to
+wait in an adjoining room while Juve and M. Annion had a confidential
+chat.
+
+"Well, Juve, I can't get over it. Without you, I should have made a
+terrible break! The King arrested! What a scandal! But, tell me, what's
+to be done now? The public's calling for the murderer. I place myself in
+your hands. What do you suggest?"
+
+Juve thought a moment.
+
+For the time being Fandor was safe, but he was still very far from being
+out of the woods.
+
+"Monsieur Annion," he replied at length, "there is just one method of
+procedure in this case. The assassination of Susy d'Orsel, the question
+of this imposture, in fact all these mysterious points which have arisen
+cannot be cleared up in Paris."
+
+"What the devil do you mean, Juve?"
+
+"I mean that in all probability the threads of this intrigue lead to
+Hesse-Weimar, to the capital of the kingdom, to Glotzbourg. And, if you
+have no objection, I will start for there this evening."
+
+"Go, go," replied M. Annion; "perhaps you are right ... anyhow, don't
+forget to take letters of introduction with you."
+
+"Oh, don't worry about that. I can get all I want from my colleague."
+
+"Your colleague?"
+
+"Yes, from this excellent Wulf."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+CAMOUFLAGE
+
+
+"Come in and sit down, Monsieur Wulfenmimenglaschk."
+
+The Marquis de Sérac led the way into his study.
+
+He was a powerfully built, white-haired man, in the sixties, still
+active, with a slightly tired voice, a typical man of the world in his
+manners and dress.
+
+Very embarrassed, Wulf bowed and bowed:
+
+"I am confused, Monsieur. Quite confused ... I ..."
+
+"Not at all, Monsieur Wulf; now take off your overcoat, sit down and
+smoke a cigar. I assure you it's a great pleasure for me to talk to
+anyone coming from Hesse-Weimar. I left the court when I was very young,
+and I should be a stranger in Glotzbourg to-day; still I remember my
+very good friends there ... but never mind that now, we have more
+important subjects to discuss, Monsieur Wulf, and I'm sure you are in a
+hurry."
+
+"Oh, not at all; I am only too happy and too proud ..."
+
+"Yes, yes, Paris is a city of temptations, and I won't take too much of
+your time. First of all let me explain that I only received your letter
+yesterday, as I happened to be out of town. You state that I am in a
+position to render you a great service; this I shall be delighted to do
+as soon as you tell me what it is."
+
+Wulf began a long and rambling story to the effect that upon leaving
+Glotzbourg for Paris, on his special mission to the King, he had
+conceived the idea of writing to the Marquis de Sérac, whom he knew to
+be an intimate friend of the King, to give him a letter of introduction
+to His Majesty.
+
+"But now I don't need it," he ended, "for the King is my best friend ...
+he received me with charming simplicity, just like an old comrade."
+
+"Alas, my dear Wulf, His Majesty is at present exposed to the most
+terrible danger."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"You have doubtless heard of the tragic death of Mlle. Susy d'Orsel, the
+King's mistress, which, by a curious coincidence, occurred in this very
+house?"
+
+"I know! I know!"
+
+"Well, perhaps you also know that among the King's enemies, some dare to
+accuse him of having killed Mlle. Susy d'Orsel?"
+
+"Oh! Such people ought to be cut in pieces."
+
+"Alas, Monsieur Wulf, we are not yet in a position to avenge His
+Majesty. You don't happen to know who the real murderer is, do you?"
+
+"No, I haven't the least idea; but if I ever get hold of him, I shall
+know what to do!"
+
+The Marquis smiled and shrugged his shoulders:
+
+"I shall be glad to help you."
+
+"Thanks, Monsieur le Marquis, but I'm afraid we shan't succeed. There's
+a French detective on the case, a man named Juve, who hasn't been able
+to find the man either!"
+
+The Marquis gave a slight start:
+
+"Ah, and Juve has found nothing, suspects nobody?"
+
+"No."
+
+"That is strange.... Well, Monsieur Wulf, I think we shall be able to do
+better. You are ready for anything?"
+
+"For everything, on my honor!" replied Wulf, with fervor.
+
+"Very well, then I promise you we shall have some news within a week.
+But excuse me a moment, I have some orders to give; I won't be a
+moment."
+
+The Marquis crossed the room and opened the door; Wulf could hear him
+talking:
+
+"Is that you, Madame Ceiron?"
+
+A woman's voice answered:
+
+"Yes, Monsieur le Marquis. What can I do for you?"
+
+"Kindly unpack the bag in my room and when you go out be sure to lock
+the doors. I don't want a recurrence of what happened the other day when
+some one entered my apartment and left a chemise belonging to the
+murderer among my laundry."
+
+"Monsieur le Marquis may rest assured his orders will be obeyed."
+
+In a few moments the Marquis returned and M. Wulf rose to go. He
+repeated with emphasis his determination:
+
+"If ever I get the chance to arrest this murderer, I will do so in the
+face of any danger. All for the King! That is my motto!"
+
+"Yes, you are right, Monsieur, all for the King."
+
+The Marquis de Sérac bowed his visitor out, and then suddenly his
+smiling face underwent an astounding change of expression.
+
+"I must clinch my alibi!"
+
+In a moment he had torn off his false whiskers and his wig of white hair
+was quickly replaced by another--this time a woman's wig. With the
+agility of a Fregoli he then got into a skirt and waist.
+
+Forty seconds after the departure of Wulf the Marquis de Sérac had
+become ... Madame Ceiron, the concièrge.
+
+Three or four pencil marks and his disguise was complete. It would be
+impossible for anybody not having seen this transformation to guess that
+the Marquis de Sérac and old Madame Ceiron were one and the same
+individual.
+
+After a quick glance into his mirror he rushed across his drawing-room,
+through the hall, and quickly opened a large Breton wardrobe. Through
+the centre of this rose a post which he seized and slid down. It was the
+same contrivance used by firemen to join their engines when a call was
+sent in. At the foot of the post in Madame Ceiron's apartment were
+stretched two mattresses to deaden the fall. These were placed in a
+small storeroom, well hidden from observation. After closing the door
+behind her, Madame Ceiron rushed to the hall in time to intercept Wulf
+on his way downstairs.
+
+"You are looking for some one?" she asked.
+
+"No, Madame, I have just come from the Marquis de Sérac's apartment."
+
+After Wulf had disappeared Madame Ceiron returned to her office and was
+about to enter when a voice called:
+
+"Here I am, Madame Ceiron. I found your note under my door. Is there
+anything I can do for you?"
+
+"Ah, it's you, my child. You are very kind to have come, and there is
+something that you can do for me. I want to know if you will come
+upstairs to Susy d'Orsel's room with me."
+
+"What on earth for?"
+
+"Well, I'll tell you. It's this way: I am scared to go up there all
+alone."
+
+Marie Pascal smiled.
+
+"Of course it is rather appalling, but why do you go there, Madame
+Ceiron?"
+
+"Well, you see, the police have put their seals over everything and I am
+paid one franc a day to see that nobody enters the apartment and breaks
+them. I have to take a look around from time to time, so won't you come
+with me?"
+
+"Certainly, Madame Ceiron."
+
+Marie Pascal and the concièrge went up together and began a careful
+examination of the poor girl's rooms. While the young girl was looking
+curiously around Madame Ceiron entered the boudoir. She crossed to the
+chimney and pulled out a small casket, which was hidden behind a blue
+curtain. She opened it quickly and inspected the contents.
+
+"Jewels! Which would be the best to take? Ah, this ring and this
+bracelet ... and these earrings. Now for the key. I'll take that with
+me."
+
+"Mam'zelle Marie Pascal!"
+
+"Madame Ceiron?"
+
+"Come along, my dear. I am so frightened, it upsets me to go through
+this poor girl's apartment. Just run and see if the outer door is
+locked."
+
+While Marie Pascal turned her back and walked toward the door, Madame
+Ceiron suddenly pressed against a large box which fell over and spread a
+fine coal dust over the carpet.
+
+"It is locked, Madame Ceiron."
+
+"Then come along. I hope to Heaven this business will soon be cleared up
+or it will make me ill."
+
+A few moments later Marie Pascal had returned to her own bedroom and the
+concièrge busied herself by opening in her office a parcel which she had
+taken from a cupboard. She was interrupted in her work by the arrival of
+a working woman who was engaged to take Madame Ceiron's place when she
+had errands to do.
+
+"I am going to leave you alone here to-day, Madame. I have some shopping
+to do.... I am going to spend my New Year's gifts, buy a green dress and
+a hat with red feathers.... It is my turn to dress up a little."
+
+Shortly afterwards the concièrge went out, taking with her the parcel
+she had prepared. But instead of going to the shopping district of
+Paris, she hurried toward the Bois de Boulogne.
+
+When she had reached a remote part of the wood she entered a small hut.
+A few moments later visitors to the Bois noticed the well-known
+Ouaouaoua, the Primitive Man, walking down the main pathway. The
+enigmatic and dreamy face of this man resembled neither the Marquis de
+Sérac nor Madame Ceiron and yet ...
+
+The science of camouflage pushed to its extreme limits produces the most
+unexpected transformations.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE KINGDOM OF HESSE-WEIMAR
+
+
+"Has Monsieur le Baron any trunks to be examined? This is the
+Hesse-Weimar Customs."
+
+These words, spoken in a respectful but guttural voice, startled Juve
+from the deep sleep into which he had fallen after a very unpleasant
+night. The detective opened his eyes and stretched himself.
+
+The pale light of dawn struggled through the windows of the sleeping
+car, the curtains of which had been carefully drawn. Outside nothing was
+to be seen, for besides the mud which covered the windows a heavy fog
+lay over the country.
+
+The train came to a standstill, and before Juve stood an individual
+dressed in an elegant blue and yellow uniform plentifully covered with
+gold braid. Juve looked around to see the man who was being addressed by
+the title of Monsieur le Baron and finally came to the conclusion that
+it was himself to whom the man was speaking.
+
+"Why do you call me Monsieur le Baron?" The man touched his hat
+deferentially and seemed very surprised at the question.
+
+"Why, Monsieur ... it's the custom. No one but the nobility travel first
+class."
+
+Juve smiled and replied:
+
+"That's all right, my friend, but in the future call me simply,
+'Marquis.'"
+
+The official again saluted and seizing Juve's valise traced on it the
+cabalistic chalk mark which allowed it to pass the frontier.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The evening before, the detective had taken his seat in the 10.50
+express from the Gare du Nord in Paris for Cologne and Berlin. He had
+the good luck to find that a sleeping car had been attached to the end
+of the train which would take him directly to Glotzbourg. At the
+frontier he changed into a local, which jogged peacefully along,
+stopping every few minutes at small stations. The country of
+Hesse-Weimar spread out attractive and varied. Numerous small hills
+crowned with woods succeeded the green valleys they passed through. The
+houses were Swiss in architecture and seemed built for comfort and
+elegance. The little Kingdom seemed to breathe peace, simplicity and
+well-being. On his arrival at Hesse-Weimar, Juve had not been without
+some apprehension. During his last interview with Monsieur Annion he
+had put forward the opinion that an investigation in Hesse-Weimar would
+do much to clear up the mystery surrounding the affair. As a matter of
+fact, it was more to gain time than for any other reason that Juve had
+suggested this. He had not mentioned to his chief that his real object
+in going to Glotzbourg was to try to obtain a clue as to the real or
+apparent disappearance of the King Frederick-Christian II.
+
+The formal declaration of the grotesque Wulf had reassured the French
+authorities as to the fate of the King, but to Juve, who knew that
+Fandor was installed at the Royal Palace, the search for the real King
+was of paramount importance.
+
+"Glotzbourg.... All out!"
+
+The detective seized his bag, hurried out of the car, hailed a cab and
+drove to the Hotel Deux-Hemispheres, which had been recommended by his
+colleague. After engaging his room Juve asked the porter to telephone to
+the police to find out when Heberlauf could see him. While waiting for
+the reply he took a bath and changed his clothes.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After having washed and shaved, he was about to go down to the lobby of
+the Hotel when a knock came at the door.
+
+"Come in!" he cried.
+
+A very tall and thin individual with a parchment-like face entered and
+bowed ceremoniously.
+
+"To whom have I the honor...?" Juve inquired.
+
+"I am Monsieur Heberlauf, head of the police at Hesse-Weimar.... Have I
+the pleasure of speaking to Monsieur Juve?"
+
+Juve, surprised at the visit, excused the disorder of the room and tried
+to make his guest comfortable.
+
+"Monsieur Wulf advised me of your intended visit to our Capital."
+
+In a very few moments Juve was able to size up his man, who seemed only
+too anxious to impart information about himself and his affairs. While
+quite as simple-minded as Wulf, he appeared far more sinister. Juve also
+divined without much difficulty that his wife, Madame Heloise Heberlauf,
+was the best informed woman in the kingdom regarding gossip and scandal.
+
+"In fact," declared the chief of police, "I can be of very little
+assistance to you, Monsieur. But my wife can give you all the
+information you need."
+
+Juve made it clear to Monsieur Heberlauf that he wished to obtain an
+entry to the Court as soon as possible.
+
+Monsieur Heberlauf replied that nothing would be easier than a
+presentation to the Queen. It happened that she was receiving in the
+afternoon, and Madame Heberlauf would take the necessary steps for his
+introduction. He ended by saying:
+
+"Do come and lunch with us without ceremony. You will have plenty of
+time afterward to dress for the reception.... Have you a Court costume?"
+
+Juve had overlooked that item.
+
+"No, I haven't," he replied. "Is it indispensable?"
+
+"It is, but don't worry, Madame Heberlauf will take charge of that. She
+will be able to find you the necessary garments." The luncheon
+engagement made for twelve o'clock sharp, the Chief of Police, now more
+solemn than ever, rose and took his leave.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Well, Monsieur Juve, don't you think that looks fine?"
+
+Juve was anxiously regarding himself in the glass, examining the effect
+of his costume, while Madame Heberlauf, a fat little red-faced woman,
+was circling around, eyeing him from every angle and clapping her hands
+with pleasure at the success of her efforts.
+
+The lunch had been bountiful, and thoroughly German. Preserved fruit was
+served with the fish, and gooseberry jam with the roast. Juve was now
+costumed in knee breeches and a dress coat which permitted him to enter
+the presence of royalty.
+
+"Don't be late," Madame Heberlauf advised, "for the Queen is very
+punctual, and there are a number of formalities to go through before you
+can be presented to her."
+
+The Palace of the King was on the outskirts of the town, and was reached
+by a drive through a Park which the inhabitants had named Pois de
+Pulugne. It was built upon the top of a hill and had a fine view over
+the surrounding country. The garden surrounding the Palace had been
+artistically laid out, a fine lawn stretching away from the main
+entrance. The building itself was a miniature copy of Versailles. Having
+left his carriage at the gate Juve followed Madame Heberlauf's
+instructions and made his way to the left wing of the Palace. Upon his
+card of introduction was written the title "Comte," for, as Madame
+Heberlauf had explained, the Queen had a penchant for meeting members of
+the nobility. "Your welcome will be made much easier if you are thought
+to be noble," Madame Heberlauf had explained. As it was imperative that
+the reason for Juve's visit should be kept from the Court, he had
+arranged a little story with Madame Heberlauf.
+
+The Comte Juve was a Canadian explorer who, after a trip through
+Africa, was coming to spend some time at Glotzbourg and was anxious to
+meet the reigning family.
+
+"God forgive us the lie," exclaimed Monsieur Heberlauf, "but as Monsieur
+Juve's mission is in the interest of the King Frederick-Christian, we
+are thoroughly justified in the deception."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Queen's chamberlain, Monsieur Erick von Kampfen, after carefully
+examining Juve's credentials, led the detective into a drawing-room in
+which were already gathered a number of persons. An officer, in a
+wonderful uniform, came forward and introduced him to several of his
+companions.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Princesse de Krauss, duc de Rutisheimer, colonel ..."
+
+Juve was not surprised at this. The excellent Madame Heberlauf had
+warned him that such was the usage of the Court, and that before being
+admitted to the presence of the sovereign, the guests were introduced to
+one another. Juve was on his guard against committing the slightest
+imprudence, but his new friends were quickly at ease with him and very
+amiable in their attentions. He was soon surrounded by a number of young
+women begging for details of his explorations. Among these people Juve
+picked out the Princesse de Krauss, a stout woman with exaggerated
+blonde hair and red spots on her face, barely disguised under a thick
+layer of powder. She seemed to be ready for a more personal conversation
+which Juve insensibly brought to bear upon the royal couple.
+
+"Will His Majesty the King be present at the Queen's reception to-day?"
+
+The Princess looked at Juve in amazement, and then burst out laughing.
+
+"It is easy to see you have just arrived from the middle of Africa, or
+you would know that His Majesty the King is in Paris.... Surely you must
+know that, since you tell me that you came through Paris on your way
+here."
+
+The Duchess de Rutisheimer, a rather pretty and distinguished looking
+woman, drew the detective apart and whispered behind her fan:
+
+"Our King is a gay bird, Count, and we know very well why he goes to
+Paris."
+
+The Duchess spoke with such an air of annoyance that Juve could hardly
+prevent a smile.
+
+"One might criticise His Majesty for going so far away to seek what was
+so close to hand."
+
+"Ah, indeed, you are right," the Princess sighed, "there must be
+something about these Parisian women. ... I heard that the dressmakers
+of the Rue de la Paix are going to bring out some Spring models which
+are so indecent ..."
+
+M. Erick von Kampfen, the chamberlain, entered the room at this moment
+and announced:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, kindly pass into the gallery. Her Majesty the
+Queen will be ready to receive you in a moment."
+
+Behind him came the little Duc Rudolphe, who was informing some of his
+friends as though it were a fine piece of scandal:
+
+"The Grand Duchess Alexandra hasn't come yet ... and they are wondering
+if she will come."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+QUEEN HEDWIGE RECEIVES
+
+
+Obedient to the Grand Chamberlain's invitation, the assembled guests
+passed into the great gallery at the end of which an immense salon was
+seen, still empty; it was the room in which the Queen held her
+drawing-room.
+
+It was sparsely furnished; a large gilded armchair, which was really a
+throne, stood at the farther end between two windows; the floor was
+waxed until it shone, and the surface was so slippery that Juve felt
+some fear of mishaps.
+
+First came the guard with a clatter of sabres, then two heralds, and
+finally Her Majesty Hedwige, Queen of Hesse-Weimar, who proceeded to the
+throne and sat down.
+
+She was a little body with a pinched and nervous expression of face. She
+trotted along like an old woman, her shoulders hunched up, and
+distributed nods right and left in response to the profound bows of her
+courtiers.
+
+This was not in the least as Juve had pictured her. He had seen her a
+dozen years previously, when she was a young girl engaged to
+Frederick-Christian; she had then appeared charming, and majestic in
+bearing. Now she looked like a woman of the middle class, bourgeois from
+head to heels.
+
+Near the throne stood two officers in gala uniform, while the guard
+formed a circle round the throne.
+
+The audience began.
+
+The first Chamberlain called out a name, and a matron, after making the
+three traditional courtseys, came forward and chatted in a low voice
+with the Queen. Juve was observing the ceremony with interest, when his
+reflections were cut short by a voice calling:
+
+"Monsieur le Comte de Juff!"
+
+The detective, slightly intimidated, advanced toward the sovereign,
+while the grand Chamberlain leaned over and whispered his name and rank
+to the Queen.
+
+"Monsieur le Comte de Juff," said the Queen in a little tinkling voice,
+"I am very happy to meet you. I congratulate you upon your travels. I am
+especially interested in the natives of Africa. We had a negro village
+here a few years ago ... hadn't we, M. von Kampfen?"
+
+"Quite true, your Majesty," replied the Chamberlain, bowing deeply. The
+Queen turned again to Juve:
+
+"I congratulate you, Monsieur, and I beg you to persevere in the work to
+which your special aptitude calls you."
+
+The interview was at an end, and Juve was left wondering whether he
+should leave the room. The Chamberlain signed to him to retire behind
+the throne, where he found the amiable Mme. Heberlauf.
+
+Juve, now standing quite close to the Queen, was enabled to overhear the
+next interview; with an old professor this time--Professor Muller. The
+Queen said:
+
+"I am very happy to meet you. I congratulate you upon your pupils. I am
+especially interested in scholars."
+
+Then turning to the Chamberlain:
+
+"We have some very excellent schools here, have we not, Monsieur
+Kampfen?"
+
+"Quite true, your Majesty."
+
+"I congratulate you. Can I beg you to persevere in the work to which
+your special aptitude calls you?"
+
+It was all Juve could do to keep from bursting into laughter.
+
+The same speech was being made to a couple of young girls who were
+making their début at the Court, when the circle round the Queen noticed
+that she was growing uneasy and preoccupied. Finally she turned to her
+first maid of honor, and cried in a sharp tone:
+
+"Really, Madame, it is extraordinary that the electric lights should
+have been turned on while it is still daylight!... Kindly see that they
+are extinguished."
+
+The first maid of honor, very embarrassed, passed along the order to the
+second maid of honor, who in turn hunted up the lady of the household,
+who relaid the message to the captain of the guard, and while he went in
+search of the proper subordinate, the attention of the Court was
+distracted by the entrance of an individual to whom everybody paid the
+greatest deference.
+
+The Chamberlain announced:
+
+"His Highness, Prince Gudulfin!"
+
+The Prince was a distinguished looking young man of twenty-five,
+clean-shaven and dressed with extreme care and richness of attire.
+
+He presented a great contrast to his cousin, the Queen of Hesse-Weimar,
+and as he approached the throne, his head high and a sarcastic smile on
+his lips, Hedwige seemed to shrink into her armchair, unable to meet the
+look in his eyes.
+
+The suppressed hatred of the reigning dynasty for the younger branch was
+of ancient date and a matter of common knowledge. The recent and
+prolonged absence of Frederick-Christian had given Prince Gudulfin the
+opportunity by which he had profited to advance his claims and conspire
+for the overthrow of the Government, with himself as the King of
+Hesse-Weimar.
+
+Therefore his presence was regarded as a great piece of audacity, and
+every eye was watching how the Prince would be received. The question in
+every mind was whether the Grand Duchess Alexandra, a woman of majestic
+presence and great beauty, would also appear. Prince Gudulfin had been
+paying her conspicuous attentions, and it was rumored that the Duchess
+dreamed of a nobler crown than the one her rank gave her title to bear.
+
+The appearance of the two at the Queen's reception! What a scandal! But
+with the presence of the Prince came definite word that the Duchess had
+excused herself on the ground of a severe headache, a pretext which
+deceived nobody.
+
+Prince Gudulfin, after observing the correct formalities, stood before
+the Queen waiting for the invitation to sit by her side.
+
+Hedwige, still preoccupied by the electric lights, seemed to have
+forgotten him, and the situation was fast becoming embarrassing for the
+Prince, who could neither go nor stay. It was not long, however, before
+he saw what was troubling the Queen, and stepping aside he turned off
+the lights.
+
+"There is no such thing as unnecessary economy, is there, cousin?" he
+murmured with a smile.
+
+Hedwige blushed and gave him a furious look. She then proffered the
+tardy invitation to sit by her side. As the audience came to a close,
+the Queen in a loud voice announced:
+
+"I wish to inform you that I have received news of the King. His Majesty
+is well and is in Paris. He will return very soon."
+
+The Queen's guard now led the way back to the private apartments,
+followed by the maids of honor, and then the Queen herself hurried off
+as though glad to be finished with the whole affair.
+
+Juve, an attentive listener to the numberless intrigues on foot on every
+side, divined the comedies and tragedies which underlay this little
+Court, more gossipy and vulgar than a servant's parlor. Especially he
+noted the frequent and bitter allusions to the perpetual trips of the
+King to Paris. These cost the royal treasury a pretty penny, and for the
+twentieth time Juve heard references to a certain red diamond belonging
+to Frederick-Christian. He had known for a long time that such a diamond
+was numbered among the crown jewels, and that it was supposed to
+represent a value of several millions, but he had imagined it was kept
+in a place of safety. Now he learned that the King was suspected of
+having pawned it to raise money. With his most innocent air, he
+questioned one of the officers.
+
+"I should think it a very simple matter to find out whether the King
+took the diamond with him. It must surely be in the keeping of loyal and
+tried officials."
+
+The officer smiled:
+
+"My dear Count, it is easily seen that you come from the depths of
+Africa. Otherwise you would know that the diamond is hidden in the
+private apartments of the King--nobody knows where, not even the Queen.
+You may easily divine the uneasiness of the people and the advantage the
+affair gives to Prince Gudulfin."
+
+Juve now felt that the King was still in Paris. The problem thus far had
+become clearer. But under what conditions was he living? It was quite
+possible that he had been kidnapped by some person who knew of the
+diamond's existence.
+
+While pondering these matters, Juve had unconsciously wandered away from
+the salon and now found himself in the ante-room on the ground floor.
+Here he came face to face with Mme. Heberlauf, who was accompanied by a
+white-haired old man whom she at once introduced.
+
+"Count de Juff, let me present the Dean of the Court, the Burgomaster of
+Rung Cassel ..."
+
+"The deuce!" thought Juve, "a bore, by the look of him!"
+
+Escape was hopeless, the Burgomaster seized the detective by the arm and
+announced:
+
+"I am the author of a work in 25 volumes on "The History of the Dark
+Continent." Now I hear that you have just returned from a journey of
+exploration in Africa and ..."
+
+The old historian dragged Juve into the Palace gardens and the latter
+thought:
+
+"Hang it, I couldn't have pitched on a worse introduction, I don't know
+the first thing about Africa."
+
+But the author of the 25 volumes quickly set him at ease. For he began
+by admitting that he himself had never set foot out of Glotzbourg.
+
+Under these circumstances Juve recovered his nerve and glibly discussed
+the peculiarities of the African fauna.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+An hour later the two men were still talking, but this time it was Juve
+who was anxious to keep the conversation going. The good Burgomaster
+had drifted into gossip about the affairs of the Kingdom; suddenly he
+turned to the detective with a question:
+
+"Do you believe in this story about a visit to Paris?"
+
+Juve hesitated and then made an ambiguous reply.
+
+The Burgomaster continued:
+
+"Personally, I don't. You see, my windows look toward the large
+octagonal wing in which are the apartments of the King. Now, for the
+past week I have noticed strange lights moving about in these supposedly
+empty rooms, and I have a notion that our dear King Frederick-Christian
+is very far from being in Paris. In fact, I think he is held a prisoner
+in his own Palace!
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, you cannot imagine the intrigues which are being hatched
+against that noble heart; the black wickedness of the soul of Prince
+Gudulfin, hidden under the exterior of his seductive person!"
+
+Juve was impressed. He was inclined to give some credence to the
+suppositions of the Burgomaster. For, after all, his search in Paris for
+the King had been without result and he had had the presentiment that
+his trip to Hesse-Weimar would throw some light upon the strange
+disappearance of the monarch.
+
+So, while the old man was talking, Juve carefully noted in his mind the
+minutest architectural details of the octagonal tower which stood out
+clearly against the sky.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE MYSTERIOUS PRISON
+
+
+"Good Lord! How my head aches! It feels as though it were made of
+lead!... I have a fire in my veins and such a thirst! Here and now I
+make a firm resolution never to give way again to such dissipation.
+Never again will I drink champagne in such quantities. But, where the
+deuce am I?... It's still pitch dark!... Ah, I remember ... it's
+outrageous! Help! Help!"
+
+King Frederick-Christian had wakened. At first he experienced the usual
+unpleasant sensations which follow a night of heavy drinking and then,
+as his memory returned, he was afraid, horribly afraid.
+
+He recalled his arrival at Susy d'Orsel's apartment in company with the
+young companion he had picked up at Raxim's and the subsequent supper,
+and then he broke into a cold sweat as his mind flashed to the picture
+of Fandor's return with the inanimate body of his mistress in his
+arms--dead. Yes, she was undoubtedly dead!
+
+And afterwards, what had happened?
+
+His companion had declared himself to be the journalist, Jerome Fandor,
+and had called him by name--Frederick-Christian. Furthermore, he had
+cried:
+
+"It was you who killed Susy d'Orsel. It was you who threw her out of the
+window!"
+
+What had happened after that? His mind was a complete blank.
+
+Had these events occurred recently, or a long time ago? His headache and
+thirst were proof that they could not have been far distant.
+
+"Where am I? Evidently not at the Royal Palace!"
+
+When he first wakened he was lying flat on his back; now he sat up and
+groped about with his hands. The ground beneath him was cold and
+hard ... a floor of earth. So they had put him in a vault? in a
+cellar?
+
+The air he breathed was heavy and warm, and the walls of his cell felt
+damp to the touch. Could he be in prison? That was hardly possible, in
+such a short time. Besides, he was innocent! As he sat listening, he
+detected a faint and faraway rumbling sound. It seemed to come from
+above his head.
+
+As his senses became more fully aroused, an indefinable terror struck to
+his heart. At all costs he must take some action. He rose suddenly to
+his feet but before he reached his full height his head struck the
+roof. The blow was so violent that he fell back again in a fainting
+condition.
+
+It was not until many hours afterward that he regained his senses
+sufficiently to make another attempt. This time he proceeded with more
+caution.
+
+"I am the victim of some gang," he thought. "This Jerome Fandor is
+probably the leader of a band of cutthroats who, after killing Susy
+d'Orsel, took advantage of my intoxication to make me unconscious with
+some narcotic, and then dragged me to the place I am now in."
+
+The King now began to explore the place on his hands and knees, his ears
+keenly alive to the slightest sound. He crawled around trying to
+discover the extent and nature of his prison.
+
+The floor appeared to be of hard earth with occasional stretches of
+cement. The walls were smooth, but whether of stone or metal he could
+not determine. The height of the ceiling at the point where he lay was
+not over three feet, but gradually rose, vault-like, until he was able
+to stand fully upright. Was he buried alive in some kind of tomb? The
+idea terrified him and he began to shout for help. After many fruitless
+efforts and completely exhausted, he dropped to the ground overcome with
+the horror of his situation.
+
+The distant rumbling sound now became louder from time to time, and at
+moments shook the walls of his prison, then died away to a faint murmur.
+
+Frederick-Christian now tried to collect his thoughts upon the situation
+and bring some sort of order to his mind.
+
+Susy d'Orsel was dead ...
+
+The King had felt no deep love for the girl. Still, he had been fond of
+her in a way and her sudden death affected him deeply.
+
+He himself was a prisoner. But a prisoner of whom? Evidently of those
+who had killed his mistress. Again, in all probability, they did not
+contemplate killing him since they had had the opportunity to do so and
+he was still alive and unharmed. This being so, they would not let him
+die of hunger and thirst.
+
+His watch had stopped and he had no way of measuring the lapse of time;
+but his attention was called to the fact that the rumbling noises were
+happening at greater intervals.
+
+"The pulse-beats of a man are separated by intervals of a second," he
+thought, "and by counting my pulse I can determine the interval between
+the rumbling, and thus gain some idea of the passing hours."
+
+He was about to put this plan into practice when a sudden cry escaped
+him:
+
+"Good God!"
+
+In the blackness of his cell a thin shaft of light appeared.
+
+The King sprang toward it, but found the light too feeble for him to
+distinguish surrounding objects by. It entered the cell through a small
+fissure in one of the walls, and after a few minutes was suddenly
+withdrawn. Frederick-Christian stumbled forward in the darkness and,
+after taking a few steps, his feet struck some object lying on the
+ground. Stooping down, he groped with his hands until they touched
+something that drew from him an exclamation of joy ... he had found a
+pile of bottles. He seized one and opened it with a corkscrew which lay
+near by.
+
+One draught and he realized that the bottle contained wine. Thereupon he
+opened several more but with the same result. To drink them would only
+increase his thirst. He had the strength to resist the temptation. Again
+he moved forward and this time ran into a large box. His hand touched
+something cold. It was meat of some kind. After smelling and tasting it
+he flung it from him. It was a salt ham.
+
+Hours passed while Frederick-Christian suffered the tortures of hunger
+and thirst. Cold and tired out, he finally lay down on the ground,
+writhing with violent pains in his stomach. At length he could stand it
+no longer, and dragging himself to the box, he seized the ham and began
+to devour it ravenously. This brought on a maddening thirst, which he
+tried to quench by long draughts of the wine. Then he became very drunk
+and so, laughing and crying, he drank until he lost consciousness once
+more.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Sire! Can you hear me?"
+
+A sharp voice broke the silence. It seemed to come from a distance.
+
+"Sire, can you hear me?... Answer!"
+
+Frederick-Christian sprang up.
+
+"Who is speaking? Who are you? Help! Help!"
+
+The voice, mocking and authoritative, answered:
+
+"Now, then, keep quiet. I am not within reach, so it is useless to cry
+for help."
+
+"Scoundrel!" cried the King.
+
+"There's no use in behaving like a child ... you won't gain anything by
+it."
+
+"Pity, pity!... I will make you rich ... I will give you anything you
+ask, only set me at liberty ... take me out of this prison or I shall
+become mad."
+
+"Have you done with your lamentations?"
+
+"I'll be revenged!"
+
+"I am beyond your vengeance, Sire, and you would do well to talk quietly
+with me."
+
+"You killed my mistress, Susy d'Orsel!"
+
+"Yes, I killed her."
+
+"You are Fandor--Jerome Fandor!"
+
+"What you say is absurd."
+
+"And my Kingdom? The Queen, my wife? What is happening?"
+
+"I didn't come here to discuss politics with you. You must be
+reasonable."
+
+"What do you want with me? Why was I brought here?"
+
+"Ah, now we can discuss the matter together. You ask me what I want.
+First of all, let me reassure you. I do not intend to kill you. Your
+death would not be of the slightest use to me. Otherwise I shouldn't
+hesitate an instant."
+
+"I'm not afraid of death."
+
+"I know that, Sire ... you are brave.... I want your diamond."
+
+"My diamond!"
+
+"Exactly. I am quite aware, Frederick-Christian, that your personal
+fortune is represented by a diamond of marvelous purity and size. I also
+know that it is hidden in your Palace. You, alone, know where. I want
+you to disclose its hiding place to me so that I may go and get it."
+
+"Never! I'm not a coward!"
+
+"You are stupid, Sire. I repeat, once in possession of the diamond, I
+will set you at liberty."
+
+"Lies!"
+
+"Sire, consider a moment. It would be practically impossible for me to
+realize anything like the value of the diamond. To sell it I should be
+obliged to break it into small pieces, and in that case it would
+scarcely fetch more than twenty millions. Now, I have a better
+suggestion to offer."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"You are to give me directions how to find it. Once in my possession,
+you are free. You will then draw the sum of fifty millions from your
+bank. As King that will be quite possible. This money you will turn over
+to me in exchange for your diamond. And don't think you will be able to
+catch me. I shall take care that the exchange is made without witnesses,
+and in such a way that I run no risk of arrest. Now, what do you say to
+my proposition?"
+
+"I refuse."
+
+"Very well, then in two hours you will be dead. I pledge my word for
+it.... And my word has some value. Perhaps you guess who I am."
+
+"Who? Who?"
+
+"I am Fantômas, Sire."
+
+At this name of horror and crime, Frederick-Christian was seized with
+the utmost terror. In a broken voice he replied:
+
+"I accept."
+
+And then in trembling, disjointed sentences, he gave up the secret of
+the hiding place in his Palace at Glotzbourg.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE THEFT OF THE DIAMOND
+
+
+Queen Hedwige had had a serious and legitimate reason for bringing her
+reception to an abrupt conclusion. A Court ball for the high
+functionaries and dignities of the Kingdom was to take place that
+evening.
+
+Furthermore, the Queen was very much exercised over the rumor that the
+Grand Duchess Alexandra was to be present. This woman, still young and
+very beautiful, played an important rôle in the small world of the
+Palace. It was said by the gossips that she accepted the attentions of
+Prince Gudulfin, in the hope that some day she might share the throne of
+Hesse-Weimar with him. For many years she had been a great traveler but
+in recent times she had spent more and more of her time in Glotzbourg,
+where she continually met the Prince.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+While Juve had experienced no difficulty in being present at the Queen's
+audience, he found that even Mme. Heberlauf's influence was not
+sufficient to procure him an invitation to the ball. As a matter of
+fact, he had no particular wish to appear in the quality of a guest that
+evening. He had other plans.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At ten o'clock a long line of carriages and automobiles began to arrive
+in the gardens of the Palace. Innumerable electric lights shone out
+along the drive-way and from the windows. A few persons had managed to
+slip past the guards and had stationed themselves near the awning at the
+main entrance to watch the arrival of the guests. Beneath their fur
+cloaks, the women wore their very finest gowns and their richest
+jewelry.
+
+The hall of the chancellory had been transformed into a cloakroom and
+there the crowd was thickest. In contrast to the brilliantly illuminated
+left wing of the château, the octagonal tower showed dark and silent.
+Hiding behind pillars, keeping close to the walls, a man was making his
+way slowly toward that tower.
+
+The man was Juve.
+
+From behind a big tree he stood and watched the sky, rubbing his hands
+with satisfaction.
+
+"This is a night after my own heart," he murmured, "overcast and dark. I
+should have been very embarrassed had the moon come out."
+
+He felt his pockets.
+
+"Everything I need. My electric lamp and a good, strong, silk ladder."
+
+Then, surveying the tower, he soliloquized:
+
+"A fine monument! Solid and strong. They don't build them like that
+nowadays."
+
+Juve took a few steps, bent his knees and stretched his arms, tested the
+suppleness of his body.
+
+"Ah, in spite of my forty-odd years, I'm still pretty fit for ... the
+work I have to do."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+By the aid of the lightning rod, the gutters and the inequalities in the
+stones, the detective was enabled to climb without much difficulty to
+the first floor.
+
+There he paused to take breath and to examine the shutters of a window.
+
+"Can't get in that way," he muttered, "they're bolted inside. I'll have
+to climb higher."
+
+The same condition met him on the second floor, but when he had finally
+reached the roof, he espied a large chimney which promised a method of
+ingress to the apartment below. The descent was anything but easy, and
+Juve, in spite of his great strength and agility, was used up by the
+time he had reached the bottom. His clothes were torn and he was covered
+with the greasy soot he had accumulated on his journey. By dint of
+brushing and scraping, he succeeded in cleaning off the worst of it,
+and then looked round to take his bearings.
+
+He had landed in the large waiting-room which adjoined the royal
+apartments.
+
+The distant sound of dance music came to his ears and the atmosphere of
+the place was cold and damp.
+
+"He doesn't often come here, I'll bet," thought Juve.
+
+A door led him directly into the King's bathroom, and Juve paused to
+admire the famous bath of solid silver which the municipality had
+presented to the King upon one of his birthdays.
+
+"I've a good mind to take a tub," he muttered. "Maybe I shall find His
+Majesty locked in his bedroom, and I'm hardly a fit sight to appear
+before him."
+
+The detective now felt some cause for anxiety.
+
+There were two alternatives to consider. Either the King was absent, and
+in that case Juve's business would be to discover the hiding place of
+the diamond and clear up the question whether the King had taken it with
+him, or, if he had been sequestered, to discover his prison.
+
+Clutching the butt of his Browning revolver in his pocket, the detective
+opened the door to the King's bedroom and entered.
+
+A thick carpet deadened the sound of his footsteps. After listening for
+a few moments he relit his pocket lamp and flashed it round the room.
+
+In the centre stood an immense bed of oak designed in Renaissance style,
+the posts of which reached to the ceiling. Three steps led up to it.
+Juve noticed that it had not been disturbed. The sheets and pillows were
+all in order. There was nothing, however, to indicate that the King had
+been absent for any length of time.
+
+Upon one point he was certain: The King was not concealed anywhere about
+the room, and the more he thought of the Burgomaster's suspicion, the
+less he thought it plausible. But if the King had not been sequestered,
+it was quite possible that he might be purposely hiding after his
+unfortunate adventure of the Rue de Monceau. Therefore, Juve decided to
+pursue his search through the other rooms.
+
+But first he began mechanically to tap the wood-work, looking behind the
+pictures for the hiding place of the famous diamond. In his time he had
+seen so many secret drawers, double-seated chairs, and numerous
+contrivances of a similar sort, that it would be a cunning hand that
+could baffle his perspicacity and experience.
+
+He had just examined a chair when suddenly he stopped in his work and
+waited, listening. The sound of footsteps some distance off struck his
+ear. Without a moment's hesitation he put out his light and darted
+behind the curtains. It was a good position to take up for he could see
+without being seen.
+
+The footsteps drew near, the door opened and a light from an electric
+lantern similar to the one Juve had used, was thrown into the room.
+
+The individual advanced to the bed, all unaware of Juve's presence.
+Stooping down, he began feeling the foot of one of the bedposts, which
+at this point formed a bulge. In an instant the wood parted and
+disclosed a hollow in which lay a jewel case. The jewel case contained
+the famous red diamond.
+
+Juve's heart began to thump as he watched the man open the case and take
+out the diamond. Its facets reflected the light, multiplying the gleams
+and bringing into relief the features of the robber.
+
+Then it was that the detective uttered a great cry, a cry of agony, of
+anger and of triumph. The man was wrapped in a great cloak, his face
+hidden by a black mask, but there was no mistaking his identity. It was
+Fantômas.
+
+Juve's cry called forth another, ferocious and menacing, and then in a
+moment the room was plunged into darkness and the two men sprang at one
+another. Two revolver shots rang out. The dancers heard them in the
+ballroom and stopped dancing. The musicians heard them and ceased
+playing.
+
+At once a stampede ensued.
+
+Two officers of the guard rushed to the door leading to the King's
+apartments, and flung it wide open. One of them turned on the electric
+light and, followed by the frightened guests, entered the King's
+bedchamber.
+
+At the foot of the bed, struggling in a long cloak, a man with his hands
+over his face lay moaning. By his side was a smoking revolver, and on
+the ground the empty jewel case.
+
+"Arrest him!" somebody cried.
+
+In a moment a number of hands had seized and bound him. It was noticed
+that his eyelids were fearfully swollen and the eyes bloodshot.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+What had happened!
+
+The struggle between Juve and the monster had scarcely lasted a second.
+
+The detective had fired point blank at the black mask and as his finger
+pressed the trigger he had felt the whistle of a bullet past his ear.
+
+Then a door had opened slightly, letting in a thin shaft of light. To
+his amazement, Fantômas no longer stood before him, but an officer in
+the uniform of the Queen's lancers.
+
+Juve was not taken in by this quick change, and was on the point of
+firing again when suddenly his eyes were filled with a blinding powder,
+burning and blistering the pupils. He had been blinded by pepper.
+Instinctively he put his hands to his face, and in that moment he felt
+himself enveloped in the long cloak in which Fantômas had entangled him.
+Falling to the ground in agony he then heard the cry:
+
+"Help! Help!"
+
+By the sudden and growing noise, he realized that the crowd was drawing
+near. When he had struggled to a sitting posture, he found himself a
+prisoner.
+
+The sudden change from darkness to bright light increased the pain in
+his eyes, but with a superhuman effort he was enabled to pick out the
+superb uniform of the false lancer. Pointing to him, he cried:
+
+"Arrest him, why don't you arrest him!"
+
+Brutally, he was told to keep quiet.
+
+The noise of the theft spread rapidly and the greatest confusion reigned
+in the Palace. Many of the women fainted. Finally M. Heberlauf arrived.
+He appeared immensely important, and confided to a group his opinion of
+the affair, adding this restriction:
+
+"At any rate, that is what my wife believes."
+
+Mme. Heberlauf had, in fact, after an interview with one of the
+officers, announced it as her opinion that the thief so providentially
+arrested was no other than the world-famous and unseizable Fantômas.
+
+And then a queer thing happened. When the Grand Duchess Alexandra heard
+this sinister name spoken, when she knew that Fantômas had been
+arrested, she staggered as though struck to the heart and fell fainting
+into the arms of her friends.
+
+"Fantômas!" she murmured, "Fantômas arrested! Can it be possible?"
+
+Juve was taken away tightly bound. He seemed indifferent to the clamor
+of the crowd and constantly looked from side to side as though searching
+for something or somebody. Suddenly, as he passed the group surrounding
+the Grand Duchess Alexandra, he made a violent effort and dragged his
+captors close enough to enable him to see the fainting woman's features.
+One look was enough, and then without further resistance he allowed
+himself to be marched away. He had found out what he wanted to know; he
+had recognized in the Grand Duchess the mistress of Fantômas, the
+accomplice of his most dreadful crimes. He had seen Lady Beltham!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+ON THE RIGHT TRAIL
+
+
+"The Bureau of Public Highways, if you please?"
+
+"What is it you wish to inquire about?"
+
+"I want some information as to the probable duration of certain repair
+works."
+
+"Ah, then go to the fourth floor, number 54, door to the right at the
+end of the passage."
+
+"Thanks."
+
+With a slight nod, the visitor entered the huge building on the
+Boulevard Saint-Germain, which houses the offices of Public Works. He
+was a young man, dressed in a long black overcoat, a derby hat, which he
+wore well down over his eyes, and a wide bandage that covered one eye
+and part of the cheek.
+
+After climbing the four flights indicated, he discovered that he had
+evidently taken the wrong staircase. There was nothing to do then but to
+go back to the porter's lodge and get more explicit instructions. But
+after taking a few steps, he hesitated.
+
+"Fandor, old chap," he soliloquized, "what's the use of showing
+yourself and taking the risk of being recognized as the erstwhile King
+of Hesse-Weimar?"
+
+For the individual who was in search of the Bureau of Public Works was
+no other than the journalist. An hour previously he had succeeded by
+clever strategy in getting rid of the excellent Wulf, who was at all
+times very loath to let the King out of his sight. Then, rushing to his
+own apartment, he had changed his clothes and partly covered his face
+with the bandage to conceal his features.
+
+After several futile attempts, aided by innumerable directions from
+passing employés, he at length reached the office of which he was in
+search. There he encountered a clerk who viewed him with a suspicious
+eye.
+
+"What do you want, Monsieur?"
+
+"I want some information."
+
+"We don't give information here."
+
+"Really!... Why not?"
+
+"Are you a contractor?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You wish to lodge a complaint?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then what is your business?"
+
+"Just to get some information as to the probable duration of certain
+works."
+
+"You are not a reporter?"
+
+"I am not a reporter. I am an advertising agent."
+
+"Ah, that's different. The office you are looking for is number 43, the
+door opposite ... but there's nobody in now. However, you can wait."
+
+Fandor crossed and entered room 43, where, after a moment, he discovered
+an occupant tucked away behind an enormous pile of books and
+manuscripts. This clerk was absorbed in a yellow-covered novel and
+greeted Fandor with evident ill-humor.
+
+"What d'you want?"
+
+"I would like to know, Monsieur, the probable duration of the repair
+work in operation at the Place de la Concorde."
+
+"And why do you want to know that?"
+
+"I am an advertising agent, and I may have a proposition to offer to the
+city."
+
+"And at what point is this work in operation?"
+
+"At the corner of the wall of the Orangery and the Quay."
+
+After consulting a large register, the clerk turned to Fandor, shutting
+the book with a bang.
+
+"Nothing is being done there. You are mistaken."
+
+"But I've just come from there. There is a ditch and a palisade."
+
+"No, no, no such thing. In every quarter of Paris the police are obliged
+to notify me of any public works in operation, and an entry is made in
+my register to that effect. Now, I have no record of the repairs you
+speak of, consequently they don't exist."
+
+Fandor left the office, hailed a cab and ordered the driver to take him
+to the National Library.
+
+"Hang it," he muttered, "I saw the ditch and the palisade myself! Now,
+if they are not the work of the city, it will be interesting to find out
+what is going on there.... Ah! suppose this idiot Wulf was not deceived!
+Suppose he really heard the Singing Fountains the other evening giving
+the last bars of the national hymn of Hesse-Weimar!"
+
+Arrived at the National Library, Fandor began a long and minute search
+through volumes on architecture, on statuary and a multitude of guide
+books to Paris! He was so engrossed in his work that when four o'clock
+struck he sprang up suddenly.
+
+"Good heavens! I've scarcely time to get back to my apartment, change
+into my kingly clothes and meet Wulf, to become once more His Majesty
+Frederick-Christian!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In his apartment in his own house, the extraordinary Marquis de Sérac,
+who was also the common Mme. Ceiron, was whispering to a person hidden
+behind the curtains.
+
+"You understand, don't move and listen with all your ears, and promise
+me not to interfere until I give you permission!"
+
+"I promise. Monsieur le Marquis," replied the individual in a low tone.
+
+"All right, then I'll have her in."
+
+The Marquis crossed the room and opened a door.
+
+"Come in, Mademoiselle, and forgive me for keeping you waiting. I had
+visitors."
+
+"Oh, Monsieur," replied Marie Pascal, for it was the young seamstress,
+"don't mention it ... and let me thank you for your recommendation to
+the King. I got two big orders from it."
+
+"Oh, I was very glad to be of service to you with
+Frederick-Christian.... I regret only one thing, Mademoiselle, and that
+is the unhappy events which have clouded His Majesty's visit to Paris."
+
+"Yes, indeed," replied Marie Pascal, "and in such a tragic way, too!"
+
+"A tragic way, Mademoiselle? I imagine this has quite upset you."
+
+"Yes."
+
+The Marquis emphasized his words.
+
+"So I thought, so I thought ... especially you."
+
+The young girl lifted her pure blue eyes in surprise.
+
+"The King spoke to me of you at great length," the Marquis added.
+
+A quick blush overspread her face.
+
+"Really.... The King spoke of me?"
+
+"His Majesty told me you were charming. He noticed you the very first
+time you went to see him."
+
+"At the Royal Palace?... But he only got a glimpse of me through the
+open door."
+
+The Marquis smiled.
+
+"Oh, it doesn't take long for a King ... or a young man to sometimes
+dream of the impossible."
+
+"Impossible ... yes, you are right."
+
+Marie Pascal pronounced the last words in a serious voice. She was
+making an evident effort to keep calm. The Marquis, on the other hand,
+seemed inclined to joke.
+
+"Impossible, why?... One never knows ... the will of the King knows no
+obstacle." Then brusquely turning, he asked:
+
+"You like the King, Mademoiselle?"
+
+"Why ... why ..."
+
+"Therefore, I'm wondering if the death of this unfortunate Susy is not
+really a benefit."
+
+"Oh, Monsieur!"
+
+"Well, you know, Mademoiselle Marie, the happiness of one person is
+made of the tears of another. You would have suffered. You would have
+been jealous."
+
+As though against her will, Marie Pascal repeated in a low voice:
+
+"Yes, I should have been jealous."
+
+"Terribly jealous, for Susy d'Orsel was pretty. Besides, a liaison with
+her wasn't taken seriously by the King ... while with you it would have
+been quite different ... why, I believe you would have reached the point
+of wishing her death."
+
+"No! no!" protested Marie feebly, "the King would have made his
+choice ... frankly and loyally...."
+
+"And suppose he hadn't chosen? Suppose he had hesitated before the
+possible scandal of a rupture? Don't you care enough for him to realize
+that the very idea of sharing him with another would have been
+intolerable?... What I am saying sounds brutal, I know, but I am frank
+with you.... Believe me, you would have been driven to hate the
+unfortunate Susy."
+
+"To hate her? Yes, ... perhaps ... for I should have been jealous!"
+
+And then suddenly Marie realized what her words meant: that she had
+betrayed her cherished secret ... her love. In a moment she burst into
+sobs and collapsed on the sofa.
+
+The Marquis de Sérac very gently tried to reassure her.
+
+"Don't cry, my poor child. After all, you are lamenting imaginary
+misfortunes which I have so imprudently imagined.... They don't exist,
+and never could exist, for it is a fact that Susy d'Orsel is no longer a
+rival to be feared. Think rather of the future which smiles upon you.
+You love and you have some reason to hope that you are loved in return,
+so dry your eyes ... fate has withdrawn the one obstacle which existed
+between you and the King."
+
+Tremblingly, Marie Pascal rose.
+
+"Forgive me, Monsieur, for this stupid scene. I lost my self ...
+control.... I confessed a feeling which I should have kept a secret....
+I'm so confused I no longer know what I'm saying ... so please let me
+go."
+
+The Marquis, with exquisite politeness, opened the door for her.
+
+"Promise to come and see me again, Mademoiselle; before long I shall
+probably have something further of interest to say to you."
+
+When the door had closed upon Marie Pascal, the Marquis drew aside the
+portières.
+
+"Come out, my dear fellow.... We shall be alone now!"
+
+Wulf appeared. A Wulf literally armed to the teeth, and ready for any
+emergency.
+
+"Put up your arsenal, we are in no danger," exclaimed the Marquis, "and
+tell me what you think of the visit."
+
+"I think there is not a moment to lose," replied Wulf, agitated. "She
+loves the King and she hated Susy d'Orsel, therefore she is the
+assassin. She is the cause of all the troubles that have fallen upon the
+head of our beloved sovereign. Ah! I want to arrest her! Condemn her to
+death! Come, Marquis, let us go to her room and seize her!"
+
+"Not yet a while, Wulf; sit down and talk it over. To begin with, we can
+arrest nobody without proof ... presumption is not sufficient."
+
+"I'll force her to confess!"
+
+"You wouldn't succeed, Wulf, and besides, you have no power to arrest
+her yourself. That is work for the French authorities. Your duty is
+simply to go and warn Juve."
+
+"Right away! At once!"
+
+"Hold on ... remember, you are to do nothing without my permission. Now,
+I repeat, we have no proof yet to offer ... but listen carefully, for I
+have a plan ... this is it...."
+
+Two hours later, Wulf rejoined Fandor in a boulevard café. The
+excellent man had such an air of elation that the journalist wondered:
+
+"What fool thing is this idiot getting ready to do now!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+A SLEEPER
+
+
+Fandor sat up in bed as the door of his room opened to admit the
+cautious head of Wulf. "Your Majesty is awake?" he inquired.
+
+"Yes, my Majesty is awake and ready to get up. Wulf, we are going out
+to-day."
+
+"As your Majesty wishes."
+
+"The Queen has written to say that she is getting bored, and wants me
+home again. That being the case we had better make the most of our few
+remaining days, you understand?"
+
+"Not very well."
+
+"Why, this afternoon we must look up some pretty girls and, as my cousin
+the King of England says, 'Honi soit qui mal y pense.' Evil to him who
+evil thinks. And now, au revoir, my dear Wulf; by and by I'll invite you
+to crack a bottle with me."
+
+The punctilious Wulf made the three bows demanded by etiquette, turned
+on his heel, and left the room.
+
+Fandor sprang out of bed and began to dress.
+
+"After all, it's not altogether a joke," he muttered. "I had to listen
+to that idiot Wulf jawing away all yesterday evening ... and if I
+remember right, he said something about being suspicious of that little
+Marie Pascal. I'll have to stop him making more blunders. He's quite
+capable of having her arrested. Anyway, Wulf is to do nothing till the
+return of Juve, and that will give me time to take my precautions."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Fandor and Wulf had just finished a very excellent dinner, which Fandor
+paid for out of his own pocket. He was careful not to take any of the
+royal funds for his personal use. Wulf hovered on the borderland of
+drunkenness, but his ideas still showed some coherence. For the
+twentieth time he asked Fandor the same question:
+
+"But, Sire, why the deuce are you wearing a false moustache and whiskers
+to-day?"
+
+"So that I may not be recognized, my friend. I don't like having to give
+royal tips everywhere."
+
+Fandor was not speaking the truth. His disguise was assumed for other
+reasons. He did not wish to be recognized either as Frederick-Christian
+or as Fandor. Since noon--and it was now ten o'clock at night--the two
+men had been doing Paris together, and Wulf had received the very
+gratifying appellations of "my excellent friend," "my subtle detective,"
+and other flattering names, so he was now dreaming of decorations, new
+decorations created especially for him.
+
+Fandor interrupted his thoughts by patting him familiarly on the
+shoulder:
+
+"Now that we've had dinner, I'm going to tell you something. We've had
+quite a day of it; we've visited the Bois, where you spat in the lake,
+the action of a reflective mind; we've been to the top of the Arc de
+Triomphe and to the Madeleine, so now there is only one joy remaining."
+
+Wulf nodded: "To pay for the dinner."
+
+"Not exactly," laughed Fandor, "that's more of a penance. No, I was
+referring to a chance meeting, a charming feminine figure, a kiss, a
+caress. Wulf, what would you say to two plump white arms around your
+neck?"
+
+Wulf became purple in the face.
+
+"Oh, Sire, that would be great! But when I am with your Majesty, I don't
+look at women."
+
+"And why not, Wulf?"
+
+"Because the women only look at you."
+
+"That's so, Wulf, that's so; but there is a way of fixing that. You
+order a drink which I will pay for, then sit here and count all the
+carriages that pass in the street while I do an errand, it will only
+take twenty-five minutes.... I'm going to see a girl I know you
+understand?"
+
+"Yes, Sire. Must I count all the carriages?"
+
+"No, only those drawn by white horses. Au revoir, Wulf."
+
+Fandor left the café and hailed a cab:
+
+"Rue Bonaparte. I'll tell you where to stop." He settled back in his
+seat, an anxious frown on his face.
+
+"I'll just drop a hint to Juve," he thought. "One never knows what may
+happen.... I suppose he'll be back soon ... to-morrow morning or evening
+... and won't he be glad to hear the result of my search!"
+
+Fandor tapped on the glass with his cane, got out, paid the driver and
+made his way to the house where Juve lived. He still had his pass-key
+and let himself in, calling:
+
+"Hello! Juve, are you in?"
+
+There was no answer, so Fandor sat at Juve's desk and wrote a long
+letter, then tracing a diagram upon another sheet, he put them into an
+envelope addressed to "Monsieur Juve--Urgent."
+
+When he rejoined Wulf, he found the faithful detective on his job.
+
+"I've counted up to 99, Sire, but I'm not quite sure that I'm exact. A
+bay horse passed, and I wasn't sure whether to count him or not."
+
+"That's all right, we'll take this up another time. I've spoken of you
+to my little friend and she is crazy to meet you, Wulf."
+
+"Oh, Sire! Sire!"
+
+"Yes ... so come along."
+
+"To her house?"
+
+"Oh, no--this lady is poetic, she wants the first meeting to take place
+in appropriate surroundings."
+
+While Wulf was cudgeling his brains to think up a verse or two to fit
+the occasion, Fandor guided him down the Rue Castiglione, the Rue de
+Rivoli and at length reached the Place de la Concorde. He cast an
+anxious glance as he passed at the mysterious repairs, repairs not
+indexed by the administration, and then turned to the Singing Fountains.
+
+"Sire, is this the place?"
+
+"Yes, Wulf, but first there are a few formalities to be gone through."
+
+The two men had reached the parapet overlooking the Seine.
+
+"You are to stand here, Wulf, and look down at the water. You are not to
+take your eyes off it."
+
+"Why? What does your Majesty mean?"
+
+"Because I have a surprise in store for you, and also I wish to bring
+about the meeting in a natural manner--to spare the lady's feelings. Now
+I shall go to meet her and take her to the Singing Fountains. When I
+whistle you are to join us. Does that meet with your approval?"
+
+"Your Majesty is most kind."
+
+Fandor moved away and after glancing back to make sure Wulf was obeying
+orders, he quickly drew his revolver and approached the works.
+
+"I must remember Juve's precept," he muttered, "never fire first, and
+then only when you're sure to hit."
+
+The journalist now examined the palisade which surrounded a ditch of
+some depth dug in the angle made by the Orangery walls.
+
+"Can't see anything from the outside," he thought, "so I'll go in."
+
+With a running jump he succeeded in catching hold of the palisade top
+and in a moment was sitting astride of it.
+
+Nobody was in sight. Fandor was a little surprised. He expected to be
+confronted by some sinister individual.
+
+"All right," he growled, "if you don't mind I'll come in."
+
+Letting go of the top he slid down to the ground. There he found a
+large hole in which was placed a ladder. This led to the bottom of the
+ditch where a series of pipes protruded from the soil. Fandor lit his
+pocket lamp and carefully examined the surroundings.
+
+"Ah," he exclaimed, "it looks as though some perfectly natural repair
+work was going on."
+
+He then went down listening at each pipe mouth. One of them gave out a
+peculiar sound, steady and cadenced, in fact, a snore, a real snore.
+
+"Can he be asleep," he muttered.
+
+Climbing quickly out of the ditch, Fandor reached the street again and
+ran toward the Singing Fountains.
+
+"Either the 'Curiosities of Paris' which I read yesterday in the library
+is a collection of bad jokes, or the body of the third statue ..."
+
+He did not complete his thought.
+
+After once more making sure that nobody was about, and that the
+excellent Wulf was still absorbed in contemplation of the Seine, he
+climbed into the basin at the foot of one of the bronze naiads and waded
+through mud and water to the base of the statue.
+
+"Now, then, let's see, what must I do next? Seize the statue by the
+neck, place the left hand in the middle of the body and sway it."
+
+Suiting the action to the word, the journalist applied all his force and
+in a moment the statue parted in two and swung toward him. The hollow
+interior appeared like a black hole. Bending forward, Fandor cried:
+
+"Sire, Sire, can you hear me?"
+
+His voice came echoing back to him, but there was no reply from the
+depths.
+
+"Ah, I can't be mistaken!" he cried, desperately. "Wulf heard this
+fountain singing the national anthem of Hesse-Weimar, the statue is
+hollow, therefore the King should be hidden in it."
+
+Again he stood, listening. After a pause an exclamation of surprise
+escaped him.
+
+"Why, it's the same noise I heard in the pipe ... it's a snore ... the
+unfortunate man is somewhere asleep!"
+
+To call louder would have been dangerous, and besides, quick action was
+necessary.
+
+"Nothing venture, nothing gain," he whispered, as, revolver in hand, he
+stepped inside the statue. He slid rapidly down for a distance of six or
+eight feet and then landed on earth. There he lay for a minute or two,
+reasoning that if he should be met by a fusillade, he would be safer in
+that position.
+
+However, complete silence reigned about him, broken only by the steady
+and distant snoring.
+
+Then, lighting his electric lamp, Fandor began a survey of the premises
+into which he had so daringly intruded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+FREE!
+
+
+After a brief inspection, a cry of surprise rose to his lips.
+
+"Good Lord!... there he is! Frederick-Christian."
+
+It was indeed the King--a prisoner in the hollow foundations of the
+Singing Fountains.
+
+"Sire, Sire!"
+
+The King slept on. But his sleep seemed troubled; he breathed in gasps.
+
+"Sire! Sire! Wake up! I have come to save you! Upon my word, that is
+what might be called a royal sleep."
+
+The journalist's words made no impression on the sleeping monarch, so,
+ignoring all formality, he laid hands upon the King and gave him a
+violent shaking.
+
+"For Heaven's sake, try to recognize me ... speak to me ... I am Jerome
+Fandor ... I've come to save you."
+
+In leaning over the sleeping man, Fandor suddenly got a whiff of his
+breath and then drew back, amazed.
+
+"Why, he's drunk! As drunk as a lord! Where the deuce did he get it?...
+Ah, these empty bottles!... Wine!... and ham ... no wonder! What on
+earth shall I do with him now? How can I get him out of here? I can't
+leave him in the hands of the cutthroats who have imprisoned him.... But
+if I do take him away, how the devil will Juve and I be able to catch
+the accomplices of Fantômas, if he has any?"
+
+"Juve!"
+
+The very name of the detective gave him an inspiration.
+
+"Yes, that's the only way out of it ... first of all, I must save the
+King, get him out of danger, and then arrange a trap to catch my gang."
+Fandor deliberated a moment.
+
+"There's no doubt I shall run the risk of being killed in his place, but
+that's a risk I shall have to take."
+
+And then a smile spread over the journalist's features.
+
+"What an idiot I am! After all, there's no danger ... it was a happy
+thought of mine leaving that note for Juve ... he'll come to-morrow at
+the latest ... that gives me the rest of the night."
+
+Fandor's ruse, its daring and its almost unheard of devotion, appeared
+to him quite natural. It was simply to set the King at liberty and
+remain himself in his place.
+
+While he undoubtedly ran the risk of a bullet in his body, yet the
+carefully drawn plan he had left in Juve's rooms would enable the
+detective to find his prison without difficulty.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The first problem that presented itself was to get the drunken King
+away.
+
+Frederick-Christian lay, an inert mass, quite incapable of rendering any
+assistance. Fandor began by drawing himself up to the opening and taking
+a look around. The Place de la Concorde was deserted.
+
+"Well, to work!" he cried. "There is nothing for me to do but to haul
+him out, then put the body of the statue back in place.... If in three
+days nothing happens, why I shall be free to leave. The ham will keep me
+going, and as for the wine ... Ah! an idea!"
+
+The journalist seized half a dozen of the empty bottles, climbed out and
+filled them with water; returning, he drew from his pocket a thin silk
+cord he had taken from Juve's room. By its aid and with a strength of
+which his slender figure gave no evidence, he succeeded in hauling the
+King up to the open air.
+
+"And now for another foot bath," exclaimed Fandor; "saving Kings is a
+sorry business."
+
+Having waded again through the icy water of the basin, Fandor carried
+the unconscious monarch upon his shoulders and deposited his burden on
+the sidewalk. He was about to regain his dungeon when he suddenly
+paused:
+
+"The deuce! I was forgetting! When he becomes sober again, he'll have
+forgotten all about his adventure ... he'll kick up a row at the Royal
+Palace.... I must warn him."
+
+Fandor took out his notebook, wrote a few lines which he enclosed in an
+envelope and pinned it upon the King's coat. Upon the envelope was
+written:
+
+"I am to read this when I wake."
+
+His next proceeding was to blow a shrill whistle.
+
+"It's your turn now, my dear Wulf ... you won't find the fair unknown
+you expect, but you'll get back your Prince, slightly the worse for
+wear."
+
+The journalist now swung the statue back in place, exclaiming:
+
+"Au revoir, Monsieur, I'm off to take your place ... sorry I can't stay
+to see the meeting with Wulf ... he'll find his King somewhat
+changed.... I ought to have given you my moustache and beard."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Fandor passed a horrible night. He was obliged to economize the use of
+his electric lamp, which was only capable of giving several hours of
+light, so after a careful survey of his lodging, he extinguished it and
+lay down to get what rest he could.
+
+"Not much fun for the King here!" he thought, "it's devilish
+monotonous ... can't see anything, and nothing to hear ... hold on,
+I can distinguish three separate noises, the plash of the water from the
+fountains, the rumble of carriages, and that heavy sound can only be the
+passage of trains from the North-South in the tunnel, which if I mistake
+not is right under my prison ... and these Singing Fountains ... they
+are accounted for by the King howling when he got drunk ... but what
+about the night Susy d'Orsel was killed?... The King wasn't here then,
+and yet they were heard singing?"
+
+Fandor was not long in reaching the solution of the mystery.
+
+"What a fool I am!... the murder of Susy d'Orsel, the imprisonment of
+the King, are both the work of Fantômas! Fantômas must have known this
+hiding place a long time ago.... It was he who tried the experiment of
+making the statues sing to find out whether the sound could be heard
+above.... And to think that this monster has been arrested by Juve! And
+without me, too!... I shall have only the glory of showing up a few of
+his accomplices, and if they don't come in two or three days, why, I
+shall clear out."
+
+Fandor rose and went toward the base of the naiad.
+
+"It's still dark. I might just as well get a breath of fresh air."
+
+With a gymnastic leap, the journalist reached the body of the statue and
+switched on his electric light. He made a horrible discovery. To reach
+the King he had maneuvered the statue from the outside. He realized now
+that it was impossible to open it from the inside. In his daring folly
+he had shut himself in and possibly condemned himself to the most
+terrible torture.
+
+Now he began a struggle to regain his liberty. He tore his fingers and
+broke his nails in vain despairing efforts ... at length he gave up,
+beaten. He was irrevocably a prisoner. When he realized his situation he
+sank to the ground, a cry escaping his lips:
+
+"Juve! Juve! If only Juve finds my letter. If only he comes to save
+me!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+FREDERICK-CHRISTIAN
+
+
+"Another drink, Monsieur Louis?"
+
+"I think I've had about enough."
+
+"No, no ... this is my turn to treat."
+
+"Well, since you put it that way, Monsieur Wulf, I can't refuse."
+
+"Besides," added the barkeeper, "this is some very special vermouth,
+only served to old clients."
+
+"Ah," laughed Wulf, "I hope we're included in that category, for you
+certainly have no better client than myself."
+
+"Excuse me," replied the barkeeper, smiling, "we have one, your boss,
+Monsieur Wulf, the King Frederick-Christian.... And while he doesn't
+always finish his drinks he always pays for them."
+
+"And that's the important thing," added M. Louis.
+
+It was about ten in the morning, and in the bar of the Royal Palace,
+deserted at this early hour, were M. Louis, Major-domo of the hotel,
+Wulf, and the barkeeper, who in his turn offered a round of drinks on
+the house.
+
+As the glasses were being filled, the telephone rang to say that his
+Majesty wanted to see Wulf.
+
+"That's all right," replied Wulf condescendingly, "I'll be along by and
+by."
+
+After several more vermouths, Wulf grew expansive:
+
+"Do you know, Monsieur Louis, that I've actually saved the King's life
+twice in five days!"
+
+"Pretty good work," commented M. Louis, politely.
+
+"The first time was the day after my arrival in Paris. Your Government
+wanted to kick up a fuss over the death of the King's little sweetheart;
+in fact, they went so far as to talk of his arrest." Wulf stopped
+suddenly, alarmed:
+
+"But that is a state secret which I may not tell you. The second time
+was yesterday evening, or rather early this morning. You see the King
+and I had been off on a spree together."
+
+As the barkeeper looked surprised at this announcement, Wulf explained:
+
+"Oh, we're a couple of pals, the King and I ... like two fingers of one
+hand ... that's why I was in no hurry to answer his call just now....
+Well, as I was saying, we were having a little spree, and the King was
+going to introduce me to a little ... but that's another secret....
+I'll skip the details, it is enough to say that after waiting a while, I
+found, instead of the girl, the King, my King. And where? Beside the
+Singing Fountains in the Place de la Concorde. Ah! my dear friends, what
+a state he was in! I hardly knew him at first; in fact, I shouldn't have
+known him at all if I were not such a sharp detective. He had removed
+his false beard and spectacles. I tell you Frederick-Christian has aged
+ten years, his clothes were torn and covered with mud, and moreover he
+was dead drunk! How he managed it in the time I don't know, for he
+wasn't away from me for more than an hour. What would you have done in
+my place? Left there in that deserted street he would have been at the
+mercy of the first thief or assassin. Therefore, I say, I saved his life
+by putting him into a cab and bringing him back to the Royal Palace.
+While I was helping to put him to bed, I noticed a letter pinned to his
+coat with this inscription on it, 'I am to read this when I wake.' So I
+have arranged accordingly. He'll see it the first thing on opening his
+eyes. Well, what do you think of that? Didn't I save the King's life a
+second time?"
+
+M. Louis nodded:
+
+"Never twice without the third time."
+
+"I hope so ... well, au revoir, Monsieur...."
+
+"Pardon, Monsieur," interrupted one of the employés, "but his Majesty
+has asked for you again."
+
+"All right, I'm going," replied Wulf, as he drank his fifth vermouth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Whatever happens, whatever you are told, do not show any surprise. Take
+up your customary life again as though it had never been interrupted, as
+though nothing had happened since the night of December 31st."
+
+Frederick-Christian, the victim of a racking headache, read and reread
+these strange mysterious words, without in the least understanding their
+meaning. After a heavy sleep, he had wakened about nine o'clock to find
+himself lying comfortably in his own bed at the Royal Palace. At first
+he thought it was part of his nightmare, that he was dreaming, but as he
+became more fully awake, he was obliged to admit the evidence of his
+senses.
+
+At this moment, he suddenly caught sight of the crumpled letter pinned
+to his counterpane; opening it, he read the lines that Fandor had
+hurriedly pencilled the night before.
+
+In spite of his exhaustion and stiffness, he sprang out of bed and was
+about to ring for a servant when a feeling of caution came over him.
+
+It would be better first to take stock of the situation.
+
+What had happened?
+
+Among the newspapers lying on the table, he noticed several copies of
+the _Gazette_ of Hesse-Weimar.
+
+He glanced over the most recent numbers, but found nothing unusual in
+their columns. He then went back to the paper dated January 1st and to
+his amazement saw the following announcement:
+
+"Paris, 1st January. (From our Special Correspondent.) His Majesty
+Frederick-Christian, contrary to his general custom, did not leave his
+Hotel during New Year's Day. This may be accounted for by the fact that
+the streets of Paris are, as a rule, crowded during this holiday and his
+Majesty would have run the risk of being drawn into promiscuous contact
+with the common people."
+
+The copy of January 2d also remarked that the King had evinced a desire
+to attend the Longchamps races, but had been prevented by the
+possibility of a chance meeting with the President of the Republic, a
+contingency not foreseen in the protocol. Frederick-Christian, in fact,
+recalled that he had expressed a wish to attend the Longchamps meet, but
+he asked himself how it was possible to have notified him of the change
+of program while at that time he had mysteriously disappeared! But the
+climax of his amazement was reached when he came to the following
+paragraph:
+
+"Paris, 4th January. (From our Special Correspondent.) His Majesty
+Frederick-Christian II is still held in the French Capital by affairs of
+the highest importance. His subjects need, however, be under no
+apprehension, as his Majesty's health is excellent, this information
+having been received by Hedwige, our well-beloved Queen.
+
+"During his stay in Paris, Frederick-Christian has been especially
+appreciative of the respectful and devoted services of M.
+Wulfenmimenglaschk, head of the secret service of Hesse-Weimar, who, by
+the exercise of his perspicacity and high intelligence, has found in the
+King not only an able assistant, but a true friend, having the honor to
+occupy the apartment at the Royal Palace next to his Majesty."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"What's this all about?" exclaimed the King, "what influence have I been
+under during these last four days?"
+
+It was easy enough to recommend him to show no surprise, but it was also
+necessary to settle upon some definite attitude to take. And what about
+this "Wulf"?
+
+Frederick-Christian would have a look at this individual who claimed to
+be his friend and his next door neighbor. Accordingly he rang the bell,
+and sent down the message which Wulf received in the barroom. A wait of
+twenty minutes followed and then the door opened without ceremony and
+the King stood rooted in amazement at the appearance of his Secret
+Service Chief. In the most natural manner in the world, Wulf entered the
+room and stood looking slyly at the King. Then, smilingly, he said:
+
+"Well, Sire, feel better?"
+
+"What!" stuttered Frederick-Christian, scarcely able to speak for
+indignation.
+
+"Yes," continued Wulf, "I'm glad to see you up; as for me, I'm all
+right ... but you must remember that I drank less than you did last
+night. I tell you they've capital vermouth here ... shall I order your
+Majesty a bottle?"
+
+"What's your name?" asked the King.
+
+Wulf considered his sovereign with compassion.
+
+"He's still a bit soused," he muttered to himself, then wagging a
+reproving finger at the King, he continued:
+
+"Who am I? Wulfenmimenglaschk, Sire, at your service, and I've already
+saved your life twice ... that's why I may be allowed to give you a bit
+of advice. Cut out the booze, Sire, you're distinctly the worse for
+wear ... you're so changed that if it wasn't for your dressing-gown...."
+
+Wulf was undoubtedly very drunk; otherwise he could not have failed to
+notice the difference between the King of the last few days and the
+present one.
+
+Frederick-Christian held himself in hand as long as possible, then burst
+out:
+
+"What does this attitude mean?... this familiarity? What makes you speak
+in French?"
+
+Wulf was first amazed at the change in his beloved master and inclined
+to weep over his humiliation. He was about to give utterance to his
+feelings when the King seized him by the arm and pointed to the
+_Hesse-Weimar Gazette_.
+
+"Read that! Who furnished this information?"
+
+"Why, I did, Sire."
+
+"Then you mean to say you have been continually with me. You occupy the
+next apartment? You enjoy my friendship?"
+
+"Yes, Sire."
+
+The King, in a burst of rage, now held the unfortunate Wulf by the
+collar and shoving him toward the door, ejected him onto the landing
+with a prodigious kick.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Frederick-Christian, more puzzled than ever by the turn of events, now
+turned his attention to his toilette. He was still in scanty attire and
+went behind his screen to continue dressing. At this moment a soft and
+charming voice spoke:
+
+"Sire, are you there? It is I ... Marie Pascal."
+
+Marie Pascal!
+
+Where had he heard that name before? Slowly Frederick-Christian recalled
+the silhouette of a young woman ... with a fair skin and light hair ...
+
+The voice continued:
+
+"I am glad to know that you are better, Sire. Forgive me for troubling
+you now but since our last meeting things have happened of a very
+serious nature ... hidden enemies want to destroy me ... to destroy
+us.... First of all they accused your Majesty of the murder of Susy
+d'Orsel, and now after torturing me with questions they have dared to
+say it was I!... I'm sure they overheard our last conversation and
+misunderstand our love for each other...."
+
+Frederick-Christian was growing suspicious. What did this extraordinary
+visit mean? Did they want to trap him into an unwary admission?
+
+"In the name of our love, say you don't believe me guilty!"
+
+The King hesitated.
+
+"I don't know.... I ..."
+
+He stopped short as Marie Pascal with a sudden movement flung down the
+screen. The King in amaze stood stock still while the young girl looked
+at him in utter stupefaction, with trembling lips and body shaken by
+nervous tremors. Then suddenly she turned in terror, screaming:
+
+"Help! Help! The impostor! The murderer!... the King is not the King....
+Frederick-Christian has disappeared!... Who is this man?"
+
+The girl's cries brought the Hotel servants quickly to the scene. She
+continued, pointing to the King:
+
+"Who is this man?... Frederick-Christian has disappeared!... good God,
+what has happened?"
+
+"Better call the police," suggested some one.
+
+This met with general approval, but proceedings were suddenly
+interrupted by the arrival of Wulf.
+
+"Have you heard?" several voices asked.
+
+"All I know," replied Wulf in a piteous tone, "is that
+Frederick-Christian or not, he's got a devilish heavy foot, and when he
+kicks, he kicks royally."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+HORRIBLE CERTAINTY
+
+
+"What has happened to that idiot Juve? Here for three days I've been
+shut up in this beastly prison and no sign of him."
+
+As the days passed, Fandor gradually lost his buoyancy of spirits and
+became more and more anxious.
+
+"What can Juve be doing?" he repeated for the hundredth time.
+
+The continual obscurity of the place began to weigh him down. This was
+relieved each day for a few moments by a thin shaft of light. Fandor was
+quick to account for the phenomenon.
+
+"It happens exactly at noon when the sun is directly overhead," he
+reasoned, "and finds an entrance through a crack in the bronze."
+
+Many times he climbed to the body of the naiad in the hope of
+discovering some method of escape, but at length he realized that the
+thing was impossible.
+
+He was seated one night deep in thought, puzzling his brains for the
+reason of Juve's defection, when a voice suddenly broke the silence.
+
+"Can you hear me?"
+
+Fandor bounded to his feet.
+
+"Yes, I hear you."
+
+"You must be getting uneasy?"
+
+"Uneasy! I'm going mad! What a long time you've been!"
+
+"That's true, I am a little late, but it hasn't been very easy."
+
+Now that Fandor's mind was set at rest about his deliverance, he grew
+curious to know the results of the detective's investigation.
+
+"Well, you were successful?"
+
+"Yes, quite successful."
+
+"Do they know in Glotzbourg?"
+
+"They must have some suspicion by now."
+
+"When did you get back?"
+
+"This morning."
+
+"Only this morning! And did you get my letter?"
+
+"Your what, Sire?... I don't catch."
+
+"I say you must have got my letter, since you are here, and now please
+get me out of this hole as quickly as possible ... it's awful being shut
+up here ... you can't imagine how I long for a breath of fresh air."
+
+"Yes, yes, I understand, but I'm wondering how I'm to get you out."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"Have you thought over a way we can effect the exchange?"
+
+"But, my dear fellow, you must know what to do. I gave you full
+particulars in my letter."
+
+"In your letter?"
+
+"Yes.... I even enclosed a diagram."
+
+There was a pause, the voice then asked:
+
+"Will you pass me up this letter by ..."
+
+Fandor interrupted:
+
+"Why, it's quite simple! Find the third naiad, counting from the one
+nearest the bridge."
+
+Suddenly the voice explained:
+
+"Look here, Sire, we are talking at cross purposes. I am asking you
+where we can exchange the diamond."
+
+"The diamond?"
+
+"Yes! Your diamond."
+
+Fandor's face grew pale.
+
+"My diamond!"
+
+"The diamond I went to Glotzbourg to get ... what's the matter with you,
+Sire? Don't you remember?... And what's all this about a letter?"
+
+"Why, Juve! I'm talking of the letter I left at your apartment in which
+I explained how you may reach me!"
+
+"Juve! Juve! Oho!"
+
+A burst of strident laughter, infernal and diabolical, reached Fandor,
+who now guessed the horrible truth.
+
+"If it isn't Juve who is speaking, who is it?" he cried. "For the love
+of God, who are you?"
+
+"The person speaking to you ... is Fantômas."
+
+"Fantômas!"
+
+Staggering, terrified, Fandor screamed:
+
+"Fantômas! Fantômas!... It can't be possible! Fantômas has been
+arrested! Fantômas is in the hands of Juve!"
+
+"Fantômas arrested?... Fantômas can't be arrested! He will never be
+caught! He is above and beyond every attack, every menace! Fantômas is
+Death, Eternal Death, Pitiless Death, King Death! Good-bye!"
+
+A long silence followed. Fandor was stunned by the awful reality. He
+experienced all the sensations of a man buried alive, condemned to death
+with torture. And then another thought flashed through his mind:
+
+"The papers spoke of Fantômas's arrest. But if Fantômas is at liberty,
+it must mean that Juve has been beaten! Juve went to Glotzbourg to
+arrest him. A man has been arrested under the name of Fantômas. That man
+must be Juve himself!"
+
+And his letter! The first thing Fantômas would do would be to go to
+Juve's apartment and destroy it.
+
+"He has got me," he exclaimed. "He can choose his own time to kill me.
+He can send down asphyxiating gas or a deluge of water through the
+connecting tube, or he can just leave me here to die slowly of hunger
+and thirst."
+
+The journalist began pacing up and down his prison. He tried to recover
+his calm and argue the case out:
+
+"Here I am in perfect health, clear in my mind and able to struggle to
+the bitter end. I have enough food and water to last me about nine or
+ten days. In my pocket I have my revolver, so that I can blow my brains
+out if it comes to the worst. But I won't. I'll fight! I'll fight until
+I drop!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+BETWEEN US THREE--FANTÔMAS!
+
+
+For the second time, the Grand Duchess Alexandra solemnly repeated to
+the Queen:
+
+"I have the honor to take leave of your Majesty, and I dare to hope that
+I may hear news of your Majesty when I reach my journey's end. I shall
+be away a long while from the court of Hesse-Weimar and from its august
+Sovereign for whom I profess the deepest respect."
+
+The interview between the Queen and the woman she deemed her mortal
+enemy took place about eleven o'clock, two days after the famous ball in
+the midst of which the detective Juve had so unfortunately been mistaken
+for Fantômas, and thrown into a gloomy dungeon where he had since been
+kept in solitary confinement. Opinion at Hesse-Weimar was divided
+between the theory that the thief had succeeded in hiding the famous
+diamond before he was caught, and the theory that when he discovered its
+hiding place, he had found an empty jewel case. Naturally, the identity
+of the Grand Duchess with the famous Lady Beltham,[3] established by
+Juve, was unknown in Hesse-Weimar, nor did anyone suspect that her
+sudden departure was in any way connected with the arrest of the pseudo
+Fantômas.
+
+[Footnote 3: See "Fantômas," Vols. I, II, III.]
+
+The Queen was at first unwilling to believe in the retreat of her enemy,
+but she was at length obliged to accept the fact when Alexandra made her
+formal adieux.
+
+"There was a rumor that you were going to leave us," she replied, "but I
+scarcely credited it, Madame."
+
+The adventuress, who by a series of extraordinary circumstances had been
+enabled to pass herself as a cousin of the reigning family, looked at
+the Queen sadly:
+
+"Your Majesty is not very kind to me," she exclaimed with tears in her
+voice, "and I hoped for a more friendly farewell at the moment when I am
+taking my departure for the new world."
+
+The Queen was touched by these words; with an impulsive movement she
+opened her arms to the false Grand Duchess, who flung herself into them
+in a long embrace.
+
+The two women now had a heart to heart talk in which the Queen confessed
+her fears and distrust. She even went to the length of admitting her
+belief that Alexandra had had designs upon the throne of Hesse-Weimar.
+
+The adventuress looked with pitying contempt upon the little Queen
+Hedwige:
+
+"Your Majesty has been outrageously deceived," she replied, "I belong to
+a race which is incapable of such treachery."
+
+Completely reassured, the Queen became very tender and ended
+affectionately by wishing the pseudo Duchess a good journey. The two
+women parted friends.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On a siding in the Glotzbourg station stood a private car, which had
+been placed at the service of the Grand Duchess, waiting to be connected
+with the Paris express from Berlin.
+
+Inside, the Duchess, dressed in a quiet traveling costume, sat talking
+to Prince Gudulfin. The young man was pale and anxious:
+
+"Your orders have been carried out, Madame, are you satisfied?"
+
+The pseudo Grand Duchess thanked the Prince with a softened look, and
+the latter continued in a low voice:
+
+"Madame, you know that my followers are prepared to try a _coup
+d'état_--for pity's sake accept the homage of my love, give me a word of
+hope, and I will overthrow the present dynasty and mount the throne
+myself with you as my Queen."
+
+"That is nothing but a mad dream, Prince ... something impossible to
+happen ... we have not the right even to think of it."
+
+"You are more than unkind to me, Madame ... you are enigmatic ...
+mysterious."
+
+At this moment a newsboy was heard crying an extra edition of the
+_Hesse-Weimar Gazette_. The Duchess rose quickly and bought a copy.
+
+In large headlines she read the following:
+
+"Death of Fantômas. The bandit ends his days in prison."
+
+Alexandra sat down and became absorbed in the details, paying no further
+attention to Prince Gudulfin.
+
+At length after a long pause, he spoke bitterly:
+
+"This bandit seems to interest you more than I do, Madame."
+
+The Grand Duchess made a vague gesture of denial.
+
+The Prince sighed:
+
+"Ah, you might remember that in this sinister business, the account of
+which you are now reading, it is owing to me your wishes have been
+carried out. You have been obeyed blindly."
+
+Lady Beltham was spared the necessity of replying, for at this moment
+the express entered the station with a deafening roar. As it was
+scheduled to remain only a few minutes, the private car was hurriedly
+attached to the end of the train. In the ensuing hurry and scurry of
+passengers who were anxiously being scrutinized by the Grand Duchess,
+there appeared a man dressed in dark clothes, and wearing a gray beard.
+He was searching hurriedly through the cars for an empty seat. The
+Duchess gave a faint cry at the sight of him, and withdrew to the back
+of her compartment.
+
+Who was it?
+
+The train whistled and the last good-byes were said.
+
+Prince Gudulfin pleaded so urgently for a tender word, that the
+adventuress, with the consummate art of the actress, leaned out,
+whispering:
+
+"Hope, Prince, hope ... some day, perhaps ... later ... and remember
+that even the most virtuous of women, when she cannot give
+encouragement, is not averse to leaving regrets behind her."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+During the evening which preceded Lady Beltham's departure, Juve sat in
+his cell eating his frugal repast.
+
+For forty-eight hours he had seen no one except his two jailors, and he
+was beginning to worry over his situation. There had now been plenty of
+time for them to discover their mistake in arresting him. His eyes had
+pained him greatly the first day but were now slowly recovering. Feeling
+a desire to sleep, Juve stretched himself on his bed and gave way to
+reflection.
+
+What had happened?
+
+It was not difficult to guess. The officers of the Palace, finding him
+in the King's bedroom, a smoking revolver beside him and a Lancer crying
+"Thief! thief!" had naturally arrested him, thinking him guilty.
+Fantômas, after blinding him with pepper, had changed back into his
+uniform and escaped with the diamond. But what was Lady Beltham doing
+there known to the Hesse-Weimar people as the Grand Duchess Alexandra?
+What new and diabolical projects were on foot to bring the monster and
+his mistress together in this honest, bourgeois court of Hesse-Weimar?
+
+As for the diamond, of what possible use could it be to the thief? It
+would be harder to get rid of than the obelisk or the Vendôme column!
+
+While these thoughts were passing slowly through Juve's mind, he felt an
+intense desire to sleep come over him, his limbs suddenly became numb
+and heavy; and then a sudden terror seized him.
+
+"I have been poisoned!" he cried, making a superhuman effort to rise;
+but the narcotic was slowly but surely overpowering him. Finally, he
+lost all idea of his surroundings and sank back on his bed unconscious.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Had the day come?
+
+A pale light touched with yellow and silver rays, crept softly through
+the half-opened door and reached the face of a sleeping man; causing him
+to stir and to open his eyes, blinking and yawning. It was Juve.
+
+The first thing his gaze lighted upon was a round moon in a blue sky
+sown with stars. The detective who had gone to sleep in a dungeon,
+smiled instinctively at the heavens and the fresh, pure air which filled
+the room. By degrees his mind went back to the events of the past night,
+the heavy sleep that had come over him, and he wondered how much time
+had elapsed since he had lost consciousness. He had, besides, the
+impression that beneath his ample and warm bed clothes he was quite
+naked. His movements, too, seemed constricted as though he were lying in
+a narrow frame bed placed on the ground.
+
+But where was he?
+
+Thanks to the moonlight, he could perceive that he was in a room on the
+ground floor. Outside, shapes flitted by, and these Juve soon found to
+be bats hurrying to their nearby lairs. An owl hooted in the distance.
+The detective determined to make an effort to get up. To his surprise
+he met with no resistance and easily climbed out of the sort of box in
+which he had been lying.
+
+As his eyes became accustomed to the semi-obscurity, he started upon
+seeing the bed he had been lying in. It was a coffin.
+
+Juve then shuddered at the thought of the horrible death he might have
+undergone. He might have been buried alive! But a further surprise was
+in store for him. Not far away stood another coffin, and in this second
+one lay a corpse.
+
+The dead man was about fifty, strongly built and robust. A small clot of
+blood had congealed on his temple and this was enough to show Juve the
+cause of his death.
+
+He had been shot through the head with a revolver, and his death had
+been instantaneous. The rigidity of the body showed that the crime had
+been committed some time before. And then he made a still further
+discovery. By the side of the coffin lay a pile of clothes, and to
+Juve's amazement he recognized them as being his own!
+
+"Well," he exclaimed, "there can be no harm in putting them on, since
+they are mine." A further search disclosed, tucked away in a corner of
+the coffin, his pocketbook. Not only that, but some generous person had
+stuffed it literally full of bank notes, and in a small pocket he also
+found a first-class ticket from Glotzbourg to the frontier.
+
+"What on earth does all this mean?" he exclaimed.
+
+A search of his erstwhile bed now brought to light a sheet torn from a
+railway time-table, upon which a certain train was underscored in red
+ink. From another corner of the coffin he brought out a false beard and
+a pair of yellow spectacles! In a twinkling Juve dressed himself and
+crossing to the door, pushed it open and looked out.
+
+"The deuce!" he cried, "that's a funereal outlook!"
+
+Before him stretched away on all sides ... tombstones! tombstones big
+and little--some with crosses, others with crowns and flowers.
+
+Juve was in a cemetery, and the strange room in which he found himself
+was the mortuary chapel. Nothing disturbed the impressive silence of
+this vast resting place. In the distance a clock struck five, and far
+off Juve perceived the silhouette of the Glotzbourg Cathedral.
+
+The detective pulled himself together and began to piece out by his
+well-known habit of induction some solution to this incomprehensible
+mystery.
+
+"To begin with," he exclaimed, "my being still alive is evidently due
+to the will of my adversaries. It is possible that the police of
+Hesse-Weimar may have discovered their mistake, and taken this method of
+setting me at liberty. Or, it has been given out that I am dead, and
+they intend to bury this poor fellow in my place....
+
+"No, that's stupid. I was forgetting it is Fantômas who is supposed to
+be caught, then are they going to give out that Fantômas is dead?...
+That seems out of the question.... Besides this man didn't die a natural
+death, he was killed! I can't make head or tail of it."
+
+Juve paced up and down, rejecting one hypothesis after another. Finally,
+with a shrug of his shoulders, he cried:
+
+"Bah! I shall know all in good time. Let's get to the most pressing
+problem. I have been given money, a ticket with the time of departure
+marked on the time-table, that is as much as to say:
+
+"'My dear Sir, you are to go to the Station and take the 1.22 train,
+first class, for the frontier, there you will be left to your own
+devices ... but be careful to use the disguise given you.'"
+
+"Well," continued Juve to himself, "I haven't the least desire to thwart
+my mysterious friends, having no wish to prolong my visit here."
+
+Soon afterward Juve set out toward the town. As he walked the dawn broke
+on the horizon.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For three hours the Berlin express had been speeding across Hesse-Weimar
+on its way to Paris. Night was beginning to fall and multi-colored
+signals showed their points of light as the train sped past way
+stations.
+
+Juve, plunged in his thoughts, paid no attention to what was passing
+without. He had picked up a copy of the _Hesse-Weimar Gazette_ before
+leaving, and in it had read the following:
+
+"The desperate bandit, Fantômas, arrested two days ago in the Royal
+Palace while in the act of stealing the diamond, has committed suicide
+by shooting himself through the head with a small revolver he had hidden
+in his clothes. His body is now lying in the mortuary chapel of the
+cemetery awaiting the inevitable autopsy."
+
+This information but confirmed Juve in the hypothesis he had formed. But
+there still remained a point to be cleared up. Undoubtedly the public
+were being duped ... but who was duping them, and why? If Juve was
+thought to be Fantômas, they wouldn't have let him escape and put a dead
+man in his place. On the other hand, if they knew that Juve was not
+Fantômas, why the devil had this suicide story been invented?
+
+A new idea suddenly flashed through Juve's mind.
+
+"Suppose that not only the people of Hesse-Weimar but also the
+Government have been fooled!"
+
+A glimpse caught of Prince Gudulfin descending from the private car at
+the Hesse-Weimar station, was sufficient to start this train of thought.
+By association of ideas the sight of the Prince brought to Juve's mind
+the figure of the Grand Duchess Alexandra, who was no other than Lady
+Beltham. And Lady Beltham suggested Fantômas, whom Juve was inclined to
+credit not only with his arrest but also with his liberation.
+
+When the train pulled into the Frontier Station Juve, still wearing his
+false beard and whiskers, jumped down and hurried to the ticket office
+to buy his transportation to Paris. As he was returning, he happened to
+glance at the private car attached to the train at Glotzbourg, when, in
+spite of his self-control, he could not repress a cry of triumph.
+
+One of the window curtains was suddenly raised and then immediately
+lowered again, but Juve had time to recognize a face. It was that of the
+Grand Duchess Alexandra ... otherwise Lady Beltham. The train whistled.
+
+Juve had only just time to regain his compartment. He began pacing up
+and down the corridor, rubbing his hands, almost jumping for joy. At
+last the mystery was cleared. He understood what had been going on. Lady
+Beltham had fainted when Juve was arrested. Why?
+
+Evidently, because she had accepted the general opinion that he was
+Fantômas. After coming to herself and learning that the monster was in
+prison, she had made up her mind to effect his escape cost what it
+might.
+
+But how was she to set about it?
+
+Doubtless Lady Beltham, in her capacity of Grand Duchess, had many
+devoted friends, and it was evidently with their aid that the evasion
+had been brought about. And Lady Beltham, herself a dupe, still imagined
+it was her lover she had saved; when in reality she had set at liberty
+his most determined enemy.
+
+As the air now began to grow chilly, Juve returned to his compartment
+and picked up his overcoat. He was about to put it on, when he stopped
+in amazement.
+
+On the lining was pinned a paper with the following words scribbled in
+pencil:
+
+"America Hotel, Paris."
+
+For a long time Juve, with bent brows, read and reread these words. They
+could only have been brought here by Lady Beltham herself while Juve
+was away getting his ticket. What did this mysterious address portend?
+
+If Lady Beltham believed she was communicating with Fantômas, she
+certainly would have no need to write to him; she would know well enough
+where to find him.
+
+Furthermore, why didn't she simply walk through the several intervening
+cars and talk to him? What could be the motive powerful enough to
+prevent the mistress rejoining her lover? Upon second thoughts Juve
+doubted the hypothesis that Lady Beltham had intended to instigate the
+release of Fantômas. Might she not have become weary of the yoke which
+joined her to this monster and be really repentant of her crimes? It
+would not be the first time she had tasted remorse--and, instead of
+saving Fantômas, was aware that Juve had been set at liberty.
+
+"Yes," echoed Juve, "this second hypothesis is evidently the right one
+and Lady Beltham has ranged herself upon the side of law."
+
+The detective, with a defiant glance at the deepening evening shadows,
+proclaimed grandiloquently:
+
+"So be it, Lady Beltham, it shall not be said that a gallant man repays
+you with ingratitude, and if you care to have it so we will say in
+unison:
+
+"Between us three, Fantômas!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The train thundered through the night. It was only at seven in the
+morning that the suburbs of Paris showed through an uncertain fog.
+
+Saint Denis, the fortifications, and then the train slowed up and
+stopped under the great glass dome of the Gare du Nord. Juve, waking
+with a start, hastily sprang out and made his way to the private car in
+the hope of seeing Lady Beltham. But the Lady had already
+disappeared.... Juve caught up with her just in time to see her enter an
+automobile which instantly got under way. He managed to catch the number
+of the car, but could not find a taxi rapid enough to make the attempt
+of overtaking her.
+
+"Oh, well," he exclaimed, "I know how to find her."
+
+A sudden thought struck him:
+
+"The delay accorded me by M. Annion expires to-day, and the arrest of
+the false Frederick-Christian is about due. I don't suppose Fandor has
+taken any steps, but I'd better find out what is happening."
+
+Juve consulted his watch:
+
+"Half-past seven, I can call on the Minister of the Interior."
+
+He sprang into a taxi and cried:
+
+"Number eleven, Rue des Saussaies!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+OFFICIAL OPINIONS
+
+
+"Well, M. Vicart?"
+
+"Well, M. Annion, that's all."
+
+"That's all!" replied M. Annion. "That's nothing! We've been talking for
+a quarter of an hour without getting anywhere or reaching any
+conclusion."
+
+"But, M. Annion...."
+
+"No, I say.... It is I who have been giving you all the information and
+that, you know, is rather surprising.... You are the acting head of the
+Secret Service and you should have known all this. It's not my place to
+tell you what's going on at the Royal Palace."
+
+"M. Annion, nothing at all has happened."
+
+This reply threw M. Annion into a sudden fit of anger.
+
+"Is that so? Nothing has happened, hasn't it? And you don't realize the
+gravity of the case! Really, Vicart, it's discouraging! Can't you
+understand that we must absolutely come to some decision? The ministry
+is under the constant threat of interpellations and that state of
+affairs cannot continue."
+
+"Oh, I don't say the situation isn't serious, I only say nothing new has
+turned up."
+
+"That's just what I'm complaining about--your absolute lack of
+comprehension. To begin with, a week has gone by ... a whole week since
+Juve left, and not a word from Glotzbourg.... In fact, Juve is a day
+late already.... Does that convey nothing to you?... To me it means that
+Juve has found nothing there."
+
+"I don't quite understand," ventured the bewildered Vicart.
+
+M. Annion took pity on his subordinate.
+
+"Before Juve left he had proved to me that the King was the real King;
+isn't that so?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But that doesn't alter the fact that the King is a murderer.... Juve
+suspected some court intrigue, that's why he left for Glotzbourg. Now
+what is our situation? We have a King who has committed murder, and we
+don't arrest him. But that is the least of my worries. What about public
+opinion on the one hand and the extraordinary audacity of this monarch
+on the other?"
+
+"Public opinion?"
+
+"Yes! why the deuce don't you read the papers? Learn what is going on!
+Take the opposition press--they're always hinting at the weakness of
+the government in not arresting criminals on account of diplomatic
+complications. While I've seen to it that no more manifestations take
+place outside the Royal Palace, that the public for the time being is
+muzzled, still it is only waiting a chance to break out again. And now
+here is Frederick-Christian writing to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
+saying he wishes to meet the President of the Republic ... while he is
+here incognito. Still, by the terms of the protocol, he owes a visit to
+the Elysée--he's right about that."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"Why, it complicates things very awkwardly. How can the President
+receive, especially incognito, a King who is thought to be an assassin
+... you don't know what might be made of it.... This extraordinary
+Frederick-Christian takes advantage of his impunity. He's had lots of
+time since the death of Susy to slip quietly back to his own country....
+That would have let us out ... instead of which he comes out in the
+limelight ... gets himself talked about ... a nice time to choose, I
+must say!"
+
+M. Annion was interrupted by the entrance of a clerk who handed him a
+visiting card.
+
+"Who is it now?... Ah ... show them in."
+
+He then turned to M. Vicart:
+
+"Don't go.... It may be something connected with the King."
+
+The door was opened and the visitors announced:
+
+"M. the Commissaire of Police Giraud--Mlle. Marie Pascal."
+
+"Well, Monsieur Giraud ... take a seat, Mademoiselle ... what have you
+come about?"
+
+"A very serious business," answered M. Giraud. "I have come to see you
+after a visit from Mlle. Marie Pascal. She will repeat to you the
+extraordinary things she has said to me."
+
+"What is it all about, Mademoiselle?"
+
+Pale and anxious, Marie Pascal rose and advanced to M. Annion's desk,
+and said, with a trembling voice:
+
+"Monsieur, I went to M. Giraud about a call I wanted to make on his
+Majesty Frederick-Christian, King of Hesse-Weimar."
+
+"Yes?"
+
+"Well, Monsieur, I was not received by the King."
+
+M. Annion evinced no surprise.
+
+"Unless I am mistaken you are the lace-maker who was so tragically mixed
+up in the death of Susy d'Orsel?... It was you who found the chemise ...
+it was you who ... however, go ahead, Mademoiselle, you were received by
+a secretary, by a chamberlain?"
+
+"No! no! I was received by the King, but by a King who wasn't the real
+one, but an impostor!"
+
+"Good God!" cried M. Annion.
+
+Here was this impostor affair cropping up again. The girl must be crazy.
+
+"But it's unbelievable! Come, Mademoiselle, weigh well the gravity of
+your words--you can scarcely be making this up as a joke, I hope. You
+can furnish absolute proof of what you say? Why do you think the King is
+not the King?"
+
+Marie Pascal had recovered her self-control, and she gave M.
+Annion a detailed account of the audience she had obtained with
+Frederick-Christian. She hid nothing, neither his former warmth of
+feeling nor his recent coldness. She explained that his face no longer
+looked the same, nor had his voice the same sound, that he had attempted
+to hide behind the screen and finally that she was quite sure the man
+she saw was not the King.
+
+"What did you do, Mademoiselle?"
+
+This time M. Giraud spoke up:
+
+"Mlle. Marie was wrong in what she did, but under the stress of emotion
+she raised the whole hotel and made such a row that M. Louis advised her
+to come and see me."
+
+"Very good, and then?"
+
+"Why, M. Annion, I hurried to the Royal Palace and made an
+investigation, where I confirmed what Mademoiselle had told me. I then
+decided I had better lay the matter before you."
+
+M. Annion sat deep in thought for a few moments. Then he burst out:
+
+"Hang it! Your accusation of imposture is absurd, Mademoiselle, utterly
+impossible!" Then, turning to M. Vicart, he added:
+
+"Haven't we the formal declaration, irrefutable, of that Secret Service
+man ... Glaschk..."
+
+"Wulfenmimenglaschk."
+
+"That's it!... Have you seen him, M. Giraud?"
+
+"I have, but I couldn't get anything out of him; he was three-quarters
+drunk, and furious with his Majesty who had just struck him."
+
+M. Annion stared in amazement.
+
+"But Frederick-Christian was his friend--his intimate friend ... they
+were pals ... and you say he struck him?"
+
+Crossing quickly to the telephone, he called up:
+
+"Hello! Are inspectors 42, 59 and 63 there? What? Then send them up."
+
+"You did well to come to me, M. Giraud; we must clear up this business
+at any cost.... I've just sent for the three inspectors whom I detailed
+this morning to watch his Majesty Frederick-Christian...."
+
+Then glancing at Marie Pascal:
+
+"You'll hear what they have to say, Mademoiselle." A few minutes later
+the three men entered the office.
+
+"Well, what is new? You've been shadowing him?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+"Anything to report?"
+
+"Nothing much, Monsieur, only in regard to the conduct of the King. It
+seems that since this morning he has quite changed. Frederick-Christian,
+instead of keeping himself shut up as of late, now sees his friends
+again and has resumed his haughty manner and his fault-finding with the
+servants."
+
+"What friends has he seen?"
+
+"A young attaché of the Embassy arrived immediately after luncheon, and
+the director of his bank."
+
+"And these men found nothing unusual?"
+
+"No, chief, nothing at all."
+
+M. Annion turned to Marie Pascal.
+
+"You see, Mademoiselle, that is conclusive, isn't it? What probably
+happened was that the King had a fit of nerves, due to the death of his
+mistress, and then his return to his normal life misled you...."
+
+Marie Pascal interrupted:
+
+"No, Monsieur, no! Your inspectors are wrong! I who love him cannot be
+deceived! It is no longer Frederick-Christian II who is at the Royal
+Palace, it is an impostor! Besides, even if I could have been mistaken,
+he had no reason for not recognizing me, of not seeming to understand
+what I was saying."
+
+The second inspector spoke up:
+
+"Chief, I have something which will convince Mademoiselle that she is
+mistaken. I was able to get hold of one of his Majesty's collars which
+he had just worn. Its size is distinctly characteristic, being 18
+inches. Now it would be very easy to verify the fact that the real King
+wears this size and also whether it fits the supposed impostor. In any
+case, Monsieur, from inquiries made among the hotel servants I find
+there can be no doubt that Frederick-Christian is actually staying
+there, and that his intimate friends have been received and have
+recognized him."
+
+M. Annion did not answer.
+
+"This Marie Pascal is crazy," he thought, "or else she is up to some
+game which I don't understand... the King is the King all right, but,
+hang it all, that doesn't alter the fact that he is an assassin."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+JUVE'S LIES
+
+
+M. Annion had left the Ministry quite late the evening before in a very
+bad humor. Not that he had any doubt about the deposition of Marie
+Pascal. The report of his inspectors had settled that point,
+supplemented by the visits to the King of the attaché and the banker.
+
+"That young girl of the sixth floor," he said to himself, "who calls
+herself Marie Pascal, is either trying to hold up the sovereign or else
+she is crazy. In either case the important thing is to make her hold her
+tongue. Now there are two ways of doing this, through menacing her or
+through bribing her. I'll apply the first, and if that doesn't answer
+I'll try the second."
+
+As to the King, while his identity had been proved, he was none the less
+a murderer.
+
+The question was whether to prevent the visit he wished to pay to the
+President of the Republic or to bring it about.
+
+M. Annion took the Rue des Saussaies at 7.30 and having reached home,
+dined quickly while he read the evening paper. The news was startling.
+
+An article reserved in tone, but giving sufficient details, announced
+the arrest of Fantômas, the mysterious criminal of the Palace Royal of
+Glotzbourg, while attempting to steal the diamond which constituted the
+private fortune of Prince Frederick-Christian II.
+
+"Good God!" cried M. Annion, "Fantômas arrested, the diamond stolen, and
+Juve doesn't return or send any word!"
+
+The director of the Secret Service felt himself entangled in a network
+of intrigues which seemed impossible to unravel. He seemed to be
+surrounded by an impenetrable mystery.
+
+Fantômas! And now the name of Fantômas was associated with the scandal
+brought about by Frederick-Christian!
+
+M. Annion slept badly, haunted by a nightmare in which he was constantly
+pursuing an extraordinary Fantômas, whom he would seize and bind and who
+would then suddenly vanish into thin air. At eight o'clock in the
+morning he appeared at his office. There a surprise awaited him. Upon
+his desk lay a telegram. Rapidly tearing it open, he glanced at the
+text.
+
+"Ah!... Good God! Can it be true! Fantômas dead! Fantômas dead in
+prison! I must be dreaming!"
+
+While he was rereading the astonishing news, the door of his office
+opened and Juve walked in.
+
+"Juve!"
+
+"Myself, Chief."
+
+"Well!"
+
+"Well," replied Juve, calmly, "I've had a pretty good trip."
+
+Brandishing the telegram, M. Annion cried:
+
+"Fantômas is dead!"
+
+"Yes ... Fantômas is dead."
+
+"What have you found out?"
+
+"Oh, a thing or two ... rather interesting."
+
+"And the diamond?"
+
+"Stolen, Chief, disappeared."
+
+"Stolen by Fantômas?"
+
+"Yes, by Fantômas."
+
+"It was you who arrested him?"
+
+"Hum!--yes and no.... I was the cause of his arrest."
+
+"And the murder of Susy d'Orsel?"
+
+"It was committed by Fantômas."
+
+"You are sure of that?"
+
+"Certain, Chief."
+
+M. Annion rose and paced up and down in great excitement.
+
+"Now then, let's get the facts in the case, tell me in detail what
+occurred at Hesse-Weimar."
+
+Juve had had the foresight to prepare a report which would tell enough
+to prove that the murderer of Susy d'Orsel was really Fantômas, and thus
+clear the name of the King. He gave no hint, however, that Fandor was
+still, as Juve thought, impersonating Frederick-Christian, and made no
+mention of his own adventures. He concluded by saying:
+
+"In a word, we have now only to establish the guilt of Fantômas and
+publish the story of his crime, to absolve the King in the eyes of
+all ... and that will mean the end of your troubles."
+
+"That is true!" replied the director joyfully, "and I may add it is
+entirely due to you, my dear Juve. Why, the other day, I was actually on
+the point of arresting Frederick-Christian, which would have been an
+unpardonable blunder."
+
+"Really?"
+
+"Yes. For since your departure, the identity of the King has been
+established beyond dispute. Yesterday I learned that the director of the
+bank had had an interview with him, and he also received a visit from an
+intimate friend, an attaché of the Embassy."
+
+Juve heard these words with growing uneasiness. The King was Fandor. How
+had Fandor managed the affair?
+
+M. Annion continued:
+
+"And what do you think happened yesterday afternoon? I received a visit
+from a little idiot called Marie Pascal, who still insisted on the
+imposture. She asserted that the King was no longer the same."
+
+Juve felt his head swimming.
+
+Marie Pascal had paid one visit to Fandor, and now declared he was no
+longer the same! So Fandor was not at the Royal Palace. Who had taken
+his place?
+
+The real King?
+
+Was Fandor himself a victim?
+
+"By the way," pursued M. Annion, oblivious of Juve's trouble, "you
+didn't happen to learn any details concerning the King's toilette at
+Glotzbourg?"
+
+"No, why?"
+
+"Oh, nothing of importance. I should like to have known whether it was a
+fact that Frederick-Christian wore an 18-inch collar. It would merely
+have been another proof."
+
+The words literally stupefied the detective. If the man at the Royal
+Palace wore 18-inch collars, he was certainly not Fandor, whose neck
+was very slender. The journalist wore size 14-1/2.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+One hour later--it was then half-past ten in the morning--Juve arrived
+at the Royal Palace. He did not attempt to send up his card to the King,
+but contented himself with gathering what information he could from
+among his colleagues who were stationed about the hotel.
+
+"The deuce!" he cried, twenty minutes later. "It's true that
+Frederick-Christian is really here. What has become of Fandor? Well, I
+shall probably be able to get news of him at his own apartment. What I
+have to do now is to recover the diamond and catch Fantômas ... if that
+is possible."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+"I WANT TO LIVE!"
+
+
+During two days which passed like two centuries, Fandor had been held
+prisoner in his dungeon where death awaited him.
+
+"I am condemned to death," he exclaimed, "very good, then I will wait
+for death."
+
+But Fandor was of those who do not give up until the struggle is over.
+Besides, he had his faithful revolver. He could end his life at any
+moment and shorten the torture. He had found sufficient ham to last for
+two meals, and when that had been eaten and the last drop of water drunk
+he began to suffer the tortures of hunger and thirst. And now, like a
+caged beast, he paced up and down his prison. His mind went back to
+stories he had read, stories of entombed miners, of explorers hemmed in
+by ice, of hunters caught in traps, but in all these cases deliverance
+in one form or another had come at last--the adventures ended happily.
+
+"I want to live," he cried aloud, "I want to live!"
+
+Suddenly a great calm descended upon him. His coolness and clear
+judgment returned.
+
+"To struggle! Yes--but how?"
+
+At this moment the roar of the Nord-Sud shook his prison walls. An idea
+took root in his mind.
+
+Might it not be possible to burrow his way through the soil directly to
+the tunnel! Examining the ground, he decided that it would be simpler to
+tunnel his way like a mole, skirting the concrete base of the statue and
+reaching the pavement beyond. It would not be hard work to dislodge one
+of the paving stones and reach the open air. No sooner was the plan
+conceived than he broke several of the bottles until he obtained a piece
+of the thick glass sufficiently jagged to form a trowel.
+
+With this rough implement he then set to work, scooping up the earth and
+piling it on one side of his cell. Patiently and ceaselessly he
+continued, hour after hour, until suddenly the hiss of escaping gas
+could be faintly heard.
+
+"I'm done for this time," he cried in despair. "I shall be asphyxiated!"
+But a gleam of hope quickly set him to work again.
+
+"Gas is lighter than air. It may percolate through the chinks of the
+masonry. In any case I'd rather die that way than be starved to death."
+
+It was a race between the escaping gas and the tunnel.
+
+Very soon Fandor began to feel a dizziness in his head, and the air
+became more difficult to breathe; suddenly, he had the sensation of
+being enveloped in an extraordinary blue flame, and then a loud report
+deafened him.
+
+Fandor's prison, saturated with gas, had suddenly blown up!
+
+The ground gave way beneath him: he was lying in the ruins.
+
+Destiny had made a plaything of his efforts.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+THE ACCUSING WAISTCOAT
+
+
+"As a matter of fact, Monsieur Juve, did not the celebrated Vidocq
+before he was a detective begin life as a murderer?"
+
+Wulf, book in hand and comfortably installed in a large armchair,
+addressed the question to Juve, who answered in brief monosyllables,
+without turning his head:
+
+"That's true, Monsieur Wulf."
+
+"And don't you think that every detective at one time or another has a
+tendency toward crime, either as a thief or as an assassin?"
+
+"That I cannot say."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+What a day Juve had passed! Events had succeeded each other with such
+startling rapidity that the detective, in spite of his robust physique,
+began at length to feel the strain. As a matter of fact he had really
+had no rest since his tragic awakening in the mortuary chapel at
+Glotzbourg. He had passed the following night in the train without
+closing an eye. Upon his arrival he had been busy without interruption
+until he found himself, at ten o'clock at night, in his little apartment
+in the Rue Bonaparte with the grotesque Wulf as companion. While the
+latter was tranquilly reading the adventures of Vidocq, Juve was
+absorbed in a strange task which occupied his entire attention.
+
+He was minutely examining a queer-looking garment, a waistcoat of very
+unusual cut. He turned to Wulf:
+
+"Monsieur Wulf, you recognize this garment, don't you? There is no doubt
+that it came from Jacob and Company, the Glotzbourg tailors?"
+
+Wulf nodded.
+
+"No doubt whatever. I've had too much experience in such matters to be
+mistaken.... Besides, the initials J. G. are on the buttons."
+
+"Yes, yes--Jacob of Glotzbourg."
+
+Juve now examined the lining with a magnifying glass, muttering the
+while:
+
+"Ah, just as I expected!"
+
+The pocket of the waistcoat had been distended by some large object
+which had been forcibly introduced into it. The detective quickly took
+some modeling clay and made it into certain dimensions carefully
+measured, then with a stick he marked the surface of the ball into
+facets, referring now and again to a book open before him. "Let's see,"
+he exclaimed, "the Hesse-Weimar diamond is two-thirds of a hen's egg in
+size, and weighs 295 carats, that is to say, larger than the Koh-i-noor,
+the famous Indian diamond, one of the crown jewels of England."
+
+He now introduced his model into the pocket and found that it fitted the
+hole exactly.
+
+"There! What do you say to that!" he cried.
+
+"Why, you're very clever, Monsieur Juve," replied Wulf, "but I don't see
+how that helps. Even if you prove that the King's diamond was kept for a
+certain time in the pocket of that waistcoat, still you don't know to
+whom the waistcoat belongs, and that's the most important point."
+
+Juve, still engrossed in his examination, vouchsafed no reply, and Wulf
+with folded arms stood contemplating him. Various problems were engaging
+Juve's thoughts, whose day had been exceedingly busy.
+
+After being satisfied that Frederick-Christian was really back again at
+the Royal Palace, the question arose as to what had become of him after
+his disappearance. A hurried visit to Fandor's lodgings disclosed the
+fact that the journalist, after a brief absence, had returned home for
+an hour and had then disappeared again.
+
+"Upon my word," he thought, "he might at least have sent me some word.
+He must know how anxious I would be about him."
+
+From Fandor's house Juve had gone direct to Susy d'Orsel's apartment. It
+was a theory of his that a good detective could never visit too often
+the scene of a crime. Mechanically he went through the various rooms
+until he reached the kitchen.
+
+"I have a feeling that something happened here," he muttered, "but
+what?"
+
+A close examination of the floor showed distinct traces of feet in some
+fine coal dust. These traces proved to be those of a woman's shoes,
+small, elegant and well made. They could not possibly belong to Mother
+Citron nor to Susy d'Orsel, who, he recalled, had worn satin mules on
+the night of the murder. The person who immediately presented herself to
+Juve's mind was Marie Pascal.
+
+"The deuce!" he cried, "this becomes complicated. This coal dust and
+these imprints were not here a few days ago, therefore some one has been
+here since and has evidently been at pains to lay a false trail!"
+
+With the intention of examining the servants' staircase again, he let
+himself out with a pass-key and began the descent. But so absorbed was
+he in his thoughts that unconsciously he went down one flight too many
+and found himself in the cellar of the building. Juve, following his
+custom of never neglecting to search even the most unsuspicious places,
+lit his electric light and examined the room he had entered.
+
+On either side of the cellar were ranged a number of doors, all securely
+padlocked. These were evidently the private cellars of the tenants. As
+he threw his light on the floor, he could not repress a movement of
+surprise. Dropping on all fours, he began a close examination of the
+ground.
+
+"Now I begin to see daylight. For some time I have had the conviction
+that Frederick-Christian, upon leaving Fandor made his escape by the
+servants' staircase, and thus left the house. But I could not understand
+why he had not returned to his hotel. My conclusion was wrong.
+Frederick-Christian, like myself, came down a flight too many and found
+himself, as I have, in this cellar. Evidently a scoundrel was waiting
+for him here. The trampled ground, the shreds of silk torn from a high
+hat, all indicate clearly the struggle which took place. But the King,
+being drunk, was easily overpowered and bound. That is the reason he did
+not reach his hotel."
+
+One difficulty still troubled the detective. It had been shown that on
+the night of December 31st, the third person, otherwise the King, whom
+Fandor declared to be in the apartment, had been unable to escape by
+the back stairs, since the door was locked and bolted. Then it came into
+Juve's mind that the maid Justine in giving testimony had become
+embarrassed and finally had admitted that the key having been lost, she
+had neglected to lock the door. This cleared up the dubious point and
+established in Juve's mind the complete explanation of what happened.
+
+Fantômas, after killing Susy d'Orsel, had lurked on the stairs until the
+King left the apartment. Then, locking the door, he had hurried after
+his victim and caught him at the moment he reached the cellar.
+
+The detective's next move was to break into the apartment of the Marquis
+de Sérac. By the aid of a ladder which he found in a corner, he climbed
+up and broke a windowpane and thus made his entrance. At first nothing
+in the apartment seemed worthy of suspicion. The rooms were elegant but
+commonplace. The bureaus and wardrobes were locked, and gave out a
+hollow sound when rapped upon. As he did not have his burglar's
+equipment with him, Juve decided to come back later and investigate. He
+was on the point of leaving when his foot caught in a garment, which he
+found to be a waistcoat. He gave vent to an exclamation of surprise as
+he picked it up and folding it into a bundle hid it under his overcoat.
+The Marquis de Sérac had been under his suspicion for some time; now
+that suspicion was in a fair way to become a certainty. Were the Marquis
+and Fantômas one and the same?
+
+Juve was inclined to answer in the affirmative....
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The next step was to invite Wulf to dine with him, to show him the
+waistcoat and prove beyond doubt that it had been made by a tailor of
+Glotzbourg.
+
+Juve's opinion had now become a solid conviction. Fantômas had worn the
+garment, and had carried the diamond in the pocket of the waistcoat he
+found in the Marquis de Sérac's apartment. Hence the Marquis de Sérac
+was Fantômas.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE EXPLOSION OF THE NORD-SUD
+
+
+The Empire clock on Juve's desk struck half-past eleven. The detective,
+having gone over in his mind the course of events just narrated, rose
+abruptly and tapped Wulf on the shoulder.
+
+"Monsieur Wulf, if you are to remain here you are very welcome to do so;
+as for me, I'm going out."
+
+Wulf, wakened out of a doze, sat up and stared at Juve, an expression of
+dawning suspicion in his eyes.
+
+"Where are you going?" he inquired.
+
+Juve, absorbed in his thoughts, did not remark the strange behavior of
+his colleague. He had settled on a plan of action, which was simply to
+arrest the Marquis de Sérac.
+
+"Oh, I'm just going ... for a walk."
+
+"All right, get your hat."
+
+A few moments later the two men hailed a taxi and drove to 247 Rue de
+Monceau.
+
+During the trip Juve pumped Wulf about his relations with Fandor, and it
+appeared that the latter had pursued the policy of making Wulf drunk
+upon every occasion. Doubtless, the detective reasoned, it was thus
+that Fandor was enabled to escape for an hour, during which time the
+substitution had been effected. Wulf explained how he had found the King
+near the fountains in the Place de la Concorde, and Juve realized that
+in some way or other the King and the fountains were mysteriously
+connected.
+
+In his turn, Wulf plied Juve with questions as to what he had done
+during his stay at Glotzbourg.
+
+What sort of welcome had he received from M. Heberlauf?
+
+How had the arrest of Fantômas been effected?
+
+How had the monster died?
+
+The detective, naturally, had no intention of enlightening Wulf as to
+the truth.
+
+He therefore answered in monosyllables, annoyed by the turn the
+conversation had taken. In fact, as the questions became more pressing,
+it flashed through Juve's mind that the stupid officer was actually
+beginning to suspect him of being Fantômas. As the taxi neared its
+destination Juve suddenly put his head out of the window and cried with
+an oath to the chauffeur:
+
+"Follow that automobile which is just starting and don't lose sight of
+it!"
+
+Wulf turned inquiringly:
+
+"It's the Marquis de Sérac."
+
+"Well, what of it?"
+
+"Why, is he the man we are after?" Then turning again to the chauffeur:
+
+"Have you plenty of gasoline?"
+
+"Enough to run a hundred miles, Monsieur."
+
+The chase began at the Boulevard de Courcelles, continued through the
+Place de l'Etoile and the Avenue de la Grande Armée. The two taxis, of
+the same horsepower, kept an equal pace, but the Marquis de Sérac's
+chauffeur seemed the smarter man. At any rate, he was the more daring.
+He dodged in and out of the traffic and began to gain on his pursuers.
+
+"He's taking us to the Bois," growled Juve, as they made a turn to the
+left after passing the fortifications, before the Barrière de Neuilly.
+The pace increased in the back streets and then, suddenly, the taxi of
+the Marquis de Sérac disappeared!
+
+It had turned sharply down a narrow street.
+
+At the risk of his neck, the detective sprang out of his taxi and rushed
+round the corner, just in time to hear a door bang to.
+
+Wulf now joined him.
+
+"We have wasted our time, my dear Juve. The taxi we have been following
+was empty. It made a circuit and passed me just now."
+
+"Just what I expected!" cried Juve, "our man got out of it ... he is
+still here."
+
+Juve took out his revolver, and then an exclamation of surprise escaped
+his lips. Fifty yards away, a figure appeared, vague and dressed in
+white.
+
+"What the devil does that mean? I've been following the Marquis de
+Sérac, of that I'm sure, and now I find this other one." Then turning to
+Wulf, he gripped him by the arm. "You see that individual, well, he is
+the Primitive Man Ouaouaoua."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Taking the utmost precaution, Juve and Wulf followed the enigmatic
+Ouaouaoua for over an hour. The singular meeting had given the detective
+food for thought. This man had figured prominently at the ceremony of
+the Singing Fountains; again, he had been foremost in the demonstration
+of the mob against the King outside the Royal Palace. It was now that a
+suspicion came to Juve's mind, that this venerable beard and white
+woollen robe concealed the person of the Marquis de Sérac.
+
+"Whatever happens," he muttered, "I must get to the bottom of this.
+While it would be quite easy to bring him down with a shot from my
+revolver, yet, once dead, I could get no information from him."
+
+They arrived at the corner of the Boulevard Malesherbes and the Avenue
+de Villiers, and Juve's excitement grew, for he knew that not far away
+was the America Hotel, where Lady Beltham had put up under the name of
+the Grand Duchess Alexandra. Ah! If it were possible to connect the
+Primitive Man with her! In that case he would not hesitate to arrest
+them both, although he suspected that Fantômas's mistress would be more
+ready to give him up than to shield him.
+
+But Ouaouaoua brusquely made a right-about face and headed toward the
+Boulevard des Batignolles.
+
+"Are we going to keep this up much longer?" inquired Wulf, who by this
+time was breathless and weary.
+
+"You can go if you like," growled Juve without turning his head. In his
+intense absorption, Juve failed to notice the menacing and ironical look
+the officer directed at him.
+
+Ouaouaoua now turned down the Rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette hastening his
+speed. The two men had some difficulty in keeping up with him. Suddenly
+he disappeared at the corner of the Rue Saint Lazare and the Rue
+Lamartine. Juve sprang forward just in time to see the white draped
+figure vanish down the stairs leading to the underground Station of the
+Nord-Sud.
+
+The Station was lighted and the ticket windows open. The morning's
+traffic had begun.
+
+"Have you just seen a queerly dressed man?" he asked one of the porters.
+
+"He has just bought his ticket, Monsieur."
+
+Juve flung down a coin, seized two coupons and without waiting for the
+change hurried onto the platform. The first morning train was waiting,
+due to start in five minutes. A quick search through the carriages
+disclosed the object of Juve's search. He was standing in the first
+carriage by the door of the driver's compartment. While Juve eyed him
+eagerly, the Primitive Man in turn was watching the detective.
+
+The conductors and employés were standing gossiping by the ticket
+office, and the station was almost deserted at this early morning hour.
+
+Juve remained on the platform with Wulf. As a preliminary to making his
+arrest, he took out his revolver, and held it in the palm of his hand.
+Suddenly he gave a yell and sprang forward. Ouaouaoua, taking advantage
+of the engine driver's absence, had entered his compartment and pulled
+the levers.
+
+In a moment the train was under way. As Juve made a jump on board, Wulf
+tried to restrain him, and in the scuffle knocked the revolver out of
+the detective's hand. To the consternation of the train's crew left
+behind in the station, the train was now gathering speed. Their shouts
+in turn alarmed the few passengers, who regarded the precipitate
+entrance of Juve in amazement. Finally a cry from the powerful lungs of
+Wulf was heard above all the other noises. A name shouted in terror:
+
+"Fantômas!"
+
+A rush was instantly made to seize the fool or the madman who had
+started the train, but a revolver shot quickly drove back the passengers
+and Juve, furious with the imbecile Wulf for having disarmed him, was
+obliged to take cover with the others.
+
+The train passed through the Station de la Trinité, shot through Saint
+Lazare without heed to signal and tore along at headlong speed. And
+then, in a moment, the train was plunged into total darkness and a cry
+of rage escaped from the Primitive Man. The detective understood in a
+flash.
+
+The Nord-Sud had had the happy idea of cutting off the power, and Juve
+noticed that this occurred just as the train had passed the Station de
+la Concorde and entered the tube beyond. Ah! this time the Primitive Man
+was in a tight corner. His revolver would be less dangerous in the
+darkness.
+
+Juve rose carefully, prepared to advance, when a spark was seen,
+succeeded by a terrific explosion. A shower of matter fell upon the
+train, shattering the windows and throwing the passengers pell-mell
+upon each other.
+
+Then ... silence....
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The red lights of torches gradually lighted up the tunnel in which the
+tragic accident, still unaccounted for, had occurred. Juve, unconscious
+for ten minutes, came to his senses and realized with a sense of relief
+that he was unhurt, and that the men directing the rescue were the Paris
+firemen. Many persons had been wounded, but by an apparent miracle not
+one had been killed.
+
+The Primitive Man had disappeared.
+
+Juve, in quest of clues which might lead to the discovery of the
+explosion, climbed upon the train to where an immense hole in the roof
+of the tube had showered down bits of asphalt and broken earth. He
+noticed quickly that communication had been opened with the Place de la
+Concorde. By dint of hoisting and scrambling he succeeded at length in
+gaining the surface of the ground.
+
+Vague groanings came from the mass of stones piled not far away. As he
+approached these noises, they became more distinct. Finally, he
+discovered the body of a man wedged between two large blocks and covered
+with a piece of gas-pipe.
+
+The body was begrimed with soot and mud. Juve, after hauling his burden
+to the open air, where he was greeted with cheers by the crowd, dipped
+his handkerchief in the water from the fountain and wiped the man's
+face. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees with a cry:
+
+"Fandor! It's Fandor!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+INNOCENT OR GUILTY?
+
+
+Juve and Doctor Gast were talking in low tones in the dining-room
+adjoining the bedroom. Their patient, Fandor, had just wakened and had
+cried out:
+
+"I'm dying of hunger!"
+
+It was about nine o'clock in the morning. After rescuing his friend
+Fandor from his perilous situation, he had taken the unfortunate
+journalist to his own home in Rue Richer and called in a physician of
+the quarter, Doctor Gast. An examination of the patient showed that he
+had received no serious injury, merely some abrasions and one or two
+burns.
+
+As Juve and the Doctor answered his call for food, Fandor sat up and
+without surprise or question repeated his cry:
+
+"I'm dying of hunger. Hurry up and give me something to eat."
+
+The Doctor took his pulse, then suggested:
+
+"Something light won't hurt him, say, a slice of ham."
+
+A formidable oath was the reply:
+
+"No, thanks!... anything you like, but not ham."
+
+"All right ... a chicken wing instead."
+
+This seemed to satisfy Fandor, who added:
+
+"While I'm awful hungry, don't forget that I'm just as thirsty!"
+
+"Well, Doctor?"
+
+"Well, Monsieur, I find everything going well. Our patient has had a
+good meal and is now sleeping peacefully. By to-morrow, M. Fandor will
+be all right again. It was, however, about time he got food, for in my
+judgment he pretty nearly died of hunger."
+
+"That's what I can't understand."
+
+"When you went back just now to the scene of the accident, didn't you
+learn any of the details?"
+
+Juve answered evasively:
+
+"Nothing to speak of, Doctor, merely that the wounds of the passengers
+are not serious. As to the cause of the explosion, I have a notion that
+it may have been due to an escape of gas. I noticed a strong odor of it
+about. Probably a spark set it off."
+
+The doctor now took his leave, and no sooner was he well out of the door
+when a joyful whistle came from the sick man's room. Juve could not
+restrain an exclamation of surprise as he looked into the bedroom.
+Fandor was already partly dressed and in the act of lacing up his boots.
+
+"You are crazy to get up in your condition!"
+
+"Hang my condition, I feel as strong as a horse and as hungry as a
+bear."
+
+Juve laughed.
+
+"Oh, if that's the way you feel there's nothing more to be said."
+
+After a second breakfast, Fandor turned to his friend:
+
+"Now, then, Juve, let's hear where you've been!"
+
+For two hours each in turn narrated their adventures of the past days,
+and by combining their experiences, they arrived at a clear view of the
+situation. One question was answered beyond doubt. The hand of Fantômas
+was everywhere apparent. His carefully laid plan to get possession of
+the King's diamond unquestionably involved the arrest of the King by the
+French authorities for the murder of his mistress.
+
+It was now their difficult task, first to recover the jewel and then
+capture the bandit. Two points still remained to be cleared up. What
+rôle had Marie Pascal played in the affair? Was she innocent or an
+accomplice? And had Lady Beltham intended to save Juve or had she
+intended to save Fantômas?
+
+It was finally arranged that Juve should go to the America Hotel and
+call on the pseudo Grand Duchess Alexandra, and that Fandor should see
+Marie Pascal. They were about to put this project into execution when a
+loud knocking at the door startled them.
+
+Fandor sprang forward, but the detective quickly thrust him into the
+bedroom, and opened the door himself.
+
+"You here, Wulf!"
+
+"As you see."
+
+The absurd officer marched into the apartment with an air of great
+satisfaction.
+
+"Well, Monsieur Juve, and what do you think of my detective instinct?"
+
+"I don't understand."
+
+"Ah, you thought you'd got rid of me at the Sud-Nord Station, didn't
+you, but I fooled you. I arrived at the scene of the explosion at the
+precise moment you were giving an address to the chauffeur and carrying
+away a body."
+
+"A body ... in pretty good health!"
+
+"Furthermore, I came across some one you were looking for, I think."
+
+"Fantômas?"
+
+"No, not Fantômas, but the Primitive Man, generally called Ouaouaoua."
+
+"And you let him go?"
+
+"Oh, I let him go all right, but not before he gave me his address."
+
+Juve smiled grimly.
+
+"A nice mess you've made of it!"
+
+Wulf continued with an air of great importance:
+
+"I can tell you something else, the King returns to Glotzbourg to-night,
+but before he goes we shall have the guilty person arrested."
+
+A slight noise made Wulf turn his head and then give a loud cry.
+
+Fandor had entered the room.
+
+"Good God! Who is that?... the King?... No, it's not the King ... help!
+help!"
+
+Wulf cast frightened glances to right and left and then made a dive for
+the door, slamming it behind him as he rushed out:
+
+"I knew he was a fool," exclaimed Juve, "but I didn't know he was crazy
+besides. And to think he had Fantômas in his hands and let him go!"
+
+The two men now reverted to their interrupted project and decided to pay
+their respective visits to Marie Pascal and Lady Beltham.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Mam'zelle Marie! Mam'zelle Marie! Come in and rest a bit!"
+
+The pretty lace-maker was passing the office of the concièrge, the
+so-called Mother Citron. The young girl accepted the invitation and sat
+down, heaving a deep sigh. It was only ten in the morning but her red
+eyes and her face showed signs of having passed a bad night.
+
+"You mustn't work so hard!" exclaimed the concièrge.
+
+"Oh, it isn't my work; that rests me, it helps me to forget.... I have
+so many troubles."
+
+"Tell me all about them."
+
+By degrees and through her tears, Marie confided all that had happened
+to her since the night of the murder. The avowal of love she had made to
+the King and the unforgettable hour she had passed in his company; then
+the police inquiries, suspicions, and the fact that they were
+continually following her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Ah, if only I had some one to turn to. I've thought of going to see
+this detective the King spoke of, M. Juve."
+
+As Marie Pascal pronounced that name, an expression of sinister joy came
+into the eyes of Mother Citron:
+
+"That's a good idea," she exclaimed.
+
+Marie hesitated:
+
+"I would never dare go to see him alone."
+
+"Marie Pascal, you know how fond of you I am, and as sure as I'm called
+Mother Citron, I'll prove what I say. In a couple of minutes I'll put
+on my hat with the flowers and leave my workwoman in charge here. Then
+I'll take you myself to this M. Juve... if you're afraid of him, I'm
+not!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+COMPROMISING DISCOVERIES
+
+
+Fandor, smoking a good cigar, walked to the Rue Monceau, taking deep
+breaths of the fresh air, looking up with delight at the blue sky. After
+his imprisonment and slow torture he experienced an extraordinary joy in
+living and in his freedom.
+
+When he reached the house he found the concièrge's office empty. He
+called out several times.
+
+"I'm the concièrge, what is it you want?" a voice answered behind him.
+
+Fandor turned sharply:
+
+"Ah, there you are, Madame, I didn't see you."
+
+It would have surprised the journalist had he known that the
+extraordinary Mme. Citron a moment before had been comfortably installed
+in the Marquis de Sérac's apartment, and that hearing herself called,
+she had slid down her communicating post to answer the summons. Still
+further was he from imagining that the Marquis de Sérac and Mme. Citron
+were one and the same person.
+
+"Well, now that I'm here, what is it you want?"
+
+Madame Citron recognized Fandor. But she recognized him as being some
+one he was not. She had, indeed, only seen him for a few moments
+immediately after the murder of Susy d'Orsel.
+
+"I want to see Mlle. Marie Pascal. She lives here, doesn't she?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, but ..."
+
+"Is she at home?"
+
+"What is it about?"
+
+Fandor answered casually:
+
+"I have an order to give her."
+
+"Then, if Monsieur will leave it with me..."
+
+"Why? Isn't Mlle. Marie Pascal here?"
+
+"No, Monsieur."
+
+"Will she be long away?"
+
+"I'm afraid she will."
+
+"All right, I'll come back about six o'clock. I must see her personally,
+I have a number of details to explain."
+
+Mme. Ceiron shook her head.
+
+"I don't think you'll find her."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Well, she's in the country."
+
+"Will she be away for several days?"
+
+"I expect so."
+
+Fandor decided to burn his bridges.
+
+"Look here, it's not about an order; I'm sent here by Juve, you know
+him?"
+
+"The detective?"
+
+"Yes, Madame, the detective."
+
+Madame Ceiron appeared to be very disturbed.
+
+"Oh! I shall get jaundice from all this bother. I can't even sleep in
+peace. It'll end in them suspecting me, I know it will."
+
+"No, no, Madame, I assure you...."
+
+"After all, I'd rather tell you the exact truth, then you can't complain
+of me. You see, it's this way: Yesterday the little girl came and said
+to me, 'Madame Ceiron, I'm so upset and unhappy, and I'm bothered to
+death with questions, too, and then, this King who isn't a King ... I've
+a good mind to pack my trunk and go away.' So I said to her, if that's
+the case, go by all means--she had paid a quarter's advance--and when
+you are ready just come back--and that's all there is to it, Monsieur."
+
+"You have no idea where she went, Mme. Ceiron?"
+
+"Well, I heard her tell the cab-driver to take her to the Montparnasse
+Station."
+
+"Do you know if she has any friends or relations in the country?"
+
+"Ah!--that's a good idea, Monsieur, now I come to think of it, she
+always went on her holidays from the same station, probably to visit
+some of her family, but where they live I haven't the least idea."
+
+Fandor had an inspiration.
+
+"Maybe she has received letters which will tell us! Have you the key of
+her room?"
+
+"Yes, I have the key; would you like to go up?"
+
+"Of course!--I must make a search through her belongings."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Jerome Fandor felt strangely agitated in entering the simple room of the
+young lace-maker. It has been frequently said that the souls of people
+can be divined from the atmosphere of their homes, and if this is true,
+the journalist was surely not mistaken when at the Royal Palace he had
+experienced a rather warm feeling for Marie Pascal.
+
+The room showed no sign of precipitate abandonment, nor any preparation
+for a long absence. Her work-basket and cushions were all in place, and
+one would have expected her return at any moment. But alas! Fandor could
+harbor no illusion regarding her. Her flight was evidently to escape a
+probable arrest by Juve. A minute inspection of Marie's papers disclosed
+nothing of importance; but upon opening the last drawer in her desk he
+found, hidden under envelopes and letter paper, a number of small
+objects.
+
+"Ah! the devil!" he exclaimed.
+
+The objects were jewels, brooches, rings, earrings and also a large
+key, evidently of an apartment door. One glance at the jewels was
+enough. Fandor had seen and admired them upon the person of Susy d'Orsel
+during the supper which preceded her tragic death.
+
+"My God! there's no doubt now," he muttered, "Marie Pascal is the
+accomplice of Fantômas."
+
+And then the journalist decided upon a theory to account for her having
+left the jewels behind. She had probably arranged to have them found
+among somebody else's things and thus to throw suspicion from herself,
+just as she had attempted to leave the famous chemise in the Marquis de
+Sérac's laundry.
+
+"What will Juve say to this? I must see him right away!"
+
+He turned to the concièrge:
+
+"Madame Ceiron, I realize our search here will be without result, so I
+will leave you now and probably return about ten to-night with my friend
+Juve."
+
+"Very good, Monsieur. You found nothing, I suppose?"
+
+"Nothing at all," declared Fandor.
+
+While Fandor was going downstairs the pseudo Mme. Ceiron made a grimace.
+
+"He's found nothing, hasn't he? And yet he's turned over everything I
+left in that drawer! He's not so clever as Juve, although he isn't a
+fool.... After all, I don't care, I've got them both where I want
+them."
+
+Jerome Fandor shouted an address to his driver:
+
+"Rue Bonaparte, and if you hurry there's a good tip waiting for you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+SHADOWED
+
+
+An unusual cold had continued for nearly a week, and the ice fête
+organized by the skating club upon the upper lake in the Bois de
+Boulogne had been announced for this particular day. This fête had been
+already frequently postponed on account of the weather. It had become a
+joke among Parisians to receive an invitation for a date which was
+invariably followed by a period of thaw, turning the lake into ice water
+and mud.
+
+And now the afternoon of this January day, which began with the
+explosion in the Sud-Nord tunnel, had been finally decided upon. The
+clear atmosphere and severe cold promised no further disappointment. The
+fête was to be given in aid of the poor of the town and the admission
+fee was put at a high figure for the purpose of drawing a fashionable
+crowd and keeping out the mob. Vehicles of all kinds drew up and were
+parked by the shore of the lake, giving the place the appearance of a
+fashionable reception.
+
+M. Fouquet-Legendre, President of the Committee, stood chatting with the
+Marquis de Sérac, and both men cast frequent glances in the direction
+of the town.
+
+"You are sure he will come?" M. Fouquet-Legendre inquired for the
+twentieth time.
+
+"You may rely upon it, His Majesty himself promised to honor with his
+presence the reunion organized by your Committee."
+
+M. Fouquet-Legendre moved away to superintend the preparation of a lunch
+table containing sandwiches, cakes and champagne. The Marquis de Sérac
+sauntered among the crowd, exchanging bows and handshakes with his
+numerous friends.
+
+To see this elegant old gentleman, jovial, smiling, without an apparent
+trouble in the world, it would be hard to imagine that he was the
+formidable and elusive Fantômas.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The arrival of a superb limousine aroused the curiosity of the crowd. A
+distinguished-looking man, wearing a striking cloak and a cap of
+astrakhan, stepped out of it.
+
+It was King Frederick-Christian II. The worthy president immediately
+suggested a glass of champagne, but the King made it quickly known that
+he had come to skate, and desired to remain officially incognito.
+
+Frederick-Christian had regained his popularity in the eyes of the
+Parisians. The suspicion of murdering his mistress which had attached
+to him had gradually given way to the belief that he was innocent, and
+the real perpetrator of the crime was now supposed by the public to be
+Fantômas.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The King proved himself to be an expert skater, and under the respectful
+gaze of the crowd, described graceful curves and difficult figures upon
+the ice. At length the attention of the King was drawn to a woman, who,
+equally clever, seemed to be amusing herself with copying his
+evolutions. The figure of this woman seemed not unfamiliar to him, and
+he finally set himself to follow her, increasing his speed, until the
+two brought up face to face. Involuntarily a name escaped his lips:
+
+"The Grand Duchess Alexandra! You here, Madame!"
+
+He could not forget that this woman, with all her seductive charm, was
+actually a redoubtable adversary of his dynasty. The pseudo Grand
+Duchess, however, manoeuvred skilfully, affecting such a timid and
+embarrassed air that by degrees the King's severity melted under her
+charm. She seemed a little tired and out of breath from the chase, and
+when she glanced round in search of support, he could scarcely do less
+as a gallant man than offer her his arm.
+
+Profiting by this chance, the adventuress adroitly whispered her regrets
+at the unjust scandal and calumny which had coupled her name with that
+of Prince Gudulfin.
+
+"Sire," she finally murmured, "give me the opportunity of proving my
+devotion."
+
+The two, separated from the others, slowly skated away together.
+Suddenly the King stopped short; he realized he had listened with close
+attention to the confidences of the troubling person he still took for
+the Grand Duchess.
+
+What had she been saying to him?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few minutes later Frederick-Christian, deciding it was time to return
+to his Hotel, skated toward the bank. The Grand Duchess made a deep
+curtsey and ended her conversation with these words:
+
+"Sire, may I beg your forgiveness for one of your subordinates?"
+
+"It is granted, Madame ... if what you tell me comes true...."
+
+"Your Majesty will permit me to be present at the Gare du Nord when you
+leave this evening."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A taxi arrived at the lake. Juve sprang out of it.
+
+The detective bit his lip and swore upon seeing a superb limousine in
+which he saw seated Frederick-Christian and the Marquis de Sérac.
+
+"Too late again!" he muttered. "I miss Lady Beltham at the America
+Hotel; I miss the King at the skating. At least, let me make sure that
+the so-called Grand Duchess is still here."
+
+A thorough search on the ice and among the crowd on shore failed to
+discover the lady, who had doubtless left at the same time as the King.
+While skating from group to group Juve was brought up by a conversation
+in low tones between M. Annion and M. Lepine. Hiding behind a tree, he
+listened attentively.
+
+"Well, you know the last news?"
+
+"Yes," declared M. Annion, "but it seems very extraordinary."
+
+"There is no doubt, however, this Grand Duchess Alexandra should be well
+posted ... now. She has formally promised the King that his diamond will
+be found in the possession of our man ... who will be under arrest this
+evening...."
+
+"You believe that?" questioned M. Lepine, with a skeptical smile.
+
+"Well, I believe in the arrest--that is certain; but whether we shall
+find the diamond is another matter."
+
+Juve's first impulse was to make himself known to his chief; but on
+second thoughts he decided to keep silent. He had gathered from the
+conversation that the arrest of Fantômas was imminent. That, of course,
+was satisfactory in every respect.
+
+The conversation continued and, as he listened, Juve could not help
+smiling.
+
+"They are all right! They realize the work I've done and they want me to
+reap the reward of it."
+
+M. Lepine had, in fact, asked M. Annion:
+
+"You are quite sure Juve will be at the Gare du Nord this evening?"
+
+"Quite sure; I have given him orders to that effect."
+
+Juve decided it was not worth while going home to get the order.
+Evidently they counted upon him to be at the Station at nine o'clock;
+ostensibly to assist at the departure of the King, in reality to arrest
+Fantômas.
+
+The detective moved away, there was not a moment to spare. Whatever
+happened it was absolutely necessary that he should have an interview
+with Lady Beltham.
+
+In her small oriental salon, the Grand Duchess Alexandra sat chatting
+with Wulf, about five o'clock in the evening.
+
+"Really, Monsieur Wulf, you are an extraordinary man, and your
+intelligence is amazing."
+
+"Madame is too indulgent," replied Wulf, beaming.
+
+"Oh no, I am only fair to you; I know you are a man of value and that is
+why I have been at pains to re-establish you in the good graces of your
+sovereign."
+
+Since her return to the America Hotel, Alexandra had been exceedingly
+busy. To begin with, she had received a visit from her lover, the
+Marquis de Sérac. A long conversation in low tones had taken place, and
+the Marquis had left her, nervous and agitated. The adventuress had then
+put on a smiling face to meet the ridiculous Wulf, and after some
+mysterious and complicated business with him had been transacted, she
+had ended by loading the officer with outrageous compliments and saying:
+
+"And now, thanks to you, Monsieur Wulf, the elusive Fantômas is about to
+be arrested. Be assured the King will give you the very highest proof of
+his gratitude for this service. Your position at the Court of
+Hesse-Weimar will be more important than ever."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Night had fallen and the lamps of the Paris streets were lit up.
+
+At the corner of the Boulevard Malesherbes and the Avenue de Villiers,
+not far from the door of the America Hotel, a man was seated on a bench;
+he seemed to be merely resting; but in reality he was closely watching
+each individual who entered and left the Hotel.
+
+This man was Juve.
+
+He began rubbing his hands with a satisfied air.
+
+"Good, good! The evening is beginning well.... There is one important
+thing for me to do now; shadow Lady Beltham, and not lose sight of her
+for a single moment, from the time she leaves this Hotel until...."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+THE DEATH WATCH
+
+
+In her ears an incessant buzzing. On her throat a weight which stifled
+her. In her mouth a gag which obstructed her breathing and tore her
+lips. Over her eyes a heavy bandage. Her arms were bound at the wrists,
+her body was bruised by heavy thongs, and her ankles bleeding from the
+pressure of cords.
+
+Marie Pascal was gradually regaining consciousness. She tried to make a
+movement, but her body could not respond; she wanted to cry out, but her
+voice died away in her throat. At first she thought it was all a
+nightmare, then memory returned and she recalled every detail of her
+strange and sinister adventure.
+
+She saw herself starting with Mme. Ceiron to call on Juve. The concièrge
+had said:
+
+"Don't worry, my dear, I know the way. Monsieur Juve gave me his
+address."
+
+At length, after a long walk, Mme. Ceiron made her climb the stairs of a
+decent looking house. On the way up she remembered feeling faint and
+that the concièrge had given her salts to smell. Following that came
+complete unconsciousness, out of which she woke to hear a grim menacing
+voice exclaim:
+
+"I am Fantômas! I condemn you to death in the interest of my cause!"
+
+She was in the hands of Fantômas!
+
+And then she fainted again, but not until after a flood of light had
+been let into her mind. In a flash she understood that Fantômas himself
+must have been the mainspring of the incomprehensible events enveloping
+the King's visit to Paris. Furthermore, she divined that Mme. Ceiron and
+Fantômas were the same person. It was she who offered the salts,
+undoubtedly inducing her unconsciousness. The sound of a steady tic-tac
+she recognized as coming from a nearby clock. Where was she?
+
+Was she really in Juve's apartment?
+
+With a supreme effort she succeeded in turning her head a little, and in
+the movement the bandage over her eyes became loosened and fell off. She
+could see at last!
+
+She found herself bound to a large sofa placed in the middle of a
+well-furnished room. Before her was placed a monstrous and sinister
+thing--the menacing barrel of a revolver. Its trigger was bound by a
+number of strings, each one ending in a nail. These were embedded in
+lighted wax candles, and from the nails hung a counter-weight.
+
+It was not difficult to guess its purport.
+
+When the candles burned down to the nails, these would become detached,
+releasing the counter-weights and automatically discharging the revolver
+aimed straight at her body. Fantômas had no need to return. His infernal
+cunning had found a means to kill her in his absence.
+
+Marie Pascal calculated that the candles would burn for not more than an
+hour--an hour and a half at most. The unfortunate girl now began to
+undergo the agony of waiting for her approaching end. It seemed to her
+that the candles had been piously lighted for some death watch. When the
+wax had melted near the first nails, she closed her eyes and a deep sigh
+of horror escaped from her lips.
+
+"Pity! Pity!"
+
+Suddenly, Jerome Fandor burst into the chamber, anxious to tell his
+friend Juve about the objects he had found in Marie Pascal's room.
+Scarcely had he opened the door than he started back in amazement, white
+as a sheet. Ah! the horrible spectacle of the young girl lying
+motionless, as though dead, she, who in spite of everything, he still
+found charming. Then realizing the situation, he sprang forward, put out
+the candles and removed the revolver.
+
+"Saved! You are saved!"
+
+With infinite precautions he untied the ropes and placed Marie's head
+upon some cushions. She opened her eyes slowly and murmured:
+
+"Where am I? Help! Fantômas!"
+
+Fandor endeavored to reassure her.
+
+"Don't be frightened! Fantômas isn't here; you are saved.... It is I ...
+Jerome Fandor."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Marie Pascal was seated in an armchair, still very pale, but with
+courage regained.
+
+"Now, Mademoiselle," exclaimed the journalist, "I beg you to tell me
+everything.... I promise I won't give you up ... time is precious and if
+your accomplice had tried to get rid of you, it is only natural; you are
+dangerous for him.... Marie Pascal, I implore you to tell me the truth!
+Tell me, who is Fantômas?"
+
+The young girl listened to these words with growing amazement.
+
+"The accomplice of Fantômas, I!... What are you saying, Monsieur?...
+Sire!"
+
+Jerome Fandor interrupted.
+
+"Now don't deny it! Look here, I'll tell you the truth. I am not the
+King."
+
+"You are not...."
+
+"No, but I haven't time to explain that now... you must help me to
+capture this criminal ... and I give you my word you will not be
+involved yourself."
+
+"But I am not the accomplice of Fantômas!"
+
+"Then why did you steal those jewels? Why have you the key of Susy
+d'Orsel's apartment in your possession?"
+
+Marie's face expressed such bewilderment as Fandor asked the question
+that he could no longer doubt her innocence.
+
+"Then, for the love of heaven, tell me all you know!"
+
+Marie Pascal told a lengthy story. She recounted in detail the rôle she
+had played in the tragic affair of the Rue Monceau and ended by
+exclaiming:
+
+"What you don't know is that Mme. Ceiron is in reality Fantômas. Under
+this disguise he has tried to assassinate me; he assured you that I had
+gone to the country, so that rescue would have been impossible."
+
+"Ah, Fantômas!" cried Fandor at the end of the recital, "your hour has
+come! In an hour at most you will begin the expiation of your crimes!"
+
+As the young girl looked doubtfully at him, he added:
+
+"It's time, Marie Pascal! Come with me and see him arrested!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+THE ARREST OF FANTÔMAS
+
+
+"Good evening, Monsieur Caldoni, so you are starting soon?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur Vicart, it's customary and also my duty, every time a
+sovereign, a crowned head, takes the train..."
+
+"You stick as close to him as possible until he has reached the
+frontier. Well, I'm not sorry to see you here," continued Vicart, "for
+now my job is over."
+
+"And mine just beginning, worse luck."
+
+"Oh! you have only a few hours of it; you travel luxuriously in a
+special train..."
+
+"One gets tired of that pretty soon. Last week I took the Dowager Queen
+of Italy to Menton; then jumped to the Spanish frontier to pick up the
+King of Spain; now it's the King of Hesse-Weimar--to-morrow, who knows?"
+
+The station was decorated gaily in honor of the departing
+Frederick-Christian. In a private room, a number of the guests,
+especially invited, were waiting the arrival of the Sovereign.
+
+While M. Vicart, in company with a special agent, made a rapid
+examination of the station and satisfied himself that all preparations
+had been thoroughly carried out, M. Caldoni was talking to the
+station-master.
+
+"The King's special train is to start exactly at 10.17, that is to say,
+it will follow, at an interval of 10 minutes number 322."
+
+"The 322 is the Cologne express, isn't it?" inquired M. Caldoni.
+
+"Yes, the Cologne express."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In the meantime a vast crowd of the curious who had learned of the
+departure of the King by the evening papers, filled the waiting-rooms
+and platforms. Journalists were grouped apart and the invited guests
+included numerous persons of quality. Among them was Baron Weil, member
+of the Council of Administration, and delegated to represent it at the
+ceremony of departure. Lieutenant Colonel Bonnival was also there to
+represent the State. At the station entrance, M. Havard stood alone,
+waiting the arrival of the automobile which contained M. Annion, in
+attendance upon the King.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Making his way noiselessly in and out of the crowd, Juve gradually drew
+near the front ranks and reached the cordon of special officers whose
+duty it was to bar the way to the platform of departure. Here Juve ran
+into Michel, and the two men silently shook hands. Juve was about to
+show his card, but Michel smiled:
+
+"No need for you to show it, Juve."
+
+The detective now mingled with the guests, and as he reached the
+reception-room he moved behind a lady who had just arrived. Waiting a
+favorable opportunity he approached her:
+
+"Pardon me," he began in a dry voice, "one moment, please."
+
+The lady turned sharply:
+
+"Monsieur, who are you? What do you want?"
+
+"I am Juve, of the Secret Service."
+
+"And I am the Grand Duchess Alexandra, relative of the King of
+Hesse-Weimar."
+
+"No, you are Lady Beltham. I recognize you and it will be no use to deny
+it."
+
+The adventuress started panting, in her eyes a look of fear.
+
+"Ah," she stammered.
+
+"I've got you, Lady Beltham. The time to pay has come. You are under
+arrest." Then in a whisper he added, "Where is the diamond?"
+
+There was a silence. Lady Beltham lowered her eyes.
+
+"Better tell me, and avoid the scandal."
+
+"Don't make a scandal, I implore you. I have the diamond with me."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At this moment the King of Hesse-Weimar entered the reception-room
+accompanied by his friend, the Marquis de Sérac.
+
+Juve could not repress a start. The daring of Fantômas was beyond
+belief. But his first duty was to recover the diamond. Leaning toward
+his prisoner, he whispered:
+
+"Hand over the diamond immediately."
+
+The adventuress gave him a strange and mysterious look.
+
+"Monsieur, slip your hand into my sleeve."
+
+Juve obeyed. His fingers instantly closed around the precious jewel
+which he identified at once by the feel.
+
+"Monsieur, I came here for the express purpose of returning it, please
+believe me."
+
+At this moment Juve met the eyes of M. Annion, and he realized that the
+time had come to report to his chief. The detective had three plain
+clothes men at his elbow; he now turned to them and with a gesture gave
+the care of Lady Beltham into their keeping. Juve then advanced through
+the crowded room toward M. Annion and the King. The latter watched him
+closely and whispered to M. Vicart:
+
+"This time we mustn't hesitate."
+
+In a moment Juve felt his arms seized and pinioned, and then before he
+could recover from his amazement, he was hustled off into a private
+room.
+
+"Search him!"
+
+Immediately one of his guards snatched the diamond from his waistcoat
+pocket. Juve looked up and in the doorway stood the absurd Wulf and by
+his side the Marquis de Sérac.
+
+"Fantômas," he cried, "Fantômas!... arrest him!" Then in a sudden access
+of rage:
+
+"Let me go, you idiots! M. Annion, what does this mean? Fantômas stands
+before you! We've got him, and Lady Beltham, too!"
+
+M. Annion paid no attention to his outburst, but calmly turned to
+another man who had appeared on the scene.
+
+"Monsieur Heberlauf, do you recognize this man?"
+
+M. Heberlauf, who never could make a decision, hesitated:
+
+"It seems to me ... I don't know ... I think I do. Madame Heberlauf can
+tell you better than I can."
+
+Madame Heberlauf now stepped forward and in a flood of words, explained
+to M. Annion that she had no doubt in the matter.
+
+"By a most infernal device, Monsieur, this criminal escaped from his
+prison, and not content with that, he killed an unfortunate servant, an
+old porter whom our police discovered the following day in the mortuary
+chapel of Glotzbourg."
+
+Instinctly Juve was about to protest but M. Annion held up a hand.
+
+"Silence. You will explain at the trial." Then turning to the Marquis de
+Sérac, he handed the diamond to him.
+
+"We are very glad to be able to return this precious jewel to his
+Majesty Frederick-Christian II, and I place it in your hands, Marquis,
+in presence of Monsieur Wulf and Monsieur Heberlauf."
+
+A yell from Juve interrupted him:
+
+"God Almighty! the Marquis de Sérac is Fantômas!... Fantômas, the
+assassin of Susy d'Orsel!"
+
+M. Havard came forward:
+
+"It's no use, Juve, keep quiet. We know all you would say. But I may
+tell you that in every place where Fantômas left his trace we have found
+undeniable evidences of your presence."
+
+When M. Havard pronounced the name Fantômas, a young girl sprang
+forward. It was Marie Pascal.
+
+"Monsieur," she cried, "Fantômas is arrested! Fantômas, the monster who
+nearly killed me two hours ago!"
+
+"Nearly killed you? Where?"
+
+"In a house in the Rue Bonaparte."
+
+"M. Juve's house," exclaimed the Marquis de Sérac with an ironical
+smile.
+
+"And who rescued you?" asked M. Havard.
+
+Marie Pascal turned to identify Fandor but the journalist had
+disappeared.
+
+Getting wind of what was afoot after reaching the station, he had kept
+out of sight and listened to the rumors of the crowd. It was with
+stupefaction that he at length discovered that the authorities had
+actually decided that Juve and Fantômas were one and the same person!
+
+With his usual quick decision, he promptly made up his mind that he
+would be more useful to his friend if he remained free. He realized the
+probability of his own arrest for counterfeiting the King.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+M. Vicart offered humble apologies to the pseudo Grand Duchess
+Alexandra, who accepted them with a haughty inclination of the head, and
+hastened to join the suite of the King.
+
+The latter warmly thanked the Marquis de Sérac and amid the
+acclamations of the crowd the train started.
+
+Wulf, swollen with vanity, cried aloud so that everyone might hear:
+
+"It is thanks to me that he is arrested!"
+
+Juve now left with the police officers, shouted at the top of his voice:
+
+"But I am Juve! Juve! Oh! they are all crazy! Crazy!"
+
+In a few moments he was taken to a waiting taxi, while the crowd took a
+last look at the departing King and his suite. They were saying:
+
+"That's the Grand Duchess and the Marquis de Sérac!"
+
+Juve gave one great cry of distress, while the tears coursed down his
+cheeks.
+
+"The Grand Duchess! the Marquis de Sérac! No! no! The police have
+arrested an innocent man and have let Lady Beltham and Fantômas escape!"
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+FANTÔMAS DETECTIVE TALES
+
+By
+
+PIERRE SOUVESTRE and MARCEL ALLAIN
+
+12 mo. Cloth. Price, $1.40, net, each.
+
+
+I.
+
+FANTÔMAS
+
+The Adventures of Detective Juve in Pursuit of a Master in Crime.
+
+
+II.
+
+THE EXPLOITS OF JUVE
+
+In this continuation of "Fantômas" the further adventures of Detective
+Juve are narrated and tell of his efforts to run the notorious criminal
+to earth. Fantômas appears here as the leader of a gang of Apaches.
+
+
+III.
+
+MESSENGERS OF EVIL
+
+This third Instalment of the adventures of Detective Juve contains a
+recital of some remarkable happenings in the life of this
+master-criminal of Paris.
+
+
+IV.
+
+A NEST OF SPIES
+
+Fantômas now appears as the representative in Paris of a Foreign
+Government whose real business is to obtain important military secrets
+for Germany. Juve succeeds in defeating his efforts, but the criminal
+himself escapes once more.
+
+
+V.
+
+A ROYAL PRISONER
+
+This volume tells of the daring exploits of Fantômas in his attempts to
+get possession of the King of Hesse-Weimar's famous diamond.
+
+_Other Volumes in Preparation_
+
+BRENTANO'S
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Royal Prisoner, by 
+Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain
+
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Royal Prisoner, by Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain.
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+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's A Royal Prisoner, by Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Royal Prisoner
+
+Author: Pierre Souvestre
+        Marcel Allain
+
+Release Date: January 13, 2009 [EBook #27789]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A ROYAL PRISONER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.
+(This file was produced from images generously made
+available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+<h4>THE FANT&Ocirc;MAS DETECTIVE NOVELS</h4>
+
+
+<h1>A ROYAL PRISONER</h1>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>PIERRE SOUVESTRE</h2>
+
+<h4>AND</h4>
+
+<h2>MARCEL ALLAIN</h2>
+
+<p class="center">
+NEW YORK<br />
+BRENTANO'S<br />
+1918<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1918, by Brentano's</span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+
+<p>
+CHAPTER                             <span class="tocnum">PAGE</span><br />
+<br />
+I. <span class="smcap">A Royal Jag</span>     <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_3'>3</a></span><br />
+<br />
+II. <span class="smcap">Mother Citron's Tenants</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_12'>12</a></span><br />
+<br />
+III. <span class="smcap">The Tragedy of the Rue De Monceau</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_21'>21</a></span><br />
+<br />
+IV. <span class="smcap">Who Do They Think I Am?</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_33'>33</a></span><br />
+<br />
+V. <span class="smcap">By the Singing Fountains</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_42'>42</a></span><br />
+<br />
+VI. <span class="smcap">The Investigation Begins</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_49'>49</a></span><br />
+<br />
+VII. <span class="smcap">The King Receives</span>     <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_63'>63</a></span><br />
+<br />
+VIII. <span class="smcap">Marie Pascal</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_69'>69</a></span><br />
+<br />
+IX. <span class="smcap">A Party of Three</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_76'>76</a></span><br />
+<br />
+X. <span class="smcap">Wulfenmimenglaschk</span>     <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_86'>86</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XI. <span class="smcap">One Hundred and Twenty-Seven Stations</span>     <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_98'>98</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XII. <span class="smcap">Camouflage</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_110'>110</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XIII. <span class="smcap">The Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_118'>118</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XIV. <span class="smcap">Queen Hedwige Receives</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_127'>127</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XV. <span class="smcap">The Mysterious Prison</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_137'>137</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XVI. <span class="smcap">The Theft of the Diamond</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_146'>146</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XVII. <span class="smcap">On the Right Trail</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_155'>155</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XVIII. <span class="smcap">A Sleeper</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_165'>165</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XIX. <span class="smcap">Free!</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_174'>174</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XX. <span class="smcap">Frederick-Christian</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_180'>180</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXI. <span class="smcap">Horrible Certainty</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_190'>190</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXII. <span class="smcap">Between Us Three&mdash;Fant&ocirc;mas!</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_195'>195</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXIII. <span class="smcap">Official Opinions</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_210'>210</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXIV. <span class="smcap">Juve's Lies</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_218'>218</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXV. "<span class="smcap">I Want to Live!</span>"   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_224'>224</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXVI. <span class="smcap">The Accusing Waistcoat</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_227'>227</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXVII. <span class="smcap">The Explosion of the Nord-Sud</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_234'>234</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXVIII. <span class="smcap">Innocent or Guilty?</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_243'>243</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXIX. <span class="smcap">Compromising Discoveries</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_250'>250</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXX. <span class="smcap">Shadowed</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_256'>256</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXXI. <span class="smcap">The Death Watch</span>   <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_264'>264</a></span><br />
+<br />
+XXXII. <span class="smcap">The Arrest of Fant&ocirc;mas</span>    <span class="tocnum"><a href='#Page_270'>270</a></span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>A ROYAL PRISONER</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3>A ROYAL JAG</h3>
+
+
+<p>"After all, why not celebrate? It's the last day of the year and it
+won't come again for twelve months."</p>
+
+<p>It was close upon midnight.</p>
+
+<p>Jerome Fandor, reporter on the popular newspaper, <i>La Capitale</i>, was
+strolling along the boulevard; he had just come from a banquet, one of
+those official and deadly affairs at which the guests are obliged to
+listen to interminable speeches. He had drowsed through the evening and
+at the first opportunity had managed to slip away quickly.</p>
+
+<p>The theatres were just out and the boulevard was crowded with people
+intent on making a night of it. Numberless automobiles containing the
+fashionable and rich of Paris blocked the streets. The restaurants were
+brilliantly illuminated, and as carriages discharged their occupants
+before the doors, one glimpsed the neat feet and ankles of daintily clad
+women as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> they crossed the sidewalk and disappeared inside, following
+their silk-hatted escorts, conscious of their own importance.</p>
+
+<p>Many years of active service in Paris as chief reporter of <i>La Capitale</i>
+had brought Jerome Fandor in touch with a good third of those who
+constitute Parisian society, and rarely did he fail to exchange a nod, a
+smile, or half a dozen words of friendly greeting whenever he set foot
+out of doors.</p>
+
+<p>But in spite of his popularity he led a lonely life&mdash;many acquaintances,
+but few close friends. The great exception was Juve, the celebrated
+detective.</p>
+
+<p>In fact, Fandor's complex and adventurous life was very much bound up
+with that of the police officer, for they had worked together in solving
+the mystery of many tragic crimes.</p>
+
+<p>On this particular evening, the reporter became gradually imbued with
+the general spirit of gaiety and abandon which surrounded him.</p>
+
+<p>"Hang it," he muttered, "I might go and hunt up Juve and drag him off to
+supper, but I'm afraid I should get a cool reception if I did. He is
+probably sleeping the sleep of the just and would strongly object to
+being disturbed. Anyway, sooner or later, I'll probably run into some
+one I know."</p>
+
+<p>On reaching Drouet Square, he espied an inviting-looking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> restaurant,
+brilliantly lit. He was about to make his way to a table when the head
+waiter stopped him.</p>
+
+<p>"Your name, please!"</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?" replied Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>The waiter answered with ironical politeness:</p>
+
+<p>"I take it for granted you have engaged a table. We haven't a single
+vacant place left."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor had the same luck at several other restaurants and then began to
+suffer the pangs of hunger, having, on principle, scarcely touched the
+heavy dishes served at the banquet.</p>
+
+<p>After wandering aimlessly about, he walked toward the Madeleine and
+turned off into the Rue Royale in the direction of the Faubourg
+Saint-Honor&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p>As he was passing a discreet looking restaurant with many thick velvet
+curtains and an imposing array of private automobiles before it, he
+heard his name called.</p>
+
+<p>He stopped short and turned to see a vision of feminine loveliness
+standing before him.</p>
+
+<p>"Isabelle de Guerray!" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"And how are you, my dear boy? Come along in with me."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor had known Isabelle de Guerray when she was a young school teacher
+just graduated from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> S&eacute;vres. Her career, beginning with a somewhat
+strange and unorthodox affair with a young man of good family who had
+killed himself for her, had progressed by rapid strides and her name was
+frequently cited in the minor newspapers as giving elegant "society"
+suppers, the guests being usually designated by their initials!</p>
+
+<p>Fandor remarked that the fair Isabelle seemed to be putting on weight,
+especially round the shoulders and hips, but she still retained a great
+deal of dash and an ardent look in her eyes, very valuable assets in her
+profession.</p>
+
+<p>"I have my table here, at Raxim's, you must come and join us," and she
+added with a sly smile, "Oh&mdash;quite platonically&mdash;I know you're
+unapproachable."</p>
+
+<p>A deafening racket was going on in the narrow, oblong room. The habitu&eacute;s
+of the place all knew each other and the conversation was general. No
+restraint was observed, so that it was quite permissible to wander
+about, hat on head and cigar between lips, or take a lady upon one's
+knees.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor followed Isabelle to a table overloaded with flowers and bottles
+of champagne. Here and there he recognized old friends from the Latin
+Quarter or Montmartre, among them Conchita Conchas, a Spanish dancer in
+vogue the previous winter. A tiny woman,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> who might have been a girl of
+fifteen from her figure, but whose face was marked with the lines of
+dissipation, ran into him and Fandor promptly put his arm round her
+waist.</p>
+
+<p>"Hello, if it isn't little Souppe!"</p>
+
+<p>"Paws down or I'll scratch," was the sharp reply.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment he was shaking hands with Daisy Kissmi, an English girl
+who had become quite a feature of Raxim's.</p>
+
+<p>Further on he noticed a pale, bald, and already pot-bellied young man,
+who was staring with lack-lustre eyes at his whiskey and soda. This
+premature ruin was listening distraitly to a waiter who murmured
+mysteriously into his ear.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the room, surrounded by pretty women, sat the old Duke de
+Pietra, descendant of a fine old Italian family, and near him Arnold, an
+actor from the music halls.</p>
+
+<p>The patrons had no choice in regard to the supper, which was settled by
+the head waiter. Each received a bottle of champagne, Ostend oysters,
+and, later, large slices of <i>p&acirc;t&eacute; de foie gras</i>, and as the bottles were
+emptied, intoxication became general, while even the waiters seemed to
+catch the spirit of abandon. When the Hungarian band had played their
+most seductive waltzes, the leader came forward to the middle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> of the
+room and announced a new piece of his own composition, called "The
+Singing Fountains." This met with instant applause and laughter.</p>
+
+<p>As the night wore on the noise became positively deafening. A young Jew
+named Weil invented a new game. He seized two plates and began scraping
+them together. Many of the diners followed his example.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here," exclaimed Conchita Conchas, leaning familiarly upon
+Fandor's shoulder, "why don't you give us tickets for to-morrow to hear
+these famous Fountains?"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor started to explain that the young woman would be in bed and sound
+asleep when that event took place, but the Spanish girl, without waiting
+for the answer, had strolled away.</p>
+
+<p>The journalist rose with the intention of making his escape, when a
+voice directly behind him made him pause.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, but you seem to know all about these 'Singing Fountains.'
+Will you kindly explain to me what they are? I am a stranger in the
+city."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor turned and saw a man of about thirty, fair-haired, with a heavy
+moustache, seated alone at a small table. The stranger was well built
+and of distinguished appearance. The journalist suppressed a start of
+amazement.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why, it's not surprising that you have not heard of them, they are
+quite unimportant. On the Place de la Concorde there are two bronze
+monuments representing Naiads emerging from the fountains. You probably
+have seen them yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>The stranger nodded, and poured out another glass of champagne.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," continued Fandor, "recently passers-by have fancied they heard
+sounds coming from these figures. In fact, they declare that the Naiads
+have been singing. A delightfully poetic and thoroughly Parisian idea,
+isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very Parisian indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"The papers have taken it up, and one you probably know by name, <i>La
+Capitale</i>, has decided to investigate this strange phenomenon."</p>
+
+<p>"What was Conchita asking you just now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nothing, merely to give her a card for the ceremony."</p>
+
+<p>The conversation continued and turned to other subjects. The stranger
+ordered more wine and insisted on Fandor joining him. He seemed to be
+particularly interested in the subject of women and the night life of
+Paris.</p>
+
+<p>"If only I could persuade him to come with me," thought Fandor. "I'd
+show him a stunt or two, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> what a scoop it would make ... if it could
+be printed! He certainly is drunk, very drunk, and that may help me."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>On the Place de la Concorde, deserted at this late hour, two men, arm in
+arm, were taking their devious way. They were Fandor and the stranger he
+had met at Raxim's.</p>
+
+<p>The journalist, with the aid of an extra bottle, had persuaded his new
+friend to finish the night among the caf&eacute;s of Montmartre. The sudden
+change from the overheated restaurant to the cold outside increased the
+effects of the alcohol and Fandor realized that he himself was far from
+sober. As his companion seemed to be obsessed with the idea of seeing
+the Fountains, the journalist piloted him to the Place de la Concorde.</p>
+
+<p>"There you are," he exclaimed, "but you see they're closed. No more
+singing to-night. Now come and have a drink."</p>
+
+<p>"Good idea, some more champagne."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor hailed a taxi, and ordered the chauffeur to drive to the Place
+Pigalle. As he was shutting the door, he observed an old beggar, who
+evidently was afraid to ask for alms. Fandor threw him a coin as the
+taxi started.</p>
+
+<p>It was three in the morning, and the Place Pigalle<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> was crowded with
+carriages, porters and a constant ebb and flow of all sorts of people.</p>
+
+<p>The journalist and his companion emerged some time later from one of the
+best known restaurants, both drunk, especially the stranger, who could
+scarcely keep his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, we must go ... go..."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to bed," interrupted Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>"No. I know where we can go...."</p>
+
+<p>"But we've been everywhere."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll go to my rooms ... to her rooms ... to Susy d'Orsel ... she's my
+girl ... d'ye know, she's been expecting me for supper since midnight."</p>
+
+<p>"More supper?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course ... there's plenty of room left."</p>
+
+<p>With some difficulty the stranger managed to give the address, 247 Rue
+de Monceau.</p>
+
+<p>"All right," said Fandor to himself, "we'll have some fun; after all,
+what do I risk?"</p>
+
+<p>While the taxi shook them violently from side to side, Fandor grew
+comparatively sober. He examined his companion more closely and was
+surprised to see how well he carried himself in spite of his condition.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," he summed up, "he certainly has a jag, but it's a royal jag!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3>MOTHER CITRON'S TENANTS</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Now you've forgotten the fish knives and forks! Do you expect my lover
+to eat with his fingers like that old Chinaman I had for three months
+last year!"</p>
+
+<p>Susy d'Orsel spoke with a distinct accent of the Faubourg, which
+contrasted strangely with her delicate and distinguished appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Justine, her maid, stood staring in reply.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Madame, we have lobsters...."</p>
+
+<p>"What's that got to do with it, they're fish, ain't they?"</p>
+
+<p>The young woman left the table and went into the adjoining room, a small
+drawing-room, elegantly furnished in Louis XV style.</p>
+
+<p>"Justine," she called.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame."</p>
+
+<p>"Here's another mistake. You mustn't get red orchids. Throw these
+out.... I want either mauve or yellow ones.... You know those are the
+official colors of His Majesty."</p>
+
+<p>"Queer taste his ... His Majesty has for yellow."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What's that to do with you. Get a move on, lay the table."</p>
+
+<p>"I left the <i>p&acirc;t&eacute; de foie gras</i> in the pantry with ice round it."</p>
+
+<p>"All right."</p>
+
+<p>The young woman returned to the dining-room and gave a final glance at
+the preparations.</p>
+
+<p>"He's a pretty good sort, my august lover." Justine started in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"August! Is that a new one?"</p>
+
+<p>Susy d'Orsel could hardly repress a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Mind your own business. What time is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"A quarter to twelve, Madame." And as the girl started to leave the room
+she ventured:</p>
+
+<p>"I hope M. August won't forget me, to-morrow morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you little idiot, his name isn't August, it's Frederick-Christian!
+You have about as much sense as an oyster!"</p>
+
+<p>The maid looked so crestfallen at this that Susy added, good-naturedly:</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right, Justine, A Happy New Year anyway, and don't worry.
+And now get out; His Majesty wants nobody about but me this evening."</p>
+
+<p>Susy d'Orsel, in spite of her physical charms, had found life hard
+during the earlier years of her career.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> She had become a mediocre
+actress merely for the sake of having some profession, and had
+frequented the night restaurants in quest of a wealthy lover. It was
+only after a long delay that fortune had smiled upon her, and she had
+arrived at the enviable position of being the mistress of a King.</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian II, since the death of his father three years
+previously, reigned over the destinies of the Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar.
+Young and thoroughly Parisian in his tastes, he felt terribly bored in
+his middle-class capital and sought every opportunity of going,
+incognito, to have a little fun in Paris. During each visit he never
+failed to call upon Susy d'Orsel, and by degrees, coming under the sway
+of her charms, he made her a sort of official mistress, an honor which
+greatly redounded to her glory and popularity.</p>
+
+<p>He had installed her in a dainty little apartment in the Rue de Monceau.
+It was on the third floor and charmingly furnished. In fact, he was in
+the habit of declaring that his Queen Hedwige, despite all her wealth,
+was unable to make her apartment half so gracious and comfortable.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it was that Susy d'Orsel waited patiently for the arrival of her
+royal lover, who had telephoned her he would be with her on the night of
+December the thirty-first.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The official residence of the King while in Paris was the Royal Palace
+Hotel, and although in strict incognito, he rarely spent the whole night
+out. But he intended to make the last night of the year an exception to
+this rule. As became a gallant gentleman, he had himself seen to the
+ordering of the supper, and a procession of waiters from the first
+restaurants of Paris had been busy all the afternoon preparing for the
+feast.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a discreet ring at the bell startled Susy d'Orsel.</p>
+
+<p>"That's queer, I didn't expect the King until one o'clock!" she
+exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>She opened the door and saw a young girl standing on the landing.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it's you, Mademoiselle Pascal! What are you coming at this hour
+for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, Madame, for troubling you, but I've brought your lace
+neglig&eacute;e. It took me quite a time to finish, and I thought you'd
+probably like it as soon as possible."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I thought it had already come. I'm very glad you brought it. There
+would have been a fine row if it hadn't been ready for me to wear this
+evening."</p>
+
+<p>Susy d'Orsel took the dressmaker into her bedroom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> and turned on the
+electric lights. The gown was then unwrapped and displayed. It was of
+mousseline de soie, trimmed with English point.</p>
+
+<p>Susy examined it with the eye of a connoisseur and then nodded her head.</p>
+
+<p>"It's fine, my girl, you have the fingers of a fairy, but it must put
+your eyes out."</p>
+
+<p>"It is very hard, Madame, especially working by artificial light, and in
+winter the days are so short and the work very heavy. That is why I came
+to you at this late hour."</p>
+
+<p>Susy smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Late hour! Why the evening is just beginning for me."</p>
+
+<p>"Our lives are very different, Madame."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right, I begin when you stop, and if your work is hard, mine
+isn't always agreeable."</p>
+
+<p>The two women laughed and then Susy took off her wrapper and put on the
+new neglig&eacute;e.</p>
+
+<p>"My royal lover is coming this evening."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know," answered Marie Pascal. "Your table looks very pretty."</p>
+
+<p>"You might make me a lace table cloth. We'll talk about it some other
+time, not this evening; besides, I can't be too extravagant."</p>
+
+<p>The dressmaker took her leave a few moments later<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> and made her way with
+care in the semi-obscurity down the three flights of stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal was a young girl in the early twenties, fair-haired,
+blue-eyed and with a graceful figure. Modishly but neatly dressed, she
+had a reputation in the neighborhood as a model of discretion and
+virtue.</p>
+
+<p>She worked ceaselessly and being clever with her fingers, she had
+succeeded in building up so good a trade in the rich and elegant Monceau
+quarter, that in the busy season she was obliged to hire one or two
+workwomen to help her.</p>
+
+<p>As she was crossing the court to go to her own room, a voice called her
+from the porter's lodge.</p>
+
+<p>"Marie Pascal, look here a moment."</p>
+
+<p>A fat woman dressed in her best opened the door of her room which was
+lit by one flaring gas jet.</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal, in spite of her natural kindliness, could scarcely repress
+a smile.</p>
+
+<p>Madame Ceiron, the conci&egrave;rge, or, as she was popularly called, "Mother
+Citron," certainly presented a fantastic appearance.</p>
+
+<p>She was large, shapeless, common, and good-natured. Behind her glasses,
+her eyes snapped with perpetual sharp humor. She had a mass of gray hair
+that curled round her wrinkled face, which, with a last remnant of
+coquetry, she made up outrageously.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> Her hands and feet were enormous,
+disproportionate to her figure, although she was well above middle
+height. She invariably wore mittens while doing the housework.</p>
+
+<p>Mother Citron, however, did very little work; she left that to a
+subordinate who, for a modest wage, attended to her business and left
+her free to go out morning, noon and night. She now questioned Marie
+Pascal with considerable curiosity, and the young girl explained her
+late errand to deliver the gown to Susy d'Orsel.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in and have a cup of coffee, Mam'zelle Pascal," urged the old
+woman, as she set out two cups and filled them from a coffee pot on the
+stove.</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal at first refused, but Mother Citron was so insistent that
+she ended by accepting the invitation. Besides, she felt very grateful
+to Madame Ceiron for having recommended her to the proprietor of the
+house, the Marquis de S&eacute;rac, an old bachelor who lived on the first
+floor.</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis had used his good offices to obtain for her an order for
+laces from the King of Hesse-Weimar. Mother Citron showed a kindly
+interest in this enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, did you see the King?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal hesitated:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I saw him and I didn't see him."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me all about it, my dear. Is the lover of our lady upstairs a
+good-looking man?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's hard to say. So far as I could judge, he seemed to be very
+handsome. You see, it was like this. After waiting in the lobby of the
+Royal Palace Hotel for about an hour, I was shown into a large
+drawing-room; a sort of footman in knee breeches took my laces into the
+adjoining room where the King was walking up and down. I just caught a
+glimpse of him from time to time."</p>
+
+<p>"What did he do then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. He must have liked my laces for he gave me a large order.
+He didn't seem to pay much attention to them; he picked out three of the
+samples I sent in and what seemed queer, he also ordered some imitations
+of them."</p>
+
+<p>The conci&egrave;rge smiled knowingly.</p>
+
+<p>"I expect the imitations were for his lawful wife, and the real ones for
+his little friend. Men are all alike. Another cup of coffee?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, thanks."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I won't insist; each one to his taste. The life Susy d'Orsel
+leads wouldn't suit you. And the amount of champagne she gets through!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I shouldn't care much about that."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"All the same, there's something to be said for it. She has a first-rate
+position since she got the King ... and I get first-rate tips! Take
+to-night, for instance; I'll bet they'll be carrying on till pretty near
+dawn. It upsets my habits, but I can't complain. I'll probably get a
+good New Year's present in the morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, as it's very late for me, I'll go up to bed."</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead, my dear, don't let me keep you."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal had reached the stairs when she turned back.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Madame Ceiron, when can I thank the Marquis de S&eacute;rac for his
+kindness in introducing me to Frederick-Christian?"</p>
+
+<p>"No hurry, my child, the Marquis has gone to the country to spend the
+New Year's day with his relations and he won't be back before next
+week."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal climbed the stairs to her room on the sixth floor and the
+conci&egrave;rge returned to her quarters and settled herself in an armchair.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TRAGEDY OF THE RUE DE MONCEAU</h3>
+
+
+<p>Susy d'Orsel, tired of waiting for her royal lover, was sound asleep
+before the fire in her bedroom. Suddenly she was awakened by a loud
+noise. Still half asleep, she sat up listening. The sounds came from the
+stairs. Mechanically Susy glanced at the clock, which marked the quarter
+after three.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll bet it's him, but how late he is!"</p>
+
+<p>As the sounds drew nearer, she added:</p>
+
+<p>"He must be as drunk as a lord! After all, Kings are no better than
+other men."</p>
+
+<p>She quickly passed to the outer door and listened.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it sounds as if there were two of them!"</p>
+
+<p>A key fumbled in the lock, then the owner of it apparently gave up the
+task as hopeless and began ringing the bell.</p>
+
+<p>Susy opened the door and Frederick-Christian staggered in followed by a
+man who was a total stranger to her.</p>
+
+<p>The latter, bowing in a correct and respectful manner, carried himself
+with dignity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The King bubbled over with laughter and leaned on the shoulder of his
+lady-love.</p>
+
+<p>"Take off your overcoat," she said, at length, and while he was
+attempting to obey her, she whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"If your Maj ..."</p>
+
+<p>Before she could finish the sentence the King put his hand over her
+mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"My ... my ... my dear Susy ... I'm very fond of you ... but don't begin
+by saying stupid things.... I am here ... incog ... incognito. Call me
+your little Cri-Cri, Susy...."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear," she replied, "introduce me to your friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Eh," cried the King, "if I'm not forgetting the most elementary
+obligations of the protocol; but after fourteen whiskeys, and good
+whiskey, too, though I've better here.... Susy don't drink any, she
+prefers gooseberry syrup ... queer taste, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>Susy saw the conversation was getting away from the point, so repeated
+her request:</p>
+
+<p>"Introduce me to your friend."</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian glanced at his companion and then burst out
+laughing:</p>
+
+<p>"What is your name, anyway?"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor did not need to ask that question of the King. The moment he had
+set eyes on him in Raxim's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> he recognized in the sturdy tippler his
+Majesty Frederick-Christian II, King of Hesse-Weimar, on one of his
+periodic sprees. It was this fact which had made him break his rule and
+indulge freely himself.</p>
+
+<p>With a serious air he explained:</p>
+
+<p>"Sum fides Achates!"</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?" cried the King.</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly."</p>
+
+<p>Susy d'Orsel now thought both men were equally drunk. She fancied they
+were having fun with her.</p>
+
+<p>"You know I don't want English spoken here," she said drily.</p>
+
+<p>The King took his mistress round the waist and drew her to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Now don't get angry, my dear, it's only our fun, and besides it's not
+English, it's Latin ... bonus ... Latinus ... ancestribus ... the good
+Latin of our ancestors!... the Latin of the Kitchen! Cuisinus ...
+autobus ... understand?"</p>
+
+<p>Turning to the journalist he stretched out his hand:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my old friend Achates, I'm jolly glad to meet you."</p>
+
+<p>"Achates isn't a real name," cried Susy, still suspicious.</p>
+
+<p>"Achates," explained Fandor, "is an individual belonging to antiquity
+who became famous in his faithful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> friendship for his companion and
+friend, the well-known globe-trotter, &AElig;neas."</p>
+
+<p>"Come and sit down," shouted the King, as he rapped on the table with a
+bottle of champagne.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurry up, Susy, a plate and glass for my old friend, whose name I don't
+know ... because, you see, he's no more Achates than I am."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Madame," Fandor hastened to say, "I couldn't think of putting
+you to the trouble, besides spoiling the effect of your charming table.
+In fact, I am going home in a few moments."</p>
+
+<p>"Not on your life," shouted the King, "you'll stay to the very end."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, a glass of champagne, that's all I'll take."</p>
+
+<p>By degrees Susy had become reassured in regard to the young man.
+Although slightly drunk, his polite manner and good form pleased her.
+She took her place on the divan beside the King. Fandor sat opposite
+them and lighted a cigarette.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Susy rose from the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going?" demanded the King.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be back in a moment ... something must be open. I feel a draught
+on my legs."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not show us your legs!" cried Frederick-Christian, and turning to
+the journalist added:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"She's built like a statue ... a little marvel."</p>
+
+<p>Susy returned.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew it! The hall door was open. I hope nobody has got in."</p>
+
+<p>The King laughed at the idea.</p>
+
+<p>"If anyone did, let him come and join us, the more the merrier."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I heard a noise," continued Susy, but the King made her sit
+down again beside him and the supper went on.</p>
+
+<p>As she drank glass after glass of wine, she became more and more amiable
+toward Fandor. And since the King paid little attention to her caresses,
+she began a flirtation with the journalist in order to pique him.</p>
+
+<p>This brought a frown from the royal lover, and Susy amused herself
+between the two men until supper ended and they all adjourned to her
+boudoir.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor, who had now become more sober, decided it was time to take his
+leave.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you both come and lunch with me to-morrow, will you?" he asked.
+To this they agreed and it was finally arranged that Fandor should call
+and pick them up at one o'clock the following day.</p>
+
+<p>The journalist felt his way downstairs in the semi-darkness and was just
+about to ask the conci&egrave;rge to let<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> him out when he was startled by
+seeing a heavy form fall with a thud onto the ground of the inner court.</p>
+
+<p>With a gasp of alarm the young man rushed forward and quickly realized
+that he was in the presence of a terrible tragedy.</p>
+
+<p>Lying on the ground, inert, was the body of Susy d'Orsel.</p>
+
+<p>The unfortunate girl had fallen from the third floor.</p>
+
+<p>Without hesitating, he lifted the body and finding no sign of life,
+cried loudly for help.</p>
+
+<p>But the entire house was asleep.</p>
+
+<p>What was to be done?</p>
+
+<p>Immediate action was necessary. After a moment's pause, he decided to
+take the unfortunate girl back to her own apartment. Arrived at the
+door, he found it locked on the inside. After ringing for some time, it
+was opened finally by the King. At the sight of Susy apparently
+lifeless, her head hanging backward, the King staggered to the wall.</p>
+
+<p>He wanted to ask a question, but the words stuck in his throat.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor entered the bedroom and laying Susy down attempted to undo her
+corset.</p>
+
+<p>"Vinegar and some water," he ordered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The King between his drunkenness and his alarm was quite useless, and
+the journalist, after applying a mirror to the girl's nostrils and lips,
+with a gesture of despair exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Good God, she is dead!"</p>
+
+<p>However, being unwilling to risk his own judgment, he started to the
+door to seek aid.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a violent knocking began and a voice from the hall cried
+out:</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter? Is anyone hurt? I'm the conci&egrave;rge."</p>
+
+<p>"The conci&egrave;rge! Then, for Heaven's sake, Madame, get a doctor.
+Mademoiselle d'Orsel has killed herself, or at least she is very badly
+injured."</p>
+
+<p>The words were scarcely out of Fandor's mouth when the rapidly
+disappearing footsteps of the conci&egrave;rge were heard clattering
+downstairs. Frederick-Christian, in a dazed condition, stood in the
+dining-room, mechanically drinking a liqueur.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, what does this mean?" cried Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>The King looked at him with intense stupefaction, trying, it seemed, to
+co-ordinate his faculties. Then, with a greater calmness than in his
+condition seemed possible, he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I haven't the least idea."</p>
+
+<p>"But ... what have you done since I left you?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> You were both seated side
+by side on the sofa. How did Susy d'Orsel come to fall out of the
+window? What have you done?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. I didn't budge from the sofa until you rang the bell."</p>
+
+<p>"But ... Susy!"</p>
+
+<p>"She left me for a moment. I thought she had gone to see you out."</p>
+
+<p>"That's impossible ... she didn't leave you ... it's you who ... for
+God's sake, explain!... It's too serious a business."</p>
+
+<p>The King seemed unable to take in the situation. Fandor determined to
+try a shock. Going close to him he spoke in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your Majesty to tell me."</p>
+
+<p>This had an immediate effect. The King staggered back and stared,
+wide-eyed.</p>
+
+<p>"I ... I don't understand."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," insisted Fandor, "your Majesty does understand. You know that I
+am aware in whose presence I am standing. You are Frederick-Christian
+II, King of Hesse-Weimar... and I, your Majesty, am Jerome Fandor,
+reporter on <i>La Capitale</i> ... a journalist."</p>
+
+<p>The King did not appear to attach much importance to Fandor's words.
+Peaceably, without haste, he put<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> on his overcoat and hat. Then, picking
+up his cane, he moved toward the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Here! what are you doing?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going."</p>
+
+<p>"You can't."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I can; it's all right, don't worry, I'll arrange matters."</p>
+
+<p>The King appeared so calmly confident that Fandor stood dumbfounded.</p>
+
+<p>Here certainly was an individual out of the common! The journalist had
+seen many strange happenings in his adventurous career, but never had he
+come across such an amazing situation. For now he had no doubt of the
+guilt of the King. What, however, could have been the motive of such
+odious savagery? Was it possible he had taken seriously the innocent
+flirtation between Susy and himself? Had the King taken vengeance upon
+his mistress in a moment of jealous insanity?</p>
+
+<p>No, that was out of the question.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of his intoxication, Frederick-Christian seemed to be a man of
+normal temperament, and of a kindly disposition. His face betrayed none
+of the characteristics of the drink-maddened.</p>
+
+<p>The young man was about to question Frederick-Christian further when the
+hall door bell rang sharply.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fandor quickly opened the door and let in two policemen.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it here the tragedy took place?"</p>
+
+<p>"What! You know already?"</p>
+
+<p>"The conci&egrave;rge notified us, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>Then turning to his companion:</p>
+
+<p>"See that no one gets out."</p>
+
+<p>"But I've sent for a doctor.... I must go and find one," cried Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>"That has already been attended to. We are here to ascertain the facts,
+to make arrests. Where is the victim of the crime?"</p>
+
+<p>As Fandor took the officer into the bedroom he expected at every moment
+to hear some exclamation at the discovery of the King. But the latter
+had mysteriously disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The officer surveyed the body of the young woman and seemed in doubt how
+to begin his interrogatory. Suddenly his attention was diverted to the
+vestibule, where whispering was going on.</p>
+
+<p>Both men quickly returned to the hall door and Fandor overheard the
+final words of a third person who had entered the room, evidently the
+conci&egrave;rge. She was saying:</p>
+
+<p>"It must be 'him' ... only treat him politely ... he isn't like an
+ordinary ..."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Upon seeing the journalist the old woman stopped abruptly and made him a
+deep bow.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, it's you, Madame," cried Fandor, "well, have you brought a doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"We're looking for one, Monsieur," replied the old woman, "but to-night
+they seem to be all out enjoying themselves."</p>
+
+<p>One of the officers turned to Fandor and spoke with evident
+embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>"It might be better if Monsieur would tell us exactly what happened. On
+account of possible annoyances ... besides, the business is too
+important ... and then the Government ..."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor explained briefly all he knew. He was careful not to mention the
+King by name, leaving it to his Majesty to disclose his own identity
+when the time came.</p>
+
+<p>"Then Monsieur means to say that a third person was present?" one of the
+officers asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course!" replied Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>"And where is this third person?"</p>
+
+<p>The officer looked decidedly skeptical and the journalist began to grow
+uneasy.</p>
+
+<p>"He was here with me just now; probably he's in one of the other rooms.
+Why don't you search?"</p>
+
+<p>But the search disclosed nobody.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>What on earth had become of the King? thought Fandor. He couldn't have
+jumped out of the window. The servant's staircase came into his mind,
+but the door to that he found locked.</p>
+
+<p>"It is useless for Monsieur to say more; kindly come with us to the
+police station."</p>
+
+<p>"After all, Monsieur was alone with the little lady," added the
+conci&egrave;rge.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor went rapidly to the dining-room. He would show the three places
+at the table. But suddenly he remembered his refusal to take a plate.
+There were only two places laid.</p>
+
+<p>The two officers now held him gently by each arm and began to walk away
+with him.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't make any noise, please," they urged, "we must avoid all scandal."</p>
+
+<p>Without quite understanding what was happening, Fandor obeyed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3>WHO DO THEY THINK I AM?</h3>
+
+
+<p>The first faint light of dawn was filtering through the dusty windows of
+the police station.</p>
+
+<p>Sergeant Masson, pushing aside the game of dominoes he had been playing
+with his subordinate, declared:</p>
+
+<p>"I must go and see the chief."</p>
+
+<p>"At his house?" demanded the other in a tone of alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; after all, if I catch it for waking him that won't be so bad as
+having him come here at ten."</p>
+
+<p>The sergeant rose and stretched himself. He had entire charge of the
+Station and was responsible for all arrests. As a rule he felt himself
+equal to the task, but this time the tragedy of the Rue Monceau and the
+peculiar circumstances surrounding it seemed too much of a burden to
+bear alone.</p>
+
+<p>Ought he to have arrested the individual now at the Station? Had he been
+sufficiently tactful? What was to be done now?</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I'm going to see the chief," he repeated, "besides,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> I shan't be
+gone long. Anything that 'he' asks for let him have, you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>It was about five-thirty, and the sky threatened snow. The air was fresh
+and not too cold. A few milk carts were the only vehicles in the
+streets. Porters were busy brushing off the sidewalks. Paris was making
+her toilette. Sergeant Masson stopped at a small house in a quiet street
+and mounted to the third floor. There he hesitated. The wife of the
+chief was known for her sharp temper. However, there was nothing to be
+done but ring, and this he did in a timid manner.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments he heard the door-chain withdrawn, and a woman's voice
+cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Who is there?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is I, Madame, Sergeant Masson."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>"The chief is wanted at the Station right away."</p>
+
+<p>At these words the door opened wide and the woman stood revealed. She
+was about forty, dressed in her wrapper and with her hair still in curl
+papers.</p>
+
+<p>"Louis must go to the Station?" she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Madame, an arrest has been made ..."</p>
+
+<p>"He must go to the Station?" she repeated in a menacing tone.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Sergeant Masson retreated to the landing. He simply nodded his head.</p>
+
+<p>"But he <i>is</i> there! He told me he was! Ah, I see how it is!... He's been
+lying again. He's been running after women ... all right, he'll pay for
+it when he gets home!"</p>
+
+<p>The door shut with a bang and the lady disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"What an idiot I've been," muttered the discomfited sergeant. "I ought
+to have known better. Of course he's not with his wife, he's with his
+mistress!"</p>
+
+<p>Several minutes later he reached another apartment in a neighboring
+street.</p>
+
+<p>This time he had no misgivings and congratulated himself upon his
+professional cleverness in tracking his man down.</p>
+
+<p>The same performance was gone through. A ring at the bell brought an
+answer to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is there?" said a man's voice.</p>
+
+<p>"It is I ... Sergeant Masson."</p>
+
+<p>The door was opened and a young man stood in the hall. He was about
+thirty and wore an undershirt and drawers.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Sergeant!"</p>
+
+<p>The sergeant shrank back; he would have been glad if he could have
+disappeared in the walls. The chief's secretary stood before him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I was ... was looking ..." he stammered.</p>
+
+<p>The secretary interrupted with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"No, he's not here. In fact, we are rarely found together."</p>
+
+<p>Then putting a hand on the sergeant's shoulder:</p>
+
+<p>"As gentleman to gentleman, I count on your discretion."</p>
+
+<p>The door shut softly and the sergeant turned sadly and went back to the
+Station, pondering over the personal annoyance this general post at
+night occasioned him.</p>
+
+<p>He was greeted on his return by a few sharp words.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, there you are, Masson!... At last!... An event of the first
+importance occurs, an amazing scandal breaks out and you desert your
+post.... It's always the way if I'm not here to look after things. I
+shall have to report you, you know. Where have you been?"</p>
+
+<p>The speaker was a man still quite young, who wore the ribbon of the
+Legion of Honor. It was the chief himself. On the way home from some
+late party he had dropped into the Station out of simple curiosity.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Was he awake or was he dreaming?</p>
+
+<p>Fandor felt stiff all over, his head was heavy and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> his mind a blank....
+And then came a thirst, a devouring, insatiable thirst.</p>
+
+<p>Where he was and how he had arrived there were things past his
+comprehension.</p>
+
+<p>So far as the feeble light permitted, he made out the room to contain
+the furnishings of an office, and by degrees, as his mind cleared, he
+recalled with a start his arrest.</p>
+
+<p>He was at the police station.</p>
+
+<p>But why in this particular room? The walls were hung with sporting
+prints. Bookshelves, a comfortable sofa, upon which he had spent the
+night, all these indicated nothing less than the private office of the
+chief.</p>
+
+<p>And then he recalled with what consideration he had been conducted
+hither. Evidently they took him for an intimate friend of the King.
+Nevertheless, he was under arrest for murder, or at least as an
+accomplice to a murder.</p>
+
+<p>"After all," he thought, "the truth will come to light, they'll capture
+the murderer and my innocence will be established.</p>
+
+<p>"Besides, didn't the King promise to see me through. Probably before
+this he has already taken steps for my release."</p>
+
+<p>He then decided to call out:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Is there anyone here?"</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had Fandor spoken when a man entered, who, after a profound bow
+to the journalist, drew the curtains apart.</p>
+
+<p>"You are awake, Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor was amazed. What charming manners the police had!</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, I'm awake, but I feel stiff all over."</p>
+
+<p>"That is easily understood, and I hope you will pardon ... You see, I
+didn't happen to be at the station ... and when I got here ... why, I
+didn't like to wake you."</p>
+
+<p>"They take me for a friend of the King of Hesse-Weimar," thought Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>"You did perfectly right, Monsieur ..."</p>
+
+<p>"M. Perrajas, District Commissioner of Police ... and the circumstances
+being such ... the unfortunate circumstances ... I imagine it was better
+that you did not return immediately to your apartment ... in fact, I
+have given the necessary orders and in a few moments ... the time to get
+a carriage ... I can, of course, rely upon the discretion of my men who,
+besides, are ignorant of ..."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's all right."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor replied in a non-committal tone. It would be wiser to avoid any
+compromising admission. A<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> carriage!&mdash;what carriage, doubtless the Black
+Maria to take him to prison. And what did he mean by 'the discretion of
+his men?'</p>
+
+<p>"Well," thought Fandor, "he can count upon me. I shan't publish anything
+yet. And after all, it's going to be very hard for me to prove my
+innocence. Since I must rely on the King getting me out of this hole, it
+would be very foolish of me to give him away."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides," continued the officer, "I have had the conci&egrave;rge warned; she
+has received the most positive orders ... and no reporter will be
+allowed to get hold of ..."</p>
+
+<p>The officer became confused in his explanation.</p>
+
+<p>"The incidents of last night," added Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>A knock at the door and Sergeant Masson entered.</p>
+
+<p>"The coup&eacute; is ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, Sergeant."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor rose and was about to put on his overcoat, but the man darted
+forward and helped him on with it.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you wish me to come with you, Monsieur, or would you prefer to
+return alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, alone, thanks, don't trouble yourself."</p>
+
+<p>The door was opened wide by the polite officer and Fandor passed through
+the main hall of the Station,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> where everyone rose and bowed. Getting
+into his carriage, he was disagreeably surprised to see an individual
+who appeared to be a plain clothes man sitting on the seat. In addition
+a police cyclist fell in behind the carriage as escort.</p>
+
+<p>"Where the devil are they going to take me?" he wondered.</p>
+
+<p>To his intense surprise, they stopped ten minutes later at the Royal
+Palace, the most luxurious hotel in Paris.</p>
+
+<p>With infinite deference he was then conducted to the elevator and taken
+to the first floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, this lets me out," thought Fandor. "Evidently the King has sent
+for me ... in a few minutes I shall be free ... what a piece of luck!"</p>
+
+<p>He was shown into a sumptuous apartment and there left to his own
+devices.</p>
+
+<p>"Wonder what's become of Frederick-Christian," he muttered, after a wait
+of twenty minutes. "It's worse than being at the dentist's."</p>
+
+<p>As the room was very warm, Fandor removed his overcoat and began an
+investigation of his surroundings. Upon a table lay several illustrated
+papers and picking one up he seated himself comfortably in an armchair
+and began to read.</p>
+
+<p>Some minutes later a Major-domo entered the room<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> with much ceremony and
+silently presented him with a card. This turned out to be a menu.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, they're not going to let me starve anyway," he thought, "and as
+long as the King has asked me to breakfast, I'll accept his invitation."</p>
+
+<p>Choosing several dishes at random, he returned the menu, and the man,
+bowing deeply, inquired:</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall we serve breakfast? In the boudoir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, in the boudoir."</p>
+
+<p>The bow ended the interview and Fandor was once more left alone. But not
+for long. Close upon the heels of the first, a second man entered and
+handed the journalist a telegram and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, now I shall get some explanation of all this mystery! This should
+come from the King.... Has he got my name?... No!... the Duke of Haworth
+... evidently the name of the individual I am supposed to represent."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor tore open the telegram and then stared in surprise. Not one word
+of it could he make out. It was in cipher!</p>
+
+<p>"Why the deuce was this given to me!... what does the whole thing mean?
+Is it possible they take me for...."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3>BY THE SINGING FOUNTAINS</h3>
+
+
+<p>Paris rises very late indeed on New Year's Day. The night before is
+given up to family reunions, supper parties and every kind of
+jollification. So the year begins with a much needed rest. The glitter
+and racket of the streets gives place to a death-like stillness. Shops
+are shut and the caf&eacute;s are empty. Paris sleeps. There is an exception to
+this rule: Certain unfortunate individuals are obliged to rise at
+day-break, don their best clothes, their uniforms and make their way to
+the four corners of the town to pay ceremonial calls.</p>
+
+<p>These are the Government officials representing the army, the
+magistracy, the parliament, the municipality&mdash;all must pay their
+respects to their chiefs. For this hardship they receive little
+sympathy, as it is generally understood that while they have to work
+hard on New Year's Day, they do nothing for the rest of the year.</p>
+
+<p>The somnolence of Paris, however, only extends until noon. At that hour
+life begins again. It is luncheon time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This New Year's Day differed in no wise from others, and during the
+afternoon the streets were thronged with people.</p>
+
+<p>A pale sun showed in the gray winter sky and the crowd seemed to be
+converging toward the Place de la Concorde. Suddenly the blare of a
+brass band on the Rue Royale brought curious heads to the windows.</p>
+
+<p>A procession headed by a vari-colored banner was marching toward the
+banks of the Seine. The participants wore a mauve uniform with gold
+trimmings and upon the banner was inscribed in huge letters:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">LA CAPITALE</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">THE GREAT EVENING PAPER</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>With some difficulty the musicians reached the Obelisk and at the foot
+of the monument they formed a circle, while at a distance the crowd
+awaited developments.</p>
+
+<p>In the front rank two young women were standing.</p>
+
+<p>One of them seemed to be greatly amused at the gratuitous entertainment,
+the other appeared preoccupied and depressed.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Marie Pascal, don't be so absent-minded. You look as if you were
+at a funeral."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The other, a workgirl, tried to smile and gave a deep sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sorry, Mademoiselle Rose, to be out of sorts, but I feel very
+upset."</p>
+
+<p>Two police officers tried to force their way to the musicians and after
+some difficulty they succeeded in arresting the flute and the trombone
+players.</p>
+
+<p>This act of brutality occasioned some commotion and the crowd began to
+murmur.</p>
+
+<p>The employ&eacute;s of <i>La Capitale</i> now brought up several handcarts and
+improvised a sort of platform. Gentlemen in frock coats then appeared on
+the scene and gathered round it. One or two were recognized and pointed
+out by the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>"There's M. Dupont, the deputy and director of <i>La Capitale</i>."</p>
+
+<p>A red-faced young man with turned up moustaches was pronounced to be M.
+de Panteloup, the general manager of the paper.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of fact, those who read <i>La Capitale</i> had been advised
+through its columns that an attempt would be made to solve the mystery
+of the Singing Fountains, which had intrigued Paris for so many weeks. A
+small army of newsboys offered the paper for sale during the ceremony.
+Marie Pascal bought a copy and read it eagerly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"They haven't a word about the affair yet," she cried.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment the powerful voice of M. de Panteloup was heard:</p>
+
+<p>"You are now going to hear an interesting speech by the celebrated
+archivist and paleographer, M. Anastasius Baringouin, who, better than
+anyone else, can explain to you the strange enigma of the Singing
+Fountains."</p>
+
+<p>An immense shout of laughter greeted the orator as he mounted the steps
+to the stage. He was an old man, very wrinkled and shaky, wearing a high
+hat much too large for his head. He was vainly trying to settle his
+glasses upon a very red nose. In a thin, sharp voice, he began:</p>
+
+<p>"The phenomenon of the Singing Fountains is not, as might be supposed,
+wholly unexpected. Similar occurrences have already been noted and date
+back to remote antiquity. Formerly a stone statue was erected in the
+outskirts of the town of Thebes to the memory of Memnon. When the beams
+of the rising sun struck it, harmonious sounds were heard to issue from
+it. At first this peculiarity was attributed to some form of trickery, a
+secret spring or a hidden keyboard. But upon further research, it was
+demonstrated that the sounds arose from purely physical and natural
+causes."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The crowd which hitherto had listened in silence to the orator now began
+to show signs of impatience.</p>
+
+<p>"What the dickens is he gassing about?" shouted some one in the street.</p>
+
+<p>As the savant paid no attention to these signs the band struck up a
+military march. Finally when order was re-established M. Panteloup
+himself mounted the platform.</p>
+
+<p>"This fountain, ladies and gentlemen," he began in a powerful voice,
+"was built in 1836 at a cost of a million and a half francs. In the
+twenty-four hours its output is 6,716 cubic yards of water. It is
+composed, as you can see, of a basin of polished stone, decorated by six
+tritons and nereids, each holding a fish in its mouth from which the
+water flows out. Thus far there is nothing unusual and it is therefore
+with justifiable surprise that we discover the fact that at certain
+moments these fountains actually sing. Are we in the presence of a
+phenomenon similar to that recalled just now by M. Anastasius
+Baringouin? Are we, at the beginning of the twentieth century&mdash;the
+century of Science and Precision&mdash;victims of hallucination or sorcery?
+This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we are about to investigate, and we
+will begin by consulting the celebrated clairvoyant, Madame Gabrielle de
+Smyrne."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A murmur of approbation greeted the pretty prophetess as she appeared,
+but at the same moment a police officer followed by fifteen men pushed
+his way to the foot of the platform and ordered M. Panteloup to cease
+attracting a crowd. The latter, however, was equal to the occasion.
+After lifting his hand for silence he shouted the famous cry:</p>
+
+<p>"We are here by the will of the people, we shall not go away except by
+force."</p>
+
+<p>The crowd cheered, and with the voices mingled the barking of dogs.</p>
+
+<p>"Ladies and gentlemen," continued M. Panteloup, "you hear the wonderful
+police dogs of Neuilly, Turk and Bellone. They are coming to help us to
+scent out the mystery."</p>
+
+<p>This was to be the termination of the ceremony, but an unlooked for
+addition to the program appeared in the person of one of those Parisian
+"Natural Men" or "Primitive Men."</p>
+
+<p>He was a very old, long-bearded man and wore a white robe. He went by
+the name of Ouaouaoua, and his portrait had been published in all city
+papers. A hush came over the crowd and then in the silence a vague
+metallic murmur was heard above the splash of the water.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This time there was no mistake. The Fountains were singing.</p>
+
+<p>Thousands of witnesses were present and could testify to that fact.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd at once associated the arrival of Ouaouaoua with the music
+from the Fountains, and he was acclaimed the hero of the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>M. de Panteloup, seized with a happy inspiration, shook hands with
+Ouaouaoua and pinned on his white robe the gold medal of <i>La Capitale</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Proceedings were, however, summarily brought to a stop at this point.
+The prefect of the police drove up and his men scattered the crowd in
+all directions.</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes after the Place de la Concorde had assumed its usual aspect
+and the tritons and nereids continued to pour out their 6,716 cubic
+yards of water every twenty-four hours.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3>THE INVESTIGATION BEGINS</h3>
+
+
+<p>M. Vicart, sub-director of the Police Department, was in an execrable
+humor.</p>
+
+<p>In all his long career such a thing had never happened before. In spite
+of the established rule, he had been deprived of his New Year holiday,
+which he usually spent in visits to governmental officials capable of
+influencing his advancement.</p>
+
+<p>He had been ordered to his office. His morning had been spent in endless
+discussions with M. Annion, his director. Numerous telegrams,
+interviews, work of all kinds instead of his customary rest. Besides, he
+had received from his friends only 318 visiting cards instead of 384,
+last year's number. It was most annoying. He was engaged in recounting
+his cards when a clerk announced the visit of detective Juve.</p>
+
+<p>"Send him in at once."</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments Juve entered.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Juve had not changed. In spite of his forty-odd years, he was still
+young looking, active, persevering and daring.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For some time past he had been left very much to his own devices in his
+tracking of the elusive Fant&ocirc;mas, and he was rarely called in to assist
+in the pursuit of other criminals. Therefore he realized that it was an
+affair of the very first importance which called for his presence in M.
+Vicart's office.</p>
+
+<p>The detective found M. Vicart seated at his desk in the badly lighted
+room.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Juve, you are probably surprised at being sent for to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"A little ... yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you probably know that the King of Hesse-Weimar,
+Frederick-Christian II, has been staying incognito in Paris?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve nodded. He did not think it necessary to mention the incident that
+had occasioned this visit.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Now, Christian II has, or rather had, a mistress, Susy d'Orsel, a
+demi-mondaine. Were you aware of that?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, what of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"This woman has been murdered ... or rather ... has not been murdered
+... you understand, Juve, has not been murdered."</p>
+
+<p>"Has not been murdered, very well!"</p>
+
+<p>"Now, this woman who has not been murdered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> threw herself out of the
+window last night at three o'clock; in a word, she committed suicide, at
+the precise moment when Frederick-Christian was taking supper with her
+... you grasp my meaning?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't. What are you trying to get at?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it's as clear as day, Juve ... the scandal! especially as the
+local magistrate had the stupidity to arrest the King."</p>
+
+<p>"The King has been arrested ... I don't understand! Then it wasn't
+suicide?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is what must be established."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am to take charge of the investigation?"</p>
+
+<p>"I put it in your hands."</p>
+
+<p>When M. Vicart had explained the circumstances of the case, Juve summed
+up:</p>
+
+<p>"In a word, Frederick-Christian II went to see his mistress last night,
+she threw herself out of the window, the King was arrested for murder;
+he put in a denial, claiming that a third person was present, this third
+person escaped, an inadmissible hypothesis, since nobody saw him and the
+door to the servant's staircase was locked ... this morning the King was
+set at liberty, and we have now to find out whether a crime was really
+committed or whether it was a case of suicide.... Is that it?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is it! But you're going ahead pretty fast.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> You don't realize,
+Juve, the seriousness of the supposition you formulate so freely.... You
+must know whether it's murder or suicide! Of course! Of course!... but
+you are too precise.... A King a murderer ... that isn't possible. There
+would be terrible diplomatic complications.... It's a case of
+suicide.... Susy d'Orsel committed suicide beyond a doubt."</p>
+
+<p>Juve smiled slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"That has to be proved, hasn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly it must be proved. The accident happened at number 247 Rue de
+Monceau. Go there, question the conci&egrave;rge ... the only witness.... In a
+word, bring us the proof of suicide in written form. We can then send a
+report to the press and stifle the threatened scandal."</p>
+
+<p>Juve rose.</p>
+
+<p>"I will begin an immediate investigation," he replied, smiling, "and M.
+Vicart, you may depend upon me to use all means in my power to clear up
+the affair ... entirely and impartially."</p>
+
+<p>When Juve had gone, M. Vicart realized a sense of extreme uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>"Impartially!... the deuce!"</p>
+
+<p>Hurriedly he left his office and made his way through the halls to his
+chief, M. Annion. His first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> care must be to cover his own
+responsibility in the matter.</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion, cold and impassive, listened to his recital in silence and
+then broke out:</p>
+
+<p>"You have committed a blunder, M. Vicart. I told you this morning to put
+a detective on the case who would bring us a report along the lines that
+we desire. I pointed out to you the gravity of the situation."</p>
+
+<p>"But ..." protested M. Vicart.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me finish.... I thought I had made myself quite clear on that point
+and now, you actually give the commission to Juve!"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly, Monsieur! I gave Juve the commission because he is our most
+expert detective."</p>
+
+<p>"That I don't deny, and therefore Juve is certain to discover the truth!
+It is an unpardonable blunder."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a clerk entered with a telegram. M. Annion opened it
+quickly and read it.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! this is enough to bring about the fall of the Ministry. Listen!"</p>
+
+<p>"The Minister of Hesse-Weimar to the Secretary of the Interior, Place
+Beauvau, Paris&mdash;Numerous telegrams addressed to his Majesty the King of
+Hesse-Weimar, at present staying incognito at the Royal Palace Hotel,
+Avenue des Champs Elys&eacute;es, remain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> unanswered, in spite of their extreme
+urgence. The Minister of Hesse-Weimar begs the Secretary of the Interior
+of France to kindly make inquiries and to send him the assurance that
+his Majesty the King of Hesse-Weimar is in possession of these
+diplomatic telegrams."</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion burst out.</p>
+
+<p>"There now! Pretty soon they'll be accusing us of intercepting the
+telegrams ... Frederick-Christian doesn't answer! How can I help that! I
+suppose he's weeping over the death of his mistress. And now that fellow
+Juve has taken a hand in it! I tell you. Monsieur Vicart, we're in a
+nice fix!"</p>
+
+<p>While M. Annion was unburdening his mind to M. Vicart, Juve left the
+Ministry whistling a march, and hailed a cab to take him to the Rue
+Monceau.</p>
+
+<p>He quite understood what was required of him, but his professional
+pride, his independence and his innate honesty of purpose determined him
+to ferret out the truth regardless of consequences.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of fact, the presence of the King in Paris was, in part, to
+render a service to Juve himself.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p>If, therefore, the hypothesis of suicide could be verified, Juve would
+be able to be of use to the King;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> if, on the other hand, it had to be
+rejected, his report would prove that fact.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving at the Rue de Monceau, Juve went straight to the conci&egrave;rge's
+office and having shown his badge, began to question her:</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me, Madame Ceiron, did you see the King when he came to pay his
+visit to his mistress?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur. I saw nothing at all. I was in bed ... the bell rang, I
+opened the door ... the King called out as usual, 'the Duke of
+Haworth'&mdash;it's the name he goes by&mdash;and then he went upstairs, but I
+didn't see him."</p>
+
+<p>"Was he alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, that's what everyone asks me! Of course he was alone ... the proof
+being that when they went up and found poor Mlle. Susy, nobody else was
+there, so ..."</p>
+
+<p>Juve interrupted:</p>
+
+<p>"All right. Now, tell me, did Mlle. Susy d'Orsel expect any other
+visitor? Any friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody that I knew of ... at least that's what she said to her
+lace-maker&mdash;one of my tenants ... a very good young girl, Mlle. Marie
+Pascal&mdash;She said like this&mdash;'I'm expecting my lover,' but she mentioned
+nobody else."</p>
+
+<p>"And this Marie Pascal is the last person who saw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> Susy d'Orsel alive,
+excepting, of course, the King? The servants had gone to bed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Monsieur, the maid wasn't there. Justine came down about eleven,
+she said good-night to me as she went by ... while Marie Pascal didn't
+go up before eleven-thirty or a quarter to twelve."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, I'll see Mlle. Pascal later. Another question, Mme. Ceiron:
+did any of your tenants leave the house after the crime ... I mean after
+the death?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"Mlle. Susy d'Orsel's apartment is reached by two staircases. Do you
+know if the door to the one used by the servants was locked?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I can't tell you, Monsieur, all I know is that Justine generally
+locked it when she went out."</p>
+
+<p>"And while you were away hunting the doctor and the police, did you
+leave the door of the house open?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, no, Monsieur, to begin with, I didn't go out. I have a telephone in
+my room, besides I never leave the door open."</p>
+
+<p>"Is Justine in her room now?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I have the key, which means that she's out ... she's probably
+looking after funeral arrangements of the poor young girl."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Mlle. d'Orsel had no relations?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"Is Marie Pascal in?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes ... sixth floor to the right at the end of the hall."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will go up and see her. Thanks very much for your information,
+Madame."</p>
+
+<p>"You're very welcome, Monsieur. Ah, this wretched business isn't going
+to help the house. I still have two apartments unrented."</p>
+
+<p>Juve did not wait to hear the good woman's lamentations but hurriedly
+climbed the flights of stairs and knocked on the door indicated.</p>
+
+<p>It was opened by a young girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Mademoiselle Marie Pascal?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"Can I see you for a couple of minutes? I am a detective and have charge
+of investigating the death of Mlle. d'Orsel."</p>
+
+<p>Mlle. Pascal led the way into her modest room, which was bright and
+sunny with a flowered paper on the walls, potted plants and a bird-cage.
+She then began a recital of the interview she had had with Susy. This
+threw no fresh light upon the case and at the end, Juve replied:</p>
+
+<p>"To sum it up, Mademoiselle, you know only one<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> thing, that Mlle.
+d'Orsel was waiting for her lover, that she told you she was not very
+happy, but did not appear especially sad or cast down ... in fact,
+neither her words nor her attitude showed any thought of attempted
+suicide. Am I not right?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal hesitated; she seemed worried over something; at length she
+spoke up:</p>
+
+<p>"I do know more."</p>
+
+<p>"What?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve, to cover the young girl's confusion, had turned his head away
+while putting the last question.</p>
+
+<p>"Why," he remarked, "you can see Mlle. d'Orsel's apartment from your
+windows!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur, and that ..."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you in bed when the suicide took place?"</p>
+
+<p>"No ... I was not in bed, I saw ..."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! You saw! What did you see?"</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, I haven't spoken to a soul about it; in fact, I'm not sure I
+wasn't mistaken, it all happened so quickly.... I was getting a breath
+of fresh air at the window, I noticed her apartment was lighted up, I
+could see that through the curtains, and I said to myself, her lover
+must have arrived."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then suddenly some one pulled back the hall-window curtains, then the
+window was flung open and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> I thought I saw a man holding Mlle. d'Orsel
+by the shoulders ... she was struggling but without crying out ...
+finally he threw her out of the window, then the light was extinguished
+and I saw nothing more."</p>
+
+<p>"But you called for help?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Monsieur, I'm afraid I didn't act as I should have. I lost my head,
+you understand ... I left my room and was on my way downstairs to help
+the poor woman ... and then I heard voices, doors slamming ... I was
+afraid the murderer might kill me, too, so I hurried back to my room."</p>
+
+<p>"According to you, then, it was not a suicide?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Monsieur ... I am quite sure she was thrown out of the window
+by some man."</p>
+
+<p>"Some man? But, Mademoiselle, you know Susy d'Orsel was alone with the
+King, so that man must be the King."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal gave a dubious shrug.</p>
+
+<p>"You know the King?" Juve asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I sold him laces. I saw him through an open door."</p>
+
+<p>"And you are not sure that he is or is not the murderer?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't know, that's why I've said nothing about it. I'm not sure
+of anything."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Pardon, Mademoiselle, but it seems to me you don't quite grasp the
+situation ... what is it you are not sure of?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whether it was the King who killed poor Mlle. Susy."</p>
+
+<p>"But you are sure it was a man who killed Mlle. d'Orsel?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur ... and I am also sure it was a thin, tall man ... in
+fact, some one of the same build as the King."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mademoiselle, I cannot see why you have kept this knowledge to
+yourself, it is most important, for it does away with the theory of
+suicide, it proves that a crime has been committed."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but if it wasn't the King, it would be terrible to suspect him
+unjustly ... that is what stopped me ..."</p>
+
+<p>"It must no longer stop you. If the King is a murderer, he must be
+punished like any other man; if he is innocent, the guilty man must be
+caught. You haven't spoken of this to the conci&egrave;rge?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur, Mme. Ceiron is rather a gossip."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand, but now you need keep silence no longer; in fact, I
+should be glad if you would spread your news ... talk of it freely and
+I, on my side,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> will notify my chief.... I may add that we shall not be
+long in clearing up this mystery."</p>
+
+<p>Juve had a reason for giving this advice. The more gossip, the less
+chance would the police department have to stifle the investigation.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Marie Pascal slept badly that night. She was too intelligent not to
+realize that her deposition had convinced Juve of the guilt of the King,
+and this troubled her greatly. She, herself, was persuaded that she had
+seen the King throw Susy out of the window, although she had had no time
+to identify him positively and the young girl was alarmed at the
+importance of her testimony.</p>
+
+<p>However, she determined to follow Juve's advice and spread the gossip.
+With that purpose she went down to see Mother Ceiron. As the conci&egrave;rge
+was not in her room she called through the hallway:</p>
+
+<p>"Madame Ceiron!... Madame Ceiron!"</p>
+
+<p>A man's voice answered and a laundryman came downstairs carrying a
+basket.</p>
+
+<p>"The conci&egrave;rge is on the sixth floor, Mademoiselle. I passed her as I
+was going up to get M. de S&eacute;rac's laundry."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, thank you, then I will wait for her."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal took a seat in the office, but at the end<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> of ten minutes
+she became bored and decided to go out and get a breath of the fresh
+morning air.</p>
+
+<p>As she reached the entrance she noticed an article of clothing lying on
+the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"A woman's chemise," she exclaimed, picking it up. "The laundryman must
+have dropped it."</p>
+
+<p>Then suddenly she grew pale and retraced her steps to the office.</p>
+
+<p>"Good God!" she cried, leaning for support upon the back of a chair.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> See "A Nest of Spies."</p></div>
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> See "Fant&ocirc;mas," Vols. I, II, III, IV.</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE KING RECEIVES</h3>
+
+
+<p>The elegant attach&eacute; of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs bowed, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"I am extremely sorry to bring your Majesty this bad news."</p>
+
+<p>A voice from the depth of the cushions inquired:</p>
+
+<p>"What bad news?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am telling your Majesty that it would be difficult&mdash;even impossible
+for you to go to the Longchamps races as you had the intention of
+doing."</p>
+
+<p>"And why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"The President of the Republic opens to-day the exposition at the
+Bagatelle Museum. If your Majesty went to the Bois de Boulogne you would
+run the risk of meeting him. You would then be obliged to stop and talk
+a few moments, but as this interview has not been foreseen and arranged
+for it would be very awkward."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true."</p>
+
+<p>"That is all I had to convey to your Majesty."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see, what is your name, Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Count Adhemar de Candi&egrave;res, your Majesty."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, Count, many thanks! You may retire."</p>
+
+<p>The Count gracefully bowed himself out and with a convulsive movement of
+the cushions Jerome Fandor sprang up and burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" he cried, "I thought that chap would never go! Your Majesty!...
+Sire ... the King ... pleasant names to be called when you're not
+accustomed to them. I've already had twenty-four hours of it, and if it
+goes on much longer I shall begin to think it's not a joke.</p>
+
+<p>"And the King himself, what's become of him ... what is
+Frederick-Christian II doing now ... that's something I'd like to find
+out."</p>
+
+<p>The journalist had indeed sufficient food for thought. From the dawn of
+New Year's Day he had gone from surprise to surprise. At first he
+thought he had been brought to the Royal Palace Hotel at the instigation
+of the King. That would have been the simple solution of the affair. The
+King must have realized the awkward predicament in which his companion
+was placed and in spite of his drunken stupor he would come to his
+assistance as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, Fandor had been set
+at liberty. The journalist therefore had waited patiently for the
+arrival of the King, who was unaccountably late.</p>
+
+<p>Then little by little it began to dawn on him that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> the hotel people
+were considering him not as a friend of the King but as the King
+himself! Under ordinary circumstances, he would at once have made his
+identity known, but against that there were now a multitude of
+objections. His presence in the apartment of the murdered Susy d'Orsel
+had created an ambiguous and disagreeable situation. Again, was the
+personnel of the hotel really duped by the substitution?</p>
+
+<p>The situation was becoming more and more difficult for Fandor. He
+realized that he was being watched. The evening before one of the clerks
+of the Royal Palace Hotel had informed him that his Majesty's automobile
+was ready. For a moment Fandor did not know what to do, but finally
+decided to take a chance for an outing. As soon as he had come
+downstairs he regretted his decision. Among the persons lounging in the
+lobby he recognized five or six detectives whom he had known and he
+realized that the police would have accurate information as to where he
+might go. On reaching the door he saw three or four automobiles lined up
+outside. Which one belonged to the King? Faced by this situation he
+acted without hesitation, he turned quickly and went back to the Royal
+apartment, where during the rest of the evening he had been left in
+peace. The following morning he awoke with a violent headache, and
+applied the usual remedy for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> neuralgia to which he was subject. He
+bound up his head with a large silk scarf which he found in the Royal
+wardrobe. During the course of the morning his hotel bill was brought to
+him, which amounted to four thousand francs.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty stiff," he muttered, "for three days' stay. It may be all right
+for Frederick-Christian II, but for a poor devil of a journalist it is
+rather awkward."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor was wondering what he should do about it when the telephone rang
+to announce a visitor. After listening at the receiver, his face
+suddenly lighted with a broad smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Show him up," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>Several moments afterwards a man entered the apartment He was about
+forty and wore the conventional frock coat and light gloves.</p>
+
+<p>"I am," he said, "the private secretary of the Comptoir National de
+Cr&eacute;dit and am at your Majesty's disposition for the settlement of
+accounts. Your Majesty will excuse our sub-director for not having come
+himself to take your orders as it is his pleasure and honor generally to
+do, but he has been ill for several days and that is why I have begged
+permission for this audience with your Majesty."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor with difficulty repressed his desire to laugh and congratulated
+himself that he had escaped the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> danger of being shown up by the
+sub-director who knew the real King. The Secretary brought with him a
+large sum of money which he placed at the disposal of the sovereign. For
+a moment Fandor was tempted to accept the money but his scruples held
+him back. If things should turn out badly it would not do to lay himself
+open to the charge of usurping the Royal funds as well as the
+personality of the King. So he limited himself to handing over the hotel
+bill, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Kindly settle this without delay and don't stint yourself with the
+tips."</p>
+
+<p>A little later a porter entered with newspapers. Fandor seized them
+eagerly, but after a single glance he could not repress a movement of
+impatience.</p>
+
+<p>"These idiots," he growled to himself, "always bring me the Hesse-Weimar
+papers, and I don't know a confounded word of German. What I would like
+to get hold of is a copy of <i>La Capitale</i>."</p>
+
+<p>He rang the bell intending to give the order for a copy to be sent up,
+but at that moment a servant announced:</p>
+
+<p>"Mlle. Marie Pascal is here, your Majesty."</p>
+
+<p>"What does she want?"</p>
+
+<p>The servant handed Fandor a letter.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Majesty has granted an interview to her."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Without thinking the journalist asked: "Is she pretty?"</p>
+
+<p>The employ&eacute; of the Royal Palace kept a straight face. He was too much in
+the habit of dealing with royal patrons. The King might joke as much as
+he pleased, but the same liberty was not granted to others. He therefore
+made a deep bow and said with a tone of profound deference:</p>
+
+<p>"I will send Marie Pascal to your Majesty."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>MARIE PASCAL</h3>
+
+
+<p>Now that he had become a King and was obliged to receive unexpected
+visits in that capacity, Fandor had adopted the wise precaution of
+making his visitors wait in the main Salon, while he retired to the
+adjoining study. From there, thanks to a large mirror, he could see them
+without being seen himself. Following this precaution he waited for the
+appearance of his visitor and scarcely had she set foot in the Salon
+when he experienced an agreeable surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, there's a pretty girl."</p>
+
+<p>He was right. She was charming, with her large clear blue eyes, her fair
+hair and slight figure.</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove," thought Fandor, "here's a way to fill up my hours of
+solitude. It oughtn't to be hard for one in my position to get up an
+intrigue, and provided the lady is not too shy I can begin one of those
+adventures one reads of in fairy stories."</p>
+
+<p>Covering his face still further with his scarf and putting on a pair of
+blue spectacles he entered the Salon. The young girl betrayed a slight
+movement<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> of surprise upon seeing him. At his silent invitation she sat
+down on the edge of an armchair without daring to raise her eyes. Then
+followed a long pause, until Fandor recollected that according to
+etiquette she was waiting for him to speak first.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mademoiselle, what can I do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>The young girl stammered: "I wanted to see you ... pardon ... to see
+your Majesty ... to tell him how grateful I am for the laces he ordered
+from me ... that your Majesty ordered."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor began to be amused at the embarrassment of the young girl, so to
+set her at ease he remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"Mademoiselle, just talk to me as you would to anyone else, and as for
+the laces, I shall be very glad to order others."</p>
+
+<p>A start of surprise from Marie Pascal gave Fandor the uneasy feeling
+that he had made a break.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, your Majesty, I suppose I must send the next lot to the Queen."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course."</p>
+
+<p>"How about the bill?"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor repressed a smile. Evidently these poor Kings must have one hand
+in their pockets. As the interview continued the young girl regained her
+confidence, and going close to Fandor, spoke in a tone of sincere
+anxiety:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Sire, it was not you ... oh, forgive me." And then in a lower tone: "I
+have denounced you, Sire."</p>
+
+<p>Then, dropping to her knees, Marie Pascal repeated all that had
+happened. Fandor now realized that the death of Susy d'Orsel had a
+witness and that a detective was now in possession of the facts.</p>
+
+<p>"And this detective! Is he tall, broad shouldered, about forty-five,
+with gray hair and clean shaven?"</p>
+
+<p>The young girl was astonished at the accuracy of the portrait.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes, Sire ... your Majesty is right."</p>
+
+<p>"It can be no other than Juve," thought Fandor joyfully. Then turning to
+Marie Pascal, "Now you must answer truthfully the question I am going to
+ask you. Will you tell me why, after accusing me of this dreadful crime,
+you have suddenly changed your opinion and come to tell me how sorry you
+are and that you are now sure I am not guilty? You must have very
+serious reasons for this change of front."</p>
+
+<p>"I have been convinced of your innocence," she replied, "by the most
+absolute proof." She then recounted to Fandor her discovery of the
+chemise belonging to the Marquis de S&eacute;rac.</p>
+
+<p>"After picking up this chemise I was about to give it over to Mme.
+Ceiron, the conci&egrave;rge of the house, when my eyes happened to fall upon
+the ruffles on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> the sleeves. Attached to the right sleeve were some
+shreds of lace which seemed to have been torn from a larger piece. I am
+a lace maker and I recognized immediately that these pieces came from a
+dress I had just delivered to Mlle. Susy d'Orsel a few hours before."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor, who was listening with the closest attention, now asked: "What
+do you deduce from that, Mademoiselle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sire, simply that the person who threw Susy d'Orsel out of the window
+was wearing that chemise."</p>
+
+<p>"And," continued the journalist, "as this belonged to the Marquis de
+S&eacute;rac?"</p>
+
+<p>"But it is a woman's chemise."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor quickly realized the importance of this testimony. First, that
+Susy d'Orsel had really been murdered and secondly that the King
+Frederick-Christian had had no hand in it.</p>
+
+<p>"Is your Majesty very unhappy over the death of Mlle. d'Orsel?"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor glanced sharply at the young woman and then replied
+enigmatically: "I am, of course, very much shocked at the tragic end of
+this poor girl. But what is the matter with you?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal was growing paler and paler and finally collapsed in his
+arms. Gently he placed Marie Pascal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> on a sofa. For a few moments Fandor
+sat there holding her hands. Then she sat up quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing?"</p>
+
+<p>Ready to continue what he considered an amusing adventure, he was about
+to take her in his arms murmuring, "I love you." But she rose quickly
+and fled horror-stricken.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, it's horrible." She sank down covering her face and crying
+hysterically.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor rushed over just in time to hear her murmur, "Alas, and I love
+you."</p>
+
+<p>A variety of sentiments and impressions passed through the mind of
+Fandor. At first, delighted with the avowal he had heard, he took her,
+unresisting, in his arms. Then suddenly he became the victim of a
+violent jealousy. For it was not to Fandor she had yielded but to the
+King of Hesse-Weimar, Frederick-Christian. She looked so pretty with her
+tears and her love that the situation became intolerable to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Sire," whispered the gentle voice of Marie Pascal, "may I remind you of
+a promise? Dare I ask for a souvenir?" She pointed to a photograph of
+Frederick-Christian II.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, all right," growled Fandor, "take it."</p>
+
+<p>She then handed him a pen and asked him to write a dedication.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, I'll be hanged if I do," cried Fandor. Then seeing that the young
+girl was beginning to cry again, he added:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Marie Pascal, I am very sorry but it is against the rule for me
+to write a single word on my portrait.... It is against the
+Constitution." The journalist searched through his pockets to find
+something he might give her as compensation, and then clasped her to his
+heart as the only thing possible to do under the circumstances. At this
+moment a servant entered and gravely announced:</p>
+
+<p>"Sire, Wulfenmimenglaschk is here." Had the sun or the moon or the King
+himself been announced Fandor's amazement would not have been greater.
+Marie Pascal was about to slip away embarrassed, hardly capable of
+leaving in so much happiness, when Fandor recalled her.</p>
+
+<p>"Mademoiselle!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sire!"</p>
+
+<p>"What you told me just now about the torn lace you had better repeat at
+police headquarters." Then in a lower tone he continued his
+instructions. When he had finished she nodded her head.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, she would go and find Juve, the detective Juve, as the King had
+ordered her, and she would tell him everything.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The servant was waiting motionless for the King's answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Wulfenmimenglaschk," thought he, "that must be one of those
+extraordinary German-American cocktails which Frederick-Christian is
+accustomed to order." He turned to the servant:</p>
+
+<p>"Pour it out." At the man's surprise Fandor realized that he had made a
+mistake. At this moment a very fat man with scarlet face and pointed
+moustache appeared in the doorway and gave the military salute,
+announcing in a voice of thunder:</p>
+
+<p>"Wulfenmimenglaschk!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good God," murmured the journalist, dropping into an armchair. "This
+time I'm dished. He's come from Hesse-Weimar."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3>A PARTY OF THREE</h3>
+
+
+<p>Juve was busy searching in a bureau drawer while Marie Pascal was going
+through piles of linen in her cupboard.</p>
+
+<p>"You are sure you put it there?" asked Juve. "Madame Ceiron hasn't by
+any chance taken it away, has she?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," replied Marie Pascal, "I am quite sure I locked it in my
+drawer, and locked the door of my room as well."</p>
+
+<p>The room had been turned completely topsy-turvy, while Juve and Marie
+Pascal were searching anxiously and nervously through all the girl's
+belongings.</p>
+
+<p>When she left the Royal Palace Hotel, Marie Pascal had gone directly to
+Police Headquarters, where she had found Juve. After telling him the
+history of the chemise fallen from the Marquis de S&eacute;rac's laundry, she
+had repeated all the details of her interview with the King and the
+advice he had given her.</p>
+
+<p>"His Majesty Frederick-Christian was certainly wise in sending you
+here," he replied; "to begin with, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> proves most conclusively that he
+has every intention of denying the crime of which you accused him
+yesterday, and of which you no longer accuse him to-day."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal protested: "I never accused him!"</p>
+
+<p>"It amounted to the same thing, for the man you say threw Susy d'Orsel
+out of the window could only be the King, since he was alone with his
+mistress.... Now we get the further evidence of the chemise found by you
+quite by chance ... and by sending you to me His Majesty explicitly
+accuses a woman, the woman to whom that chemise belonged&mdash;of having
+killed Susy d'Orsel."</p>
+
+<p>"The first thing to be done, Mademoiselle, is to go to your room and
+have a look at this garment. The Marquis de S&eacute;rac himself is away, and
+besides, his reputation is well known. Therefore, we cannot accuse him.
+If the chemise was found among his laundry it would imply that the
+murderer, taken by surprise, hid himself in the Marquis's apartment and
+either changed his clothes there or dropped the chemise into the
+Marquis's laundry-bag on purpose to create a false scent."</p>
+
+<p>Without further words, Juve and the young girl drove to Rue de Monceau
+to examine the chemise which she had found that morning. Marie Pascal
+unlocked her door; a few moments later started in amazement. The chemise
+had disappeared. Afterward Juve<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> began to wonder whether Marie Pascal
+had spoken the truth or whether it was a put-up story between herself
+and the King.</p>
+
+<p>"There's no use looking any further," he cried, "some one has stolen
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"But it's terrible," replied Marie Pascal. "It is the only evidence that
+would clear the King. The only proof that he is not guilty. How can
+anyone be sure that I really found the chemise?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve nodded. "That's what I have been asking myself, Mademoiselle."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what can be done?"</p>
+
+<p>The anxiety of the young girl interested Juve keenly.</p>
+
+<p>"It's very annoying, Mademoiselle. But, after all, it only affects you
+indirectly. The King will have to explain clearly whether he was alone
+with Susy d'Orsel or whether a woman accompanied him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but then they will suspect him.... Oh, M. Juve, what do you
+think?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve gave a dry cough and answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mademoiselle, this is the way I figure it out. Susy d'Orsel has
+been the mistress of the King for about two years, and as you know
+constancy is unusual with men, it is quite possible that
+Frederick-Christian had had enough of his mistress and had become
+interested in another woman."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That doesn't explain anything."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, it does. It explains everything. Suppose, for instance, that
+the King had fallen in love with another demi-mondaine, and that had
+brought her to the apartment to notify Susy d'Orsel of his intention to
+break with her. Might not a quarrel have arisen between the two women
+and the new mistress, exasperated by some taunt, had thrown the
+unfortunate Susy d'Orsel out of the window?... That would be a
+commonplace enough story."</p>
+
+<p>While speaking Juve was watching carefully the expression on Marie
+Pascal's face. She had grown very pale and at the end protested with a
+cry:</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, you are wrong. The King had not two mistresses. And besides,
+the chemise I found was made of coarse linen, and would not certainly be
+worn by that sort of woman."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," thought Juve, "I wonder if Marie Pascal by any chance is in love
+with his Majesty. That would explain many things. To begin with, the
+reason why she was watching Susy's window. Also why the King, touched
+perhaps by the caprice of this girl, had had a row with his mistress,
+and finally why Marie Pascal, having seen him again, had invented the
+story of the chemise, which could not be found. This young girl is
+imprudent. She lets it be seen too clearly how disagreeable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> the
+hypothesis would be to her. After reasoning thus to himself Juve turned
+to the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mademoiselle Marie, if my supposition is wrong there can be only
+one explanation, namely, that some woman committed the crime, a woman
+who was hidden in the apartment and who subsequently hid the chemise in
+the Marquis de S&eacute;rac's laundry bag, and then having learned of your
+discovery returned to your room to recover the compromising article."
+Marie Pascal remained silent. Juve continued with the intention of
+alarming her out of her reserve.</p>
+
+<p>"But if this last supposition is the right one we must admit that it is
+none the less unfortunate for the King. For once the chemise disappeared
+the King must be held guilty until further discovery."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal replied simply:</p>
+
+<p>"It is frightful. The more so because I had this proof in my hand, and I
+know very well he is innocent."</p>
+
+<p>Juve picked up his hat and began buttoning his overcoat.</p>
+
+<p>"Naturally, Mademoiselle, you yourself know ... and I may add that I am
+of your opinion, but still you have no proof to offer, and
+consequently...."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal wrung her hands in desperation.</p>
+
+<p>"What is to be done? How can the truth come to light.... Ah, I shall
+never forgive myself for having<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> at first accused the King and then
+losing the proof of his innocence."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't take it to heart too much. In criminal affairs the first
+results of the investigator are really conclusive."</p>
+
+<p>Juve nodded to the young girl and rapidly went downstairs smiling to
+himself. One thing and one alone had developed from his interview. The
+King denied his guilt.</p>
+
+<p>"The only thing I know," he thought, "is that the conci&egrave;rge affirms that
+Frederick-Christian was alone when he came to see Susy d'Orsel.... If I
+can prove that definitely I can also prove by the chain of evidence that
+the King is guilty. But how to do it?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve hurried through the courtyard, passing the office of Mme. Ceiron,
+who was out at that moment. As he had already obtained the key of Susy
+d'Orsel's apartment, her absence did not trouble him.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be willing to bet," he thought, "that I shall find nothing
+interesting in her rooms. But it is at least my duty to go over them
+carefully.... If only I could discover evidence showing that three
+persons were there together, but that is most unlikely. The officers,
+the doctors, the conci&egrave;rge and the men who carried the body to the
+Morgue would have destroyed all traces."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was not without a slight shudder that Juve entered the apartment
+where the tragedy occurred. With a real catch at his heart he went
+through the bright, luxuriously decorated rooms, still giving evidence
+of a feminine presence.</p>
+
+<p>Death had entered there. The sinister death of crime, brutal,
+unforeseen. A hundred times more tragic for remaining unexplained. Juve,
+however, quickly stifled his feelings. He was there to investigate and
+nothing else mattered. The bedroom presented nothing worthy of notice,
+the boudoir was in perfect order, also the kitchen and the hall.</p>
+
+<p>Juve entered, finally, the dining-room. It was there, according to the
+testimony of witnesses, that the crime must have taken place. It was
+there in any case that Susy d'Orsel had received her lover.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing had been deranged. The table was still set for supper. Two
+places, side by side, bore mute witness that the King had been alone
+with his mistress.</p>
+
+<p>Juve at first carefully examined the general lay of the room. The
+disposition of the chairs, the two knives from the two forks, two fish
+plates, all went to prove there had been only two persons at the table.</p>
+
+<p>But suddenly he gave a start and his face expressed the keenest
+interest. He dropped to his knees and carefully examined the floor under
+the table.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Unless I am dreaming there are ashes here."</p>
+
+<p>Juve bent forward and noticed at the right of the sofa an ash receiver
+placed near the edge of the table, and below on the carpet a small heap
+of gray ash.</p>
+
+<p>"To begin with, we'll admit that Susy d'Orsel flicked the ash off her
+cigarette ... gray ash from Egyptian tobacco, a woman's cigarette."</p>
+
+<p>He now moved to the left of the sofa.</p>
+
+<p>"In the second place, here is another heap of ashes in this plate ...
+cigar ashes ... in fact here is the tend showing a German brand.... So
+the King was sitting on the right of Susy d'Orsel. Less careful, he used
+his plate instead of an ash receiver."</p>
+
+<p>Now bending down he noticed on the carpet a third heap of ash.</p>
+
+<p>"A third person has been smoking here. For there is no reason why the
+King should have changed his place and sat at the opposite side of the
+table where no place is laid.... Also this third person, in smoking a
+cigarette, and having no plate or ash receiver, dropped his ashes on the
+carpet."</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's thought Juve took from his pocket a small automatic
+lighting arrangement and going on his hands and knees under the table
+began a careful examination of its feet. In a moment he gave an
+exclamation of joy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I have got it now. This is conclusive."</p>
+
+<p>And in fact Juve had made a most important discovery. The heavy legs of
+the table were joined by crosspieces and Juve had been able to determine
+where Susy d'Orsel had rested her feet. He saw also the slight traces of
+mud where the King had rested his feet. Most important, however, was the
+fact that further traces of mud had been left by a third pair of feet.</p>
+
+<p>"If only I could identify the feet that were placed here, and whether
+they belonged to a woman."</p>
+
+<p>A closer examination of the wood made him rise to his feet with a cry.
+Quickly taking a chair, he placed it before the table in the place that
+might naturally be occupied by a third guest, and then sat down. This is
+what he discovered. It was quite impossible for a woman to have been
+sitting there. Having stretched his legs and rested his feet upon the
+traces of mud, he discovered that one of the legs of the table came
+directly between his knees. A woman's skirt would have made this
+position impossible for her.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the King was telling the truth! There were three persons in this
+dining-room a few moments before the crime was committed. And they were
+Susy d'Orsel, the King and another man."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Juve now threw himself into an armchair and remained buried in thought.</p>
+
+<p>"To sum it up, the King alone is in a position to give me further
+information.... And if he should refuse to speak or should attempt to
+lie I have now within my hands the means of forcing him to tell the
+truth."</p>
+
+<p>He sprang up quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"The next thing to do is to go and see the King."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h3>WULFENMIMENGLASCHK</h3>
+
+
+<p>Wulfenmimenglaschk!</p>
+
+<p>Fandor stared in consternation at the individual who had just entered
+the apartment of Frederick-Christian II.</p>
+
+<p>He was enormously fat and absurd looking. A large red nose stood out
+between two little blinking eyes; a heavy moustache bushed above his
+three well-defined chins. In his hand he held a soft green hat, through
+the ribbon of which was stuck a feather. He wore a wide leather belt
+containing cartridge cases, and the butts of two revolvers peeped out of
+his pockets.</p>
+
+<p>The man began once more.</p>
+
+<p>"Wulfen ..."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor stopped him with a movement of impatience.</p>
+
+<p>"Won't you please speak French, so long as we are in France?"</p>
+
+<p>For the twenty-fifth time this strange individual repeated the phrase
+which apparently meant his name and added in French:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Head of the Secret Service of the Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar and Attach&eacute;
+of your Majesty."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor congratulated himself that the table separated them. He expected
+at any moment to be shown up as an impostor. But thinking the best plan
+would be to try and bluff it through he said graciously:</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, Monsieur Wulf."</p>
+
+<p>"But that isn't possible."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is ... take that chair."</p>
+
+<p>"I should never dare to," answered the police officer.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor insisted.</p>
+
+<p>"We desire you."</p>
+
+<p>Wulf bowed to such formal instructions, murmuring:</p>
+
+<p>"I do so at the order of your Majesty."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor sprang up amazed.</p>
+
+<p>"Does he take me for the King too? That can't be possible. The head of
+the Secret Service! They must be carrying this joke out to the bitter
+end. I'm hanged if I can understand it."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>The man who since his entrance had not taken his eyes off Fandor, now
+appeared to be considering him with the greatest admiration.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Heaven be thanked.... My most cherished<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> desire has come to
+pass.... Your Majesty has been good enough to allow me the honor of a
+personal interview."</p>
+
+<p>"He must be mad," thought Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I was well acquainted with your august features....
+Frederick-Christian II is popular in his kingdom ... his portrait hangs
+on the walls of private houses as well as public buildings. But your
+Majesty understands that portraits and the reality are often
+dissimilar.... Now, although for seventeen years I have belonged to the
+Secret Service of the Kingdom, I have never before had the honor of
+meeting his Majesty face to face."</p>
+
+<p>"So, Monsieur Wulf, you think I don't look like my portrait."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, Sire, that is not what I wish to say. The portrait
+represents your Majesty as being taller and heavier, with a larger
+moustache and fairer hair."</p>
+
+<p>"In other words," said Fandor, smiling, "my portrait flatters me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Sire, quite the contrary, I assure you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>Wulf was evidently waiting for this question. He rose from the seat and
+made a careful inspection of the room, opening each door to see that no
+one was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> outside listening. Then he returned to Fandor and whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"I am here on a secret mission, Sire."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, let's hear what it is."</p>
+
+<p>"I am charged with two commissions, one which interests your Majesty,
+the other the Kingdom. To begin with, I have come to get your reply to
+the telegram in cipher which his Highness the Minister of the Interior
+sent your Majesty yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"The deuce," thought Fandor, "this is getting annoying. What on earth
+shall I tell him?"</p>
+
+<p>Then with an air of innocence he asked:</p>
+
+<p>"What telegram are you speaking of? I have received none."</p>
+
+<p>"Your Majesty didn't receive it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you know the service is rotten in France."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Wulf scornfully, "it's easy to see it's a Republic."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor smiled. If he was compelled to run down his own country for once,
+it wouldn't matter.</p>
+
+<p>"What can you expect with the continual strikes ... however, that's not
+our fault, is it, Wulf?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true, Sire."</p>
+
+<p>The Chief of the Secret Service leaned toward Fandor and whispered
+mysteriously.</p>
+
+<p>"I have it, Sire."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What," inquired Fandor, with somewhat of anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>"The text of the telegram."</p>
+
+<p>Wulf drew out a document and was about to hand it to Fandor, but the
+latter stopped him with a gesture.</p>
+
+<p>"Read it to me."</p>
+
+<p>"His Highness, the Minister of the Interior, begs to inform your Majesty
+that since his absence a propaganda unfavorable to the throne is being
+actively spread in the Court and in the town. The partisans of Prince
+Gudulfin believe the occasion favorable to seize the Government."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor pretended anger.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, it's Prince Gudulfin again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, Sire, it is always the Prince."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor repressed a violent laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that all?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Sire. His Highness the Minister requested to know, in the name of
+the Queen, when your Majesty has the intention of returning to his
+Kingdom."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor rose and tapping Wulf amicably on the shoulder replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Tell the Queen that business of the greatest importance keeps me in
+Paris, but that before long I hope to return to the Court."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Wulf looked at him without answering, and Fandor added with great
+dignity:</p>
+
+<p>"You can go now."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have a formal order not to return to Glotzbourg without your
+Majesty, and when your Majesty is ready I am at your orders. Even
+to-night."</p>
+
+<p>Then he added in a low tone:</p>
+
+<p>"That would be a pity, for in Paris ..."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor glanced quickly at him. So this fat police officer was like the
+rest of the world. He, too, wanted to have his fling in Paris.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment they were interrupted by the arrival of the servant
+carrying a tray of cocktails. Fandor turned smilingly to Wulf.</p>
+
+<p>"Have a cocktail, Wulf?"</p>
+
+<p>The officer almost choked with delight. In Hesse-Weimar he would never
+have imagined that his King could be so charming and simple in private
+life. He made some remark to this effect and the journalist answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Why not, Wulf? Hesse-Weimar and France are two different places ... we
+are now in a democracy, let's be democratic." Then clinking his glass
+with Wulf's he cried:</p>
+
+<p>"To the health of the Republic!"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor now led the conversation to the charms and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> seductions of Paris,
+and he pictured the delights of the city in such glowing terms that
+Wulf's little eyes sparkled and his purple face became even more
+congested. He lost his timidity. He expressed a wish to see the
+Moulin-Rouge and the Singing Fountains.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you know about them?" inquired Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, they speak of nothing else in Hesse-Weimar."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall hear them then.... Look here, Wulf, are you married?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Sire."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I'll bet you deceive your wife."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum! I should be sorry if my wife heard you say that. For up to now
+..."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, we Kings know everything. Even more than your Secret Service."</p>
+
+<p>"That's true," cried Wulf, "absolutely true."</p>
+
+<p>"Wulf, Paris is the town of charming women. I am sure they will please
+you greatly. And as I have no need of your services to-morrow I will
+give you your liberty."</p>
+
+<p>The officer was about to break into thanks when the door opened and a
+servant announced:</p>
+
+<p>"Will your Majesty receive Monsieur Juve?"</p>
+
+<p>"Show him in."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When the detective entered and heard Fandor addressed as His Majesty he
+opened his eyes and stood staring, while Fandor himself was obliged to
+stuff his handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself from roaring
+with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>Juve began:</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?..."</p>
+
+<p>But Fandor quickly stepped forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Juve, let me introduce you to Monsieur Wulf. Monsieur Wulf is
+the head of the Secret Service in my Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar."</p>
+
+<p>Then tapping Wulf familiarly on the shoulder he added:</p>
+
+<p>"He's one of the greatest detectives in the world. He was able to find
+the King of Hesse-Weimar right here in this apartment.... Though he had
+never seen me, he found me and recognized me!"</p>
+
+<p>The officer beamed with delight at the compliment. Fandor then conducted
+him to the door, whispering advice as to the best way of passing his
+night in Paris.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Scarcely had the ridiculous Wulf disappeared when Juve seized Fandor by
+the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Fandor! What does this mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Juve, simply that I'm the King of Hesse-Weimar&mdash;of which fact you
+had a proof just now."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But Juve's face was serious.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, without joking, tell me what you are doing here."</p>
+
+<p>When Fandor had finished his explanation Juve seized him by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the King, Fandor?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have already told you. I haven't the least idea. And, furthermore, I
+don't care."</p>
+
+<p>"You are crazy to talk this way. What is happening is extremely
+serious."</p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Simply because a charge of murder has been brought against
+Frederick-Christian."</p>
+
+<p>"Very few people know it," exclaimed the journalist.</p>
+
+<p>He stopped speaking suddenly. Outside the murmur of a crowd grew louder
+and louder as it approached. Juve and Fandor ran to the window just in
+time to receive a volley of stones which broke the glass in several
+places. The two men sprang back.</p>
+
+<p>"Put out the lights!" cried Juve.</p>
+
+<p>Below them the avenue was black with people. After a moment they could
+distinguish what they were shouting.</p>
+
+<p>"Murderer! Murderer! Down with the King!"</p>
+
+<p>"That surprises you, Fandor," exclaimed Juve, "but for the last
+forty-eight hours I have been watching<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> this trouble grow, and I tell
+you it is going to end badly."</p>
+
+<p>At the head of the mob and more daring than the others appeared a
+strange individual. A long-bearded old man, dressed in white, was
+endeavoring to force his way into the hotel and a fight was taking place
+at the door.</p>
+
+<p>"I know him," muttered Juve, "I have seen him once or twice before
+trying to raise a row about this affair."</p>
+
+<p>"Why it's Ouaouaoua, the Primitive Man," cried Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>A squad of policemen now arrived on the scene, and without much
+difficulty succeeded in dispersing the mob.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"Well, Juve."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Fandor."</p>
+
+<p>"To tell you the truth, Juve," admitted the journalist, "I am beginning
+to get a little uneasy. However, this manifestation is against
+Frederick-Christian, not against me...."</p>
+
+<p>Juve interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>"Idiot, don't you understand what's happening? Either one of two things.
+You are the King, and therefore in the opinion of the public the
+murderer of Susy d'Orsel, or you are not the King, and in that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> case you
+are an impostor, which will make it all the more likely that you will be
+considered as the murderer."</p>
+
+<p>"Not much," cried Fandor. "You seem to forget it was I who picked up
+..."</p>
+
+<p>"Who knows that?" continued Juve. "Why, my dear fellow, think for a
+moment, if the King is guilty, and even if he is not, he will be only
+too glad to throw the responsibility for this tragedy upon your
+shoulders.... That would let him out of it completely. The situation
+could not be much worse. Suppose that this evening, to-morrow, at any
+moment some one finds out that you are not the King, you will then not
+only be suspected of the murder of Susy d'Orsel, but you will be accused
+of having done away with the King.... Where is the King? You haven't the
+least idea. Then what answer could you make?"</p>
+
+<p>"The devil," murmured Fandor, suddenly growing pale. "I didn't think of
+that. You are right, Juve, I am in a bad fix."</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment of silence. The two men looked at one another,
+troubled and anxious. Then Fandor, struck by a sudden inspiration,
+seized his hat and cane.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing?" inquired Juve.</p>
+
+<p>"I ... Why I'm going to clear out."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"How?... The King's apartment is surrounded by Secret Service men....
+They take good care of His Majesty.... You were forgetting that!"</p>
+
+<p>"That's true," said Fandor, depressed. "So now I am actually a prisoner.
+Look here, Juve, what has become of this Frederick-Christian? Haven't
+you any clue to follow?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"He can't have vanished into thin air. We must find him if it is humanly
+possible."</p>
+
+<p>"That's my opinion, Fandor, but I am wondering how."</p>
+
+<p>And then suddenly to each of them the same thought occurred.</p>
+
+<p>Fant&ocirc;mas!</p>
+
+<p>Was it not probable that the strange crime of which Susy d'Orsel was the
+victim, the mysterious disappearance of the King, might be attributed to
+this enigmatic and redoubtable bandit?</p>
+
+<p>It would not have been the first time that the journalist and the
+detective had put forth a similar hypothesis.</p>
+
+<p>Fant&ocirc;mas had always symbolized the very essence of crime itself.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h3>ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN STATIONS</h3>
+
+
+<p>On leaving Fandor, Juve walked up the Avenue Champs Elys&eacute;es, refusing
+the offers of various cab drivers. He felt the need of movement as an
+antidote to his growing worry over the affair. On arriving at the Rue
+Saussaies, Juve sent up his card to M. Annion and requested an immediate
+interview. In a few moments he was shown into M. Annion's office.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what's new? What's the result of your investigation, Juve?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing much to report yet. The theory of suicide is possible,
+although a crime may have been committed. Whether the King is involved
+or not in this affair is still uncertain. It will take me a week at
+least to find out."</p>
+
+<p>"In other words, you know nothing yet. Well, I can tell you a few things
+you don't know. Pass me those documents."</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion looked through the papers and then continued:</p>
+
+<p>"When Vicart saw you this morning he forgot to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> give you some of the
+instructions I had charged him with.... I sent two of my men to the
+Royal Palace Hotel.... Do you know what they found?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I haven't the least idea. There was nothing to learn at the Royal
+Palace itself."</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary, they made an extraordinary discovery."</p>
+
+<p>"What was it?"</p>
+
+<p>"They discovered that the King is not the King. The individual who is
+posing as Frederick-Christian II is an impostor. Rather sensational
+news, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"So sensational that I don't believe it."</p>
+
+<p>"And why not, if you please?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve avoided a direct reply. He asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Upon what do you place this supposed imposture?"</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion took up the papers before him.</p>
+
+<p>"I have the evidence here before me. But first I must tell you how our
+suspicions became aroused.... This morning, after your departure, we
+received a telegram from Hesse-Weimar inquiring why Frederick-Christian
+did not reply to the telegram sent him from his kingdom.... That gave me
+an inkling of what was going on.... I sent to the Royal Palace Hotel and
+there my two detectives learned that Frederick-Christian had gained the
+reputation of being<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> extremely odd, in fact, half crazy. Furthermore,
+that he was acting in a manner totally different from that of former
+occasions. He now scarcely moves from his room, whereas previously he
+spent most of his time out of doors."</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion handed Juve the documents and begged him to look them over
+himself. After returning them Juve realized that his best chance would
+be to gain time.</p>
+
+<p>"This is going to cause a great deal of trouble. If an impostor is
+really installed in the Royal Palace Hotel we shall have to notify the
+Chancellor and ask for the authorization to verify ... In other words, a
+number of tiresome formalities will have to be complied with."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a minute, I have more surprises for you. We now have the press on
+our trail. All the evening papers publish articles inferring the guilt
+of the King.... They come out boldly accusing him of murder. Would you
+believe that at seven o'clock this evening there was a shouting, howling
+mob in front of the Royal Palace? And so, my dear Juve, you had better
+take two men with you, and without delay go to the hotel and arrest the
+man who is passing for the King, and who is, besides, the murderer of
+Susy d'Orsel."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This is what Juve feared; he determined to make every effort to prevent
+the arrest of Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>"All this is very well, but I think you will agree with me that it is a
+romance, Monsieur Annion."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask why you think that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, Monsieur Annion.</p>
+
+<p>"You intend to arrest the false King because he is accused by the public
+of murder.... If he were the real King, would you be willing to arrest
+him without further proof?"</p>
+
+<p>"No ... naturally not ... but then he is an impostor, so that won't
+worry me."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, Monsieur Annion, and now, suppose you have guessed wrong?
+After all, you are basing your conclusion upon a number of minor
+details, upon the observation of hotel clerks. All that is not
+sufficient. But don't you think anyone in Paris knows the King by
+sight?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only two persons knew him here.... The Ambassador of Hesse-Weimar, M.
+de Naarboveck, who has just been changed and whose successor has not as
+yet arrived. The other person is one of his friends, the Marquis de
+S&eacute;rac, who happens to be away from Paris just now."</p>
+
+<p>Juve smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"You forget one man, Monsieur Annion, who knows<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> the King better than
+either of these. I refer to the head of the Secret Service of
+Hesse-Weimar ... one of my colleagues. He is at present staying at the
+Royal Palace and sees the King every day. Consequently it will be
+scarcely possible to deceive him."</p>
+
+<p>"What is his name?" asked M. Annion.</p>
+
+<p>"It's rather complicated; he calls himself Wulfenmimenglaschk, which we
+may cut to Wulf for all practical purposes. What should you think of his
+testimony?"</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, if this individual knows the King ..."</p>
+
+<p>"He is attached to the King's person."</p>
+
+<p>"And you are sure he recognized him at the Royal Palace?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll bring him here and let him speak for himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll give you until eleven to-morrow morning to produce this Wulf
+... or whatever he calls himself; if then he cannot positively affirm
+that the King is really the King, you must arrest the impostor
+immediately. If, on the other hand, he does recognize him, we must refer
+the matter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs."</p>
+
+<p>"That is understood," replied Juve, and he took his leave.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As Juve found himself again in the Rue de Saussaies his face clouded
+over.</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-four hours gained anyway, but I wonder where the devil I can get
+hold of this Wulf? I might catch him at the Moulin-Rouge ... Fandor sent
+him there."</p>
+
+<p>Juve drove to the music hall and, showing his card, questioned the
+officials.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm looking for a fat little man, probably slightly drunk, foreign
+accent, wears a brown coat, tight trousers, white spats, and is
+plastered all over with decorations."</p>
+
+<p>"I saw him," cried one of the ushers. "I checked his overcoat and
+noticed the decorations. He left some time ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Confound it!" muttered Juve. "You don't know why he left so early? The
+show is only beginning."</p>
+
+<p>The usher smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, he carried a couple of girls away with him. Probably he's in some
+nearby caf&eacute;."</p>
+
+<p>Juve decided to spend the whole night, if necessary, to find Wulf, and
+began a systematic search through all the caf&eacute;s of Montmartre.</p>
+
+<p>At length, about three in the morning, he decided to give himself a rest
+and take a drink. For this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> purpose he entered a small caf&eacute; at the
+corner of the Rue de Douai and the Rue Victor-Masse, and ordered a beer.
+He put the usual question:</p>
+
+<p>"You don't happen to have seen a fat little man, drunk and profusely
+decorated?"</p>
+
+<p>The proprietor at once grew excited.</p>
+
+<p>"I should think I have seen him. He came in here asking for some
+outlandish brand of cigarettes, and ended by taking the cheapest I had,
+then paid for them with foreign money. And when I refused to take it, he
+threatened me with some King or other! Aren't we still a republic, I
+should like to know?"</p>
+
+<p>Evidently, from the description, it could be no other than the
+peripatetic Wulf.</p>
+
+<p>"Was he alone?" asked Juve.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he brought in a little blonde with him, but when she saw his fake
+money, I guess she gave him the slip, for he turned to the right and she
+went up the street in the opposite direction."</p>
+
+<p>"The devil!" exclaimed Juve; "the trail is lost again."</p>
+
+<p>A waiter stepped forward.</p>
+
+<p>"I think he went to the Courcelles Station; he asked me where it was."</p>
+
+<p>"The Courcelles Station!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Juve stood staring in amazement. What on earth could Wulf want to go
+there for?</p>
+
+<p>"Have you a telephone?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>With great difficulty Juve succeeded in getting the connection.</p>
+
+<p>"Hullo! Is that your Majesty?"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor's voice replied, laughingly:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it's His Majesty all right, but His Majesty doesn't like being
+wakened up at night. What can I do for you, my dear Juve?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can you tell me where Wulf is?"</p>
+
+<p>"How should I know? Probably with some women, he seems crazy about
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"No, he hasn't any French money."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on, Juve; I advised him to take the circular tube as the best
+method of seeing Paris. I told him to stay on board till he reached the
+end of the line. Just a little joke of mine."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor burst out laughing, and Juve rang off, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>Once in the street, he stood a moment in doubt as to his next course. If
+Wulf was really taking a trip in the circular tube, he would be in
+process of going round and round Paris. How was it possible to overtake
+him?<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Hailing a taxi, he explained to the chauffeur:</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, I want you to take me to the Courcelles Station ... there we
+must find out in what direction the first train passes, either toward
+Porte Maillot or toward the Avenue de Clichy ..."</p>
+
+<p>The man stared stupidly and Juve found it necessary to explain in a few
+words the quest he was setting out upon.</p>
+
+<p>"If our man isn't on the first train that passes Courcelles, then we
+must hurry over to the Bois de Boulogne Station, understand?"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Juve had the luck to learn from the ticket seller at Courcelles that she
+had noticed Wulf, and that he had bought a first-class ticket; this
+limited the search very considerably.</p>
+
+<p>The first train pulled in, but Wulf was not on board.</p>
+
+<p>Juve sprang into his taxi and now hurried over to the Bois de Boulogne.
+Here the same result met him; the next station was Auteuil, then
+Vaugirard, la Glaci&egrave;re and Bel-Air.</p>
+
+<p>It was now eight o'clock, and his appointment with M. Annion was at
+eleven. What was to be done?</p>
+
+<p>On reaching Menilmontant Station, Juve had about decided to abandon the
+chase.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I'll wait for one more train and then make some other plan," he
+muttered.</p>
+
+<p>By great good luck he caught sight of Wulf as it ran into the station.
+Rushing into the carriage, he seized his man and hauled him on to the
+platform.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter? Why are you here, Monsieur Juve? I am perfectly
+amazed ..."</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going, Monsieur Wulf?"</p>
+
+<p>Wulf smiled fatuously:</p>
+
+<p>"I have been following his Majesty's advice, seeing Paris. What an
+immense city! I counted one hundred and twenty-seven stations since five
+o'clock this morning and I have crossed ten rivers! Why have you stopped
+me? I wanted to go to the end of the line."</p>
+
+<p>Juve bustled him into the waiting taxi.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll explain as we go," he replied. "It is a question of saving the
+King. He is menaced by powerful and terrible enemies."</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready to die for him," exclaimed Wulf. "What must I do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it's not necessary to die. All you have to do is to certify before
+the police authorities that the person you know as Frederick-Christian
+at the Royal Palace is actually the King."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand in the least what you mean!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That doesn't matter; you have only to do as I say and all will be
+well."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>M. Annion was overcome.</p>
+
+<p>Wulf, after testifying to the identity of the King, had been sent to
+wait in an adjoining room while Juve and M. Annion had a confidential
+chat.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Juve, I can't get over it. Without you, I should have made a
+terrible break! The King arrested! What a scandal! But, tell me, what's
+to be done now? The public's calling for the murderer. I place myself in
+your hands. What do you suggest?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve thought a moment.</p>
+
+<p>For the time being Fandor was safe, but he was still very far from being
+out of the woods.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Annion," he replied at length, "there is just one method of
+procedure in this case. The assassination of Susy d'Orsel, the question
+of this imposture, in fact all these mysterious points which have arisen
+cannot be cleared up in Paris."</p>
+
+<p>"What the devil do you mean, Juve?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean that in all probability the threads of this intrigue lead to
+Hesse-Weimar, to the capital of the kingdom, to Glotzbourg. And, if you
+have no objection, I will start for there this evening."</p>
+
+<p>"Go, go," replied M. Annion; "perhaps you are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> right ... anyhow, don't
+forget to take letters of introduction with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't worry about that. I can get all I want from my colleague."</p>
+
+<p>"Your colleague?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, from this excellent Wulf."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h3>CAMOUFLAGE</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Come in and sit down, Monsieur Wulfenmimenglaschk."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis de S&eacute;rac led the way into his study.</p>
+
+<p>He was a powerfully built, white-haired man, in the sixties, still
+active, with a slightly tired voice, a typical man of the world in his
+manners and dress.</p>
+
+<p>Very embarrassed, Wulf bowed and bowed:</p>
+
+<p>"I am confused, Monsieur. Quite confused ... I ..."</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all, Monsieur Wulf; now take off your overcoat, sit down and
+smoke a cigar. I assure you it's a great pleasure for me to talk to
+anyone coming from Hesse-Weimar. I left the court when I was very young,
+and I should be a stranger in Glotzbourg to-day; still I remember my
+very good friends there ... but never mind that now, we have more
+important subjects to discuss, Monsieur Wulf, and I'm sure you are in a
+hurry."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not at all; I am only too happy and too proud ..."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, Paris is a city of temptations, and I won't take too much of
+your time. First of all let me explain that I only received your letter
+yesterday, as I happened to be out of town. You state that I am in a
+position to render you a great service; this I shall be delighted to do
+as soon as you tell me what it is."</p>
+
+<p>Wulf began a long and rambling story to the effect that upon leaving
+Glotzbourg for Paris, on his special mission to the King, he had
+conceived the idea of writing to the Marquis de S&eacute;rac, whom he knew to
+be an intimate friend of the King, to give him a letter of introduction
+to His Majesty.</p>
+
+<p>"But now I don't need it," he ended, "for the King is my best friend ...
+he received me with charming simplicity, just like an old comrade."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, my dear Wulf, His Majesty is at present exposed to the most
+terrible danger."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have doubtless heard of the tragic death of Mlle. Susy d'Orsel, the
+King's mistress, which, by a curious coincidence, occurred in this very
+house?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know! I know!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, perhaps you also know that among the King's enemies, some dare to
+accuse him of having killed Mlle. Susy d'Orsel?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Such people ought to be cut in pieces."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, Monsieur Wulf, we are not yet in a position to avenge His
+Majesty. You don't happen to know who the real murderer is, do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I haven't the least idea; but if I ever get hold of him, I shall
+know what to do!"</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis smiled and shrugged his shoulders:</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be glad to help you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, Monsieur le Marquis, but I'm afraid we shan't succeed. There's
+a French detective on the case, a man named Juve, who hasn't been able
+to find the man either!"</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis gave a slight start:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, and Juve has found nothing, suspects nobody?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"That is strange.... Well, Monsieur Wulf, I think we shall be able to do
+better. You are ready for anything?"</p>
+
+<p>"For everything, on my honor!" replied Wulf, with fervor.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then I promise you we shall have some news within a week.
+But excuse me a moment, I have some orders to give; I won't be a
+moment."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis crossed the room and opened the door; Wulf could hear him
+talking:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Is that you, Madame Ceiron?"</p>
+
+<p>A woman's voice answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur le Marquis. What can I do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Kindly unpack the bag in my room and when you go out be sure to lock
+the doors. I don't want a recurrence of what happened the other day when
+some one entered my apartment and left a chemise belonging to the
+murderer among my laundry."</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur le Marquis may rest assured his orders will be obeyed."</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments the Marquis returned and M. Wulf rose to go. He
+repeated with emphasis his determination:</p>
+
+<p>"If ever I get the chance to arrest this murderer, I will do so in the
+face of any danger. All for the King! That is my motto!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you are right, Monsieur, all for the King."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis de S&eacute;rac bowed his visitor out, and then suddenly his
+smiling face underwent an astounding change of expression.</p>
+
+<p>"I must clinch my alibi!"</p>
+
+<p>In a moment he had torn off his false whiskers and his wig of white hair
+was quickly replaced by another&mdash;this time a woman's wig. With the
+agility of a Fregoli he then got into a skirt and waist.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Forty seconds after the departure of Wulf the Marquis de S&eacute;rac had
+become ... Madame Ceiron, the conci&egrave;rge.</p>
+
+<p>Three or four pencil marks and his disguise was complete. It would be
+impossible for anybody not having seen this transformation to guess that
+the Marquis de S&eacute;rac and old Madame Ceiron were one and the same
+individual.</p>
+
+<p>After a quick glance into his mirror he rushed across his drawing-room,
+through the hall, and quickly opened a large Breton wardrobe. Through
+the centre of this rose a post which he seized and slid down. It was the
+same contrivance used by firemen to join their engines when a call was
+sent in. At the foot of the post in Madame Ceiron's apartment were
+stretched two mattresses to deaden the fall. These were placed in a
+small storeroom, well hidden from observation. After closing the door
+behind her, Madame Ceiron rushed to the hall in time to intercept Wulf
+on his way downstairs.</p>
+
+<p>"You are looking for some one?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Madame, I have just come from the Marquis de S&eacute;rac's apartment."</p>
+
+<p>After Wulf had disappeared Madame Ceiron returned to her office and was
+about to enter when a voice called:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Here I am, Madame Ceiron. I found your note under my door. Is there
+anything I can do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, it's you, my child. You are very kind to have come, and there is
+something that you can do for me. I want to know if you will come
+upstairs to Susy d'Orsel's room with me."</p>
+
+<p>"What on earth for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll tell you. It's this way: I am scared to go up there all
+alone."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it is rather appalling, but why do you go there, Madame
+Ceiron?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see, the police have put their seals over everything and I am
+paid one franc a day to see that nobody enters the apartment and breaks
+them. I have to take a look around from time to time, so won't you come
+with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, Madame Ceiron."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal and the conci&egrave;rge went up together and began a careful
+examination of the poor girl's rooms. While the young girl was looking
+curiously around Madame Ceiron entered the boudoir. She crossed to the
+chimney and pulled out a small casket, which was hidden behind a blue
+curtain. She opened it quickly and inspected the contents.</p>
+
+<p>"Jewels! Which would be the best to take? Ah,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> this ring and this
+bracelet ... and these earrings. Now for the key. I'll take that with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Mam'zelle Marie Pascal!"</p>
+
+<p>"Madame Ceiron?"</p>
+
+<p>"Come along, my dear. I am so frightened, it upsets me to go through
+this poor girl's apartment. Just run and see if the outer door is
+locked."</p>
+
+<p>While Marie Pascal turned her back and walked toward the door, Madame
+Ceiron suddenly pressed against a large box which fell over and spread a
+fine coal dust over the carpet.</p>
+
+<p>"It is locked, Madame Ceiron."</p>
+
+<p>"Then come along. I hope to Heaven this business will soon be cleared up
+or it will make me ill."</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later Marie Pascal had returned to her own bedroom and the
+conci&egrave;rge busied herself by opening in her office a parcel which she had
+taken from a cupboard. She was interrupted in her work by the arrival of
+a working woman who was engaged to take Madame Ceiron's place when she
+had errands to do.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to leave you alone here to-day, Madame. I have some shopping
+to do.... I am going to spend my New Year's gifts, buy a green dress and
+a hat with red feathers.... It is my turn to dress up a little."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards the conci&egrave;rge went out, taking with her the parcel
+she had prepared. But instead of going to the shopping district of
+Paris, she hurried toward the Bois de Boulogne.</p>
+
+<p>When she had reached a remote part of the wood she entered a small hut.
+A few moments later visitors to the Bois noticed the well-known
+Ouaouaoua, the Primitive Man, walking down the main pathway. The
+enigmatic and dreamy face of this man resembled neither the Marquis de
+S&eacute;rac nor Madame Ceiron and yet ...</p>
+
+<p>The science of camouflage pushed to its extreme limits produces the most
+unexpected transformations.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE KINGDOM OF HESSE-WEIMAR</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Has Monsieur le Baron any trunks to be examined? This is the
+Hesse-Weimar Customs."</p>
+
+<p>These words, spoken in a respectful but guttural voice, startled Juve
+from the deep sleep into which he had fallen after a very unpleasant
+night. The detective opened his eyes and stretched himself.</p>
+
+<p>The pale light of dawn struggled through the windows of the sleeping
+car, the curtains of which had been carefully drawn. Outside nothing was
+to be seen, for besides the mud which covered the windows a heavy fog
+lay over the country.</p>
+
+<p>The train came to a standstill, and before Juve stood an individual
+dressed in an elegant blue and yellow uniform plentifully covered with
+gold braid. Juve looked around to see the man who was being addressed by
+the title of Monsieur le Baron and finally came to the conclusion that
+it was himself to whom the man was speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you call me Monsieur le Baron?" The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> man touched his hat
+deferentially and seemed very surprised at the question.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Monsieur ... it's the custom. No one but the nobility travel first
+class."</p>
+
+<p>Juve smiled and replied:</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right, my friend, but in the future call me simply,
+'Marquis.'"</p>
+
+<p>The official again saluted and seizing Juve's valise traced on it the
+cabalistic chalk mark which allowed it to pass the frontier.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The evening before, the detective had taken his seat in the 10.50
+express from the Gare du Nord in Paris for Cologne and Berlin. He had
+the good luck to find that a sleeping car had been attached to the end
+of the train which would take him directly to Glotzbourg. At the
+frontier he changed into a local, which jogged peacefully along,
+stopping every few minutes at small stations. The country of
+Hesse-Weimar spread out attractive and varied. Numerous small hills
+crowned with woods succeeded the green valleys they passed through. The
+houses were Swiss in architecture and seemed built for comfort and
+elegance. The little Kingdom seemed to breathe peace, simplicity and
+well-being. On his arrival at Hesse-Weimar, Juve had not been without
+some apprehension.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> During his last interview with Monsieur Annion he
+had put forward the opinion that an investigation in Hesse-Weimar would
+do much to clear up the mystery surrounding the affair. As a matter of
+fact, it was more to gain time than for any other reason that Juve had
+suggested this. He had not mentioned to his chief that his real object
+in going to Glotzbourg was to try to obtain a clue as to the real or
+apparent disappearance of the King Frederick-Christian II.</p>
+
+<p>The formal declaration of the grotesque Wulf had reassured the French
+authorities as to the fate of the King, but to Juve, who knew that
+Fandor was installed at the Royal Palace, the search for the real King
+was of paramount importance.</p>
+
+<p>"Glotzbourg.... All out!"</p>
+
+<p>The detective seized his bag, hurried out of the car, hailed a cab and
+drove to the Hotel Deux-Hemispheres, which had been recommended by his
+colleague. After engaging his room Juve asked the porter to telephone to
+the police to find out when Heberlauf could see him. While waiting for
+the reply he took a bath and changed his clothes.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>After having washed and shaved, he was about to go down to the lobby of
+the Hotel when a knock came at the door.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Come in!" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>A very tall and thin individual with a parchment-like face entered and
+bowed ceremoniously.</p>
+
+<p>"To whom have I the honor...?" Juve inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Monsieur Heberlauf, head of the police at Hesse-Weimar.... Have I
+the pleasure of speaking to Monsieur Juve?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve, surprised at the visit, excused the disorder of the room and tried
+to make his guest comfortable.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Wulf advised me of your intended visit to our Capital."</p>
+
+<p>In a very few moments Juve was able to size up his man, who seemed only
+too anxious to impart information about himself and his affairs. While
+quite as simple-minded as Wulf, he appeared far more sinister. Juve also
+divined without much difficulty that his wife, Madame Heloise Heberlauf,
+was the best informed woman in the kingdom regarding gossip and scandal.</p>
+
+<p>"In fact," declared the chief of police, "I can be of very little
+assistance to you, Monsieur. But my wife can give you all the
+information you need."</p>
+
+<p>Juve made it clear to Monsieur Heberlauf that he wished to obtain an
+entry to the Court as soon as possible.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Monsieur Heberlauf replied that nothing would be easier than a
+presentation to the Queen. It happened that she was receiving in the
+afternoon, and Madame Heberlauf would take the necessary steps for his
+introduction. He ended by saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Do come and lunch with us without ceremony. You will have plenty of
+time afterward to dress for the reception.... Have you a Court costume?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve had overlooked that item.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I haven't," he replied. "Is it indispensable?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is, but don't worry, Madame Heberlauf will take charge of that. She
+will be able to find you the necessary garments." The luncheon
+engagement made for twelve o'clock sharp, the Chief of Police, now more
+solemn than ever, rose and took his leave.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"Well, Monsieur Juve, don't you think that looks fine?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve was anxiously regarding himself in the glass, examining the effect
+of his costume, while Madame Heberlauf, a fat little red-faced woman,
+was circling around, eyeing him from every angle and clapping her hands
+with pleasure at the success of her efforts.</p>
+
+<p>The lunch had been bountiful, and thoroughly German. Preserved fruit was
+served with the fish, and gooseberry jam with the roast. Juve was now
+costumed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> in knee breeches and a dress coat which permitted him to enter
+the presence of royalty.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be late," Madame Heberlauf advised, "for the Queen is very
+punctual, and there are a number of formalities to go through before you
+can be presented to her."</p>
+
+<p>The Palace of the King was on the outskirts of the town, and was reached
+by a drive through a Park which the inhabitants had named Pois de
+Pulugne. It was built upon the top of a hill and had a fine view over
+the surrounding country. The garden surrounding the Palace had been
+artistically laid out, a fine lawn stretching away from the main
+entrance. The building itself was a miniature copy of Versailles. Having
+left his carriage at the gate Juve followed Madame Heberlauf's
+instructions and made his way to the left wing of the Palace. Upon his
+card of introduction was written the title "Comte," for, as Madame
+Heberlauf had explained, the Queen had a penchant for meeting members of
+the nobility. "Your welcome will be made much easier if you are thought
+to be noble," Madame Heberlauf had explained. As it was imperative that
+the reason for Juve's visit should be kept from the Court, he had
+arranged a little story with Madame Heberlauf.</p>
+
+<p>The Comte Juve was a Canadian explorer who, after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> a trip through
+Africa, was coming to spend some time at Glotzbourg and was anxious to
+meet the reigning family.</p>
+
+<p>"God forgive us the lie," exclaimed Monsieur Heberlauf, "but as Monsieur
+Juve's mission is in the interest of the King Frederick-Christian, we
+are thoroughly justified in the deception."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The Queen's chamberlain, Monsieur Erick von Kampfen, after carefully
+examining Juve's credentials, led the detective into a drawing-room in
+which were already gathered a number of persons. An officer, in a
+wonderful uniform, came forward and introduced him to several of his
+companions.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"Princesse de Krauss, duc de Rutisheimer, colonel ..."</p>
+
+<p>Juve was not surprised at this. The excellent Madame Heberlauf had
+warned him that such was the usage of the Court, and that before being
+admitted to the presence of the sovereign, the guests were introduced to
+one another. Juve was on his guard against committing the slightest
+imprudence, but his new friends were quickly at ease with him and very
+amiable in their attentions. He was soon surrounded by a number of young
+women begging for details of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> explorations. Among these people Juve
+picked out the Princesse de Krauss, a stout woman with exaggerated
+blonde hair and red spots on her face, barely disguised under a thick
+layer of powder. She seemed to be ready for a more personal conversation
+which Juve insensibly brought to bear upon the royal couple.</p>
+
+<p>"Will His Majesty the King be present at the Queen's reception to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>The Princess looked at Juve in amazement, and then burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"It is easy to see you have just arrived from the middle of Africa, or
+you would know that His Majesty the King is in Paris.... Surely you must
+know that, since you tell me that you came through Paris on your way
+here."</p>
+
+<p>The Duchess de Rutisheimer, a rather pretty and distinguished looking
+woman, drew the detective apart and whispered behind her fan:</p>
+
+<p>"Our King is a gay bird, Count, and we know very well why he goes to
+Paris."</p>
+
+<p>The Duchess spoke with such an air of annoyance that Juve could hardly
+prevent a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"One might criticise His Majesty for going so far away to seek what was
+so close to hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, indeed, you are right," the Princess sighed, "there must be
+something about these Parisian women.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> ... I heard that the dressmakers
+of the Rue de la Paix are going to bring out some Spring models which
+are so indecent ..."</p>
+
+<p>M. Erick von Kampfen, the chamberlain, entered the room at this moment
+and announced:</p>
+
+<p>"Ladies and gentlemen, kindly pass into the gallery. Her Majesty the
+Queen will be ready to receive you in a moment."</p>
+
+<p>Behind him came the little Duc Rudolphe, who was informing some of his
+friends as though it were a fine piece of scandal:</p>
+
+<p>"The Grand Duchess Alexandra hasn't come yet ... and they are wondering
+if she will come."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h3>QUEEN HEDWIGE RECEIVES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Obedient to the Grand Chamberlain's invitation, the assembled guests
+passed into the great gallery at the end of which an immense salon was
+seen, still empty; it was the room in which the Queen held her
+drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p>It was sparsely furnished; a large gilded armchair, which was really a
+throne, stood at the farther end between two windows; the floor was
+waxed until it shone, and the surface was so slippery that Juve felt
+some fear of mishaps.</p>
+
+<p>First came the guard with a clatter of sabres, then two heralds, and
+finally Her Majesty Hedwige, Queen of Hesse-Weimar, who proceeded to the
+throne and sat down.</p>
+
+<p>She was a little body with a pinched and nervous expression of face. She
+trotted along like an old woman, her shoulders hunched up, and
+distributed nods right and left in response to the profound bows of her
+courtiers.</p>
+
+<p>This was not in the least as Juve had pictured her. He had seen her a
+dozen years previously, when she was a young girl engaged to
+Frederick-Christian; she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> had then appeared charming, and majestic in
+bearing. Now she looked like a woman of the middle class, bourgeois from
+head to heels.</p>
+
+<p>Near the throne stood two officers in gala uniform, while the guard
+formed a circle round the throne.</p>
+
+<p>The audience began.</p>
+
+<p>The first Chamberlain called out a name, and a matron, after making the
+three traditional courtseys, came forward and chatted in a low voice
+with the Queen. Juve was observing the ceremony with interest, when his
+reflections were cut short by a voice calling:</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur le Comte de Juff!"</p>
+
+<p>The detective, slightly intimidated, advanced toward the sovereign,
+while the grand Chamberlain leaned over and whispered his name and rank
+to the Queen.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur le Comte de Juff," said the Queen in a little tinkling voice,
+"I am very happy to meet you. I congratulate you upon your travels. I am
+especially interested in the natives of Africa. We had a negro village
+here a few years ago ... hadn't we, M. von Kampfen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true, your Majesty," replied the Chamberlain, bowing deeply. The
+Queen turned again to Juve:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I congratulate you, Monsieur, and I beg you to persevere in the work to
+which your special aptitude calls you."</p>
+
+<p>The interview was at an end, and Juve was left wondering whether he
+should leave the room. The Chamberlain signed to him to retire behind
+the throne, where he found the amiable Mme. Heberlauf.</p>
+
+<p>Juve, now standing quite close to the Queen, was enabled to overhear the
+next interview; with an old professor this time&mdash;Professor Muller. The
+Queen said:</p>
+
+<p>"I am very happy to meet you. I congratulate you upon your pupils. I am
+especially interested in scholars."</p>
+
+<p>Then turning to the Chamberlain:</p>
+
+<p>"We have some very excellent schools here, have we not, Monsieur
+Kampfen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true, your Majesty."</p>
+
+<p>"I congratulate you. Can I beg you to persevere in the work to which
+your special aptitude calls you?"</p>
+
+<p>It was all Juve could do to keep from bursting into laughter.</p>
+
+<p>The same speech was being made to a couple of young girls who were
+making their d&eacute;but at the Court, when the circle round the Queen noticed
+that she was growing uneasy and preoccupied. Finally<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> she turned to her
+first maid of honor, and cried in a sharp tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Really, Madame, it is extraordinary that the electric lights should
+have been turned on while it is still daylight!... Kindly see that they
+are extinguished."</p>
+
+<p>The first maid of honor, very embarrassed, passed along the order to the
+second maid of honor, who in turn hunted up the lady of the household,
+who relaid the message to the captain of the guard, and while he went in
+search of the proper subordinate, the attention of the Court was
+distracted by the entrance of an individual to whom everybody paid the
+greatest deference.</p>
+
+<p>The Chamberlain announced:</p>
+
+<p>"His Highness, Prince Gudulfin!"</p>
+
+<p>The Prince was a distinguished looking young man of twenty-five,
+clean-shaven and dressed with extreme care and richness of attire.</p>
+
+<p>He presented a great contrast to his cousin, the Queen of Hesse-Weimar,
+and as he approached the throne, his head high and a sarcastic smile on
+his lips, Hedwige seemed to shrink into her armchair, unable to meet the
+look in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The suppressed hatred of the reigning dynasty for the younger branch was
+of ancient date and a matter of common knowledge. The recent and
+prolonged<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> absence of Frederick-Christian had given Prince Gudulfin the
+opportunity by which he had profited to advance his claims and conspire
+for the overthrow of the Government, with himself as the King of
+Hesse-Weimar.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore his presence was regarded as a great piece of audacity, and
+every eye was watching how the Prince would be received. The question in
+every mind was whether the Grand Duchess Alexandra, a woman of majestic
+presence and great beauty, would also appear. Prince Gudulfin had been
+paying her conspicuous attentions, and it was rumored that the Duchess
+dreamed of a nobler crown than the one her rank gave her title to bear.</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of the two at the Queen's reception! What a scandal! But
+with the presence of the Prince came definite word that the Duchess had
+excused herself on the ground of a severe headache, a pretext which
+deceived nobody.</p>
+
+<p>Prince Gudulfin, after observing the correct formalities, stood before
+the Queen waiting for the invitation to sit by her side.</p>
+
+<p>Hedwige, still preoccupied by the electric lights, seemed to have
+forgotten him, and the situation was fast becoming embarrassing for the
+Prince, who could neither go nor stay. It was not long, however, before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>
+he saw what was troubling the Queen, and stepping aside he turned off
+the lights.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no such thing as unnecessary economy, is there, cousin?" he
+murmured with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>Hedwige blushed and gave him a furious look. She then proffered the
+tardy invitation to sit by her side. As the audience came to a close,
+the Queen in a loud voice announced:</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to inform you that I have received news of the King. His Majesty
+is well and is in Paris. He will return very soon."</p>
+
+<p>The Queen's guard now led the way back to the private apartments,
+followed by the maids of honor, and then the Queen herself hurried off
+as though glad to be finished with the whole affair.</p>
+
+<p>Juve, an attentive listener to the numberless intrigues on foot on every
+side, divined the comedies and tragedies which underlay this little
+Court, more gossipy and vulgar than a servant's parlor. Especially he
+noted the frequent and bitter allusions to the perpetual trips of the
+King to Paris. These cost the royal treasury a pretty penny, and for the
+twentieth time Juve heard references to a certain red diamond belonging
+to Frederick-Christian. He had known for a long time that such a diamond
+was numbered among the crown jewels, and that it was supposed to
+represent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> a value of several millions, but he had imagined it was kept
+in a place of safety. Now he learned that the King was suspected of
+having pawned it to raise money. With his most innocent air, he
+questioned one of the officers.</p>
+
+<p>"I should think it a very simple matter to find out whether the King
+took the diamond with him. It must surely be in the keeping of loyal and
+tried officials."</p>
+
+<p>The officer smiled:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Count, it is easily seen that you come from the depths of
+Africa. Otherwise you would know that the diamond is hidden in the
+private apartments of the King&mdash;nobody knows where, not even the Queen.
+You may easily divine the uneasiness of the people and the advantage the
+affair gives to Prince Gudulfin."</p>
+
+<p>Juve now felt that the King was still in Paris. The problem thus far had
+become clearer. But under what conditions was he living? It was quite
+possible that he had been kidnapped by some person who knew of the
+diamond's existence.</p>
+
+<p>While pondering these matters, Juve had unconsciously wandered away from
+the salon and now found himself in the ante-room on the ground floor.
+Here he came face to face with Mme. Heberlauf, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> was accompanied by a
+white-haired old man whom she at once introduced.</p>
+
+<p>"Count de Juff, let me present the Dean of the Court, the Burgomaster of
+Rung Cassel ..."</p>
+
+<p>"The deuce!" thought Juve, "a bore, by the look of him!"</p>
+
+<p>Escape was hopeless, the Burgomaster seized the detective by the arm and
+announced:</p>
+
+<p>"I am the author of a work in 25 volumes on "The History of the Dark
+Continent." Now I hear that you have just returned from a journey of
+exploration in Africa and ..."</p>
+
+<p>The old historian dragged Juve into the Palace gardens and the latter
+thought:</p>
+
+<p>"Hang it, I couldn't have pitched on a worse introduction, I don't know
+the first thing about Africa."</p>
+
+<p>But the author of the 25 volumes quickly set him at ease. For he began
+by admitting that he himself had never set foot out of Glotzbourg.</p>
+
+<p>Under these circumstances Juve recovered his nerve and glibly discussed
+the peculiarities of the African fauna.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>An hour later the two men were still talking, but this time it was Juve
+who was anxious to keep the conversation going. The good Burgomaster
+had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> drifted into gossip about the affairs of the Kingdom; suddenly he
+turned to the detective with a question:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you believe in this story about a visit to Paris?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve hesitated and then made an ambiguous reply.</p>
+
+<p>The Burgomaster continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Personally, I don't. You see, my windows look toward the large
+octagonal wing in which are the apartments of the King. Now, for the
+past week I have noticed strange lights moving about in these supposedly
+empty rooms, and I have a notion that our dear King Frederick-Christian
+is very far from being in Paris. In fact, I think he is held a prisoner
+in his own Palace!</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Monsieur, you cannot imagine the intrigues which are being hatched
+against that noble heart; the black wickedness of the soul of Prince
+Gudulfin, hidden under the exterior of his seductive person!"</p>
+
+<p>Juve was impressed. He was inclined to give some credence to the
+suppositions of the Burgomaster. For, after all, his search in Paris for
+the King had been without result and he had had the presentiment that
+his trip to Hesse-Weimar would throw some light upon the strange
+disappearance of the monarch.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>So, while the old man was talking, Juve carefully noted in his mind the
+minutest architectural details of the octagonal tower which stood out
+clearly against the sky.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MYSTERIOUS PRISON</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Good Lord! How my head aches! It feels as though it were made of
+lead!... I have a fire in my veins and such a thirst! Here and now I
+make a firm resolution never to give way again to such dissipation.
+Never again will I drink champagne in such quantities. But, where the
+deuce am I?... It's still pitch dark!... Ah, I remember ... it's
+outrageous! Help! Help!"</p>
+
+<p>King Frederick-Christian had wakened. At first he experienced the usual
+unpleasant sensations which follow a night of heavy drinking and then,
+as his memory returned, he was afraid, horribly afraid.</p>
+
+<p>He recalled his arrival at Susy d'Orsel's apartment in company with the
+young companion he had picked up at Raxim's and the subsequent supper,
+and then he broke into a cold sweat as his mind flashed to the picture
+of Fandor's return with the inanimate body of his mistress in his
+arms&mdash;dead. Yes, she was undoubtedly dead!</p>
+
+<p>And afterwards, what had happened?</p>
+
+<p>His companion had declared himself to be the journalist,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> Jerome Fandor,
+and had called him by name&mdash;Frederick-Christian. Furthermore, he had
+cried:</p>
+
+<p>"It was you who killed Susy d'Orsel. It was you who threw her out of the
+window!"</p>
+
+<p>What had happened after that? His mind was a complete blank.</p>
+
+<p>Had these events occurred recently, or a long time ago? His headache and
+thirst were proof that they could not have been far distant.</p>
+
+<p>"Where am I? Evidently not at the Royal Palace!"</p>
+
+<p>When he first wakened he was lying flat on his back; now he sat up and
+groped about with his hands. The ground beneath him was cold and hard
+... a floor of earth. So they had put him in a vault? in a cellar?</p>
+
+<p>The air he breathed was heavy and warm, and the walls of his cell felt
+damp to the touch. Could he be in prison? That was hardly possible, in
+such a short time. Besides, he was innocent! As he sat listening, he
+detected a faint and faraway rumbling sound. It seemed to come from
+above his head.</p>
+
+<p>As his senses became more fully aroused, an indefinable terror struck to
+his heart. At all costs he must take some action. He rose suddenly to
+his feet but before he reached his full height his head struck<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> the
+roof. The blow was so violent that he fell back again in a fainting
+condition.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until many hours afterward that he regained his senses
+sufficiently to make another attempt. This time he proceeded with more
+caution.</p>
+
+<p>"I am the victim of some gang," he thought. "This Jerome Fandor is
+probably the leader of a band of cutthroats who, after killing Susy
+d'Orsel, took advantage of my intoxication to make me unconscious with
+some narcotic, and then dragged me to the place I am now in."</p>
+
+<p>The King now began to explore the place on his hands and knees, his ears
+keenly alive to the slightest sound. He crawled around trying to
+discover the extent and nature of his prison.</p>
+
+<p>The floor appeared to be of hard earth with occasional stretches of
+cement. The walls were smooth, but whether of stone or metal he could
+not determine. The height of the ceiling at the point where he lay was
+not over three feet, but gradually rose, vault-like, until he was able
+to stand fully upright. Was he buried alive in some kind of tomb? The
+idea terrified him and he began to shout for help. After many fruitless
+efforts and completely exhausted, he dropped to the ground overcome with
+the horror of his situation.</p>
+
+<p>The distant rumbling sound now became louder<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> from time to time, and at
+moments shook the walls of his prison, then died away to a faint murmur.</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian now tried to collect his thoughts upon the situation
+and bring some sort of order to his mind.</p>
+
+<p>Susy d'Orsel was dead ...</p>
+
+<p>The King had felt no deep love for the girl. Still, he had been fond of
+her in a way and her sudden death affected him deeply.</p>
+
+<p>He himself was a prisoner. But a prisoner of whom? Evidently of those
+who had killed his mistress. Again, in all probability, they did not
+contemplate killing him since they had had the opportunity to do so and
+he was still alive and unharmed. This being so, they would not let him
+die of hunger and thirst.</p>
+
+<p>His watch had stopped and he had no way of measuring the lapse of time;
+but his attention was called to the fact that the rumbling noises were
+happening at greater intervals.</p>
+
+<p>"The pulse-beats of a man are separated by intervals of a second," he
+thought, "and by counting my pulse I can determine the interval between
+the rumbling, and thus gain some idea of the passing hours."</p>
+
+<p>He was about to put this plan into practice when a sudden cry escaped
+him:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Good God!"</p>
+
+<p>In the blackness of his cell a thin shaft of light appeared.</p>
+
+<p>The King sprang toward it, but found the light too feeble for him to
+distinguish surrounding objects by. It entered the cell through a small
+fissure in one of the walls, and after a few minutes was suddenly
+withdrawn. Frederick-Christian stumbled forward in the darkness and,
+after taking a few steps, his feet struck some object lying on the
+ground. Stooping down, he groped with his hands until they touched
+something that drew from him an exclamation of joy ... he had found a
+pile of bottles. He seized one and opened it with a corkscrew which lay
+near by.</p>
+
+<p>One draught and he realized that the bottle contained wine. Thereupon he
+opened several more but with the same result. To drink them would only
+increase his thirst. He had the strength to resist the temptation. Again
+he moved forward and this time ran into a large box. His hand touched
+something cold. It was meat of some kind. After smelling and tasting it
+he flung it from him. It was a salt ham.</p>
+
+<p>Hours passed while Frederick-Christian suffered the tortures of hunger
+and thirst. Cold and tired out, he finally lay down on the ground,
+writhing with violent pains in his stomach. At length he could stand it
+no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> longer, and dragging himself to the box, he seized the ham and began
+to devour it ravenously. This brought on a maddening thirst, which he
+tried to quench by long draughts of the wine. Then he became very drunk
+and so, laughing and crying, he drank until he lost consciousness once
+more.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"Sire! Can you hear me?"</p>
+
+<p>A sharp voice broke the silence. It seemed to come from a distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Sire, can you hear me?... Answer!"</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian sprang up.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is speaking? Who are you? Help! Help!"</p>
+
+<p>The voice, mocking and authoritative, answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then, keep quiet. I am not within reach, so it is useless to cry
+for help."</p>
+
+<p>"Scoundrel!" cried the King.</p>
+
+<p>"There's no use in behaving like a child ... you won't gain anything by
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Pity, pity!... I will make you rich ... I will give you anything you
+ask, only set me at liberty ... take me out of this prison or I shall
+become mad."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you done with your lamentations?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be revenged!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am beyond your vengeance, Sire, and you would do well to talk quietly
+with me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You killed my mistress, Susy d'Orsel!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I killed her."</p>
+
+<p>"You are Fandor&mdash;Jerome Fandor!"</p>
+
+<p>"What you say is absurd."</p>
+
+<p>"And my Kingdom? The Queen, my wife? What is happening?"</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't come here to discuss politics with you. You must be
+reasonable."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want with me? Why was I brought here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, now we can discuss the matter together. You ask me what I want.
+First of all, let me reassure you. I do not intend to kill you. Your
+death would not be of the slightest use to me. Otherwise I shouldn't
+hesitate an instant."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not afraid of death."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that, Sire ... you are brave.... I want your diamond."</p>
+
+<p>"My diamond!"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly. I am quite aware, Frederick-Christian, that your personal
+fortune is represented by a diamond of marvelous purity and size. I also
+know that it is hidden in your Palace. You, alone, know where. I want
+you to disclose its hiding place to me so that I may go and get it."</p>
+
+<p>"Never! I'm not a coward!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You are stupid, Sire. I repeat, once in possession of the diamond, I
+will set you at liberty."</p>
+
+<p>"Lies!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sire, consider a moment. It would be practically impossible for me to
+realize anything like the value of the diamond. To sell it I should be
+obliged to break it into small pieces, and in that case it would
+scarcely fetch more than twenty millions. Now, I have a better
+suggestion to offer."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are to give me directions how to find it. Once in my possession,
+you are free. You will then draw the sum of fifty millions from your
+bank. As King that will be quite possible. This money you will turn over
+to me in exchange for your diamond. And don't think you will be able to
+catch me. I shall take care that the exchange is made without witnesses,
+and in such a way that I run no risk of arrest. Now, what do you say to
+my proposition?"</p>
+
+<p>"I refuse."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then in two hours you will be dead. I pledge my word for
+it.... And my word has some value. Perhaps you guess who I am."</p>
+
+<p>"Who? Who?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Fant&ocirc;mas, Sire."</p>
+
+<p>At this name of horror and crime, Frederick-Christian<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> was seized with
+the utmost terror. In a broken voice he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I accept."</p>
+
+<p>And then in trembling, disjointed sentences, he gave up the secret of
+the hiding place in his Palace at Glotzbourg.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h3>THE THEFT OF THE DIAMOND</h3>
+
+
+<p>Queen Hedwige had had a serious and legitimate reason for bringing her
+reception to an abrupt conclusion. A Court ball for the high
+functionaries and dignities of the Kingdom was to take place that
+evening.</p>
+
+<p>Furthermore, the Queen was very much exercised over the rumor that the
+Grand Duchess Alexandra was to be present. This woman, still young and
+very beautiful, played an important r&ocirc;le in the small world of the
+Palace. It was said by the gossips that she accepted the attentions of
+Prince Gudulfin, in the hope that some day she might share the throne of
+Hesse-Weimar with him. For many years she had been a great traveler but
+in recent times she had spent more and more of her time in Glotzbourg,
+where she continually met the Prince.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>While Juve had experienced no difficulty in being present at the Queen's
+audience, he found that even Mme. Heberlauf's influence was not
+sufficient to procure him an invitation to the ball. As a matter of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
+fact, he had no particular wish to appear in the quality of a guest that
+evening. He had other plans.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>At ten o'clock a long line of carriages and automobiles began to arrive
+in the gardens of the Palace. Innumerable electric lights shone out
+along the drive-way and from the windows. A few persons had managed to
+slip past the guards and had stationed themselves near the awning at the
+main entrance to watch the arrival of the guests. Beneath their fur
+cloaks, the women wore their very finest gowns and their richest
+jewelry.</p>
+
+<p>The hall of the chancellory had been transformed into a cloakroom and
+there the crowd was thickest. In contrast to the brilliantly illuminated
+left wing of the ch&acirc;teau, the octagonal tower showed dark and silent.
+Hiding behind pillars, keeping close to the walls, a man was making his
+way slowly toward that tower.</p>
+
+<p>The man was Juve.</p>
+
+<p>From behind a big tree he stood and watched the sky, rubbing his hands
+with satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a night after my own heart," he murmured, "overcast and dark. I
+should have been very embarrassed had the moon come out."</p>
+
+<p>He felt his pockets.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Everything I need. My electric lamp and a good, strong, silk ladder."</p>
+
+<p>Then, surveying the tower, he soliloquized:</p>
+
+<p>"A fine monument! Solid and strong. They don't build them like that
+nowadays."</p>
+
+<p>Juve took a few steps, bent his knees and stretched his arms, tested the
+suppleness of his body.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, in spite of my forty-odd years, I'm still pretty fit for ... the
+work I have to do."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>By the aid of the lightning rod, the gutters and the inequalities in the
+stones, the detective was enabled to climb without much difficulty to
+the first floor.</p>
+
+<p>There he paused to take breath and to examine the shutters of a window.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't get in that way," he muttered, "they're bolted inside. I'll have
+to climb higher."</p>
+
+<p>The same condition met him on the second floor, but when he had finally
+reached the roof, he espied a large chimney which promised a method of
+ingress to the apartment below. The descent was anything but easy, and
+Juve, in spite of his great strength and agility, was used up by the
+time he had reached the bottom. His clothes were torn and he was covered
+with the greasy soot he had accumulated on his journey. By dint of
+brushing and scraping, he succeeded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> in cleaning off the worst of it,
+and then looked round to take his bearings.</p>
+
+<p>He had landed in the large waiting-room which adjoined the royal
+apartments.</p>
+
+<p>The distant sound of dance music came to his ears and the atmosphere of
+the place was cold and damp.</p>
+
+<p>"He doesn't often come here, I'll bet," thought Juve.</p>
+
+<p>A door led him directly into the King's bathroom, and Juve paused to
+admire the famous bath of solid silver which the municipality had
+presented to the King upon one of his birthdays.</p>
+
+<p>"I've a good mind to take a tub," he muttered. "Maybe I shall find His
+Majesty locked in his bedroom, and I'm hardly a fit sight to appear
+before him."</p>
+
+<p>The detective now felt some cause for anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>There were two alternatives to consider. Either the King was absent, and
+in that case Juve's business would be to discover the hiding place of
+the diamond and clear up the question whether the King had taken it with
+him, or, if he had been sequestered, to discover his prison.</p>
+
+<p>Clutching the butt of his Browning revolver in his pocket, the detective
+opened the door to the King's bedroom and entered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A thick carpet deadened the sound of his footsteps. After listening for
+a few moments he relit his pocket lamp and flashed it round the room.</p>
+
+<p>In the centre stood an immense bed of oak designed in Renaissance style,
+the posts of which reached to the ceiling. Three steps led up to it.
+Juve noticed that it had not been disturbed. The sheets and pillows were
+all in order. There was nothing, however, to indicate that the King had
+been absent for any length of time.</p>
+
+<p>Upon one point he was certain: The King was not concealed anywhere about
+the room, and the more he thought of the Burgomaster's suspicion, the
+less he thought it plausible. But if the King had not been sequestered,
+it was quite possible that he might be purposely hiding after his
+unfortunate adventure of the Rue de Monceau. Therefore, Juve decided to
+pursue his search through the other rooms.</p>
+
+<p>But first he began mechanically to tap the wood-work, looking behind the
+pictures for the hiding place of the famous diamond. In his time he had
+seen so many secret drawers, double-seated chairs, and numerous
+contrivances of a similar sort, that it would be a cunning hand that
+could baffle his perspicacity and experience.</p>
+
+<p>He had just examined a chair when suddenly he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> stopped in his work and
+waited, listening. The sound of footsteps some distance off struck his
+ear. Without a moment's hesitation he put out his light and darted
+behind the curtains. It was a good position to take up for he could see
+without being seen.</p>
+
+<p>The footsteps drew near, the door opened and a light from an electric
+lantern similar to the one Juve had used, was thrown into the room.</p>
+
+<p>The individual advanced to the bed, all unaware of Juve's presence.
+Stooping down, he began feeling the foot of one of the bedposts, which
+at this point formed a bulge. In an instant the wood parted and
+disclosed a hollow in which lay a jewel case. The jewel case contained
+the famous red diamond.</p>
+
+<p>Juve's heart began to thump as he watched the man open the case and take
+out the diamond. Its facets reflected the light, multiplying the gleams
+and bringing into relief the features of the robber.</p>
+
+<p>Then it was that the detective uttered a great cry, a cry of agony, of
+anger and of triumph. The man was wrapped in a great cloak, his face
+hidden by a black mask, but there was no mistaking his identity. It was
+Fant&ocirc;mas.</p>
+
+<p>Juve's cry called forth another, ferocious and menacing, and then in a
+moment the room was plunged into darkness and the two men sprang at one
+another.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> Two revolver shots rang out. The dancers heard them in the
+ballroom and stopped dancing. The musicians heard them and ceased
+playing.</p>
+
+<p>At once a stampede ensued.</p>
+
+<p>Two officers of the guard rushed to the door leading to the King's
+apartments, and flung it wide open. One of them turned on the electric
+light and, followed by the frightened guests, entered the King's
+bedchamber.</p>
+
+<p>At the foot of the bed, struggling in a long cloak, a man with his hands
+over his face lay moaning. By his side was a smoking revolver, and on
+the ground the empty jewel case.</p>
+
+<p>"Arrest him!" somebody cried.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment a number of hands had seized and bound him. It was noticed
+that his eyelids were fearfully swollen and the eyes bloodshot.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>What had happened!</p>
+
+<p>The struggle between Juve and the monster had scarcely lasted a second.</p>
+
+<p>The detective had fired point blank at the black mask and as his finger
+pressed the trigger he had felt the whistle of a bullet past his ear.</p>
+
+<p>Then a door had opened slightly, letting in a thin shaft of light. To
+his amazement, Fant&ocirc;mas no longer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> stood before him, but an officer in
+the uniform of the Queen's lancers.</p>
+
+<p>Juve was not taken in by this quick change, and was on the point of
+firing again when suddenly his eyes were filled with a blinding powder,
+burning and blistering the pupils. He had been blinded by pepper.
+Instinctively he put his hands to his face, and in that moment he felt
+himself enveloped in the long cloak in which Fant&ocirc;mas had entangled him.
+Falling to the ground in agony he then heard the cry:</p>
+
+<p>"Help! Help!"</p>
+
+<p>By the sudden and growing noise, he realized that the crowd was drawing
+near. When he had struggled to a sitting posture, he found himself a
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>The sudden change from darkness to bright light increased the pain in
+his eyes, but with a superhuman effort he was enabled to pick out the
+superb uniform of the false lancer. Pointing to him, he cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Arrest him, why don't you arrest him!"</p>
+
+<p>Brutally, he was told to keep quiet.</p>
+
+<p>The noise of the theft spread rapidly and the greatest confusion reigned
+in the Palace. Many of the women fainted. Finally M. Heberlauf arrived.
+He appeared immensely important, and confided to a group his opinion of
+the affair, adding this restriction:</p>
+
+<p>"At any rate, that is what my wife believes."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mme. Heberlauf had, in fact, after an interview with one of the
+officers, announced it as her opinion that the thief so providentially
+arrested was no other than the world-famous and unseizable Fant&ocirc;mas.</p>
+
+<p>And then a queer thing happened. When the Grand Duchess Alexandra heard
+this sinister name spoken, when she knew that Fant&ocirc;mas had been
+arrested, she staggered as though struck to the heart and fell fainting
+into the arms of her friends.</p>
+
+<p>"Fant&ocirc;mas!" she murmured, "Fant&ocirc;mas arrested! Can it be possible?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve was taken away tightly bound. He seemed indifferent to the clamor
+of the crowd and constantly looked from side to side as though searching
+for something or somebody. Suddenly, as he passed the group surrounding
+the Grand Duchess Alexandra, he made a violent effort and dragged his
+captors close enough to enable him to see the fainting woman's features.
+One look was enough, and then without further resistance he allowed
+himself to be marched away. He had found out what he wanted to know; he
+had recognized in the Grand Duchess the mistress of Fant&ocirc;mas, the
+accomplice of his most dreadful crimes. He had seen Lady Beltham!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+
+<h3>ON THE RIGHT TRAIL</h3>
+
+
+<p>"The Bureau of Public Highways, if you please?"</p>
+
+<p>"What is it you wish to inquire about?"</p>
+
+<p>"I want some information as to the probable duration of certain repair
+works."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, then go to the fourth floor, number 54, door to the right at the
+end of the passage."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks."</p>
+
+<p>With a slight nod, the visitor entered the huge building on the
+Boulevard Saint-Germain, which houses the offices of Public Works. He
+was a young man, dressed in a long black overcoat, a derby hat, which he
+wore well down over his eyes, and a wide bandage that covered one eye
+and part of the cheek.</p>
+
+<p>After climbing the four flights indicated, he discovered that he had
+evidently taken the wrong staircase. There was nothing to do then but to
+go back to the porter's lodge and get more explicit instructions. But
+after taking a few steps, he hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Fandor, old chap," he soliloquized, "what's the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> use of showing
+yourself and taking the risk of being recognized as the erstwhile King
+of Hesse-Weimar?"</p>
+
+<p>For the individual who was in search of the Bureau of Public Works was
+no other than the journalist. An hour previously he had succeeded by
+clever strategy in getting rid of the excellent Wulf, who was at all
+times very loath to let the King out of his sight. Then, rushing to his
+own apartment, he had changed his clothes and partly covered his face
+with the bandage to conceal his features.</p>
+
+<p>After several futile attempts, aided by innumerable directions from
+passing employ&eacute;s, he at length reached the office of which he was in
+search. There he encountered a clerk who viewed him with a suspicious
+eye.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want, Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"I want some information."</p>
+
+<p>"We don't give information here."</p>
+
+<p>"Really!... Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you a contractor?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"You wish to lodge a complaint?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Then what is your business?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just to get some information as to the probable duration of certain
+works."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You are not a reporter?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not a reporter. I am an advertising agent."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, that's different. The office you are looking for is number 43, the
+door opposite ... but there's nobody in now. However, you can wait."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor crossed and entered room 43, where, after a moment, he discovered
+an occupant tucked away behind an enormous pile of books and
+manuscripts. This clerk was absorbed in a yellow-covered novel and
+greeted Fandor with evident ill-humor.</p>
+
+<p>"What d'you want?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would like to know, Monsieur, the probable duration of the repair
+work in operation at the Place de la Concorde."</p>
+
+<p>"And why do you want to know that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am an advertising agent, and I may have a proposition to offer to the
+city."</p>
+
+<p>"And at what point is this work in operation?"</p>
+
+<p>"At the corner of the wall of the Orangery and the Quay."</p>
+
+<p>After consulting a large register, the clerk turned to Fandor, shutting
+the book with a bang.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing is being done there. You are mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>"But I've just come from there. There is a ditch and a palisade."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, no, no such thing. In every quarter of Paris the police are obliged
+to notify me of any public works in operation, and an entry is made in
+my register to that effect. Now, I have no record of the repairs you
+speak of, consequently they don't exist."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor left the office, hailed a cab and ordered the driver to take him
+to the National Library.</p>
+
+<p>"Hang it," he muttered, "I saw the ditch and the palisade myself! Now,
+if they are not the work of the city, it will be interesting to find out
+what is going on there.... Ah! suppose this idiot Wulf was not deceived!
+Suppose he really heard the Singing Fountains the other evening giving
+the last bars of the national hymn of Hesse-Weimar!"</p>
+
+<p>Arrived at the National Library, Fandor began a long and minute search
+through volumes on architecture, on statuary and a multitude of guide
+books to Paris! He was so engrossed in his work that when four o'clock
+struck he sprang up suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens! I've scarcely time to get back to my apartment, change
+into my kingly clothes and meet Wulf, to become once more His Majesty
+Frederick-Christian!"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>In his apartment in his own house, the extraordinary Marquis de S&eacute;rac,
+who was also the common Mme.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> Ceiron, was whispering to a person hidden
+behind the curtains.</p>
+
+<p>"You understand, don't move and listen with all your ears, and promise
+me not to interfere until I give you permission!"</p>
+
+<p>"I promise. Monsieur le Marquis," replied the individual in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, then I'll have her in."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis crossed the room and opened a door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in, Mademoiselle, and forgive me for keeping you waiting. I had
+visitors."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Monsieur," replied Marie Pascal, for it was the young seamstress,
+"don't mention it ... and let me thank you for your recommendation to
+the King. I got two big orders from it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I was very glad to be of service to you with
+Frederick-Christian.... I regret only one thing, Mademoiselle, and that
+is the unhappy events which have clouded His Majesty's visit to Paris."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed," replied Marie Pascal, "and in such a tragic way, too!"</p>
+
+<p>"A tragic way, Mademoiselle? I imagine this has quite upset you."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis emphasized his words.</p>
+
+<p>"So I thought, so I thought ... especially you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The young girl lifted her pure blue eyes in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"The King spoke to me of you at great length," the Marquis added.</p>
+
+<p>A quick blush overspread her face.</p>
+
+<p>"Really.... The King spoke of me?"</p>
+
+<p>"His Majesty told me you were charming. He noticed you the very first
+time you went to see him."</p>
+
+<p>"At the Royal Palace?... But he only got a glimpse of me through the
+open door."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it doesn't take long for a King ... or a young man to sometimes
+dream of the impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible ... yes, you are right."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal pronounced the last words in a serious voice. She was
+making an evident effort to keep calm. The Marquis, on the other hand,
+seemed inclined to joke.</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible, why?... One never knows ... the will of the King knows no
+obstacle." Then brusquely turning, he asked:</p>
+
+<p>"You like the King, Mademoiselle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why ... why ..."</p>
+
+<p>"Therefore, I'm wondering if the death of this unfortunate Susy is not
+really a benefit."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Monsieur!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you know, Mademoiselle Marie, the happiness<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> of one person is
+made of the tears of another. You would have suffered. You would have
+been jealous."</p>
+
+<p>As though against her will, Marie Pascal repeated in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I should have been jealous."</p>
+
+<p>"Terribly jealous, for Susy d'Orsel was pretty. Besides, a liaison with
+her wasn't taken seriously by the King ... while with you it would have
+been quite different ... why, I believe you would have reached the point
+of wishing her death."</p>
+
+<p>"No! no!" protested Marie feebly, "the King would have made his choice
+... frankly and loyally...."</p>
+
+<p>"And suppose he hadn't chosen? Suppose he had hesitated before the
+possible scandal of a rupture? Don't you care enough for him to realize
+that the very idea of sharing him with another would have been
+intolerable?... What I am saying sounds brutal, I know, but I am frank
+with you.... Believe me, you would have been driven to hate the
+unfortunate Susy."</p>
+
+<p>"To hate her? Yes, ... perhaps ... for I should have been jealous!"</p>
+
+<p>And then suddenly Marie realized what her words meant: that she had
+betrayed her cherished secret ... her love. In a moment she burst into
+sobs and collapsed on the sofa.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Marquis de S&eacute;rac very gently tried to reassure her.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't cry, my poor child. After all, you are lamenting imaginary
+misfortunes which I have so imprudently imagined.... They don't exist,
+and never could exist, for it is a fact that Susy d'Orsel is no longer a
+rival to be feared. Think rather of the future which smiles upon you.
+You love and you have some reason to hope that you are loved in return,
+so dry your eyes ... fate has withdrawn the one obstacle which existed
+between you and the King."</p>
+
+<p>Tremblingly, Marie Pascal rose.</p>
+
+<p>"Forgive me, Monsieur, for this stupid scene. I lost my self ...
+control.... I confessed a feeling which I should have kept a secret....
+I'm so confused I no longer know what I'm saying ... so please let me
+go."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis, with exquisite politeness, opened the door for her.</p>
+
+<p>"Promise to come and see me again, Mademoiselle; before long I shall
+probably have something further of interest to say to you."</p>
+
+<p>When the door had closed upon Marie Pascal, the Marquis drew aside the
+porti&egrave;res.</p>
+
+<p>"Come out, my dear fellow.... We shall be alone now!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Wulf appeared. A Wulf literally armed to the teeth, and ready for any
+emergency.</p>
+
+<p>"Put up your arsenal, we are in no danger," exclaimed the Marquis, "and
+tell me what you think of the visit."</p>
+
+<p>"I think there is not a moment to lose," replied Wulf, agitated. "She
+loves the King and she hated Susy d'Orsel, therefore she is the
+assassin. She is the cause of all the troubles that have fallen upon the
+head of our beloved sovereign. Ah! I want to arrest her! Condemn her to
+death! Come, Marquis, let us go to her room and seize her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet a while, Wulf; sit down and talk it over. To begin with, we can
+arrest nobody without proof ... presumption is not sufficient."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll force her to confess!"</p>
+
+<p>"You wouldn't succeed, Wulf, and besides, you have no power to arrest
+her yourself. That is work for the French authorities. Your duty is
+simply to go and warn Juve."</p>
+
+<p>"Right away! At once!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on ... remember, you are to do nothing without my permission. Now,
+I repeat, we have no proof yet to offer ... but listen carefully, for I
+have a plan ... this is it...."</p>
+
+<p>Two hours later, Wulf rejoined Fandor in a boulevard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> caf&eacute;. The
+excellent man had such an air of elation that the journalist wondered:</p>
+
+<p>"What fool thing is this idiot getting ready to do now!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+
+<h3>A SLEEPER</h3>
+
+
+<p>Fandor sat up in bed as the door of his room opened to admit the
+cautious head of Wulf. "Your Majesty is awake?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my Majesty is awake and ready to get up. Wulf, we are going out
+to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"As your Majesty wishes."</p>
+
+<p>"The Queen has written to say that she is getting bored, and wants me
+home again. That being the case we had better make the most of our few
+remaining days, you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not very well."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, this afternoon we must look up some pretty girls and, as my cousin
+the King of England says, 'Honi soit qui mal y pense.' Evil to him who
+evil thinks. And now, au revoir, my dear Wulf; by and by I'll invite you
+to crack a bottle with me."</p>
+
+<p>The punctilious Wulf made the three bows demanded by etiquette, turned
+on his heel, and left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor sprang out of bed and began to dress.</p>
+
+<p>"After all, it's not altogether a joke," he muttered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> "I had to listen
+to that idiot Wulf jawing away all yesterday evening ... and if I
+remember right, he said something about being suspicious of that little
+Marie Pascal. I'll have to stop him making more blunders. He's quite
+capable of having her arrested. Anyway, Wulf is to do nothing till the
+return of Juve, and that will give me time to take my precautions."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Fandor and Wulf had just finished a very excellent dinner, which Fandor
+paid for out of his own pocket. He was careful not to take any of the
+royal funds for his personal use. Wulf hovered on the borderland of
+drunkenness, but his ideas still showed some coherence. For the
+twentieth time he asked Fandor the same question:</p>
+
+<p>"But, Sire, why the deuce are you wearing a false moustache and whiskers
+to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"So that I may not be recognized, my friend. I don't like having to give
+royal tips everywhere."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor was not speaking the truth. His disguise was assumed for other
+reasons. He did not wish to be recognized either as Frederick-Christian
+or as Fandor. Since noon&mdash;and it was now ten o'clock at night&mdash;the two
+men had been doing Paris together, and Wulf had received the very
+gratifying appellations of "my excellent friend," "my subtle detective,"
+and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> other flattering names, so he was now dreaming of decorations, new
+decorations created especially for him.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor interrupted his thoughts by patting him familiarly on the
+shoulder:</p>
+
+<p>"Now that we've had dinner, I'm going to tell you something. We've had
+quite a day of it; we've visited the Bois, where you spat in the lake,
+the action of a reflective mind; we've been to the top of the Arc de
+Triomphe and to the Madeleine, so now there is only one joy remaining."</p>
+
+<p>Wulf nodded: "To pay for the dinner."</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly," laughed Fandor, "that's more of a penance. No, I was
+referring to a chance meeting, a charming feminine figure, a kiss, a
+caress. Wulf, what would you say to two plump white arms around your
+neck?"</p>
+
+<p>Wulf became purple in the face.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Sire, that would be great! But when I am with your Majesty, I don't
+look at women."</p>
+
+<p>"And why not, Wulf?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because the women only look at you."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, Wulf, that's so; but there is a way of fixing that. You
+order a drink which I will pay for, then sit here and count all the
+carriages that pass in the street while I do an errand, it will only
+take twenty-five<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> minutes.... I'm going to see a girl I know you
+understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Sire. Must I count all the carriages?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, only those drawn by white horses. Au revoir, Wulf."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor left the caf&eacute; and hailed a cab:</p>
+
+<p>"Rue Bonaparte. I'll tell you where to stop." He settled back in his
+seat, an anxious frown on his face.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll just drop a hint to Juve," he thought. "One never knows what may
+happen.... I suppose he'll be back soon ... to-morrow morning or evening
+... and won't he be glad to hear the result of my search!"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor tapped on the glass with his cane, got out, paid the driver and
+made his way to the house where Juve lived. He still had his pass-key
+and let himself in, calling:</p>
+
+<p>"Hello! Juve, are you in?"</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer, so Fandor sat at Juve's desk and wrote a long
+letter, then tracing a diagram upon another sheet, he put them into an
+envelope addressed to "Monsieur Juve&mdash;Urgent."</p>
+
+<p>When he rejoined Wulf, he found the faithful detective on his job.</p>
+
+<p>"I've counted up to 99, Sire, but I'm not quite sure<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> that I'm exact. A
+bay horse passed, and I wasn't sure whether to count him or not."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right, we'll take this up another time. I've spoken of you
+to my little friend and she is crazy to meet you, Wulf."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Sire! Sire!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes ... so come along."</p>
+
+<p>"To her house?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no&mdash;this lady is poetic, she wants the first meeting to take place
+in appropriate surroundings."</p>
+
+<p>While Wulf was cudgeling his brains to think up a verse or two to fit
+the occasion, Fandor guided him down the Rue Castiglione, the Rue de
+Rivoli and at length reached the Place de la Concorde. He cast an
+anxious glance as he passed at the mysterious repairs, repairs not
+indexed by the administration, and then turned to the Singing Fountains.</p>
+
+<p>"Sire, is this the place?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Wulf, but first there are a few formalities to be gone through."</p>
+
+<p>The two men had reached the parapet overlooking the Seine.</p>
+
+<p>"You are to stand here, Wulf, and look down at the water. You are not to
+take your eyes off it."</p>
+
+<p>"Why? What does your Majesty mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I have a surprise in store for you, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> also I wish to bring
+about the meeting in a natural manner&mdash;to spare the lady's feelings. Now
+I shall go to meet her and take her to the Singing Fountains. When I
+whistle you are to join us. Does that meet with your approval?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your Majesty is most kind."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor moved away and after glancing back to make sure Wulf was obeying
+orders, he quickly drew his revolver and approached the works.</p>
+
+<p>"I must remember Juve's precept," he muttered, "never fire first, and
+then only when you're sure to hit."</p>
+
+<p>The journalist now examined the palisade which surrounded a ditch of
+some depth dug in the angle made by the Orangery walls.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't see anything from the outside," he thought, "so I'll go in."</p>
+
+<p>With a running jump he succeeded in catching hold of the palisade top
+and in a moment was sitting astride of it.</p>
+
+<p>Nobody was in sight. Fandor was a little surprised. He expected to be
+confronted by some sinister individual.</p>
+
+<p>"All right," he growled, "if you don't mind I'll come in."</p>
+
+<p>Letting go of the top he slid down to the ground.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> There he found a
+large hole in which was placed a ladder. This led to the bottom of the
+ditch where a series of pipes protruded from the soil. Fandor lit his
+pocket lamp and carefully examined the surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," he exclaimed, "it looks as though some perfectly natural repair
+work was going on."</p>
+
+<p>He then went down listening at each pipe mouth. One of them gave out a
+peculiar sound, steady and cadenced, in fact, a snore, a real snore.</p>
+
+<p>"Can he be asleep," he muttered.</p>
+
+<p>Climbing quickly out of the ditch, Fandor reached the street again and
+ran toward the Singing Fountains.</p>
+
+<p>"Either the 'Curiosities of Paris' which I read yesterday in the library
+is a collection of bad jokes, or the body of the third statue ..."</p>
+
+<p>He did not complete his thought.</p>
+
+<p>After once more making sure that nobody was about, and that the
+excellent Wulf was still absorbed in contemplation of the Seine, he
+climbed into the basin at the foot of one of the bronze naiads and waded
+through mud and water to the base of the statue.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then, let's see, what must I do next? Seize the statue by the
+neck, place the left hand in the middle of the body and sway it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Suiting the action to the word, the journalist applied all his force and
+in a moment the statue parted in two and swung toward him. The hollow
+interior appeared like a black hole. Bending forward, Fandor cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Sire, Sire, can you hear me?"</p>
+
+<p>His voice came echoing back to him, but there was no reply from the
+depths.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I can't be mistaken!" he cried, desperately. "Wulf heard this
+fountain singing the national anthem of Hesse-Weimar, the statue is
+hollow, therefore the King should be hidden in it."</p>
+
+<p>Again he stood, listening. After a pause an exclamation of surprise
+escaped him.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it's the same noise I heard in the pipe ... it's a snore ... the
+unfortunate man is somewhere asleep!"</p>
+
+<p>To call louder would have been dangerous, and besides, quick action was
+necessary.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing venture, nothing gain," he whispered, as, revolver in hand, he
+stepped inside the statue. He slid rapidly down for a distance of six or
+eight feet and then landed on earth. There he lay for a minute or two,
+reasoning that if he should be met by a fusillade, he would be safer in
+that position.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>However, complete silence reigned about him, broken only by the steady
+and distant snoring.</p>
+
+<p>Then, lighting his electric lamp, Fandor began a survey of the premises
+into which he had so daringly intruded.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+
+<h3>FREE!</h3>
+
+
+<p>After a brief inspection, a cry of surprise rose to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Good Lord!... there he is! Frederick-Christian."</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed the King&mdash;a prisoner in the hollow foundations of the
+Singing Fountains.</p>
+
+<p>"Sire, Sire!"</p>
+
+<p>The King slept on. But his sleep seemed troubled; he breathed in gasps.</p>
+
+<p>"Sire! Sire! Wake up! I have come to save you! Upon my word, that is
+what might be called a royal sleep."</p>
+
+<p>The journalist's words made no impression on the sleeping monarch, so,
+ignoring all formality, he laid hands upon the King and gave him a
+violent shaking.</p>
+
+<p>"For Heaven's sake, try to recognize me ... speak to me ... I am Jerome
+Fandor ... I've come to save you."</p>
+
+<p>In leaning over the sleeping man, Fandor suddenly got a whiff of his
+breath and then drew back, amazed.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, he's drunk! As drunk as a lord! Where<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> the deuce did he get it?...
+Ah, these empty bottles!... Wine!... and ham ... no wonder! What on
+earth shall I do with him now? How can I get him out of here? I can't
+leave him in the hands of the cutthroats who have imprisoned him.... But
+if I do take him away, how the devil will Juve and I be able to catch
+the accomplices of Fant&ocirc;mas, if he has any?"</p>
+
+<p>"Juve!"</p>
+
+<p>The very name of the detective gave him an inspiration.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's the only way out of it ... first of all, I must save the
+King, get him out of danger, and then arrange a trap to catch my gang."
+Fandor deliberated a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"There's no doubt I shall run the risk of being killed in his place, but
+that's a risk I shall have to take."</p>
+
+<p>And then a smile spread over the journalist's features.</p>
+
+<p>"What an idiot I am! After all, there's no danger ... it was a happy
+thought of mine leaving that note for Juve ... he'll come to-morrow at
+the latest ... that gives me the rest of the night."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor's ruse, its daring and its almost unheard of devotion, appeared
+to him quite natural. It was simply<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> to set the King at liberty and
+remain himself in his place.</p>
+
+<p>While he undoubtedly ran the risk of a bullet in his body, yet the
+carefully drawn plan he had left in Juve's rooms would enable the
+detective to find his prison without difficulty.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The first problem that presented itself was to get the drunken King
+away.</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian lay, an inert mass, quite incapable of rendering any
+assistance. Fandor began by drawing himself up to the opening and taking
+a look around. The Place de la Concorde was deserted.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to work!" he cried. "There is nothing for me to do but to haul
+him out, then put the body of the statue back in place.... If in three
+days nothing happens, why I shall be free to leave. The ham will keep me
+going, and as for the wine ... Ah! an idea!"</p>
+
+<p>The journalist seized half a dozen of the empty bottles, climbed out and
+filled them with water; returning, he drew from his pocket a thin silk
+cord he had taken from Juve's room. By its aid and with a strength of
+which his slender figure gave no evidence, he succeeded in hauling the
+King up to the open air.</p>
+
+<p>"And now for another foot bath," exclaimed Fandor; "saving Kings is a
+sorry business."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Having waded again through the icy water of the basin, Fandor carried
+the unconscious monarch upon his shoulders and deposited his burden on
+the sidewalk. He was about to regain his dungeon when he suddenly
+paused:</p>
+
+<p>"The deuce! I was forgetting! When he becomes sober again, he'll have
+forgotten all about his adventure ... he'll kick up a row at the Royal
+Palace.... I must warn him."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor took out his notebook, wrote a few lines which he enclosed in an
+envelope and pinned it upon the King's coat. Upon the envelope was
+written:</p>
+
+<p>"I am to read this when I wake."</p>
+
+<p>His next proceeding was to blow a shrill whistle.</p>
+
+<p>"It's your turn now, my dear Wulf ... you won't find the fair unknown
+you expect, but you'll get back your Prince, slightly the worse for
+wear."</p>
+
+<p>The journalist now swung the statue back in place, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>"Au revoir, Monsieur, I'm off to take your place ... sorry I can't stay
+to see the meeting with Wulf ... he'll find his King somewhat
+changed.... I ought to have given you my moustache and beard."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Fandor passed a horrible night. He was obliged to economize the use of
+his electric lamp, which was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> only capable of giving several hours of
+light, so after a careful survey of his lodging, he extinguished it and
+lay down to get what rest he could.</p>
+
+<p>"Not much fun for the King here!" he thought, "it's devilish monotonous
+... can't see anything, and nothing to hear ... hold on, I can
+distinguish three separate noises, the plash of the water from the
+fountains, the rumble of carriages, and that heavy sound can only be the
+passage of trains from the North-South in the tunnel, which if I mistake
+not is right under my prison ... and these Singing Fountains ... they
+are accounted for by the King howling when he got drunk ... but what
+about the night Susy d'Orsel was killed?... The King wasn't here then,
+and yet they were heard singing?"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor was not long in reaching the solution of the mystery.</p>
+
+<p>"What a fool I am!... the murder of Susy d'Orsel, the imprisonment of
+the King, are both the work of Fant&ocirc;mas! Fant&ocirc;mas must have known this
+hiding place a long time ago.... It was he who tried the experiment of
+making the statues sing to find out whether the sound could be heard
+above.... And to think that this monster has been arrested by Juve! And
+without me, too!... I shall have only the glory of showing up a few of
+his accomplices, and if they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> don't come in two or three days, why, I
+shall clear out."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor rose and went toward the base of the naiad.</p>
+
+<p>"It's still dark. I might just as well get a breath of fresh air."</p>
+
+<p>With a gymnastic leap, the journalist reached the body of the statue and
+switched on his electric light. He made a horrible discovery. To reach
+the King he had maneuvered the statue from the outside. He realized now
+that it was impossible to open it from the inside. In his daring folly
+he had shut himself in and possibly condemned himself to the most
+terrible torture.</p>
+
+<p>Now he began a struggle to regain his liberty. He tore his fingers and
+broke his nails in vain despairing efforts ... at length he gave up,
+beaten. He was irrevocably a prisoner. When he realized his situation he
+sank to the ground, a cry escaping his lips:</p>
+
+<p>"Juve! Juve! If only Juve finds my letter. If only he comes to save
+me!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+
+<h3>FREDERICK-CHRISTIAN</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Another drink, Monsieur Louis?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I've had about enough."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no ... this is my turn to treat."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, since you put it that way, Monsieur Wulf, I can't refuse."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides," added the barkeeper, "this is some very special vermouth,
+only served to old clients."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," laughed Wulf, "I hope we're included in that category, for you
+certainly have no better client than myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me," replied the barkeeper, smiling, "we have one, your boss,
+Monsieur Wulf, the King Frederick-Christian.... And while he doesn't
+always finish his drinks he always pays for them."</p>
+
+<p>"And that's the important thing," added M. Louis.</p>
+
+<p>It was about ten in the morning, and in the bar of the Royal Palace,
+deserted at this early hour, were M. Louis, Major-domo of the hotel,
+Wulf, and the barkeeper, who in his turn offered a round of drinks on
+the house.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As the glasses were being filled, the telephone rang to say that his
+Majesty wanted to see Wulf.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right," replied Wulf condescendingly, "I'll be along by and
+by."</p>
+
+<p>After several more vermouths, Wulf grew expansive:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know, Monsieur Louis, that I've actually saved the King's life
+twice in five days!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty good work," commented M. Louis, politely.</p>
+
+<p>"The first time was the day after my arrival in Paris. Your Government
+wanted to kick up a fuss over the death of the King's little sweetheart;
+in fact, they went so far as to talk of his arrest." Wulf stopped
+suddenly, alarmed:</p>
+
+<p>"But that is a state secret which I may not tell you. The second time
+was yesterday evening, or rather early this morning. You see the King
+and I had been off on a spree together."</p>
+
+<p>As the barkeeper looked surprised at this announcement, Wulf explained:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, we're a couple of pals, the King and I ... like two fingers of one
+hand ... that's why I was in no hurry to answer his call just now....
+Well, as I was saying, we were having a little spree, and the King was
+going to introduce me to a little ... but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> that's another secret....
+I'll skip the details, it is enough to say that after waiting a while, I
+found, instead of the girl, the King, my King. And where? Beside the
+Singing Fountains in the Place de la Concorde. Ah! my dear friends, what
+a state he was in! I hardly knew him at first; in fact, I shouldn't have
+known him at all if I were not such a sharp detective. He had removed
+his false beard and spectacles. I tell you Frederick-Christian has aged
+ten years, his clothes were torn and covered with mud, and moreover he
+was dead drunk! How he managed it in the time I don't know, for he
+wasn't away from me for more than an hour. What would you have done in
+my place? Left there in that deserted street he would have been at the
+mercy of the first thief or assassin. Therefore, I say, I saved his life
+by putting him into a cab and bringing him back to the Royal Palace.
+While I was helping to put him to bed, I noticed a letter pinned to his
+coat with this inscription on it, 'I am to read this when I wake.' So I
+have arranged accordingly. He'll see it the first thing on opening his
+eyes. Well, what do you think of that? Didn't I save the King's life a
+second time?"</p>
+
+<p>M. Louis nodded:</p>
+
+<p>"Never twice without the third time."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so ... well, au revoir, Monsieur...."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Pardon, Monsieur," interrupted one of the employ&eacute;s, "but his Majesty
+has asked for you again."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, I'm going," replied Wulf, as he drank his fifth vermouth.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"Whatever happens, whatever you are told, do not show any surprise. Take
+up your customary life again as though it had never been interrupted, as
+though nothing had happened since the night of December 31st."</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian, the victim of a racking headache, read and reread
+these strange mysterious words, without in the least understanding their
+meaning. After a heavy sleep, he had wakened about nine o'clock to find
+himself lying comfortably in his own bed at the Royal Palace. At first
+he thought it was part of his nightmare, that he was dreaming, but as he
+became more fully awake, he was obliged to admit the evidence of his
+senses.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, he suddenly caught sight of the crumpled letter pinned
+to his counterpane; opening it, he read the lines that Fandor had
+hurriedly pencilled the night before.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of his exhaustion and stiffness, he sprang out of bed and was
+about to ring for a servant when a feeling of caution came over him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It would be better first to take stock of the situation.</p>
+
+<p>What had happened?</p>
+
+<p>Among the newspapers lying on the table, he noticed several copies of
+the <i>Gazette</i> of Hesse-Weimar.</p>
+
+<p>He glanced over the most recent numbers, but found nothing unusual in
+their columns. He then went back to the paper dated January 1st and to
+his amazement saw the following announcement:</p>
+
+<p>"Paris, 1st January. (From our Special Correspondent.) His Majesty
+Frederick-Christian, contrary to his general custom, did not leave his
+Hotel during New Year's Day. This may be accounted for by the fact that
+the streets of Paris are, as a rule, crowded during this holiday and his
+Majesty would have run the risk of being drawn into promiscuous contact
+with the common people."</p>
+
+<p>The copy of January 2d also remarked that the King had evinced a desire
+to attend the Longchamps races, but had been prevented by the
+possibility of a chance meeting with the President of the Republic, a
+contingency not foreseen in the protocol. Frederick-Christian, in fact,
+recalled that he had expressed a wish to attend the Longchamps meet, but
+he asked himself how it was possible to have notified him of the change
+of program while at that time he had mysteriously disappeared! But the
+climax of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> amazement was reached when he came to the following
+paragraph:</p>
+
+<p>"Paris, 4th January. (From our Special Correspondent.) His Majesty
+Frederick-Christian II is still held in the French Capital by affairs of
+the highest importance. His subjects need, however, be under no
+apprehension, as his Majesty's health is excellent, this information
+having been received by Hedwige, our well-beloved Queen.</p>
+
+<p>"During his stay in Paris, Frederick-Christian has been especially
+appreciative of the respectful and devoted services of M.
+Wulfenmimenglaschk, head of the secret service of Hesse-Weimar, who, by
+the exercise of his perspicacity and high intelligence, has found in the
+King not only an able assistant, but a true friend, having the honor to
+occupy the apartment at the Royal Palace next to his Majesty."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"What's this all about?" exclaimed the King, "what influence have I been
+under during these last four days?"</p>
+
+<p>It was easy enough to recommend him to show no surprise, but it was also
+necessary to settle upon some definite attitude to take. And what about
+this "Wulf"?</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian would have a look at this individual<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> who claimed to
+be his friend and his next door neighbor. Accordingly he rang the bell,
+and sent down the message which Wulf received in the barroom. A wait of
+twenty minutes followed and then the door opened without ceremony and
+the King stood rooted in amazement at the appearance of his Secret
+Service Chief. In the most natural manner in the world, Wulf entered the
+room and stood looking slyly at the King. Then, smilingly, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Sire, feel better?"</p>
+
+<p>"What!" stuttered Frederick-Christian, scarcely able to speak for
+indignation.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," continued Wulf, "I'm glad to see you up; as for me, I'm all right
+... but you must remember that I drank less than you did last night. I
+tell you they've capital vermouth here ... shall I order your Majesty a
+bottle?"</p>
+
+<p>"What's your name?" asked the King.</p>
+
+<p>Wulf considered his sovereign with compassion.</p>
+
+<p>"He's still a bit soused," he muttered to himself, then wagging a
+reproving finger at the King, he continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Who am I? Wulfenmimenglaschk, Sire, at your service, and I've already
+saved your life twice ... that's why I may be allowed to give you a bit
+of advice. Cut out the booze, Sire, you're distinctly the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> worse for
+wear ... you're so changed that if it wasn't for your dressing-gown...."</p>
+
+<p>Wulf was undoubtedly very drunk; otherwise he could not have failed to
+notice the difference between the King of the last few days and the
+present one.</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian held himself in hand as long as possible, then burst
+out:</p>
+
+<p>"What does this attitude mean?... this familiarity? What makes you speak
+in French?"</p>
+
+<p>Wulf was first amazed at the change in his beloved master and inclined
+to weep over his humiliation. He was about to give utterance to his
+feelings when the King seized him by the arm and pointed to the
+<i>Hesse-Weimar Gazette</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Read that! Who furnished this information?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I did, Sire."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you mean to say you have been continually with me. You occupy the
+next apartment? You enjoy my friendship?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Sire."</p>
+
+<p>The King, in a burst of rage, now held the unfortunate Wulf by the
+collar and shoving him toward the door, ejected him onto the landing
+with a prodigious kick.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian, more puzzled than ever by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> turn of events, now
+turned his attention to his toilette. He was still in scanty attire and
+went behind his screen to continue dressing. At this moment a soft and
+charming voice spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"Sire, are you there? It is I ... Marie Pascal."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal!</p>
+
+<p>Where had he heard that name before? Slowly Frederick-Christian recalled
+the silhouette of a young woman ... with a fair skin and light hair ...</p>
+
+<p>The voice continued:</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to know that you are better, Sire. Forgive me for troubling
+you now but since our last meeting things have happened of a very
+serious nature ... hidden enemies want to destroy me ... to destroy
+us.... First of all they accused your Majesty of the murder of Susy
+d'Orsel, and now after torturing me with questions they have dared to
+say it was I!... I'm sure they overheard our last conversation and
+misunderstand our love for each other...."</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian was growing suspicious. What did this extraordinary
+visit mean? Did they want to trap him into an unwary admission?</p>
+
+<p>"In the name of our love, say you don't believe me guilty!"</p>
+
+<p>The King hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know.... I ..."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He stopped short as Marie Pascal with a sudden movement flung down the
+screen. The King in amaze stood stock still while the young girl looked
+at him in utter stupefaction, with trembling lips and body shaken by
+nervous tremors. Then suddenly she turned in terror, screaming:</p>
+
+<p>"Help! Help! The impostor! The murderer!... the King is not the King....
+Frederick-Christian has disappeared!... Who is this man?"</p>
+
+<p>The girl's cries brought the Hotel servants quickly to the scene. She
+continued, pointing to the King:</p>
+
+<p>"Who is this man?... Frederick-Christian has disappeared!... good God,
+what has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Better call the police," suggested some one.</p>
+
+<p>This met with general approval, but proceedings were suddenly
+interrupted by the arrival of Wulf.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard?" several voices asked.</p>
+
+<p>"All I know," replied Wulf in a piteous tone, "is that
+Frederick-Christian or not, he's got a devilish heavy foot, and when he
+kicks, he kicks royally."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+
+<h3>HORRIBLE CERTAINTY</h3>
+
+
+<p>"What has happened to that idiot Juve? Here for three days I've been
+shut up in this beastly prison and no sign of him."</p>
+
+<p>As the days passed, Fandor gradually lost his buoyancy of spirits and
+became more and more anxious.</p>
+
+<p>"What can Juve be doing?" he repeated for the hundredth time.</p>
+
+<p>The continual obscurity of the place began to weigh him down. This was
+relieved each day for a few moments by a thin shaft of light. Fandor was
+quick to account for the phenomenon.</p>
+
+<p>"It happens exactly at noon when the sun is directly overhead," he
+reasoned, "and finds an entrance through a crack in the bronze."</p>
+
+<p>Many times he climbed to the body of the naiad in the hope of
+discovering some method of escape, but at length he realized that the
+thing was impossible.</p>
+
+<p>He was seated one night deep in thought, puzzling his brains for the
+reason of Juve's defection, when a voice suddenly broke the silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you hear me?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fandor bounded to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I hear you."</p>
+
+<p>"You must be getting uneasy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Uneasy! I'm going mad! What a long time you've been!"</p>
+
+<p>"That's true, I am a little late, but it hasn't been very easy."</p>
+
+<p>Now that Fandor's mind was set at rest about his deliverance, he grew
+curious to know the results of the detective's investigation.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you were successful?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, quite successful."</p>
+
+<p>"Do they know in Glotzbourg?"</p>
+
+<p>"They must have some suspicion by now."</p>
+
+<p>"When did you get back?"</p>
+
+<p>"This morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Only this morning! And did you get my letter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your what, Sire?... I don't catch."</p>
+
+<p>"I say you must have got my letter, since you are here, and now please
+get me out of this hole as quickly as possible ... it's awful being shut
+up here ... you can't imagine how I long for a breath of fresh air."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, I understand, but I'm wondering how I'm to get you out."</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Have you thought over a way we can effect the exchange?"</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear fellow, you must know what to do. I gave you full
+particulars in my letter."</p>
+
+<p>"In your letter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes.... I even enclosed a diagram."</p>
+
+<p>There was a pause, the voice then asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Will you pass me up this letter by ..."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor interrupted:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it's quite simple! Find the third naiad, counting from the one
+nearest the bridge."</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the voice explained:</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, Sire, we are talking at cross purposes. I am asking you
+where we can exchange the diamond."</p>
+
+<p>"The diamond?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes! Your diamond."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor's face grew pale.</p>
+
+<p>"My diamond!"</p>
+
+<p>"The diamond I went to Glotzbourg to get ... what's the matter with you,
+Sire? Don't you remember?... And what's all this about a letter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Juve! I'm talking of the letter I left at your apartment in which
+I explained how you may reach me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Juve! Juve! Oho!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A burst of strident laughter, infernal and diabolical, reached Fandor,
+who now guessed the horrible truth.</p>
+
+<p>"If it isn't Juve who is speaking, who is it?" he cried. "For the love
+of God, who are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"The person speaking to you ... is Fant&ocirc;mas."</p>
+
+<p>"Fant&ocirc;mas!"</p>
+
+<p>Staggering, terrified, Fandor screamed:</p>
+
+<p>"Fant&ocirc;mas! Fant&ocirc;mas!... It can't be possible! Fant&ocirc;mas has been
+arrested! Fant&ocirc;mas is in the hands of Juve!"</p>
+
+<p>"Fant&ocirc;mas arrested?... Fant&ocirc;mas can't be arrested! He will never be
+caught! He is above and beyond every attack, every menace! Fant&ocirc;mas is
+Death, Eternal Death, Pitiless Death, King Death! Good-bye!"</p>
+
+<p>A long silence followed. Fandor was stunned by the awful reality. He
+experienced all the sensations of a man buried alive, condemned to death
+with torture. And then another thought flashed through his mind:</p>
+
+<p>"The papers spoke of Fant&ocirc;mas's arrest. But if Fant&ocirc;mas is at liberty,
+it must mean that Juve has been beaten! Juve went to Glotzbourg to
+arrest him. A man has been arrested under the name of Fant&ocirc;mas. That man
+must be Juve himself!"</p>
+
+<p>And his letter! The first thing Fant&ocirc;mas would do would be to go to
+Juve's apartment and destroy it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He has got me," he exclaimed. "He can choose his own time to kill me.
+He can send down asphyxiating gas or a deluge of water through the
+connecting tube, or he can just leave me here to die slowly of hunger
+and thirst."</p>
+
+<p>The journalist began pacing up and down his prison. He tried to recover
+his calm and argue the case out:</p>
+
+<p>"Here I am in perfect health, clear in my mind and able to struggle to
+the bitter end. I have enough food and water to last me about nine or
+ten days. In my pocket I have my revolver, so that I can blow my brains
+out if it comes to the worst. But I won't. I'll fight! I'll fight until
+I drop!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2>
+
+<h3>BETWEEN US THREE&mdash;FANT&Ocirc;MAS!</h3>
+
+
+<p>For the second time, the Grand Duchess Alexandra solemnly repeated to
+the Queen:</p>
+
+<p>"I have the honor to take leave of your Majesty, and I dare to hope that
+I may hear news of your Majesty when I reach my journey's end. I shall
+be away a long while from the court of Hesse-Weimar and from its august
+Sovereign for whom I profess the deepest respect."</p>
+
+<p>The interview between the Queen and the woman she deemed her mortal
+enemy took place about eleven o'clock, two days after the famous ball in
+the midst of which the detective Juve had so unfortunately been mistaken
+for Fant&ocirc;mas, and thrown into a gloomy dungeon where he had since been
+kept in solitary confinement. Opinion at Hesse-Weimar was divided
+between the theory that the thief had succeeded in hiding the famous
+diamond before he was caught, and the theory that when he discovered its
+hiding place, he had found an empty jewel case. Naturally, the identity
+of the Grand Duchess with the famous Lady Beltham,<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> established by
+Juve, was unknown in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> Hesse-Weimar, nor did anyone suspect that her
+sudden departure was in any way connected with the arrest of the pseudo
+Fant&ocirc;mas.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen was at first unwilling to believe in the retreat of her enemy,
+but she was at length obliged to accept the fact when Alexandra made her
+formal adieux.</p>
+
+<p>"There was a rumor that you were going to leave us," she replied, "but I
+scarcely credited it, Madame."</p>
+
+<p>The adventuress, who by a series of extraordinary circumstances had been
+enabled to pass herself as a cousin of the reigning family, looked at
+the Queen sadly:</p>
+
+<p>"Your Majesty is not very kind to me," she exclaimed with tears in her
+voice, "and I hoped for a more friendly farewell at the moment when I am
+taking my departure for the new world."</p>
+
+<p>The Queen was touched by these words; with an impulsive movement she
+opened her arms to the false Grand Duchess, who flung herself into them
+in a long embrace.</p>
+
+<p>The two women now had a heart to heart talk in which the Queen confessed
+her fears and distrust. She even went to the length of admitting her
+belief that Alexandra had had designs upon the throne of Hesse-Weimar.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The adventuress looked with pitying contempt upon the little Queen
+Hedwige:</p>
+
+<p>"Your Majesty has been outrageously deceived," she replied, "I belong to
+a race which is incapable of such treachery."</p>
+
+<p>Completely reassured, the Queen became very tender and ended
+affectionately by wishing the pseudo Duchess a good journey. The two
+women parted friends.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>On a siding in the Glotzbourg station stood a private car, which had
+been placed at the service of the Grand Duchess, waiting to be connected
+with the Paris express from Berlin.</p>
+
+<p>Inside, the Duchess, dressed in a quiet traveling costume, sat talking
+to Prince Gudulfin. The young man was pale and anxious:</p>
+
+<p>"Your orders have been carried out, Madame, are you satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>The pseudo Grand Duchess thanked the Prince with a softened look, and
+the latter continued in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Madame, you know that my followers are prepared to try a <i>coup
+d'&eacute;tat</i>&mdash;for pity's sake accept the homage of my love, give me a word of
+hope, and I will overthrow the present dynasty and mount the throne
+myself with you as my Queen."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That is nothing but a mad dream, Prince ... something impossible to
+happen ... we have not the right even to think of it."</p>
+
+<p>"You are more than unkind to me, Madame ... you are enigmatic ...
+mysterious."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a newsboy was heard crying an extra edition of the
+<i>Hesse-Weimar Gazette</i>. The Duchess rose quickly and bought a copy.</p>
+
+<p>In large headlines she read the following:</p>
+
+<p>"Death of Fant&ocirc;mas. The bandit ends his days in prison."</p>
+
+<p>Alexandra sat down and became absorbed in the details, paying no further
+attention to Prince Gudulfin.</p>
+
+<p>At length after a long pause, he spoke bitterly:</p>
+
+<p>"This bandit seems to interest you more than I do, Madame."</p>
+
+<p>The Grand Duchess made a vague gesture of denial.</p>
+
+<p>The Prince sighed:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you might remember that in this sinister business, the account of
+which you are now reading, it is owing to me your wishes have been
+carried out. You have been obeyed blindly."</p>
+
+<p>Lady Beltham was spared the necessity of replying, for at this moment
+the express entered the station with a deafening roar. As it was
+scheduled to remain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> only a few minutes, the private car was hurriedly
+attached to the end of the train. In the ensuing hurry and scurry of
+passengers who were anxiously being scrutinized by the Grand Duchess,
+there appeared a man dressed in dark clothes, and wearing a gray beard.
+He was searching hurriedly through the cars for an empty seat. The
+Duchess gave a faint cry at the sight of him, and withdrew to the back
+of her compartment.</p>
+
+<p>Who was it?</p>
+
+<p>The train whistled and the last good-byes were said.</p>
+
+<p>Prince Gudulfin pleaded so urgently for a tender word, that the
+adventuress, with the consummate art of the actress, leaned out,
+whispering:</p>
+
+<p>"Hope, Prince, hope ... some day, perhaps ... later ... and remember
+that even the most virtuous of women, when she cannot give
+encouragement, is not averse to leaving regrets behind her."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>During the evening which preceded Lady Beltham's departure, Juve sat in
+his cell eating his frugal repast.</p>
+
+<p>For forty-eight hours he had seen no one except his two jailors, and he
+was beginning to worry over his situation. There had now been plenty of
+time for them to discover their mistake in arresting him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> His eyes had
+pained him greatly the first day but were now slowly recovering. Feeling
+a desire to sleep, Juve stretched himself on his bed and gave way to
+reflection.</p>
+
+<p>What had happened?</p>
+
+<p>It was not difficult to guess. The officers of the Palace, finding him
+in the King's bedroom, a smoking revolver beside him and a Lancer crying
+"Thief! thief!" had naturally arrested him, thinking him guilty.
+Fant&ocirc;mas, after blinding him with pepper, had changed back into his
+uniform and escaped with the diamond. But what was Lady Beltham doing
+there known to the Hesse-Weimar people as the Grand Duchess Alexandra?
+What new and diabolical projects were on foot to bring the monster and
+his mistress together in this honest, bourgeois court of Hesse-Weimar?</p>
+
+<p>As for the diamond, of what possible use could it be to the thief? It
+would be harder to get rid of than the obelisk or the Vend&ocirc;me column!</p>
+
+<p>While these thoughts were passing slowly through Juve's mind, he felt an
+intense desire to sleep come over him, his limbs suddenly became numb
+and heavy; and then a sudden terror seized him.</p>
+
+<p>"I have been poisoned!" he cried, making a superhuman effort to rise;
+but the narcotic was slowly but surely overpowering him. Finally, he
+lost all idea of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> his surroundings and sank back on his bed unconscious.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Had the day come?</p>
+
+<p>A pale light touched with yellow and silver rays, crept softly through
+the half-opened door and reached the face of a sleeping man; causing him
+to stir and to open his eyes, blinking and yawning. It was Juve.</p>
+
+<p>The first thing his gaze lighted upon was a round moon in a blue sky
+sown with stars. The detective who had gone to sleep in a dungeon,
+smiled instinctively at the heavens and the fresh, pure air which filled
+the room. By degrees his mind went back to the events of the past night,
+the heavy sleep that had come over him, and he wondered how much time
+had elapsed since he had lost consciousness. He had, besides, the
+impression that beneath his ample and warm bed clothes he was quite
+naked. His movements, too, seemed constricted as though he were lying in
+a narrow frame bed placed on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>But where was he?</p>
+
+<p>Thanks to the moonlight, he could perceive that he was in a room on the
+ground floor. Outside, shapes flitted by, and these Juve soon found to
+be bats hurrying to their nearby lairs. An owl hooted in the distance.
+The detective determined to make an effort to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> get up. To his surprise
+he met with no resistance and easily climbed out of the sort of box in
+which he had been lying.</p>
+
+<p>As his eyes became accustomed to the semi-obscurity, he started upon
+seeing the bed he had been lying in. It was a coffin.</p>
+
+<p>Juve then shuddered at the thought of the horrible death he might have
+undergone. He might have been buried alive! But a further surprise was
+in store for him. Not far away stood another coffin, and in this second
+one lay a corpse.</p>
+
+<p>The dead man was about fifty, strongly built and robust. A small clot of
+blood had congealed on his temple and this was enough to show Juve the
+cause of his death.</p>
+
+<p>He had been shot through the head with a revolver, and his death had
+been instantaneous. The rigidity of the body showed that the crime had
+been committed some time before. And then he made a still further
+discovery. By the side of the coffin lay a pile of clothes, and to
+Juve's amazement he recognized them as being his own!</p>
+
+<p>"Well," he exclaimed, "there can be no harm in putting them on, since
+they are mine." A further search disclosed, tucked away in a corner of
+the coffin, his pocketbook. Not only that, but some generous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> person had
+stuffed it literally full of bank notes, and in a small pocket he also
+found a first-class ticket from Glotzbourg to the frontier.</p>
+
+<p>"What on earth does all this mean?" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>A search of his erstwhile bed now brought to light a sheet torn from a
+railway time-table, upon which a certain train was underscored in red
+ink. From another corner of the coffin he brought out a false beard and
+a pair of yellow spectacles! In a twinkling Juve dressed himself and
+crossing to the door, pushed it open and looked out.</p>
+
+<p>"The deuce!" he cried, "that's a funereal outlook!"</p>
+
+<p>Before him stretched away on all sides ... tombstones! tombstones big
+and little&mdash;some with crosses, others with crowns and flowers.</p>
+
+<p>Juve was in a cemetery, and the strange room in which he found himself
+was the mortuary chapel. Nothing disturbed the impressive silence of
+this vast resting place. In the distance a clock struck five, and far
+off Juve perceived the silhouette of the Glotzbourg Cathedral.</p>
+
+<p>The detective pulled himself together and began to piece out by his
+well-known habit of induction some solution to this incomprehensible
+mystery.</p>
+
+<p>"To begin with," he exclaimed, "my being still alive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> is evidently due
+to the will of my adversaries. It is possible that the police of
+Hesse-Weimar may have discovered their mistake, and taken this method of
+setting me at liberty. Or, it has been given out that I am dead, and
+they intend to bury this poor fellow in my place....</p>
+
+<p>"No, that's stupid. I was forgetting it is Fant&ocirc;mas who is supposed to
+be caught, then are they going to give out that Fant&ocirc;mas is dead?...
+That seems out of the question.... Besides this man didn't die a natural
+death, he was killed! I can't make head or tail of it."</p>
+
+<p>Juve paced up and down, rejecting one hypothesis after another. Finally,
+with a shrug of his shoulders, he cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Bah! I shall know all in good time. Let's get to the most pressing
+problem. I have been given money, a ticket with the time of departure
+marked on the time-table, that is as much as to say:</p>
+
+<p>"'My dear Sir, you are to go to the Station and take the 1.22 train,
+first class, for the frontier, there you will be left to your own
+devices ... but be careful to use the disguise given you.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," continued Juve to himself, "I haven't the least desire to thwart
+my mysterious friends, having no wish to prolong my visit here."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Soon afterward Juve set out toward the town. As he walked the dawn broke
+on the horizon.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>For three hours the Berlin express had been speeding across Hesse-Weimar
+on its way to Paris. Night was beginning to fall and multi-colored
+signals showed their points of light as the train sped past way
+stations.</p>
+
+<p>Juve, plunged in his thoughts, paid no attention to what was passing
+without. He had picked up a copy of the <i>Hesse-Weimar Gazette</i> before
+leaving, and in it had read the following:</p>
+
+<p>"The desperate bandit, Fant&ocirc;mas, arrested two days ago in the Royal
+Palace while in the act of stealing the diamond, has committed suicide
+by shooting himself through the head with a small revolver he had hidden
+in his clothes. His body is now lying in the mortuary chapel of the
+cemetery awaiting the inevitable autopsy."</p>
+
+<p>This information but confirmed Juve in the hypothesis he had formed. But
+there still remained a point to be cleared up. Undoubtedly the public
+were being duped ... but who was duping them, and why? If Juve was
+thought to be Fant&ocirc;mas, they wouldn't have let him escape and put a dead
+man in his place. On the other hand, if they knew that Juve was not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>
+Fant&ocirc;mas, why the devil had this suicide story been invented?</p>
+
+<p>A new idea suddenly flashed through Juve's mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose that not only the people of Hesse-Weimar but also the
+Government have been fooled!"</p>
+
+<p>A glimpse caught of Prince Gudulfin descending from the private car at
+the Hesse-Weimar station, was sufficient to start this train of thought.
+By association of ideas the sight of the Prince brought to Juve's mind
+the figure of the Grand Duchess Alexandra, who was no other than Lady
+Beltham. And Lady Beltham suggested Fant&ocirc;mas, whom Juve was inclined to
+credit not only with his arrest but also with his liberation.</p>
+
+<p>When the train pulled into the Frontier Station Juve, still wearing his
+false beard and whiskers, jumped down and hurried to the ticket office
+to buy his transportation to Paris. As he was returning, he happened to
+glance at the private car attached to the train at Glotzbourg, when, in
+spite of his self-control, he could not repress a cry of triumph.</p>
+
+<p>One of the window curtains was suddenly raised and then immediately
+lowered again, but Juve had time to recognize a face. It was that of the
+Grand Duchess Alexandra ... otherwise Lady Beltham. The train whistled.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Juve had only just time to regain his compartment. He began pacing up
+and down the corridor, rubbing his hands, almost jumping for joy. At
+last the mystery was cleared. He understood what had been going on. Lady
+Beltham had fainted when Juve was arrested. Why?</p>
+
+<p>Evidently, because she had accepted the general opinion that he was
+Fant&ocirc;mas. After coming to herself and learning that the monster was in
+prison, she had made up her mind to effect his escape cost what it
+might.</p>
+
+<p>But how was she to set about it?</p>
+
+<p>Doubtless Lady Beltham, in her capacity of Grand Duchess, had many
+devoted friends, and it was evidently with their aid that the evasion
+had been brought about. And Lady Beltham, herself a dupe, still imagined
+it was her lover she had saved; when in reality she had set at liberty
+his most determined enemy.</p>
+
+<p>As the air now began to grow chilly, Juve returned to his compartment
+and picked up his overcoat. He was about to put it on, when he stopped
+in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>On the lining was pinned a paper with the following words scribbled in
+pencil:</p>
+
+<p>"America Hotel, Paris."</p>
+
+<p>For a long time Juve, with bent brows, read and reread these words. They
+could only have been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> brought here by Lady Beltham herself while Juve
+was away getting his ticket. What did this mysterious address portend?</p>
+
+<p>If Lady Beltham believed she was communicating with Fant&ocirc;mas, she
+certainly would have no need to write to him; she would know well enough
+where to find him.</p>
+
+<p>Furthermore, why didn't she simply walk through the several intervening
+cars and talk to him? What could be the motive powerful enough to
+prevent the mistress rejoining her lover? Upon second thoughts Juve
+doubted the hypothesis that Lady Beltham had intended to instigate the
+release of Fant&ocirc;mas. Might she not have become weary of the yoke which
+joined her to this monster and be really repentant of her crimes? It
+would not be the first time she had tasted remorse&mdash;and, instead of
+saving Fant&ocirc;mas, was aware that Juve had been set at liberty.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," echoed Juve, "this second hypothesis is evidently the right one
+and Lady Beltham has ranged herself upon the side of law."</p>
+
+<p>The detective, with a defiant glance at the deepening evening shadows,
+proclaimed grandiloquently:</p>
+
+<p>"So be it, Lady Beltham, it shall not be said that a gallant man repays
+you with ingratitude, and if you care to have it so we will say in
+unison:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Between us three, Fant&ocirc;mas!"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The train thundered through the night. It was only at seven in the
+morning that the suburbs of Paris showed through an uncertain fog.</p>
+
+<p>Saint Denis, the fortifications, and then the train slowed up and
+stopped under the great glass dome of the Gare du Nord. Juve, waking
+with a start, hastily sprang out and made his way to the private car in
+the hope of seeing Lady Beltham. But the Lady had already
+disappeared.... Juve caught up with her just in time to see her enter an
+automobile which instantly got under way. He managed to catch the number
+of the car, but could not find a taxi rapid enough to make the attempt
+of overtaking her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well," he exclaimed, "I know how to find her."</p>
+
+<p>A sudden thought struck him:</p>
+
+<p>"The delay accorded me by M. Annion expires to-day, and the arrest of
+the false Frederick-Christian is about due. I don't suppose Fandor has
+taken any steps, but I'd better find out what is happening."</p>
+
+<p>Juve consulted his watch:</p>
+
+<p>"Half-past seven, I can call on the Minister of the Interior."</p>
+
+<p>He sprang into a taxi and cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Number eleven, Rue des Saussaies!"</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> See "Fant&ocirc;mas," Vols. I, II, III.</p></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2>
+
+<h3>OFFICIAL OPINIONS</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Well, M. Vicart?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, M. Annion, that's all."</p>
+
+<p>"That's all!" replied M. Annion. "That's nothing! We've been talking for
+a quarter of an hour without getting anywhere or reaching any
+conclusion."</p>
+
+<p>"But, M. Annion...."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I say.... It is I who have been giving you all the information and
+that, you know, is rather surprising.... You are the acting head of the
+Secret Service and you should have known all this. It's not my place to
+tell you what's going on at the Royal Palace."</p>
+
+<p>"M. Annion, nothing at all has happened."</p>
+
+<p>This reply threw M. Annion into a sudden fit of anger.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so? Nothing has happened, hasn't it? And you don't realize the
+gravity of the case! Really, Vicart, it's discouraging! Can't you
+understand that we must absolutely come to some decision? The ministry
+is under the constant threat of interpellations and that state of
+affairs cannot continue."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't say the situation isn't serious, I only say nothing new has
+turned up."</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what I'm complaining about&mdash;your absolute lack of
+comprehension. To begin with, a week has gone by ... a whole week since
+Juve left, and not a word from Glotzbourg.... In fact, Juve is a day
+late already.... Does that convey nothing to you?... To me it means that
+Juve has found nothing there."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't quite understand," ventured the bewildered Vicart.</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion took pity on his subordinate.</p>
+
+<p>"Before Juve left he had proved to me that the King was the real King;
+isn't that so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"But that doesn't alter the fact that the King is a murderer.... Juve
+suspected some court intrigue, that's why he left for Glotzbourg. Now
+what is our situation? We have a King who has committed murder, and we
+don't arrest him. But that is the least of my worries. What about public
+opinion on the one hand and the extraordinary audacity of this monarch
+on the other?"</p>
+
+<p>"Public opinion?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes! why the deuce don't you read the papers? Learn what is going on!
+Take the opposition press&mdash;they're<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> always hinting at the weakness of
+the government in not arresting criminals on account of diplomatic
+complications. While I've seen to it that no more manifestations take
+place outside the Royal Palace, that the public for the time being is
+muzzled, still it is only waiting a chance to break out again. And now
+here is Frederick-Christian writing to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
+saying he wishes to meet the President of the Republic ... while he is
+here incognito. Still, by the terms of the protocol, he owes a visit to
+the Elys&eacute;e&mdash;he's right about that."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it complicates things very awkwardly. How can the President
+receive, especially incognito, a King who is thought to be an assassin
+... you don't know what might be made of it.... This extraordinary
+Frederick-Christian takes advantage of his impunity. He's had lots of
+time since the death of Susy to slip quietly back to his own country....
+That would have let us out ... instead of which he comes out in the
+limelight ... gets himself talked about ... a nice time to choose, I
+must say!"</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion was interrupted by the entrance of a clerk who handed him a
+visiting card.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is it now?... Ah ... show them in."</p>
+
+<p>He then turned to M. Vicart:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Don't go.... It may be something connected with the King."</p>
+
+<p>The door was opened and the visitors announced:</p>
+
+<p>"M. the Commissaire of Police Giraud&mdash;Mlle. Marie Pascal."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Monsieur Giraud ... take a seat, Mademoiselle ... what have you
+come about?"</p>
+
+<p>"A very serious business," answered M. Giraud. "I have come to see you
+after a visit from Mlle. Marie Pascal. She will repeat to you the
+extraordinary things she has said to me."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it all about, Mademoiselle?"</p>
+
+<p>Pale and anxious, Marie Pascal rose and advanced to M. Annion's desk,
+and said, with a trembling voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, I went to M. Giraud about a call I wanted to make on his
+Majesty Frederick-Christian, King of Hesse-Weimar."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Monsieur, I was not received by the King."</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion evinced no surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Unless I am mistaken you are the lace-maker who was so tragically mixed
+up in the death of Susy d'Orsel?... It was you who found the chemise ...
+it was you who ... however, go ahead, Mademoiselle, you were received by
+a secretary, by a chamberlain?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No! no! I was received by the King, but by a King who wasn't the real
+one, but an impostor!"</p>
+
+<p>"Good God!" cried M. Annion.</p>
+
+<p>Here was this impostor affair cropping up again. The girl must be crazy.</p>
+
+<p>"But it's unbelievable! Come, Mademoiselle, weigh well the gravity of
+your words&mdash;you can scarcely be making this up as a joke, I hope. You
+can furnish absolute proof of what you say? Why do you think the King is
+not the King?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal had recovered her self-control, and she gave M.
+Annion a detailed account of the audience she had obtained with
+Frederick-Christian. She hid nothing, neither his former warmth of
+feeling nor his recent coldness. She explained that his face no longer
+looked the same, nor had his voice the same sound, that he had attempted
+to hide behind the screen and finally that she was quite sure the man
+she saw was not the King.</p>
+
+<p>"What did you do, Mademoiselle?"</p>
+
+<p>This time M. Giraud spoke up:</p>
+
+<p>"Mlle. Marie was wrong in what she did, but under the stress of emotion
+she raised the whole hotel and made such a row that M. Louis advised her
+to come and see me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Very good, and then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, M. Annion, I hurried to the Royal Palace and made an
+investigation, where I confirmed what Mademoiselle had told me. I then
+decided I had better lay the matter before you."</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion sat deep in thought for a few moments. Then he burst out:</p>
+
+<p>"Hang it! Your accusation of imposture is absurd, Mademoiselle, utterly
+impossible!" Then, turning to M. Vicart, he added:</p>
+
+<p>"Haven't we the formal declaration, irrefutable, of that Secret Service
+man ... Glaschk..."</p>
+
+<p>"Wulfenmimenglaschk."</p>
+
+<p>"That's it!... Have you seen him, M. Giraud?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have, but I couldn't get anything out of him; he was three-quarters
+drunk, and furious with his Majesty who had just struck him."</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion stared in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"But Frederick-Christian was his friend&mdash;his intimate friend ... they
+were pals ... and you say he struck him?"</p>
+
+<p>Crossing quickly to the telephone, he called up:</p>
+
+<p>"Hello! Are inspectors 42, 59 and 63 there? What? Then send them up."</p>
+
+<p>"You did well to come to me, M. Giraud; we must clear up this business
+at any cost.... I've just sent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> for the three inspectors whom I detailed
+this morning to watch his Majesty Frederick-Christian...."</p>
+
+<p>Then glancing at Marie Pascal:</p>
+
+<p>"You'll hear what they have to say, Mademoiselle." A few minutes later
+the three men entered the office.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what is new? You've been shadowing him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"Anything to report?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing much, Monsieur, only in regard to the conduct of the King. It
+seems that since this morning he has quite changed. Frederick-Christian,
+instead of keeping himself shut up as of late, now sees his friends
+again and has resumed his haughty manner and his fault-finding with the
+servants."</p>
+
+<p>"What friends has he seen?"</p>
+
+<p>"A young attach&eacute; of the Embassy arrived immediately after luncheon, and
+the director of his bank."</p>
+
+<p>"And these men found nothing unusual?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, chief, nothing at all."</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion turned to Marie Pascal.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, Mademoiselle, that is conclusive, isn't it? What probably
+happened was that the King had a fit of nerves, due to the death of his
+mistress, and then his return to his normal life misled you...."</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal interrupted:</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur, no! Your inspectors are wrong!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> I who love him cannot be
+deceived! It is no longer Frederick-Christian II who is at the Royal
+Palace, it is an impostor! Besides, even if I could have been mistaken,
+he had no reason for not recognizing me, of not seeming to understand
+what I was saying."</p>
+
+<p>The second inspector spoke up:</p>
+
+<p>"Chief, I have something which will convince Mademoiselle that she is
+mistaken. I was able to get hold of one of his Majesty's collars which
+he had just worn. Its size is distinctly characteristic, being 18
+inches. Now it would be very easy to verify the fact that the real King
+wears this size and also whether it fits the supposed impostor. In any
+case, Monsieur, from inquiries made among the hotel servants I find
+there can be no doubt that Frederick-Christian is actually staying
+there, and that his intimate friends have been received and have
+recognized him."</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion did not answer.</p>
+
+<p>"This Marie Pascal is crazy," he thought, "or else she is up to some
+game which I don't understand... the King is the King all right, but,
+hang it all, that doesn't alter the fact that he is an assassin."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2>
+
+<h3>JUVE'S LIES</h3>
+
+
+<p>M. Annion had left the Ministry quite late the evening before in a very
+bad humor. Not that he had any doubt about the deposition of Marie
+Pascal. The report of his inspectors had settled that point,
+supplemented by the visits to the King of the attach&eacute; and the banker.</p>
+
+<p>"That young girl of the sixth floor," he said to himself, "who calls
+herself Marie Pascal, is either trying to hold up the sovereign or else
+she is crazy. In either case the important thing is to make her hold her
+tongue. Now there are two ways of doing this, through menacing her or
+through bribing her. I'll apply the first, and if that doesn't answer
+I'll try the second."</p>
+
+<p>As to the King, while his identity had been proved, he was none the less
+a murderer.</p>
+
+<p>The question was whether to prevent the visit he wished to pay to the
+President of the Republic or to bring it about.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>M. Annion took the Rue des Saussaies at 7.30 and having reached home,
+dined quickly while he read the evening paper. The news was startling.</p>
+
+<p>An article reserved in tone, but giving sufficient details, announced
+the arrest of Fant&ocirc;mas, the mysterious criminal of the Palace Royal of
+Glotzbourg, while attempting to steal the diamond which constituted the
+private fortune of Prince Frederick-Christian II.</p>
+
+<p>"Good God!" cried M. Annion, "Fant&ocirc;mas arrested, the diamond stolen, and
+Juve doesn't return or send any word!"</p>
+
+<p>The director of the Secret Service felt himself entangled in a network
+of intrigues which seemed impossible to unravel. He seemed to be
+surrounded by an impenetrable mystery.</p>
+
+<p>Fant&ocirc;mas! And now the name of Fant&ocirc;mas was associated with the scandal
+brought about by Frederick-Christian!</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion slept badly, haunted by a nightmare in which he was constantly
+pursuing an extraordinary Fant&ocirc;mas, whom he would seize and bind and who
+would then suddenly vanish into thin air. At eight o'clock in the
+morning he appeared at his office. There a surprise awaited him. Upon
+his desk lay a telegram. Rapidly tearing it open, he glanced at the
+text.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ah!... Good God! Can it be true! Fant&ocirc;mas dead! Fant&ocirc;mas dead in
+prison! I must be dreaming!"</p>
+
+<p>While he was rereading the astonishing news, the door of his office
+opened and Juve walked in.</p>
+
+<p>"Juve!"</p>
+
+<p>"Myself, Chief."</p>
+
+<p>"Well!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," replied Juve, calmly, "I've had a pretty good trip."</p>
+
+<p>Brandishing the telegram, M. Annion cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Fant&ocirc;mas is dead!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes ... Fant&ocirc;mas is dead."</p>
+
+<p>"What have you found out?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, a thing or two ... rather interesting."</p>
+
+<p>"And the diamond?"</p>
+
+<p>"Stolen, Chief, disappeared."</p>
+
+<p>"Stolen by Fant&ocirc;mas?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, by Fant&ocirc;mas."</p>
+
+<p>"It was you who arrested him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!&mdash;yes and no.... I was the cause of his arrest."</p>
+
+<p>"And the murder of Susy d'Orsel?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was committed by Fant&ocirc;mas."</p>
+
+<p>"You are sure of that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certain, Chief."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>M. Annion rose and paced up and down in great excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Now then, let's get the facts in the case, tell me in detail what
+occurred at Hesse-Weimar."</p>
+
+<p>Juve had had the foresight to prepare a report which would tell enough
+to prove that the murderer of Susy d'Orsel was really Fant&ocirc;mas, and thus
+clear the name of the King. He gave no hint, however, that Fandor was
+still, as Juve thought, impersonating Frederick-Christian, and made no
+mention of his own adventures. He concluded by saying:</p>
+
+<p>"In a word, we have now only to establish the guilt of Fant&ocirc;mas and
+publish the story of his crime, to absolve the King in the eyes of all
+... and that will mean the end of your troubles."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true!" replied the director joyfully, "and I may add it is
+entirely due to you, my dear Juve. Why, the other day, I was actually on
+the point of arresting Frederick-Christian, which would have been an
+unpardonable blunder."</p>
+
+<p>"Really?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. For since your departure, the identity of the King has been
+established beyond dispute. Yesterday I learned that the director of the
+bank had had an interview with him, and he also received a visit from an
+intimate friend, an attach&eacute; of the Embassy."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Juve heard these words with growing uneasiness. The King was Fandor. How
+had Fandor managed the affair?</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion continued:</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you think happened yesterday afternoon? I received a visit
+from a little idiot called Marie Pascal, who still insisted on the
+imposture. She asserted that the King was no longer the same."</p>
+
+<p>Juve felt his head swimming.</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal had paid one visit to Fandor, and now declared he was no
+longer the same! So Fandor was not at the Royal Palace. Who had taken
+his place?</p>
+
+<p>The real King?</p>
+
+<p>Was Fandor himself a victim?</p>
+
+<p>"By the way," pursued M. Annion, oblivious of Juve's trouble, "you
+didn't happen to learn any details concerning the King's toilette at
+Glotzbourg?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nothing of importance. I should like to have known whether it was a
+fact that Frederick-Christian wore an 18-inch collar. It would merely
+have been another proof."</p>
+
+<p>The words literally stupefied the detective. If the man at the Royal
+Palace wore 18-inch collars, he was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> certainly not Fandor, whose neck
+was very slender. The journalist wore size 14-1/2.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>One hour later&mdash;it was then half-past ten in the morning&mdash;Juve arrived
+at the Royal Palace. He did not attempt to send up his card to the King,
+but contented himself with gathering what information he could from
+among his colleagues who were stationed about the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>"The deuce!" he cried, twenty minutes later. "It's true that
+Frederick-Christian is really here. What has become of Fandor? Well, I
+shall probably be able to get news of him at his own apartment. What I
+have to do now is to recover the diamond and catch Fant&ocirc;mas ... if that
+is possible."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2>
+
+<h3>"I WANT TO LIVE!"</h3>
+
+
+<p>During two days which passed like two centuries, Fandor had been held
+prisoner in his dungeon where death awaited him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am condemned to death," he exclaimed, "very good, then I will wait
+for death."</p>
+
+<p>But Fandor was of those who do not give up until the struggle is over.
+Besides, he had his faithful revolver. He could end his life at any
+moment and shorten the torture. He had found sufficient ham to last for
+two meals, and when that had been eaten and the last drop of water drunk
+he began to suffer the tortures of hunger and thirst. And now, like a
+caged beast, he paced up and down his prison. His mind went back to
+stories he had read, stories of entombed miners, of explorers hemmed in
+by ice, of hunters caught in traps, but in all these cases deliverance
+in one form or another had come at last&mdash;the adventures ended happily.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to live," he cried aloud, "I want to live!"</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a great calm descended upon him. His coolness and clear
+judgment returned.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"To struggle! Yes&mdash;but how?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the roar of the Nord-Sud shook his prison walls. An idea
+took root in his mind.</p>
+
+<p>Might it not be possible to burrow his way through the soil directly to
+the tunnel! Examining the ground, he decided that it would be simpler to
+tunnel his way like a mole, skirting the concrete base of the statue and
+reaching the pavement beyond. It would not be hard work to dislodge one
+of the paving stones and reach the open air. No sooner was the plan
+conceived than he broke several of the bottles until he obtained a piece
+of the thick glass sufficiently jagged to form a trowel.</p>
+
+<p>With this rough implement he then set to work, scooping up the earth and
+piling it on one side of his cell. Patiently and ceaselessly he
+continued, hour after hour, until suddenly the hiss of escaping gas
+could be faintly heard.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm done for this time," he cried in despair. "I shall be asphyxiated!"
+But a gleam of hope quickly set him to work again.</p>
+
+<p>"Gas is lighter than air. It may percolate through the chinks of the
+masonry. In any case I'd rather die that way than be starved to death."</p>
+
+<p>It was a race between the escaping gas and the tunnel.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon Fandor began to feel a dizziness in his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> head, and the air
+became more difficult to breathe; suddenly, he had the sensation of
+being enveloped in an extraordinary blue flame, and then a loud report
+deafened him.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor's prison, saturated with gas, had suddenly blown up!</p>
+
+<p>The ground gave way beneath him: he was lying in the ruins.</p>
+
+<p>Destiny had made a plaything of his efforts.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVI</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ACCUSING WAISTCOAT</h3>
+
+
+<p>"As a matter of fact, Monsieur Juve, did not the celebrated Vidocq
+before he was a detective begin life as a murderer?"</p>
+
+<p>Wulf, book in hand and comfortably installed in a large armchair,
+addressed the question to Juve, who answered in brief monosyllables,
+without turning his head:</p>
+
+<p>"That's true, Monsieur Wulf."</p>
+
+<p>"And don't you think that every detective at one time or another has a
+tendency toward crime, either as a thief or as an assassin?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot say."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>What a day Juve had passed! Events had succeeded each other with such
+startling rapidity that the detective, in spite of his robust physique,
+began at length to feel the strain. As a matter of fact he had really
+had no rest since his tragic awakening in the mortuary chapel at
+Glotzbourg. He had passed the following night in the train without
+closing an eye. Upon his arrival he had been busy without interruption<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>
+until he found himself, at ten o'clock at night, in his little apartment
+in the Rue Bonaparte with the grotesque Wulf as companion. While the
+latter was tranquilly reading the adventures of Vidocq, Juve was
+absorbed in a strange task which occupied his entire attention.</p>
+
+<p>He was minutely examining a queer-looking garment, a waistcoat of very
+unusual cut. He turned to Wulf:</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Wulf, you recognize this garment, don't you? There is no doubt
+that it came from Jacob and Company, the Glotzbourg tailors?"</p>
+
+<p>Wulf nodded.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt whatever. I've had too much experience in such matters to be
+mistaken.... Besides, the initials J. G. are on the buttons."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes&mdash;Jacob of Glotzbourg."</p>
+
+<p>Juve now examined the lining with a magnifying glass, muttering the
+while:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, just as I expected!"</p>
+
+<p>The pocket of the waistcoat had been distended by some large object
+which had been forcibly introduced into it. The detective quickly took
+some modeling clay and made it into certain dimensions carefully
+measured, then with a stick he marked the surface of the ball into
+facets, referring now and again to a book<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> open before him. "Let's see,"
+he exclaimed, "the Hesse-Weimar diamond is two-thirds of a hen's egg in
+size, and weighs 295 carats, that is to say, larger than the Koh-i-noor,
+the famous Indian diamond, one of the crown jewels of England."</p>
+
+<p>He now introduced his model into the pocket and found that it fitted the
+hole exactly.</p>
+
+<p>"There! What do you say to that!" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you're very clever, Monsieur Juve," replied Wulf, "but I don't see
+how that helps. Even if you prove that the King's diamond was kept for a
+certain time in the pocket of that waistcoat, still you don't know to
+whom the waistcoat belongs, and that's the most important point."</p>
+
+<p>Juve, still engrossed in his examination, vouchsafed no reply, and Wulf
+with folded arms stood contemplating him. Various problems were engaging
+Juve's thoughts, whose day had been exceedingly busy.</p>
+
+<p>After being satisfied that Frederick-Christian was really back again at
+the Royal Palace, the question arose as to what had become of him after
+his disappearance. A hurried visit to Fandor's lodgings disclosed the
+fact that the journalist, after a brief absence, had returned home for
+an hour and had then disappeared again.</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word," he thought, "he might at least<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> have sent me some word.
+He must know how anxious I would be about him."</p>
+
+<p>From Fandor's house Juve had gone direct to Susy d'Orsel's apartment. It
+was a theory of his that a good detective could never visit too often
+the scene of a crime. Mechanically he went through the various rooms
+until he reached the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a feeling that something happened here," he muttered, "but
+what?"</p>
+
+<p>A close examination of the floor showed distinct traces of feet in some
+fine coal dust. These traces proved to be those of a woman's shoes,
+small, elegant and well made. They could not possibly belong to Mother
+Citron nor to Susy d'Orsel, who, he recalled, had worn satin mules on
+the night of the murder. The person who immediately presented herself to
+Juve's mind was Marie Pascal.</p>
+
+<p>"The deuce!" he cried, "this becomes complicated. This coal dust and
+these imprints were not here a few days ago, therefore some one has been
+here since and has evidently been at pains to lay a false trail!"</p>
+
+<p>With the intention of examining the servants' staircase again, he let
+himself out with a pass-key and began the descent. But so absorbed was
+he in his thoughts that unconsciously he went down one flight too many
+and found himself in the cellar of the building.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> Juve, following his
+custom of never neglecting to search even the most unsuspicious places,
+lit his electric light and examined the room he had entered.</p>
+
+<p>On either side of the cellar were ranged a number of doors, all securely
+padlocked. These were evidently the private cellars of the tenants. As
+he threw his light on the floor, he could not repress a movement of
+surprise. Dropping on all fours, he began a close examination of the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I begin to see daylight. For some time I have had the conviction
+that Frederick-Christian, upon leaving Fandor made his escape by the
+servants' staircase, and thus left the house. But I could not understand
+why he had not returned to his hotel. My conclusion was wrong.
+Frederick-Christian, like myself, came down a flight too many and found
+himself, as I have, in this cellar. Evidently a scoundrel was waiting
+for him here. The trampled ground, the shreds of silk torn from a high
+hat, all indicate clearly the struggle which took place. But the King,
+being drunk, was easily overpowered and bound. That is the reason he did
+not reach his hotel."</p>
+
+<p>One difficulty still troubled the detective. It had been shown that on
+the night of December 31st, the third person, otherwise the King, whom
+Fandor declared to be in the apartment, had been unable to escape by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>
+the back stairs, since the door was locked and bolted. Then it came into
+Juve's mind that the maid Justine in giving testimony had become
+embarrassed and finally had admitted that the key having been lost, she
+had neglected to lock the door. This cleared up the dubious point and
+established in Juve's mind the complete explanation of what happened.</p>
+
+<p>Fant&ocirc;mas, after killing Susy d'Orsel, had lurked on the stairs until the
+King left the apartment. Then, locking the door, he had hurried after
+his victim and caught him at the moment he reached the cellar.</p>
+
+<p>The detective's next move was to break into the apartment of the Marquis
+de S&eacute;rac. By the aid of a ladder which he found in a corner, he climbed
+up and broke a windowpane and thus made his entrance. At first nothing
+in the apartment seemed worthy of suspicion. The rooms were elegant but
+commonplace. The bureaus and wardrobes were locked, and gave out a
+hollow sound when rapped upon. As he did not have his burglar's
+equipment with him, Juve decided to come back later and investigate. He
+was on the point of leaving when his foot caught in a garment, which he
+found to be a waistcoat. He gave vent to an exclamation of surprise as
+he picked it up and folding it into a bundle hid it under his overcoat.
+The Marquis de S&eacute;rac had been under his suspicion for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> some time; now
+that suspicion was in a fair way to become a certainty. Were the Marquis
+and Fant&ocirc;mas one and the same?</p>
+
+<p>Juve was inclined to answer in the affirmative....</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The next step was to invite Wulf to dine with him, to show him the
+waistcoat and prove beyond doubt that it had been made by a tailor of
+Glotzbourg.</p>
+
+<p>Juve's opinion had now become a solid conviction. Fant&ocirc;mas had worn the
+garment, and had carried the diamond in the pocket of the waistcoat he
+found in the Marquis de S&eacute;rac's apartment. Hence the Marquis de S&eacute;rac
+was Fant&ocirc;mas.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE EXPLOSION OF THE NORD-SUD</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Empire clock on Juve's desk struck half-past eleven. The detective,
+having gone over in his mind the course of events just narrated, rose
+abruptly and tapped Wulf on the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Wulf, if you are to remain here you are very welcome to do so;
+as for me, I'm going out."</p>
+
+<p>Wulf, wakened out of a doze, sat up and stared at Juve, an expression of
+dawning suspicion in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going?" he inquired.</p>
+
+<p>Juve, absorbed in his thoughts, did not remark the strange behavior of
+his colleague. He had settled on a plan of action, which was simply to
+arrest the Marquis de S&eacute;rac.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm just going ... for a walk."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, get your hat."</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later the two men hailed a taxi and drove to 247 Rue de
+Monceau.</p>
+
+<p>During the trip Juve pumped Wulf about his relations with Fandor, and it
+appeared that the latter had pursued the policy of making Wulf drunk
+upon every occasion. Doubtless, the detective reasoned, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> was thus
+that Fandor was enabled to escape for an hour, during which time the
+substitution had been effected. Wulf explained how he had found the King
+near the fountains in the Place de la Concorde, and Juve realized that
+in some way or other the King and the fountains were mysteriously
+connected.</p>
+
+<p>In his turn, Wulf plied Juve with questions as to what he had done
+during his stay at Glotzbourg.</p>
+
+<p>What sort of welcome had he received from M. Heberlauf?</p>
+
+<p>How had the arrest of Fant&ocirc;mas been effected?</p>
+
+<p>How had the monster died?</p>
+
+<p>The detective, naturally, had no intention of enlightening Wulf as to
+the truth.</p>
+
+<p>He therefore answered in monosyllables, annoyed by the turn the
+conversation had taken. In fact, as the questions became more pressing,
+it flashed through Juve's mind that the stupid officer was actually
+beginning to suspect him of being Fant&ocirc;mas. As the taxi neared its
+destination Juve suddenly put his head out of the window and cried with
+an oath to the chauffeur:</p>
+
+<p>"Follow that automobile which is just starting and don't lose sight of
+it!"</p>
+
+<p>Wulf turned inquiringly:</p>
+
+<p>"It's the Marquis de S&eacute;rac."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what of it?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why, is he the man we are after?" Then turning again to the chauffeur:</p>
+
+<p>"Have you plenty of gasoline?"</p>
+
+<p>"Enough to run a hundred miles, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>The chase began at the Boulevard de Courcelles, continued through the
+Place de l'Etoile and the Avenue de la Grande Arm&eacute;e. The two taxis, of
+the same horsepower, kept an equal pace, but the Marquis de S&eacute;rac's
+chauffeur seemed the smarter man. At any rate, he was the more daring.
+He dodged in and out of the traffic and began to gain on his pursuers.</p>
+
+<p>"He's taking us to the Bois," growled Juve, as they made a turn to the
+left after passing the fortifications, before the Barri&egrave;re de Neuilly.
+The pace increased in the back streets and then, suddenly, the taxi of
+the Marquis de S&eacute;rac disappeared!</p>
+
+<p>It had turned sharply down a narrow street.</p>
+
+<p>At the risk of his neck, the detective sprang out of his taxi and rushed
+round the corner, just in time to hear a door bang to.</p>
+
+<p>Wulf now joined him.</p>
+
+<p>"We have wasted our time, my dear Juve. The taxi we have been following
+was empty. It made a circuit and passed me just now."</p>
+
+<p>"Just what I expected!" cried Juve, "our man got out of it ... he is
+still here."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Juve took out his revolver, and then an exclamation of surprise escaped
+his lips. Fifty yards away, a figure appeared, vague and dressed in
+white.</p>
+
+<p>"What the devil does that mean? I've been following the Marquis de
+S&eacute;rac, of that I'm sure, and now I find this other one." Then turning to
+Wulf, he gripped him by the arm. "You see that individual, well, he is
+the Primitive Man Ouaouaoua."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Taking the utmost precaution, Juve and Wulf followed the enigmatic
+Ouaouaoua for over an hour. The singular meeting had given the detective
+food for thought. This man had figured prominently at the ceremony of
+the Singing Fountains; again, he had been foremost in the demonstration
+of the mob against the King outside the Royal Palace. It was now that a
+suspicion came to Juve's mind, that this venerable beard and white
+woollen robe concealed the person of the Marquis de S&eacute;rac.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever happens," he muttered, "I must get to the bottom of this.
+While it would be quite easy to bring him down with a shot from my
+revolver, yet, once dead, I could get no information from him."</p>
+
+<p>They arrived at the corner of the Boulevard Malesherbes and the Avenue
+de Villiers, and Juve's excitement grew, for he knew that not far away
+was the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> America Hotel, where Lady Beltham had put up under the name of
+the Grand Duchess Alexandra. Ah! If it were possible to connect the
+Primitive Man with her! In that case he would not hesitate to arrest
+them both, although he suspected that Fant&ocirc;mas's mistress would be more
+ready to give him up than to shield him.</p>
+
+<p>But Ouaouaoua brusquely made a right-about face and headed toward the
+Boulevard des Batignolles.</p>
+
+<p>"Are we going to keep this up much longer?" inquired Wulf, who by this
+time was breathless and weary.</p>
+
+<p>"You can go if you like," growled Juve without turning his head. In his
+intense absorption, Juve failed to notice the menacing and ironical look
+the officer directed at him.</p>
+
+<p>Ouaouaoua now turned down the Rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette hastening his
+speed. The two men had some difficulty in keeping up with him. Suddenly
+he disappeared at the corner of the Rue Saint Lazare and the Rue
+Lamartine. Juve sprang forward just in time to see the white draped
+figure vanish down the stairs leading to the underground Station of the
+Nord-Sud.</p>
+
+<p>The Station was lighted and the ticket windows open. The morning's
+traffic had begun.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Have you just seen a queerly dressed man?" he asked one of the porters.</p>
+
+<p>"He has just bought his ticket, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>Juve flung down a coin, seized two coupons and without waiting for the
+change hurried onto the platform. The first morning train was waiting,
+due to start in five minutes. A quick search through the carriages
+disclosed the object of Juve's search. He was standing in the first
+carriage by the door of the driver's compartment. While Juve eyed him
+eagerly, the Primitive Man in turn was watching the detective.</p>
+
+<p>The conductors and employ&eacute;s were standing gossiping by the ticket
+office, and the station was almost deserted at this early morning hour.</p>
+
+<p>Juve remained on the platform with Wulf. As a preliminary to making his
+arrest, he took out his revolver, and held it in the palm of his hand.
+Suddenly he gave a yell and sprang forward. Ouaouaoua, taking advantage
+of the engine driver's absence, had entered his compartment and pulled
+the levers.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment the train was under way. As Juve made a jump on board, Wulf
+tried to restrain him, and in the scuffle knocked the revolver out of
+the detective's hand. To the consternation of the train's crew left
+behind in the station, the train was now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> gathering speed. Their shouts
+in turn alarmed the few passengers, who regarded the precipitate
+entrance of Juve in amazement. Finally a cry from the powerful lungs of
+Wulf was heard above all the other noises. A name shouted in terror:</p>
+
+<p>"Fant&ocirc;mas!"</p>
+
+<p>A rush was instantly made to seize the fool or the madman who had
+started the train, but a revolver shot quickly drove back the passengers
+and Juve, furious with the imbecile Wulf for having disarmed him, was
+obliged to take cover with the others.</p>
+
+<p>The train passed through the Station de la Trinit&eacute;, shot through Saint
+Lazare without heed to signal and tore along at headlong speed. And
+then, in a moment, the train was plunged into total darkness and a cry
+of rage escaped from the Primitive Man. The detective understood in a
+flash.</p>
+
+<p>The Nord-Sud had had the happy idea of cutting off the power, and Juve
+noticed that this occurred just as the train had passed the Station de
+la Concorde and entered the tube beyond. Ah! this time the Primitive Man
+was in a tight corner. His revolver would be less dangerous in the
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>Juve rose carefully, prepared to advance, when a spark was seen,
+succeeded by a terrific explosion. A shower of matter fell upon the
+train, shattering the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> windows and throwing the passengers pell-mell
+upon each other.</p>
+
+<p>Then ... silence....</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The red lights of torches gradually lighted up the tunnel in which the
+tragic accident, still unaccounted for, had occurred. Juve, unconscious
+for ten minutes, came to his senses and realized with a sense of relief
+that he was unhurt, and that the men directing the rescue were the Paris
+firemen. Many persons had been wounded, but by an apparent miracle not
+one had been killed.</p>
+
+<p>The Primitive Man had disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Juve, in quest of clues which might lead to the discovery of the
+explosion, climbed upon the train to where an immense hole in the roof
+of the tube had showered down bits of asphalt and broken earth. He
+noticed quickly that communication had been opened with the Place de la
+Concorde. By dint of hoisting and scrambling he succeeded at length in
+gaining the surface of the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Vague groanings came from the mass of stones piled not far away. As he
+approached these noises, they became more distinct. Finally, he
+discovered the body of a man wedged between two large blocks and covered
+with a piece of gas-pipe.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The body was begrimed with soot and mud. Juve, after hauling his burden
+to the open air, where he was greeted with cheers by the crowd, dipped
+his handkerchief in the water from the fountain and wiped the man's
+face. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees with a cry:</p>
+
+<p>"Fandor! It's Fandor!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2>
+
+<h3>INNOCENT OR GUILTY?</h3>
+
+
+<p>Juve and Doctor Gast were talking in low tones in the dining-room
+adjoining the bedroom. Their patient, Fandor, had just wakened and had
+cried out:</p>
+
+<p>"I'm dying of hunger!"</p>
+
+<p>It was about nine o'clock in the morning. After rescuing his friend
+Fandor from his perilous situation, he had taken the unfortunate
+journalist to his own home in Rue Richer and called in a physician of
+the quarter, Doctor Gast. An examination of the patient showed that he
+had received no serious injury, merely some abrasions and one or two
+burns.</p>
+
+<p>As Juve and the Doctor answered his call for food, Fandor sat up and
+without surprise or question repeated his cry:</p>
+
+<p>"I'm dying of hunger. Hurry up and give me something to eat."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor took his pulse, then suggested:</p>
+
+<p>"Something light won't hurt him, say, a slice of ham."</p>
+
+<p>A formidable oath was the reply:</p>
+
+<p>"No, thanks!... anything you like, but not ham."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"All right ... a chicken wing instead."</p>
+
+<p>This seemed to satisfy Fandor, who added:</p>
+
+<p>"While I'm awful hungry, don't forget that I'm just as thirsty!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Monsieur, I find everything going well. Our patient has had a
+good meal and is now sleeping peacefully. By to-morrow, M. Fandor will
+be all right again. It was, however, about time he got food, for in my
+judgment he pretty nearly died of hunger."</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I can't understand."</p>
+
+<p>"When you went back just now to the scene of the accident, didn't you
+learn any of the details?"</p>
+
+<p>Juve answered evasively:</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing to speak of, Doctor, merely that the wounds of the passengers
+are not serious. As to the cause of the explosion, I have a notion that
+it may have been due to an escape of gas. I noticed a strong odor of it
+about. Probably a spark set it off."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor now took his leave, and no sooner was he well out of the door
+when a joyful whistle came from the sick man's room. Juve could not
+restrain an exclamation of surprise as he looked into the bedroom.
+Fandor was already partly dressed and in the act of lacing up his boots.</p>
+
+<p>"You are crazy to get up in your condition!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Hang my condition, I feel as strong as a horse and as hungry as a
+bear."</p>
+
+<p>Juve laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, if that's the way you feel there's nothing more to be said."</p>
+
+<p>After a second breakfast, Fandor turned to his friend:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then, Juve, let's hear where you've been!"</p>
+
+<p>For two hours each in turn narrated their adventures of the past days,
+and by combining their experiences, they arrived at a clear view of the
+situation. One question was answered beyond doubt. The hand of Fant&ocirc;mas
+was everywhere apparent. His carefully laid plan to get possession of
+the King's diamond unquestionably involved the arrest of the King by the
+French authorities for the murder of his mistress.</p>
+
+<p>It was now their difficult task, first to recover the jewel and then
+capture the bandit. Two points still remained to be cleared up. What
+r&ocirc;le had Marie Pascal played in the affair? Was she innocent or an
+accomplice? And had Lady Beltham intended to save Juve or had she
+intended to save Fant&ocirc;mas?</p>
+
+<p>It was finally arranged that Juve should go to the America Hotel and
+call on the pseudo Grand Duchess Alexandra, and that Fandor should see
+Marie Pascal.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> They were about to put this project into execution when a
+loud knocking at the door startled them.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor sprang forward, but the detective quickly thrust him into the
+bedroom, and opened the door himself.</p>
+
+<p>"You here, Wulf!"</p>
+
+<p>"As you see."</p>
+
+<p>The absurd officer marched into the apartment with an air of great
+satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Monsieur Juve, and what do you think of my detective instinct?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you thought you'd got rid of me at the Sud-Nord Station, didn't
+you, but I fooled you. I arrived at the scene of the explosion at the
+precise moment you were giving an address to the chauffeur and carrying
+away a body."</p>
+
+<p>"A body ... in pretty good health!"</p>
+
+<p>"Furthermore, I came across some one you were looking for, I think."</p>
+
+<p>"Fant&ocirc;mas?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, not Fant&ocirc;mas, but the Primitive Man, generally called Ouaouaoua."</p>
+
+<p>"And you let him go?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I let him go all right, but not before he gave me his address."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Juve smiled grimly.</p>
+
+<p>"A nice mess you've made of it!"</p>
+
+<p>Wulf continued with an air of great importance:</p>
+
+<p>"I can tell you something else, the King returns to Glotzbourg to-night,
+but before he goes we shall have the guilty person arrested."</p>
+
+<p>A slight noise made Wulf turn his head and then give a loud cry.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor had entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Good God! Who is that?... the King?... No, it's not the King ... help!
+help!"</p>
+
+<p>Wulf cast frightened glances to right and left and then made a dive for
+the door, slamming it behind him as he rushed out:</p>
+
+<p>"I knew he was a fool," exclaimed Juve, "but I didn't know he was crazy
+besides. And to think he had Fant&ocirc;mas in his hands and let him go!"</p>
+
+<p>The two men now reverted to their interrupted project and decided to pay
+their respective visits to Marie Pascal and Lady Beltham.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"Mam'zelle Marie! Mam'zelle Marie! Come in and rest a bit!"</p>
+
+<p>The pretty lace-maker was passing the office of the conci&egrave;rge, the
+so-called Mother Citron. The young girl accepted the invitation and sat
+down, heaving a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> deep sigh. It was only ten in the morning but her red
+eyes and her face showed signs of having passed a bad night.</p>
+
+<p>"You mustn't work so hard!" exclaimed the conci&egrave;rge.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it isn't my work; that rests me, it helps me to forget.... I have
+so many troubles."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me all about them."</p>
+
+<p>By degrees and through her tears, Marie confided all that had happened
+to her since the night of the murder. The avowal of love she had made to
+the King and the unforgettable hour she had passed in his company; then
+the police inquiries, suspicions, and the fact that they were
+continually following her.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"Ah, if only I had some one to turn to. I've thought of going to see
+this detective the King spoke of, M. Juve."</p>
+
+<p>As Marie Pascal pronounced that name, an expression of sinister joy came
+into the eyes of Mother Citron:</p>
+
+<p>"That's a good idea," she exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>Marie hesitated:</p>
+
+<p>"I would never dare go to see him alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Marie Pascal, you know how fond of you I am, and as sure as I'm called
+Mother Citron, I'll prove<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> what I say. In a couple of minutes I'll put
+on my hat with the flowers and leave my workwoman in charge here. Then
+I'll take you myself to this M. Juve... if you're afraid of him, I'm
+not!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXIX</h2>
+
+<h3>COMPROMISING DISCOVERIES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Fandor, smoking a good cigar, walked to the Rue Monceau, taking deep
+breaths of the fresh air, looking up with delight at the blue sky. After
+his imprisonment and slow torture he experienced an extraordinary joy in
+living and in his freedom.</p>
+
+<p>When he reached the house he found the conci&egrave;rge's office empty. He
+called out several times.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm the conci&egrave;rge, what is it you want?" a voice answered behind him.</p>
+
+<p>Fandor turned sharply:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, there you are, Madame, I didn't see you."</p>
+
+<p>It would have surprised the journalist had he known that the
+extraordinary Mme. Citron a moment before had been comfortably installed
+in the Marquis de S&eacute;rac's apartment, and that hearing herself called,
+she had slid down her communicating post to answer the summons. Still
+further was he from imagining that the Marquis de S&eacute;rac and Mme. Citron
+were one and the same person.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, now that I'm here, what is it you want?"</p>
+
+<p>Madame Citron recognized Fandor. But she recognized him as being some
+one he was not. She had, indeed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> only seen him for a few moments
+immediately after the murder of Susy d'Orsel.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to see Mlle. Marie Pascal. She lives here, doesn't she?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur, but ..."</p>
+
+<p>"Is she at home?"</p>
+
+<p>"What is it about?"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor answered casually:</p>
+
+<p>"I have an order to give her."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, if Monsieur will leave it with me..."</p>
+
+<p>"Why? Isn't Mlle. Marie Pascal here?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"Will she be long away?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid she will."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, I'll come back about six o'clock. I must see her personally,
+I have a number of details to explain."</p>
+
+<p>Mme. Ceiron shook her head.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think you'll find her."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, she's in the country."</p>
+
+<p>"Will she be away for several days?"</p>
+
+<p>"I expect so."</p>
+
+<p>Fandor decided to burn his bridges.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here, it's not about an order; I'm sent here by Juve, you know
+him?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The detective?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Madame, the detective."</p>
+
+<p>Madame Ceiron appeared to be very disturbed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I shall get jaundice from all this bother. I can't even sleep in
+peace. It'll end in them suspecting me, I know it will."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Madame, I assure you...."</p>
+
+<p>"After all, I'd rather tell you the exact truth, then you can't complain
+of me. You see, it's this way: Yesterday the little girl came and said
+to me, 'Madame Ceiron, I'm so upset and unhappy, and I'm bothered to
+death with questions, too, and then, this King who isn't a King ... I've
+a good mind to pack my trunk and go away.' So I said to her, if that's
+the case, go by all means&mdash;she had paid a quarter's advance&mdash;and when
+you are ready just come back&mdash;and that's all there is to it, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"You have no idea where she went, Mme. Ceiron?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I heard her tell the cab-driver to take her to the Montparnasse
+Station."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know if she has any friends or relations in the country?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!&mdash;that's a good idea, Monsieur, now I come to think of it, she
+always went on her holidays from the same station, probably to visit
+some of her family, but where they live I haven't the least idea."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fandor had an inspiration.</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe she has received letters which will tell us! Have you the key of
+her room?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have the key; would you like to go up?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course!&mdash;I must make a search through her belongings."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Jerome Fandor felt strangely agitated in entering the simple room of the
+young lace-maker. It has been frequently said that the souls of people
+can be divined from the atmosphere of their homes, and if this is true,
+the journalist was surely not mistaken when at the Royal Palace he had
+experienced a rather warm feeling for Marie Pascal.</p>
+
+<p>The room showed no sign of precipitate abandonment, nor any preparation
+for a long absence. Her work-basket and cushions were all in place, and
+one would have expected her return at any moment. But alas! Fandor could
+harbor no illusion regarding her. Her flight was evidently to escape a
+probable arrest by Juve. A minute inspection of Marie's papers disclosed
+nothing of importance; but upon opening the last drawer in her desk he
+found, hidden under envelopes and letter paper, a number of small
+objects.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! the devil!" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>The objects were jewels, brooches, rings, earrings<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> and also a large
+key, evidently of an apartment door. One glance at the jewels was
+enough. Fandor had seen and admired them upon the person of Susy d'Orsel
+during the supper which preceded her tragic death.</p>
+
+<p>"My God! there's no doubt now," he muttered, "Marie Pascal is the
+accomplice of Fant&ocirc;mas."</p>
+
+<p>And then the journalist decided upon a theory to account for her having
+left the jewels behind. She had probably arranged to have them found
+among somebody else's things and thus to throw suspicion from herself,
+just as she had attempted to leave the famous chemise in the Marquis de
+S&eacute;rac's laundry.</p>
+
+<p>"What will Juve say to this? I must see him right away!"</p>
+
+<p>He turned to the conci&egrave;rge:</p>
+
+<p>"Madame Ceiron, I realize our search here will be without result, so I
+will leave you now and probably return about ten to-night with my friend
+Juve."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, Monsieur. You found nothing, I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing at all," declared Fandor.</p>
+
+<p>While Fandor was going downstairs the pseudo Mme. Ceiron made a grimace.</p>
+
+<p>"He's found nothing, hasn't he? And yet he's turned over everything I
+left in that drawer! He's not so clever as Juve, although he isn't a
+fool....<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> After all, I don't care, I've got them both where I want
+them."</p>
+
+<p>Jerome Fandor shouted an address to his driver:</p>
+
+<p>"Rue Bonaparte, and if you hurry there's a good tip waiting for you."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXX</h2>
+
+<h3>SHADOWED</h3>
+
+
+<p>An unusual cold had continued for nearly a week, and the ice f&ecirc;te
+organized by the skating club upon the upper lake in the Bois de
+Boulogne had been announced for this particular day. This f&ecirc;te had been
+already frequently postponed on account of the weather. It had become a
+joke among Parisians to receive an invitation for a date which was
+invariably followed by a period of thaw, turning the lake into ice water
+and mud.</p>
+
+<p>And now the afternoon of this January day, which began with the
+explosion in the Sud-Nord tunnel, had been finally decided upon. The
+clear atmosphere and severe cold promised no further disappointment. The
+f&ecirc;te was to be given in aid of the poor of the town and the admission
+fee was put at a high figure for the purpose of drawing a fashionable
+crowd and keeping out the mob. Vehicles of all kinds drew up and were
+parked by the shore of the lake, giving the place the appearance of a
+fashionable reception.</p>
+
+<p>M. Fouquet-Legendre, President of the Committee, stood chatting with the
+Marquis de S&eacute;rac, and both<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> men cast frequent glances in the direction
+of the town.</p>
+
+<p>"You are sure he will come?" M. Fouquet-Legendre inquired for the
+twentieth time.</p>
+
+<p>"You may rely upon it, His Majesty himself promised to honor with his
+presence the reunion organized by your Committee."</p>
+
+<p>M. Fouquet-Legendre moved away to superintend the preparation of a lunch
+table containing sandwiches, cakes and champagne. The Marquis de S&eacute;rac
+sauntered among the crowd, exchanging bows and handshakes with his
+numerous friends.</p>
+
+<p>To see this elegant old gentleman, jovial, smiling, without an apparent
+trouble in the world, it would be hard to imagine that he was the
+formidable and elusive Fant&ocirc;mas.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The arrival of a superb limousine aroused the curiosity of the crowd. A
+distinguished-looking man, wearing a striking cloak and a cap of
+astrakhan, stepped out of it.</p>
+
+<p>It was King Frederick-Christian II. The worthy president immediately
+suggested a glass of champagne, but the King made it quickly known that
+he had come to skate, and desired to remain officially incognito.</p>
+
+<p>Frederick-Christian had regained his popularity in the eyes of the
+Parisians. The suspicion of murdering<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> his mistress which had attached
+to him had gradually given way to the belief that he was innocent, and
+the real perpetrator of the crime was now supposed by the public to be
+Fant&ocirc;mas.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The King proved himself to be an expert skater, and under the respectful
+gaze of the crowd, described graceful curves and difficult figures upon
+the ice. At length the attention of the King was drawn to a woman, who,
+equally clever, seemed to be amusing herself with copying his
+evolutions. The figure of this woman seemed not unfamiliar to him, and
+he finally set himself to follow her, increasing his speed, until the
+two brought up face to face. Involuntarily a name escaped his lips:</p>
+
+<p>"The Grand Duchess Alexandra! You here, Madame!"</p>
+
+<p>He could not forget that this woman, with all her seductive charm, was
+actually a redoubtable adversary of his dynasty. The pseudo Grand
+Duchess, however, man&oelig;uvred skilfully, affecting such a timid and
+embarrassed air that by degrees the King's severity melted under her
+charm. She seemed a little tired and out of breath from the chase, and
+when she glanced round in search of support, he could scarcely do less
+as a gallant man than offer her his arm.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Profiting by this chance, the adventuress adroitly whispered her regrets
+at the unjust scandal and calumny which had coupled her name with that
+of Prince Gudulfin.</p>
+
+<p>"Sire," she finally murmured, "give me the opportunity of proving my
+devotion."</p>
+
+<p>The two, separated from the others, slowly skated away together.
+Suddenly the King stopped short; he realized he had listened with close
+attention to the confidences of the troubling person he still took for
+the Grand Duchess.</p>
+
+<p>What had she been saying to him?</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>A few minutes later Frederick-Christian, deciding it was time to return
+to his Hotel, skated toward the bank. The Grand Duchess made a deep
+curtsey and ended her conversation with these words:</p>
+
+<p>"Sire, may I beg your forgiveness for one of your subordinates?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is granted, Madame ... if what you tell me comes true...."</p>
+
+<p>"Your Majesty will permit me to be present at the Gare du Nord when you
+leave this evening."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>A taxi arrived at the lake. Juve sprang out of it.</p>
+
+<p>The detective bit his lip and swore upon seeing a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> superb limousine in
+which he saw seated Frederick-Christian and the Marquis de S&eacute;rac.</p>
+
+<p>"Too late again!" he muttered. "I miss Lady Beltham at the America
+Hotel; I miss the King at the skating. At least, let me make sure that
+the so-called Grand Duchess is still here."</p>
+
+<p>A thorough search on the ice and among the crowd on shore failed to
+discover the lady, who had doubtless left at the same time as the King.
+While skating from group to group Juve was brought up by a conversation
+in low tones between M. Annion and M. Lepine. Hiding behind a tree, he
+listened attentively.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you know the last news?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," declared M. Annion, "but it seems very extraordinary."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no doubt, however, this Grand Duchess Alexandra should be well
+posted ... now. She has formally promised the King that his diamond will
+be found in the possession of our man ... who will be under arrest this
+evening...."</p>
+
+<p>"You believe that?" questioned M. Lepine, with a skeptical smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I believe in the arrest&mdash;that is certain; but whether we shall
+find the diamond is another matter."</p>
+
+<p>Juve's first impulse was to make himself known to his chief; but on
+second thoughts he decided to keep<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> silent. He had gathered from the
+conversation that the arrest of Fant&ocirc;mas was imminent. That, of course,
+was satisfactory in every respect.</p>
+
+<p>The conversation continued and, as he listened, Juve could not help
+smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"They are all right! They realize the work I've done and they want me to
+reap the reward of it."</p>
+
+<p>M. Lepine had, in fact, asked M. Annion:</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite sure Juve will be at the Gare du Nord this evening?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite sure; I have given him orders to that effect."</p>
+
+<p>Juve decided it was not worth while going home to get the order.
+Evidently they counted upon him to be at the Station at nine o'clock;
+ostensibly to assist at the departure of the King, in reality to arrest
+Fant&ocirc;mas.</p>
+
+<p>The detective moved away, there was not a moment to spare. Whatever
+happened it was absolutely necessary that he should have an interview
+with Lady Beltham.</p>
+
+<p>In her small oriental salon, the Grand Duchess Alexandra sat chatting
+with Wulf, about five o'clock in the evening.</p>
+
+<p>"Really, Monsieur Wulf, you are an extraordinary man, and your
+intelligence is amazing."</p>
+
+<p>"Madame is too indulgent," replied Wulf, beaming.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, I am only fair to you; I know you are a man of value and that is
+why I have been at pains to re-establish you in the good graces of your
+sovereign."</p>
+
+<p>Since her return to the America Hotel, Alexandra had been exceedingly
+busy. To begin with, she had received a visit from her lover, the
+Marquis de S&eacute;rac. A long conversation in low tones had taken place, and
+the Marquis had left her, nervous and agitated. The adventuress had then
+put on a smiling face to meet the ridiculous Wulf, and after some
+mysterious and complicated business with him had been transacted, she
+had ended by loading the officer with outrageous compliments and saying:</p>
+
+<p>"And now, thanks to you, Monsieur Wulf, the elusive Fant&ocirc;mas is about to
+be arrested. Be assured the King will give you the very highest proof of
+his gratitude for this service. Your position at the Court of
+Hesse-Weimar will be more important than ever."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Night had fallen and the lamps of the Paris streets were lit up.</p>
+
+<p>At the corner of the Boulevard Malesherbes and the Avenue de Villiers,
+not far from the door of the America Hotel, a man was seated on a bench;
+he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> seemed to be merely resting; but in reality he was closely watching
+each individual who entered and left the Hotel.</p>
+
+<p>This man was Juve.</p>
+
+<p>He began rubbing his hands with a satisfied air.</p>
+
+<p>"Good, good! The evening is beginning well.... There is one important
+thing for me to do now; shadow Lady Beltham, and not lose sight of her
+for a single moment, from the time she leaves this Hotel until...."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXI</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DEATH WATCH</h3>
+
+
+<p>In her ears an incessant buzzing. On her throat a weight which stifled
+her. In her mouth a gag which obstructed her breathing and tore her
+lips. Over her eyes a heavy bandage. Her arms were bound at the wrists,
+her body was bruised by heavy thongs, and her ankles bleeding from the
+pressure of cords.</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal was gradually regaining consciousness. She tried to make a
+movement, but her body could not respond; she wanted to cry out, but her
+voice died away in her throat. At first she thought it was all a
+nightmare, then memory returned and she recalled every detail of her
+strange and sinister adventure.</p>
+
+<p>She saw herself starting with Mme. Ceiron to call on Juve. The conci&egrave;rge
+had said:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't worry, my dear, I know the way. Monsieur Juve gave me his
+address."</p>
+
+<p>At length, after a long walk, Mme. Ceiron made her climb the stairs of a
+decent looking house. On the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> way up she remembered feeling faint and
+that the conci&egrave;rge had given her salts to smell. Following that came
+complete unconsciousness, out of which she woke to hear a grim menacing
+voice exclaim:</p>
+
+<p>"I am Fant&ocirc;mas! I condemn you to death in the interest of my cause!"</p>
+
+<p>She was in the hands of Fant&ocirc;mas!</p>
+
+<p>And then she fainted again, but not until after a flood of light had
+been let into her mind. In a flash she understood that Fant&ocirc;mas himself
+must have been the mainspring of the incomprehensible events enveloping
+the King's visit to Paris. Furthermore, she divined that Mme. Ceiron and
+Fant&ocirc;mas were the same person. It was she who offered the salts,
+undoubtedly inducing her unconsciousness. The sound of a steady tic-tac
+she recognized as coming from a nearby clock. Where was she?</p>
+
+<p>Was she really in Juve's apartment?</p>
+
+<p>With a supreme effort she succeeded in turning her head a little, and in
+the movement the bandage over her eyes became loosened and fell off. She
+could see at last!</p>
+
+<p>She found herself bound to a large sofa placed in the middle of a
+well-furnished room. Before her was placed a monstrous and sinister
+thing&mdash;the menacing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> barrel of a revolver. Its trigger was bound by a
+number of strings, each one ending in a nail. These were embedded in
+lighted wax candles, and from the nails hung a counter-weight.</p>
+
+<p>It was not difficult to guess its purport.</p>
+
+<p>When the candles burned down to the nails, these would become detached,
+releasing the counter-weights and automatically discharging the revolver
+aimed straight at her body. Fant&ocirc;mas had no need to return. His infernal
+cunning had found a means to kill her in his absence.</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal calculated that the candles would burn for not more than an
+hour&mdash;an hour and a half at most. The unfortunate girl now began to
+undergo the agony of waiting for her approaching end. It seemed to her
+that the candles had been piously lighted for some death watch. When the
+wax had melted near the first nails, she closed her eyes and a deep sigh
+of horror escaped from her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Pity! Pity!"</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, Jerome Fandor burst into the chamber, anxious to tell his
+friend Juve about the objects he had found in Marie Pascal's room.
+Scarcely had he opened the door than he started back in amazement, white
+as a sheet. Ah! the horrible spectacle of the young girl lying
+motionless, as though dead, she, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> in spite of everything, he still
+found charming. Then realizing the situation, he sprang forward, put out
+the candles and removed the revolver.</p>
+
+<p>"Saved! You are saved!"</p>
+
+<p>With infinite precautions he untied the ropes and placed Marie's head
+upon some cushions. She opened her eyes slowly and murmured:</p>
+
+<p>"Where am I? Help! Fant&ocirc;mas!"</p>
+
+<p>Fandor endeavored to reassure her.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be frightened! Fant&ocirc;mas isn't here; you are saved.... It is I ...
+Jerome Fandor."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Marie Pascal was seated in an armchair, still very pale, but with
+courage regained.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mademoiselle," exclaimed the journalist, "I beg you to tell me
+everything.... I promise I won't give you up ... time is precious and if
+your accomplice had tried to get rid of you, it is only natural; you are
+dangerous for him.... Marie Pascal, I implore you to tell me the truth!
+Tell me, who is Fant&ocirc;mas?"</p>
+
+<p>The young girl listened to these words with growing amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"The accomplice of Fant&ocirc;mas, I!... What are you saying, Monsieur?...
+Sire!"</p>
+
+<p>Jerome Fandor interrupted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Now don't deny it! Look here, I'll tell you the truth. I am not the
+King."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not...."</p>
+
+<p>"No, but I haven't time to explain that now... you must help me to
+capture this criminal ... and I give you my word you will not be
+involved yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am not the accomplice of Fant&ocirc;mas!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then why did you steal those jewels? Why have you the key of Susy
+d'Orsel's apartment in your possession?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie's face expressed such bewilderment as Fandor asked the question
+that he could no longer doubt her innocence.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, for the love of heaven, tell me all you know!"</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal told a lengthy story. She recounted in detail the r&ocirc;le she
+had played in the tragic affair of the Rue Monceau and ended by
+exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>"What you don't know is that Mme. Ceiron is in reality Fant&ocirc;mas. Under
+this disguise he has tried to assassinate me; he assured you that I had
+gone to the country, so that rescue would have been impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Fant&ocirc;mas!" cried Fandor at the end of the recital, "your hour has
+come! In an hour at most you will begin the expiation of your crimes!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As the young girl looked doubtfully at him, he added:</p>
+
+<p>"It's time, Marie Pascal! Come with me and see him arrested!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXXII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ARREST OF FANT&Ocirc;MAS</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Good evening, Monsieur Caldoni, so you are starting soon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur Vicart, it's customary and also my duty, every time a
+sovereign, a crowned head, takes the train..."</p>
+
+<p>"You stick as close to him as possible until he has reached the
+frontier. Well, I'm not sorry to see you here," continued Vicart, "for
+now my job is over."</p>
+
+<p>"And mine just beginning, worse luck."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! you have only a few hours of it; you travel luxuriously in a
+special train..."</p>
+
+<p>"One gets tired of that pretty soon. Last week I took the Dowager Queen
+of Italy to Menton; then jumped to the Spanish frontier to pick up the
+King of Spain; now it's the King of Hesse-Weimar&mdash;to-morrow, who knows?"</p>
+
+<p>The station was decorated gaily in honor of the departing
+Frederick-Christian. In a private room, a number of the guests,
+especially invited, were waiting the arrival of the Sovereign.</p>
+
+<p>While M. Vicart, in company with a special agent,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> made a rapid
+examination of the station and satisfied himself that all preparations
+had been thoroughly carried out, M. Caldoni was talking to the
+station-master.</p>
+
+<p>"The King's special train is to start exactly at 10.17, that is to say,
+it will follow, at an interval of 10 minutes number 322."</p>
+
+<p>"The 322 is the Cologne express, isn't it?" inquired M. Caldoni.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the Cologne express."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>In the meantime a vast crowd of the curious who had learned of the
+departure of the King by the evening papers, filled the waiting-rooms
+and platforms. Journalists were grouped apart and the invited guests
+included numerous persons of quality. Among them was Baron Weil, member
+of the Council of Administration, and delegated to represent it at the
+ceremony of departure. Lieutenant Colonel Bonnival was also there to
+represent the State. At the station entrance, M. Havard stood alone,
+waiting the arrival of the automobile which contained M. Annion, in
+attendance upon the King.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Making his way noiselessly in and out of the crowd, Juve gradually drew
+near the front ranks and reached<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> the cordon of special officers whose
+duty it was to bar the way to the platform of departure. Here Juve ran
+into Michel, and the two men silently shook hands. Juve was about to
+show his card, but Michel smiled:</p>
+
+<p>"No need for you to show it, Juve."</p>
+
+<p>The detective now mingled with the guests, and as he reached the
+reception-room he moved behind a lady who had just arrived. Waiting a
+favorable opportunity he approached her:</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me," he began in a dry voice, "one moment, please."</p>
+
+<p>The lady turned sharply:</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, who are you? What do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Juve, of the Secret Service."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am the Grand Duchess Alexandra, relative of the King of
+Hesse-Weimar."</p>
+
+<p>"No, you are Lady Beltham. I recognize you and it will be no use to deny
+it."</p>
+
+<p>The adventuress started panting, in her eyes a look of fear.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," she stammered.</p>
+
+<p>"I've got you, Lady Beltham. The time to pay has come. You are under
+arrest." Then in a whisper he added, "Where is the diamond?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a silence. Lady Beltham lowered her eyes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Better tell me, and avoid the scandal."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't make a scandal, I implore you. I have the diamond with me."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>At this moment the King of Hesse-Weimar entered the reception-room
+accompanied by his friend, the Marquis de S&eacute;rac.</p>
+
+<p>Juve could not repress a start. The daring of Fant&ocirc;mas was beyond
+belief. But his first duty was to recover the diamond. Leaning toward
+his prisoner, he whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"Hand over the diamond immediately."</p>
+
+<p>The adventuress gave him a strange and mysterious look.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, slip your hand into my sleeve."</p>
+
+<p>Juve obeyed. His fingers instantly closed around the precious jewel
+which he identified at once by the feel.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, I came here for the express purpose of returning it, please
+believe me."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Juve met the eyes of M. Annion, and he realized that the
+time had come to report to his chief. The detective had three plain
+clothes men at his elbow; he now turned to them and with a gesture gave
+the care of Lady Beltham into their keeping. Juve then advanced through
+the crowded room toward<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> M. Annion and the King. The latter watched him
+closely and whispered to M. Vicart:</p>
+
+<p>"This time we mustn't hesitate."</p>
+
+<p>In a moment Juve felt his arms seized and pinioned, and then before he
+could recover from his amazement, he was hustled off into a private
+room.</p>
+
+<p>"Search him!"</p>
+
+<p>Immediately one of his guards snatched the diamond from his waistcoat
+pocket. Juve looked up and in the doorway stood the absurd Wulf and by
+his side the Marquis de S&eacute;rac.</p>
+
+<p>"Fant&ocirc;mas," he cried, "Fant&ocirc;mas!... arrest him!" Then in a sudden access
+of rage:</p>
+
+<p>"Let me go, you idiots! M. Annion, what does this mean? Fant&ocirc;mas stands
+before you! We've got him, and Lady Beltham, too!"</p>
+
+<p>M. Annion paid no attention to his outburst, but calmly turned to
+another man who had appeared on the scene.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Heberlauf, do you recognize this man?"</p>
+
+<p>M. Heberlauf, who never could make a decision, hesitated:</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me ... I don't know ... I think I do. Madame Heberlauf can
+tell you better than I can."</p>
+
+<p>Madame Heberlauf now stepped forward and in a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> flood of words, explained
+to M. Annion that she had no doubt in the matter.</p>
+
+<p>"By a most infernal device, Monsieur, this criminal escaped from his
+prison, and not content with that, he killed an unfortunate servant, an
+old porter whom our police discovered the following day in the mortuary
+chapel of Glotzbourg."</p>
+
+<p>Instinctly Juve was about to protest but M. Annion held up a hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence. You will explain at the trial." Then turning to the Marquis de
+S&eacute;rac, he handed the diamond to him.</p>
+
+<p>"We are very glad to be able to return this precious jewel to his
+Majesty Frederick-Christian II, and I place it in your hands, Marquis,
+in presence of Monsieur Wulf and Monsieur Heberlauf."</p>
+
+<p>A yell from Juve interrupted him:</p>
+
+<p>"God Almighty! the Marquis de S&eacute;rac is Fant&ocirc;mas!... Fant&ocirc;mas, the
+assassin of Susy d'Orsel!"</p>
+
+<p>M. Havard came forward:</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use, Juve, keep quiet. We know all you would say. But I may
+tell you that in every place where Fant&ocirc;mas left his trace we have found
+undeniable evidences of your presence."</p>
+
+<p>When M. Havard pronounced the name Fant&ocirc;mas, a young girl sprang
+forward. It was Marie Pascal.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur," she cried, "Fant&ocirc;mas is arrested! Fant&ocirc;mas, the monster who
+nearly killed me two hours ago!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly killed you? Where?"</p>
+
+<p>"In a house in the Rue Bonaparte."</p>
+
+<p>"M. Juve's house," exclaimed the Marquis de S&eacute;rac with an ironical
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>"And who rescued you?" asked M. Havard.</p>
+
+<p>Marie Pascal turned to identify Fandor but the journalist had
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Getting wind of what was afoot after reaching the station, he had kept
+out of sight and listened to the rumors of the crowd. It was with
+stupefaction that he at length discovered that the authorities had
+actually decided that Juve and Fant&ocirc;mas were one and the same person!</p>
+
+<p>With his usual quick decision, he promptly made up his mind that he
+would be more useful to his friend if he remained free. He realized the
+probability of his own arrest for counterfeiting the King.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>M. Vicart offered humble apologies to the pseudo Grand Duchess
+Alexandra, who accepted them with a haughty inclination of the head, and
+hastened to join the suite of the King.</p>
+
+<p>The latter warmly thanked the Marquis de S&eacute;rac<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> and amid the
+acclamations of the crowd the train started.</p>
+
+<p>Wulf, swollen with vanity, cried aloud so that everyone might hear:</p>
+
+<p>"It is thanks to me that he is arrested!"</p>
+
+<p>Juve now left with the police officers, shouted at the top of his voice:</p>
+
+<p>"But I am Juve! Juve! Oh! they are all crazy! Crazy!"</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments he was taken to a waiting taxi, while the crowd took a
+last look at the departing King and his suite. They were saying:</p>
+
+<p>"That's the Grand Duchess and the Marquis de S&eacute;rac!"</p>
+
+<p>Juve gave one great cry of distress, while the tears coursed down his
+cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"The Grand Duchess! the Marquis de S&eacute;rac! No! no! The police have
+arrested an innocent man and have let Lady Beltham and Fant&ocirc;mas escape!"</p>
+
+
+<h3>THE END</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>FANT&Ocirc;MAS DETECTIVE TALES</h2>
+
+<h4>By</h4>
+
+<h3>PIERRE SOUVESTRE and MARCEL ALLAIN</h3>
+
+<h4>12 mo. Cloth. Price, $1.40, net, each.</h4>
+
+
+<p class="center">I.</p>
+
+<p class="center">FANT&Ocirc;MAS</p>
+
+<p>The Adventures of Detective Juve in Pursuit of a Master in Crime.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">II.</p>
+
+<p class="center">THE EXPLOITS OF JUVE</p>
+
+<p>In this continuation of "Fant&ocirc;mas" the further adventures of Detective
+Juve are narrated and tell of his efforts to run the notorious criminal
+to earth. Fant&ocirc;mas appears here as the leader of a gang of Apaches.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">III.</p>
+
+<p class="center">MESSENGERS OF EVIL</p>
+
+<p>This third Instalment of the adventures of Detective Juve contains a
+recital of some remarkable happenings in the life of this
+master-criminal of Paris.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">IV.</p>
+
+<p class="center">A NEST OF SPIES</p>
+
+<p>Fant&ocirc;mas now appears as the representative in Paris of a Foreign
+Government whose real business is to obtain important military secrets
+for Germany. Juve succeeds in defeating his efforts, but the criminal
+himself escapes once more.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">V.</p>
+
+<p class="center">A ROYAL PRISONER</p>
+
+<p>This volume tells of the daring exploits of Fant&ocirc;mas in his attempts to
+get possession of the King of Hesse-Weimar's famous diamond.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Other Volumes in Preparation</i></p>
+
+<h4>BRENTANO'S</h4>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Royal Prisoner, by 
+Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain
+
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+</body>
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+Project Gutenberg's A Royal Prisoner, by Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Royal Prisoner
+
+Author: Pierre Souvestre
+        Marcel Allain
+
+Release Date: January 13, 2009 [EBook #27789]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A ROYAL PRISONER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Josephine Paolucci and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.
+(This file was produced from images generously made
+available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE FANTOMAS DETECTIVE NOVELS
+
+
+A ROYAL PRISONER
+
+BY
+
+PIERRE SOUVESTRE
+AND
+MARCEL ALLAIN
+
+
+NEW YORK
+BRENTANO'S
+1918
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY BRENTANO'S
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+CHAPTER                                     PAGE
+
+I. A ROYAL JAG                                 3
+
+II. MOTHER CITRON'S TENANTS                   12
+
+III. THE TRAGEDY OF THE RUE DE MONCEAU        21
+
+IV. WHO DO THEY THINK I AM?                   33
+
+V. BY THE SINGING FOUNTAINS                   42
+
+VI. THE INVESTIGATION BEGINS                  49
+
+VII. THE KING RECEIVES                        63
+
+VIII. MARIE PASCAL                            69
+
+IX. A PARTY OF THREE                          76
+
+X. WULFENMIMENGLASCHK                         86
+
+XI. ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN STATIONS     98
+
+XII. CAMOUFLAGE                              110
+
+XIII. THE KINGDOM OF HESSE-WEIMAR            118
+
+XIV. QUEEN HEDWIGE RECEIVES                  127
+
+XV. THE MYSTERIOUS PRISON                    137
+
+XVI. THE THEFT OF THE DIAMOND                146
+
+XVII. ON THE RIGHT TRAIL                     155
+
+XVIII. A SLEEPER                             165
+
+XIX. FREE!                                   174
+
+XX. FREDERICK-CHRISTIAN                      180
+
+XXI. HORRIBLE CERTAINTY                      190
+
+XXII. BETWEEN US THREE--FANTOMAS!            195
+
+XXIII. OFFICIAL OPINIONS                     210
+
+XXIV. JUVE'S LIES                            218
+
+XXV. "I WANT TO LIVE!"                       224
+
+XXVI. THE ACCUSING WAISTCOAT                 227
+
+XXVII. THE EXPLOSION OF THE NORD-SUD         234
+
+XXVIII. INNOCENT OR GUILTY?                  243
+
+XXIX. COMPROMISING DISCOVERIES               250
+
+XXX. SHADOWED                                256
+
+XXXI. THE DEATH WATCH                        264
+
+XXXII. THE ARREST OF FANTOMAS                270
+
+
+
+
+A ROYAL PRISONER
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+A ROYAL JAG
+
+
+"After all, why not celebrate? It's the last day of the year and it
+won't come again for twelve months."
+
+It was close upon midnight.
+
+Jerome Fandor, reporter on the popular newspaper, _La Capitale_, was
+strolling along the boulevard; he had just come from a banquet, one of
+those official and deadly affairs at which the guests are obliged to
+listen to interminable speeches. He had drowsed through the evening and
+at the first opportunity had managed to slip away quickly.
+
+The theatres were just out and the boulevard was crowded with people
+intent on making a night of it. Numberless automobiles containing the
+fashionable and rich of Paris blocked the streets. The restaurants were
+brilliantly illuminated, and as carriages discharged their occupants
+before the doors, one glimpsed the neat feet and ankles of daintily clad
+women as they crossed the sidewalk and disappeared inside, following
+their silk-hatted escorts, conscious of their own importance.
+
+Many years of active service in Paris as chief reporter of _La Capitale_
+had brought Jerome Fandor in touch with a good third of those who
+constitute Parisian society, and rarely did he fail to exchange a nod, a
+smile, or half a dozen words of friendly greeting whenever he set foot
+out of doors.
+
+But in spite of his popularity he led a lonely life--many acquaintances,
+but few close friends. The great exception was Juve, the celebrated
+detective.
+
+In fact, Fandor's complex and adventurous life was very much bound up
+with that of the police officer, for they had worked together in solving
+the mystery of many tragic crimes.
+
+On this particular evening, the reporter became gradually imbued with
+the general spirit of gaiety and abandon which surrounded him.
+
+"Hang it," he muttered, "I might go and hunt up Juve and drag him off to
+supper, but I'm afraid I should get a cool reception if I did. He is
+probably sleeping the sleep of the just and would strongly object to
+being disturbed. Anyway, sooner or later, I'll probably run into some
+one I know."
+
+On reaching Drouet Square, he espied an inviting-looking restaurant,
+brilliantly lit. He was about to make his way to a table when the head
+waiter stopped him.
+
+"Your name, please!"
+
+"What's that?" replied Fandor.
+
+The waiter answered with ironical politeness:
+
+"I take it for granted you have engaged a table. We haven't a single
+vacant place left."
+
+Fandor had the same luck at several other restaurants and then began to
+suffer the pangs of hunger, having, on principle, scarcely touched the
+heavy dishes served at the banquet.
+
+After wandering aimlessly about, he walked toward the Madeleine and
+turned off into the Rue Royale in the direction of the Faubourg
+Saint-Honore.
+
+As he was passing a discreet looking restaurant with many thick velvet
+curtains and an imposing array of private automobiles before it, he
+heard his name called.
+
+He stopped short and turned to see a vision of feminine loveliness
+standing before him.
+
+"Isabelle de Guerray!" he cried.
+
+"And how are you, my dear boy? Come along in with me."
+
+Fandor had known Isabelle de Guerray when she was a young school teacher
+just graduated from Sevres. Her career, beginning with a somewhat
+strange and unorthodox affair with a young man of good family who had
+killed himself for her, had progressed by rapid strides and her name was
+frequently cited in the minor newspapers as giving elegant "society"
+suppers, the guests being usually designated by their initials!
+
+Fandor remarked that the fair Isabelle seemed to be putting on weight,
+especially round the shoulders and hips, but she still retained a great
+deal of dash and an ardent look in her eyes, very valuable assets in her
+profession.
+
+"I have my table here, at Raxim's, you must come and join us," and she
+added with a sly smile, "Oh--quite platonically--I know you're
+unapproachable."
+
+A deafening racket was going on in the narrow, oblong room. The habitues
+of the place all knew each other and the conversation was general. No
+restraint was observed, so that it was quite permissible to wander
+about, hat on head and cigar between lips, or take a lady upon one's
+knees.
+
+Fandor followed Isabelle to a table overloaded with flowers and bottles
+of champagne. Here and there he recognized old friends from the Latin
+Quarter or Montmartre, among them Conchita Conchas, a Spanish dancer in
+vogue the previous winter. A tiny woman, who might have been a girl of
+fifteen from her figure, but whose face was marked with the lines of
+dissipation, ran into him and Fandor promptly put his arm round her
+waist.
+
+"Hello, if it isn't little Souppe!"
+
+"Paws down or I'll scratch," was the sharp reply.
+
+The next moment he was shaking hands with Daisy Kissmi, an English girl
+who had become quite a feature of Raxim's.
+
+Further on he noticed a pale, bald, and already pot-bellied young man,
+who was staring with lack-lustre eyes at his whiskey and soda. This
+premature ruin was listening distraitly to a waiter who murmured
+mysteriously into his ear.
+
+At the end of the room, surrounded by pretty women, sat the old Duke de
+Pietra, descendant of a fine old Italian family, and near him Arnold, an
+actor from the music halls.
+
+The patrons had no choice in regard to the supper, which was settled by
+the head waiter. Each received a bottle of champagne, Ostend oysters,
+and, later, large slices of _pate de foie gras_, and as the bottles were
+emptied, intoxication became general, while even the waiters seemed to
+catch the spirit of abandon. When the Hungarian band had played their
+most seductive waltzes, the leader came forward to the middle of the
+room and announced a new piece of his own composition, called "The
+Singing Fountains." This met with instant applause and laughter.
+
+As the night wore on the noise became positively deafening. A young Jew
+named Weil invented a new game. He seized two plates and began scraping
+them together. Many of the diners followed his example.
+
+"Look here," exclaimed Conchita Conchas, leaning familiarly upon
+Fandor's shoulder, "why don't you give us tickets for to-morrow to hear
+these famous Fountains?"
+
+Fandor started to explain that the young woman would be in bed and sound
+asleep when that event took place, but the Spanish girl, without waiting
+for the answer, had strolled away.
+
+The journalist rose with the intention of making his escape, when a
+voice directly behind him made him pause.
+
+"Excuse me, but you seem to know all about these 'Singing Fountains.'
+Will you kindly explain to me what they are? I am a stranger in the
+city."
+
+Fandor turned and saw a man of about thirty, fair-haired, with a heavy
+moustache, seated alone at a small table. The stranger was well built
+and of distinguished appearance. The journalist suppressed a start of
+amazement.
+
+"Why, it's not surprising that you have not heard of them, they are
+quite unimportant. On the Place de la Concorde there are two bronze
+monuments representing Naiads emerging from the fountains. You probably
+have seen them yourself?"
+
+The stranger nodded, and poured out another glass of champagne.
+
+"Well," continued Fandor, "recently passers-by have fancied they heard
+sounds coming from these figures. In fact, they declare that the Naiads
+have been singing. A delightfully poetic and thoroughly Parisian idea,
+isn't it?"
+
+"Very Parisian indeed."
+
+"The papers have taken it up, and one you probably know by name, _La
+Capitale_, has decided to investigate this strange phenomenon."
+
+"What was Conchita asking you just now?"
+
+"Oh, nothing, merely to give her a card for the ceremony."
+
+The conversation continued and turned to other subjects. The stranger
+ordered more wine and insisted on Fandor joining him. He seemed to be
+particularly interested in the subject of women and the night life of
+Paris.
+
+"If only I could persuade him to come with me," thought Fandor. "I'd
+show him a stunt or two, and what a scoop it would make ... if it could
+be printed! He certainly is drunk, very drunk, and that may help me."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On the Place de la Concorde, deserted at this late hour, two men, arm in
+arm, were taking their devious way. They were Fandor and the stranger he
+had met at Raxim's.
+
+The journalist, with the aid of an extra bottle, had persuaded his new
+friend to finish the night among the cafes of Montmartre. The sudden
+change from the overheated restaurant to the cold outside increased the
+effects of the alcohol and Fandor realized that he himself was far from
+sober. As his companion seemed to be obsessed with the idea of seeing
+the Fountains, the journalist piloted him to the Place de la Concorde.
+
+"There you are," he exclaimed, "but you see they're closed. No more
+singing to-night. Now come and have a drink."
+
+"Good idea, some more champagne."
+
+Fandor hailed a taxi, and ordered the chauffeur to drive to the Place
+Pigalle. As he was shutting the door, he observed an old beggar, who
+evidently was afraid to ask for alms. Fandor threw him a coin as the
+taxi started.
+
+It was three in the morning, and the Place Pigalle was crowded with
+carriages, porters and a constant ebb and flow of all sorts of people.
+
+The journalist and his companion emerged some time later from one of the
+best known restaurants, both drunk, especially the stranger, who could
+scarcely keep his feet.
+
+"Look here, we must go ... go..."
+
+"Go to bed," interrupted Fandor.
+
+"No. I know where we can go...."
+
+"But we've been everywhere."
+
+"We'll go to my rooms ... to her rooms ... to Susy d'Orsel ... she's my
+girl ... d'ye know, she's been expecting me for supper since midnight."
+
+"More supper?"
+
+"Of course ... there's plenty of room left."
+
+With some difficulty the stranger managed to give the address, 247 Rue
+de Monceau.
+
+"All right," said Fandor to himself, "we'll have some fun; after all,
+what do I risk?"
+
+While the taxi shook them violently from side to side, Fandor grew
+comparatively sober. He examined his companion more closely and was
+surprised to see how well he carried himself in spite of his condition.
+
+"Well," he summed up, "he certainly has a jag, but it's a royal jag!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+MOTHER CITRON'S TENANTS
+
+
+"Now you've forgotten the fish knives and forks! Do you expect my lover
+to eat with his fingers like that old Chinaman I had for three months
+last year!"
+
+Susy d'Orsel spoke with a distinct accent of the Faubourg, which
+contrasted strangely with her delicate and distinguished appearance.
+
+Justine, her maid, stood staring in reply.
+
+"But, Madame, we have lobsters...."
+
+"What's that got to do with it, they're fish, ain't they?"
+
+The young woman left the table and went into the adjoining room, a small
+drawing-room, elegantly furnished in Louis XV style.
+
+"Justine," she called.
+
+"Madame."
+
+"Here's another mistake. You mustn't get red orchids. Throw these
+out.... I want either mauve or yellow ones.... You know those are the
+official colors of His Majesty."
+
+"Queer taste his ... His Majesty has for yellow."
+
+"What's that to do with you. Get a move on, lay the table."
+
+"I left the _pate de foie gras_ in the pantry with ice round it."
+
+"All right."
+
+The young woman returned to the dining-room and gave a final glance at
+the preparations.
+
+"He's a pretty good sort, my august lover." Justine started in surprise.
+
+"August! Is that a new one?"
+
+Susy d'Orsel could hardly repress a smile.
+
+"Mind your own business. What time is it?"
+
+"A quarter to twelve, Madame." And as the girl started to leave the room
+she ventured:
+
+"I hope M. August won't forget me, to-morrow morning."
+
+"Why, you little idiot, his name isn't August, it's Frederick-Christian!
+You have about as much sense as an oyster!"
+
+The maid looked so crestfallen at this that Susy added, good-naturedly:
+
+"That's all right, Justine, A Happy New Year anyway, and don't worry.
+And now get out; His Majesty wants nobody about but me this evening."
+
+Susy d'Orsel, in spite of her physical charms, had found life hard
+during the earlier years of her career. She had become a mediocre
+actress merely for the sake of having some profession, and had
+frequented the night restaurants in quest of a wealthy lover. It was
+only after a long delay that fortune had smiled upon her, and she had
+arrived at the enviable position of being the mistress of a King.
+
+Frederick-Christian II, since the death of his father three years
+previously, reigned over the destinies of the Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar.
+Young and thoroughly Parisian in his tastes, he felt terribly bored in
+his middle-class capital and sought every opportunity of going,
+incognito, to have a little fun in Paris. During each visit he never
+failed to call upon Susy d'Orsel, and by degrees, coming under the sway
+of her charms, he made her a sort of official mistress, an honor which
+greatly redounded to her glory and popularity.
+
+He had installed her in a dainty little apartment in the Rue de Monceau.
+It was on the third floor and charmingly furnished. In fact, he was in
+the habit of declaring that his Queen Hedwige, despite all her wealth,
+was unable to make her apartment half so gracious and comfortable.
+
+Thus it was that Susy d'Orsel waited patiently for the arrival of her
+royal lover, who had telephoned her he would be with her on the night of
+December the thirty-first.
+
+The official residence of the King while in Paris was the Royal Palace
+Hotel, and although in strict incognito, he rarely spent the whole night
+out. But he intended to make the last night of the year an exception to
+this rule. As became a gallant gentleman, he had himself seen to the
+ordering of the supper, and a procession of waiters from the first
+restaurants of Paris had been busy all the afternoon preparing for the
+feast.
+
+Suddenly a discreet ring at the bell startled Susy d'Orsel.
+
+"That's queer, I didn't expect the King until one o'clock!" she
+exclaimed.
+
+She opened the door and saw a young girl standing on the landing.
+
+"Oh, it's you, Mademoiselle Pascal! What are you coming at this hour
+for?"
+
+"Excuse me, Madame, for troubling you, but I've brought your lace
+negligee. It took me quite a time to finish, and I thought you'd
+probably like it as soon as possible."
+
+"Oh, I thought it had already come. I'm very glad you brought it. There
+would have been a fine row if it hadn't been ready for me to wear this
+evening."
+
+Susy d'Orsel took the dressmaker into her bedroom and turned on the
+electric lights. The gown was then unwrapped and displayed. It was of
+mousseline de soie, trimmed with English point.
+
+Susy examined it with the eye of a connoisseur and then nodded her head.
+
+"It's fine, my girl, you have the fingers of a fairy, but it must put
+your eyes out."
+
+"It is very hard, Madame, especially working by artificial light, and in
+winter the days are so short and the work very heavy. That is why I came
+to you at this late hour."
+
+Susy smiled.
+
+"Late hour! Why the evening is just beginning for me."
+
+"Our lives are very different, Madame."
+
+"That's right, I begin when you stop, and if your work is hard, mine
+isn't always agreeable."
+
+The two women laughed and then Susy took off her wrapper and put on the
+new negligee.
+
+"My royal lover is coming this evening."
+
+"Yes, I know," answered Marie Pascal. "Your table looks very pretty."
+
+"You might make me a lace table cloth. We'll talk about it some other
+time, not this evening; besides, I can't be too extravagant."
+
+The dressmaker took her leave a few moments later and made her way with
+care in the semi-obscurity down the three flights of stairs.
+
+Marie Pascal was a young girl in the early twenties, fair-haired,
+blue-eyed and with a graceful figure. Modishly but neatly dressed, she
+had a reputation in the neighborhood as a model of discretion and
+virtue.
+
+She worked ceaselessly and being clever with her fingers, she had
+succeeded in building up so good a trade in the rich and elegant Monceau
+quarter, that in the busy season she was obliged to hire one or two
+workwomen to help her.
+
+As she was crossing the court to go to her own room, a voice called her
+from the porter's lodge.
+
+"Marie Pascal, look here a moment."
+
+A fat woman dressed in her best opened the door of her room which was
+lit by one flaring gas jet.
+
+Marie Pascal, in spite of her natural kindliness, could scarcely repress
+a smile.
+
+Madame Ceiron, the concierge, or, as she was popularly called, "Mother
+Citron," certainly presented a fantastic appearance.
+
+She was large, shapeless, common, and good-natured. Behind her glasses,
+her eyes snapped with perpetual sharp humor. She had a mass of gray hair
+that curled round her wrinkled face, which, with a last remnant of
+coquetry, she made up outrageously. Her hands and feet were enormous,
+disproportionate to her figure, although she was well above middle
+height. She invariably wore mittens while doing the housework.
+
+Mother Citron, however, did very little work; she left that to a
+subordinate who, for a modest wage, attended to her business and left
+her free to go out morning, noon and night. She now questioned Marie
+Pascal with considerable curiosity, and the young girl explained her
+late errand to deliver the gown to Susy d'Orsel.
+
+"Come in and have a cup of coffee, Mam'zelle Pascal," urged the old
+woman, as she set out two cups and filled them from a coffee pot on the
+stove.
+
+Marie Pascal at first refused, but Mother Citron was so insistent that
+she ended by accepting the invitation. Besides, she felt very grateful
+to Madame Ceiron for having recommended her to the proprietor of the
+house, the Marquis de Serac, an old bachelor who lived on the first
+floor.
+
+The Marquis had used his good offices to obtain for her an order for
+laces from the King of Hesse-Weimar. Mother Citron showed a kindly
+interest in this enterprise.
+
+"Well, did you see the King?"
+
+Marie Pascal hesitated:
+
+"I saw him and I didn't see him."
+
+"Tell me all about it, my dear. Is the lover of our lady upstairs a
+good-looking man?"
+
+"It's hard to say. So far as I could judge, he seemed to be very
+handsome. You see, it was like this. After waiting in the lobby of the
+Royal Palace Hotel for about an hour, I was shown into a large
+drawing-room; a sort of footman in knee breeches took my laces into the
+adjoining room where the King was walking up and down. I just caught a
+glimpse of him from time to time."
+
+"What did he do then?"
+
+"I don't know. He must have liked my laces for he gave me a large order.
+He didn't seem to pay much attention to them; he picked out three of the
+samples I sent in and what seemed queer, he also ordered some imitations
+of them."
+
+The concierge smiled knowingly.
+
+"I expect the imitations were for his lawful wife, and the real ones for
+his little friend. Men are all alike. Another cup of coffee?"
+
+"Oh, no, thanks."
+
+"Well, I won't insist; each one to his taste. The life Susy d'Orsel
+leads wouldn't suit you. And the amount of champagne she gets through!"
+
+"No, I shouldn't care much about that."
+
+"All the same, there's something to be said for it. She has a first-rate
+position since she got the King ... and I get first-rate tips! Take
+to-night, for instance; I'll bet they'll be carrying on till pretty near
+dawn. It upsets my habits, but I can't complain. I'll probably get a
+good New Year's present in the morning."
+
+"Well, as it's very late for me, I'll go up to bed."
+
+"Go ahead, my dear, don't let me keep you."
+
+Marie Pascal had reached the stairs when she turned back.
+
+"Oh, Madame Ceiron, when can I thank the Marquis de Serac for his
+kindness in introducing me to Frederick-Christian?"
+
+"No hurry, my child, the Marquis has gone to the country to spend the
+New Year's day with his relations and he won't be back before next
+week."
+
+Marie Pascal climbed the stairs to her room on the sixth floor and the
+concierge returned to her quarters and settled herself in an armchair.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE TRAGEDY OF THE RUE DE MONCEAU
+
+
+Susy d'Orsel, tired of waiting for her royal lover, was sound asleep
+before the fire in her bedroom. Suddenly she was awakened by a loud
+noise. Still half asleep, she sat up listening. The sounds came from the
+stairs. Mechanically Susy glanced at the clock, which marked the quarter
+after three.
+
+"I'll bet it's him, but how late he is!"
+
+As the sounds drew nearer, she added:
+
+"He must be as drunk as a lord! After all, Kings are no better than
+other men."
+
+She quickly passed to the outer door and listened.
+
+"Why, it sounds as if there were two of them!"
+
+A key fumbled in the lock, then the owner of it apparently gave up the
+task as hopeless and began ringing the bell.
+
+Susy opened the door and Frederick-Christian staggered in followed by a
+man who was a total stranger to her.
+
+The latter, bowing in a correct and respectful manner, carried himself
+with dignity.
+
+The King bubbled over with laughter and leaned on the shoulder of his
+lady-love.
+
+"Take off your overcoat," she said, at length, and while he was
+attempting to obey her, she whispered:
+
+"If your Maj ..."
+
+Before she could finish the sentence the King put his hand over her
+mouth.
+
+"My ... my ... my dear Susy ... I'm very fond of you ... but don't begin
+by saying stupid things.... I am here ... incog ... incognito. Call me
+your little Cri-Cri, Susy...."
+
+"My dear," she replied, "introduce me to your friend."
+
+"Eh," cried the King, "if I'm not forgetting the most elementary
+obligations of the protocol; but after fourteen whiskeys, and good
+whiskey, too, though I've better here.... Susy don't drink any, she
+prefers gooseberry syrup ... queer taste, isn't it?"
+
+Susy saw the conversation was getting away from the point, so repeated
+her request:
+
+"Introduce me to your friend."
+
+Frederick-Christian glanced at his companion and then burst out
+laughing:
+
+"What is your name, anyway?"
+
+Fandor did not need to ask that question of the King. The moment he had
+set eyes on him in Raxim's he recognized in the sturdy tippler his
+Majesty Frederick-Christian II, King of Hesse-Weimar, on one of his
+periodic sprees. It was this fact which had made him break his rule and
+indulge freely himself.
+
+With a serious air he explained:
+
+"Sum fides Achates!"
+
+"What's that?" cried the King.
+
+"Exactly."
+
+Susy d'Orsel now thought both men were equally drunk. She fancied they
+were having fun with her.
+
+"You know I don't want English spoken here," she said drily.
+
+The King took his mistress round the waist and drew her to him.
+
+"Now don't get angry, my dear, it's only our fun, and besides it's not
+English, it's Latin ... bonus ... Latinus ... ancestribus ... the good
+Latin of our ancestors!... the Latin of the Kitchen! Cuisinus ...
+autobus ... understand?"
+
+Turning to the journalist he stretched out his hand:
+
+"Well, my old friend Achates, I'm jolly glad to meet you."
+
+"Achates isn't a real name," cried Susy, still suspicious.
+
+"Achates," explained Fandor, "is an individual belonging to antiquity
+who became famous in his faithful friendship for his companion and
+friend, the well-known globe-trotter, AEneas."
+
+"Come and sit down," shouted the King, as he rapped on the table with a
+bottle of champagne.
+
+"Hurry up, Susy, a plate and glass for my old friend, whose name I don't
+know ... because, you see, he's no more Achates than I am."
+
+"Oh, no, Madame," Fandor hastened to say, "I couldn't think of putting
+you to the trouble, besides spoiling the effect of your charming table.
+In fact, I am going home in a few moments."
+
+"Not on your life," shouted the King, "you'll stay to the very end."
+
+"Well, then, a glass of champagne, that's all I'll take."
+
+By degrees Susy had become reassured in regard to the young man.
+Although slightly drunk, his polite manner and good form pleased her.
+She took her place on the divan beside the King. Fandor sat opposite
+them and lighted a cigarette.
+
+Suddenly Susy rose from the table.
+
+"Where are you going?" demanded the King.
+
+"I'll be back in a moment ... something must be open. I feel a draught
+on my legs."
+
+"Why not show us your legs!" cried Frederick-Christian, and turning to
+the journalist added:
+
+"She's built like a statue ... a little marvel."
+
+Susy returned.
+
+"I knew it! The hall door was open. I hope nobody has got in."
+
+The King laughed at the idea.
+
+"If anyone did, let him come and join us, the more the merrier."
+
+"I thought I heard a noise," continued Susy, but the King made her sit
+down again beside him and the supper went on.
+
+As she drank glass after glass of wine, she became more and more amiable
+toward Fandor. And since the King paid little attention to her caresses,
+she began a flirtation with the journalist in order to pique him.
+
+This brought a frown from the royal lover, and Susy amused herself
+between the two men until supper ended and they all adjourned to her
+boudoir.
+
+Fandor, who had now become more sober, decided it was time to take his
+leave.
+
+"Suppose you both come and lunch with me to-morrow, will you?" he asked.
+To this they agreed and it was finally arranged that Fandor should call
+and pick them up at one o'clock the following day.
+
+The journalist felt his way downstairs in the semi-darkness and was just
+about to ask the concierge to let him out when he was startled by
+seeing a heavy form fall with a thud onto the ground of the inner court.
+
+With a gasp of alarm the young man rushed forward and quickly realized
+that he was in the presence of a terrible tragedy.
+
+Lying on the ground, inert, was the body of Susy d'Orsel.
+
+The unfortunate girl had fallen from the third floor.
+
+Without hesitating, he lifted the body and finding no sign of life,
+cried loudly for help.
+
+But the entire house was asleep.
+
+What was to be done?
+
+Immediate action was necessary. After a moment's pause, he decided to
+take the unfortunate girl back to her own apartment. Arrived at the
+door, he found it locked on the inside. After ringing for some time, it
+was opened finally by the King. At the sight of Susy apparently
+lifeless, her head hanging backward, the King staggered to the wall.
+
+He wanted to ask a question, but the words stuck in his throat.
+
+Fandor entered the bedroom and laying Susy down attempted to undo her
+corset.
+
+"Vinegar and some water," he ordered.
+
+The King between his drunkenness and his alarm was quite useless, and
+the journalist, after applying a mirror to the girl's nostrils and lips,
+with a gesture of despair exclaimed:
+
+"Good God, she is dead!"
+
+However, being unwilling to risk his own judgment, he started to the
+door to seek aid.
+
+At this moment a violent knocking began and a voice from the hall cried
+out:
+
+"What's the matter? Is anyone hurt? I'm the concierge."
+
+"The concierge! Then, for Heaven's sake, Madame, get a doctor.
+Mademoiselle d'Orsel has killed herself, or at least she is very badly
+injured."
+
+The words were scarcely out of Fandor's mouth when the rapidly
+disappearing footsteps of the concierge were heard clattering
+downstairs. Frederick-Christian, in a dazed condition, stood in the
+dining-room, mechanically drinking a liqueur.
+
+"Look here, what does this mean?" cried Fandor.
+
+The King looked at him with intense stupefaction, trying, it seemed, to
+co-ordinate his faculties. Then, with a greater calmness than in his
+condition seemed possible, he replied:
+
+"Why, I haven't the least idea."
+
+"But ... what have you done since I left you? You were both seated side
+by side on the sofa. How did Susy d'Orsel come to fall out of the
+window? What have you done?"
+
+"I don't know. I didn't budge from the sofa until you rang the bell."
+
+"But ... Susy!"
+
+"She left me for a moment. I thought she had gone to see you out."
+
+"That's impossible ... she didn't leave you ... it's you who ... for
+God's sake, explain!... It's too serious a business."
+
+The King seemed unable to take in the situation. Fandor determined to
+try a shock. Going close to him he spoke in a low voice:
+
+"I beg your Majesty to tell me."
+
+This had an immediate effect. The King staggered back and stared,
+wide-eyed.
+
+"I ... I don't understand."
+
+"Yes," insisted Fandor, "your Majesty does understand. You know that I
+am aware in whose presence I am standing. You are Frederick-Christian
+II, King of Hesse-Weimar... and I, your Majesty, am Jerome Fandor,
+reporter on _La Capitale_ ... a journalist."
+
+The King did not appear to attach much importance to Fandor's words.
+Peaceably, without haste, he put on his overcoat and hat. Then, picking
+up his cane, he moved toward the door.
+
+"Here! what are you doing?"
+
+"I'm going."
+
+"You can't."
+
+"Yes, I can; it's all right, don't worry, I'll arrange matters."
+
+The King appeared so calmly confident that Fandor stood dumbfounded.
+
+Here certainly was an individual out of the common! The journalist had
+seen many strange happenings in his adventurous career, but never had he
+come across such an amazing situation. For now he had no doubt of the
+guilt of the King. What, however, could have been the motive of such
+odious savagery? Was it possible he had taken seriously the innocent
+flirtation between Susy and himself? Had the King taken vengeance upon
+his mistress in a moment of jealous insanity?
+
+No, that was out of the question.
+
+In spite of his intoxication, Frederick-Christian seemed to be a man of
+normal temperament, and of a kindly disposition. His face betrayed none
+of the characteristics of the drink-maddened.
+
+The young man was about to question Frederick-Christian further when the
+hall door bell rang sharply.
+
+Fandor quickly opened the door and let in two policemen.
+
+"Is it here the tragedy took place?"
+
+"What! You know already?"
+
+"The concierge notified us, Monsieur."
+
+Then turning to his companion:
+
+"See that no one gets out."
+
+"But I've sent for a doctor.... I must go and find one," cried Fandor.
+
+"That has already been attended to. We are here to ascertain the facts,
+to make arrests. Where is the victim of the crime?"
+
+As Fandor took the officer into the bedroom he expected at every moment
+to hear some exclamation at the discovery of the King. But the latter
+had mysteriously disappeared.
+
+The officer surveyed the body of the young woman and seemed in doubt how
+to begin his interrogatory. Suddenly his attention was diverted to the
+vestibule, where whispering was going on.
+
+Both men quickly returned to the hall door and Fandor overheard the
+final words of a third person who had entered the room, evidently the
+concierge. She was saying:
+
+"It must be 'him' ... only treat him politely ... he isn't like an
+ordinary ..."
+
+Upon seeing the journalist the old woman stopped abruptly and made him a
+deep bow.
+
+"Ah, it's you, Madame," cried Fandor, "well, have you brought a doctor?"
+
+"We're looking for one, Monsieur," replied the old woman, "but to-night
+they seem to be all out enjoying themselves."
+
+One of the officers turned to Fandor and spoke with evident
+embarrassment.
+
+"It might be better if Monsieur would tell us exactly what happened. On
+account of possible annoyances ... besides, the business is too
+important ... and then the Government ..."
+
+Fandor explained briefly all he knew. He was careful not to mention the
+King by name, leaving it to his Majesty to disclose his own identity
+when the time came.
+
+"Then Monsieur means to say that a third person was present?" one of the
+officers asked.
+
+"Of course!" replied Fandor.
+
+"And where is this third person?"
+
+The officer looked decidedly skeptical and the journalist began to grow
+uneasy.
+
+"He was here with me just now; probably he's in one of the other rooms.
+Why don't you search?"
+
+But the search disclosed nobody.
+
+What on earth had become of the King? thought Fandor. He couldn't have
+jumped out of the window. The servant's staircase came into his mind,
+but the door to that he found locked.
+
+"It is useless for Monsieur to say more; kindly come with us to the
+police station."
+
+"After all, Monsieur was alone with the little lady," added the
+concierge.
+
+Fandor went rapidly to the dining-room. He would show the three places
+at the table. But suddenly he remembered his refusal to take a plate.
+There were only two places laid.
+
+The two officers now held him gently by each arm and began to walk away
+with him.
+
+"Don't make any noise, please," they urged, "we must avoid all scandal."
+
+Without quite understanding what was happening, Fandor obeyed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+WHO DO THEY THINK I AM?
+
+
+The first faint light of dawn was filtering through the dusty windows of
+the police station.
+
+Sergeant Masson, pushing aside the game of dominoes he had been playing
+with his subordinate, declared:
+
+"I must go and see the chief."
+
+"At his house?" demanded the other in a tone of alarm.
+
+"Yes; after all, if I catch it for waking him that won't be so bad as
+having him come here at ten."
+
+The sergeant rose and stretched himself. He had entire charge of the
+Station and was responsible for all arrests. As a rule he felt himself
+equal to the task, but this time the tragedy of the Rue Monceau and the
+peculiar circumstances surrounding it seemed too much of a burden to
+bear alone.
+
+Ought he to have arrested the individual now at the Station? Had he been
+sufficiently tactful? What was to be done now?
+
+"Yes, I'm going to see the chief," he repeated, "besides, I shan't be
+gone long. Anything that 'he' asks for let him have, you understand?"
+
+It was about five-thirty, and the sky threatened snow. The air was fresh
+and not too cold. A few milk carts were the only vehicles in the
+streets. Porters were busy brushing off the sidewalks. Paris was making
+her toilette. Sergeant Masson stopped at a small house in a quiet street
+and mounted to the third floor. There he hesitated. The wife of the
+chief was known for her sharp temper. However, there was nothing to be
+done but ring, and this he did in a timid manner.
+
+In a few moments he heard the door-chain withdrawn, and a woman's voice
+cried:
+
+"Who is there?"
+
+"It is I, Madame, Sergeant Masson."
+
+"Well, what do you want?"
+
+"The chief is wanted at the Station right away."
+
+At these words the door opened wide and the woman stood revealed. She
+was about forty, dressed in her wrapper and with her hair still in curl
+papers.
+
+"Louis must go to the Station?" she demanded.
+
+"Yes, Madame, an arrest has been made ..."
+
+"He must go to the Station?" she repeated in a menacing tone.
+
+Sergeant Masson retreated to the landing. He simply nodded his head.
+
+"But he _is_ there! He told me he was! Ah, I see how it is!... He's been
+lying again. He's been running after women ... all right, he'll pay for
+it when he gets home!"
+
+The door shut with a bang and the lady disappeared.
+
+"What an idiot I've been," muttered the discomfited sergeant. "I ought
+to have known better. Of course he's not with his wife, he's with his
+mistress!"
+
+Several minutes later he reached another apartment in a neighboring
+street.
+
+This time he had no misgivings and congratulated himself upon his
+professional cleverness in tracking his man down.
+
+The same performance was gone through. A ring at the bell brought an
+answer to the door.
+
+"Who is there?" said a man's voice.
+
+"It is I ... Sergeant Masson."
+
+The door was opened and a young man stood in the hall. He was about
+thirty and wore an undershirt and drawers.
+
+"Well, Sergeant!"
+
+The sergeant shrank back; he would have been glad if he could have
+disappeared in the walls. The chief's secretary stood before him.
+
+"I was ... was looking ..." he stammered.
+
+The secretary interrupted with a smile.
+
+"No, he's not here. In fact, we are rarely found together."
+
+Then putting a hand on the sergeant's shoulder:
+
+"As gentleman to gentleman, I count on your discretion."
+
+The door shut softly and the sergeant turned sadly and went back to the
+Station, pondering over the personal annoyance this general post at
+night occasioned him.
+
+He was greeted on his return by a few sharp words.
+
+"Ah, there you are, Masson!... At last!... An event of the first
+importance occurs, an amazing scandal breaks out and you desert your
+post.... It's always the way if I'm not here to look after things. I
+shall have to report you, you know. Where have you been?"
+
+The speaker was a man still quite young, who wore the ribbon of the
+Legion of Honor. It was the chief himself. On the way home from some
+late party he had dropped into the Station out of simple curiosity.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Was he awake or was he dreaming?
+
+Fandor felt stiff all over, his head was heavy and his mind a blank....
+And then came a thirst, a devouring, insatiable thirst.
+
+Where he was and how he had arrived there were things past his
+comprehension.
+
+So far as the feeble light permitted, he made out the room to contain
+the furnishings of an office, and by degrees, as his mind cleared, he
+recalled with a start his arrest.
+
+He was at the police station.
+
+But why in this particular room? The walls were hung with sporting
+prints. Bookshelves, a comfortable sofa, upon which he had spent the
+night, all these indicated nothing less than the private office of the
+chief.
+
+And then he recalled with what consideration he had been conducted
+hither. Evidently they took him for an intimate friend of the King.
+Nevertheless, he was under arrest for murder, or at least as an
+accomplice to a murder.
+
+"After all," he thought, "the truth will come to light, they'll capture
+the murderer and my innocence will be established.
+
+"Besides, didn't the King promise to see me through. Probably before
+this he has already taken steps for my release."
+
+He then decided to call out:
+
+"Is there anyone here?"
+
+Scarcely had Fandor spoken when a man entered, who, after a profound bow
+to the journalist, drew the curtains apart.
+
+"You are awake, Monsieur?"
+
+Fandor was amazed. What charming manners the police had!
+
+"Oh, yes, I'm awake, but I feel stiff all over."
+
+"That is easily understood, and I hope you will pardon ... You see, I
+didn't happen to be at the station ... and when I got here ... why, I
+didn't like to wake you."
+
+"They take me for a friend of the King of Hesse-Weimar," thought Fandor.
+
+"You did perfectly right, Monsieur ..."
+
+"M. Perrajas, District Commissioner of Police ... and the circumstances
+being such ... the unfortunate circumstances ... I imagine it was better
+that you did not return immediately to your apartment ... in fact, I
+have given the necessary orders and in a few moments ... the time to get
+a carriage ... I can, of course, rely upon the discretion of my men who,
+besides, are ignorant of ..."
+
+"Oh, that's all right."
+
+Fandor replied in a non-committal tone. It would be wiser to avoid any
+compromising admission. A carriage!--what carriage, doubtless the Black
+Maria to take him to prison. And what did he mean by 'the discretion of
+his men?'
+
+"Well," thought Fandor, "he can count upon me. I shan't publish anything
+yet. And after all, it's going to be very hard for me to prove my
+innocence. Since I must rely on the King getting me out of this hole, it
+would be very foolish of me to give him away."
+
+"Besides," continued the officer, "I have had the concierge warned; she
+has received the most positive orders ... and no reporter will be
+allowed to get hold of ..."
+
+The officer became confused in his explanation.
+
+"The incidents of last night," added Fandor.
+
+A knock at the door and Sergeant Masson entered.
+
+"The coupe is ready."
+
+"Very well, Sergeant."
+
+Fandor rose and was about to put on his overcoat, but the man darted
+forward and helped him on with it.
+
+"Do you wish me to come with you, Monsieur, or would you prefer to
+return alone?"
+
+"Oh, alone, thanks, don't trouble yourself."
+
+The door was opened wide by the polite officer and Fandor passed through
+the main hall of the Station, where everyone rose and bowed. Getting
+into his carriage, he was disagreeably surprised to see an individual
+who appeared to be a plain clothes man sitting on the seat. In addition
+a police cyclist fell in behind the carriage as escort.
+
+"Where the devil are they going to take me?" he wondered.
+
+To his intense surprise, they stopped ten minutes later at the Royal
+Palace, the most luxurious hotel in Paris.
+
+With infinite deference he was then conducted to the elevator and taken
+to the first floor.
+
+"Well, this lets me out," thought Fandor. "Evidently the King has sent
+for me ... in a few minutes I shall be free ... what a piece of luck!"
+
+He was shown into a sumptuous apartment and there left to his own
+devices.
+
+"Wonder what's become of Frederick-Christian," he muttered, after a wait
+of twenty minutes. "It's worse than being at the dentist's."
+
+As the room was very warm, Fandor removed his overcoat and began an
+investigation of his surroundings. Upon a table lay several illustrated
+papers and picking one up he seated himself comfortably in an armchair
+and began to read.
+
+Some minutes later a Major-domo entered the room with much ceremony and
+silently presented him with a card. This turned out to be a menu.
+
+"Well, they're not going to let me starve anyway," he thought, "and as
+long as the King has asked me to breakfast, I'll accept his invitation."
+
+Choosing several dishes at random, he returned the menu, and the man,
+bowing deeply, inquired:
+
+"Where shall we serve breakfast? In the boudoir?"
+
+"Yes, in the boudoir."
+
+The bow ended the interview and Fandor was once more left alone. But not
+for long. Close upon the heels of the first, a second man entered and
+handed the journalist a telegram and withdrew.
+
+"Ah, now I shall get some explanation of all this mystery! This should
+come from the King.... Has he got my name?... No!... the Duke of
+Haworth ... evidently the name of the individual I am supposed to
+represent."
+
+Fandor tore open the telegram and then stared in surprise. Not one word
+of it could he make out. It was in cipher!
+
+"Why the deuce was this given to me!... what does the whole thing mean?
+Is it possible they take me for...."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+BY THE SINGING FOUNTAINS
+
+
+Paris rises very late indeed on New Year's Day. The night before is
+given up to family reunions, supper parties and every kind of
+jollification. So the year begins with a much needed rest. The glitter
+and racket of the streets gives place to a death-like stillness. Shops
+are shut and the cafes are empty. Paris sleeps. There is an exception to
+this rule: Certain unfortunate individuals are obliged to rise at
+day-break, don their best clothes, their uniforms and make their way to
+the four corners of the town to pay ceremonial calls.
+
+These are the Government officials representing the army, the
+magistracy, the parliament, the municipality--all must pay their
+respects to their chiefs. For this hardship they receive little
+sympathy, as it is generally understood that while they have to work
+hard on New Year's Day, they do nothing for the rest of the year.
+
+The somnolence of Paris, however, only extends until noon. At that hour
+life begins again. It is luncheon time.
+
+This New Year's Day differed in no wise from others, and during the
+afternoon the streets were thronged with people.
+
+A pale sun showed in the gray winter sky and the crowd seemed to be
+converging toward the Place de la Concorde. Suddenly the blare of a
+brass band on the Rue Royale brought curious heads to the windows.
+
+A procession headed by a vari-colored banner was marching toward the
+banks of the Seine. The participants wore a mauve uniform with gold
+trimmings and upon the banner was inscribed in huge letters:
+
+     LA CAPITALE
+
+     THE GREAT EVENING PAPER
+
+With some difficulty the musicians reached the Obelisk and at the foot
+of the monument they formed a circle, while at a distance the crowd
+awaited developments.
+
+In the front rank two young women were standing.
+
+One of them seemed to be greatly amused at the gratuitous entertainment,
+the other appeared preoccupied and depressed.
+
+"Come, Marie Pascal, don't be so absent-minded. You look as if you were
+at a funeral."
+
+The other, a workgirl, tried to smile and gave a deep sigh.
+
+"I'm sorry, Mademoiselle Rose, to be out of sorts, but I feel very
+upset."
+
+Two police officers tried to force their way to the musicians and after
+some difficulty they succeeded in arresting the flute and the trombone
+players.
+
+This act of brutality occasioned some commotion and the crowd began to
+murmur.
+
+The employes of _La Capitale_ now brought up several handcarts and
+improvised a sort of platform. Gentlemen in frock coats then appeared on
+the scene and gathered round it. One or two were recognized and pointed
+out by the crowd.
+
+"There's M. Dupont, the deputy and director of _La Capitale_."
+
+A red-faced young man with turned up moustaches was pronounced to be M.
+de Panteloup, the general manager of the paper.
+
+As a matter of fact, those who read _La Capitale_ had been advised
+through its columns that an attempt would be made to solve the mystery
+of the Singing Fountains, which had intrigued Paris for so many weeks. A
+small army of newsboys offered the paper for sale during the ceremony.
+Marie Pascal bought a copy and read it eagerly.
+
+"They haven't a word about the affair yet," she cried.
+
+At that moment the powerful voice of M. de Panteloup was heard:
+
+"You are now going to hear an interesting speech by the celebrated
+archivist and paleographer, M. Anastasius Baringouin, who, better than
+anyone else, can explain to you the strange enigma of the Singing
+Fountains."
+
+An immense shout of laughter greeted the orator as he mounted the steps
+to the stage. He was an old man, very wrinkled and shaky, wearing a high
+hat much too large for his head. He was vainly trying to settle his
+glasses upon a very red nose. In a thin, sharp voice, he began:
+
+"The phenomenon of the Singing Fountains is not, as might be supposed,
+wholly unexpected. Similar occurrences have already been noted and date
+back to remote antiquity. Formerly a stone statue was erected in the
+outskirts of the town of Thebes to the memory of Memnon. When the beams
+of the rising sun struck it, harmonious sounds were heard to issue from
+it. At first this peculiarity was attributed to some form of trickery, a
+secret spring or a hidden keyboard. But upon further research, it was
+demonstrated that the sounds arose from purely physical and natural
+causes."
+
+The crowd which hitherto had listened in silence to the orator now began
+to show signs of impatience.
+
+"What the dickens is he gassing about?" shouted some one in the street.
+
+As the savant paid no attention to these signs the band struck up a
+military march. Finally when order was re-established M. Panteloup
+himself mounted the platform.
+
+"This fountain, ladies and gentlemen," he began in a powerful voice,
+"was built in 1836 at a cost of a million and a half francs. In the
+twenty-four hours its output is 6,716 cubic yards of water. It is
+composed, as you can see, of a basin of polished stone, decorated by six
+tritons and nereids, each holding a fish in its mouth from which the
+water flows out. Thus far there is nothing unusual and it is therefore
+with justifiable surprise that we discover the fact that at certain
+moments these fountains actually sing. Are we in the presence of a
+phenomenon similar to that recalled just now by M. Anastasius
+Baringouin? Are we, at the beginning of the twentieth century--the
+century of Science and Precision--victims of hallucination or sorcery?
+This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we are about to investigate, and we
+will begin by consulting the celebrated clairvoyant, Madame Gabrielle de
+Smyrne."
+
+A murmur of approbation greeted the pretty prophetess as she appeared,
+but at the same moment a police officer followed by fifteen men pushed
+his way to the foot of the platform and ordered M. Panteloup to cease
+attracting a crowd. The latter, however, was equal to the occasion.
+After lifting his hand for silence he shouted the famous cry:
+
+"We are here by the will of the people, we shall not go away except by
+force."
+
+The crowd cheered, and with the voices mingled the barking of dogs.
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen," continued M. Panteloup, "you hear the wonderful
+police dogs of Neuilly, Turk and Bellone. They are coming to help us to
+scent out the mystery."
+
+This was to be the termination of the ceremony, but an unlooked for
+addition to the program appeared in the person of one of those Parisian
+"Natural Men" or "Primitive Men."
+
+He was a very old, long-bearded man and wore a white robe. He went by
+the name of Ouaouaoua, and his portrait had been published in all city
+papers. A hush came over the crowd and then in the silence a vague
+metallic murmur was heard above the splash of the water.
+
+This time there was no mistake. The Fountains were singing.
+
+Thousands of witnesses were present and could testify to that fact.
+
+The crowd at once associated the arrival of Ouaouaoua with the music
+from the Fountains, and he was acclaimed the hero of the occasion.
+
+M. de Panteloup, seized with a happy inspiration, shook hands with
+Ouaouaoua and pinned on his white robe the gold medal of _La Capitale_.
+
+Proceedings were, however, summarily brought to a stop at this point.
+The prefect of the police drove up and his men scattered the crowd in
+all directions.
+
+Ten minutes after the Place de la Concorde had assumed its usual aspect
+and the tritons and nereids continued to pour out their 6,716 cubic
+yards of water every twenty-four hours.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE INVESTIGATION BEGINS
+
+
+M. Vicart, sub-director of the Police Department, was in an execrable
+humor.
+
+In all his long career such a thing had never happened before. In spite
+of the established rule, he had been deprived of his New Year holiday,
+which he usually spent in visits to governmental officials capable of
+influencing his advancement.
+
+He had been ordered to his office. His morning had been spent in endless
+discussions with M. Annion, his director. Numerous telegrams,
+interviews, work of all kinds instead of his customary rest. Besides, he
+had received from his friends only 318 visiting cards instead of 384,
+last year's number. It was most annoying. He was engaged in recounting
+his cards when a clerk announced the visit of detective Juve.
+
+"Send him in at once."
+
+In a few moments Juve entered.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Juve had not changed. In spite of his forty-odd years, he was still
+young looking, active, persevering and daring.
+
+For some time past he had been left very much to his own devices in his
+tracking of the elusive Fantomas, and he was rarely called in to assist
+in the pursuit of other criminals. Therefore he realized that it was an
+affair of the very first importance which called for his presence in M.
+Vicart's office.
+
+The detective found M. Vicart seated at his desk in the badly lighted
+room.
+
+"My dear Juve, you are probably surprised at being sent for to-day."
+
+"A little ... yes."
+
+"Well, you probably know that the King of Hesse-Weimar,
+Frederick-Christian II, has been staying incognito in Paris?"
+
+Juve nodded. He did not think it necessary to mention the incident that
+had occasioned this visit.[1]
+
+[Footnote 1: See "A Nest of Spies."]
+
+"Now, Christian II has, or rather had, a mistress, Susy d'Orsel, a
+demi-mondaine. Were you aware of that?"
+
+"No, what of it?"
+
+"This woman has been murdered ... or rather ... has not been
+murdered ... you understand, Juve, has not been murdered."
+
+"Has not been murdered, very well!"
+
+"Now, this woman who has not been murdered threw herself out of the
+window last night at three o'clock; in a word, she committed suicide, at
+the precise moment when Frederick-Christian was taking supper with
+her ... you grasp my meaning?"
+
+"No, I don't. What are you trying to get at?"
+
+"Why, it's as clear as day, Juve ... the scandal! especially as the
+local magistrate had the stupidity to arrest the King."
+
+"The King has been arrested ... I don't understand! Then it wasn't
+suicide?"
+
+"That is what must be established."
+
+"And I am to take charge of the investigation?"
+
+"I put it in your hands."
+
+When M. Vicart had explained the circumstances of the case, Juve summed
+up:
+
+"In a word, Frederick-Christian II went to see his mistress last night,
+she threw herself out of the window, the King was arrested for murder;
+he put in a denial, claiming that a third person was present, this third
+person escaped, an inadmissible hypothesis, since nobody saw him and the
+door to the servant's staircase was locked ... this morning the King was
+set at liberty, and we have now to find out whether a crime was really
+committed or whether it was a case of suicide.... Is that it?"
+
+"That is it! But you're going ahead pretty fast. You don't realize,
+Juve, the seriousness of the supposition you formulate so freely.... You
+must know whether it's murder or suicide! Of course! Of course!... but
+you are too precise.... A King a murderer ... that isn't possible. There
+would be terrible diplomatic complications.... It's a case of
+suicide.... Susy d'Orsel committed suicide beyond a doubt."
+
+Juve smiled slightly.
+
+"That has to be proved, hasn't it?"
+
+"Certainly it must be proved. The accident happened at number 247 Rue de
+Monceau. Go there, question the concierge ... the only witness.... In a
+word, bring us the proof of suicide in written form. We can then send a
+report to the press and stifle the threatened scandal."
+
+Juve rose.
+
+"I will begin an immediate investigation," he replied, smiling, "and M.
+Vicart, you may depend upon me to use all means in my power to clear up
+the affair ... entirely and impartially."
+
+When Juve had gone, M. Vicart realized a sense of extreme uneasiness.
+
+"Impartially!... the deuce!"
+
+Hurriedly he left his office and made his way through the halls to his
+chief, M. Annion. His first care must be to cover his own
+responsibility in the matter.
+
+M. Annion, cold and impassive, listened to his recital in silence and
+then broke out:
+
+"You have committed a blunder, M. Vicart. I told you this morning to put
+a detective on the case who would bring us a report along the lines that
+we desire. I pointed out to you the gravity of the situation."
+
+"But ..." protested M. Vicart.
+
+"Let me finish.... I thought I had made myself quite clear on that point
+and now, you actually give the commission to Juve!"
+
+"Exactly, Monsieur! I gave Juve the commission because he is our most
+expert detective."
+
+"That I don't deny, and therefore Juve is certain to discover the truth!
+It is an unpardonable blunder."
+
+At this moment a clerk entered with a telegram. M. Annion opened it
+quickly and read it.
+
+"Ah! this is enough to bring about the fall of the Ministry. Listen!"
+
+"The Minister of Hesse-Weimar to the Secretary of the Interior, Place
+Beauvau, Paris--Numerous telegrams addressed to his Majesty the King of
+Hesse-Weimar, at present staying incognito at the Royal Palace Hotel,
+Avenue des Champs Elysees, remain unanswered, in spite of their extreme
+urgence. The Minister of Hesse-Weimar begs the Secretary of the Interior
+of France to kindly make inquiries and to send him the assurance that
+his Majesty the King of Hesse-Weimar is in possession of these
+diplomatic telegrams."
+
+M. Annion burst out.
+
+"There now! Pretty soon they'll be accusing us of intercepting the
+telegrams ... Frederick-Christian doesn't answer! How can I help that! I
+suppose he's weeping over the death of his mistress. And now that fellow
+Juve has taken a hand in it! I tell you. Monsieur Vicart, we're in a
+nice fix!"
+
+While M. Annion was unburdening his mind to M. Vicart, Juve left the
+Ministry whistling a march, and hailed a cab to take him to the Rue
+Monceau.
+
+He quite understood what was required of him, but his professional
+pride, his independence and his innate honesty of purpose determined him
+to ferret out the truth regardless of consequences.
+
+As a matter of fact, the presence of the King in Paris was, in part, to
+render a service to Juve himself.[2]
+
+[Footnote 2: See "Fantomas," Vols. I, II, III, IV.]
+
+If, therefore, the hypothesis of suicide could be verified, Juve would
+be able to be of use to the King; if, on the other hand, it had to be
+rejected, his report would prove that fact.
+
+On arriving at the Rue de Monceau, Juve went straight to the concierge's
+office and having shown his badge, began to question her:
+
+"Tell me, Madame Ceiron, did you see the King when he came to pay his
+visit to his mistress?"
+
+"No, Monsieur. I saw nothing at all. I was in bed ... the bell rang, I
+opened the door ... the King called out as usual, 'the Duke of
+Haworth'--it's the name he goes by--and then he went upstairs, but I
+didn't see him."
+
+"Was he alone?"
+
+"Ah, that's what everyone asks me! Of course he was alone ... the proof
+being that when they went up and found poor Mlle. Susy, nobody else was
+there, so ..."
+
+Juve interrupted:
+
+"All right. Now, tell me, did Mlle. Susy d'Orsel expect any other
+visitor? Any friend?"
+
+"Nobody that I knew of ... at least that's what she said to her
+lace-maker--one of my tenants ... a very good young girl, Mlle. Marie
+Pascal--She said like this--'I'm expecting my lover,' but she mentioned
+nobody else."
+
+"And this Marie Pascal is the last person who saw Susy d'Orsel alive,
+excepting, of course, the King? The servants had gone to bed?"
+
+"Oh, Monsieur, the maid wasn't there. Justine came down about eleven,
+she said good-night to me as she went by ... while Marie Pascal didn't
+go up before eleven-thirty or a quarter to twelve."
+
+"Very well, I'll see Mlle. Pascal later. Another question, Mme. Ceiron:
+did any of your tenants leave the house after the crime ... I mean after
+the death?"
+
+"No, Monsieur."
+
+"Mlle. Susy d'Orsel's apartment is reached by two staircases. Do you
+know if the door to the one used by the servants was locked?"
+
+"That I can't tell you, Monsieur, all I know is that Justine generally
+locked it when she went out."
+
+"And while you were away hunting the doctor and the police, did you
+leave the door of the house open?"
+
+"Ah, no, Monsieur, to begin with, I didn't go out. I have a telephone in
+my room, besides I never leave the door open."
+
+"Is Justine in her room now?"
+
+"No, I have the key, which means that she's out ... she's probably
+looking after funeral arrangements of the poor young girl."
+
+"Mlle. d'Orsel had no relations?"
+
+"I don't think so, Monsieur."
+
+"Is Marie Pascal in?"
+
+"Yes ... sixth floor to the right at the end of the hall."
+
+"Then I will go up and see her. Thanks very much for your information,
+Madame."
+
+"You're very welcome, Monsieur. Ah, this wretched business isn't going
+to help the house. I still have two apartments unrented."
+
+Juve did not wait to hear the good woman's lamentations but hurriedly
+climbed the flights of stairs and knocked on the door indicated.
+
+It was opened by a young girl.
+
+"Mademoiselle Marie Pascal?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+"Can I see you for a couple of minutes? I am a detective and have charge
+of investigating the death of Mlle. d'Orsel."
+
+Mlle. Pascal led the way into her modest room, which was bright and
+sunny with a flowered paper on the walls, potted plants and a bird-cage.
+She then began a recital of the interview she had had with Susy. This
+threw no fresh light upon the case and at the end, Juve replied:
+
+"To sum it up, Mademoiselle, you know only one thing, that Mlle.
+d'Orsel was waiting for her lover, that she told you she was not very
+happy, but did not appear especially sad or cast down ... in fact,
+neither her words nor her attitude showed any thought of attempted
+suicide. Am I not right?"
+
+Marie Pascal hesitated; she seemed worried over something; at length she
+spoke up:
+
+"I do know more."
+
+"What?"
+
+Juve, to cover the young girl's confusion, had turned his head away
+while putting the last question.
+
+"Why," he remarked, "you can see Mlle. d'Orsel's apartment from your
+windows!"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, and that ..."
+
+"Were you in bed when the suicide took place?"
+
+"No ... I was not in bed, I saw ..."
+
+"Ah! You saw! What did you see?"
+
+"Monsieur, I haven't spoken to a soul about it; in fact, I'm not sure I
+wasn't mistaken, it all happened so quickly.... I was getting a breath
+of fresh air at the window, I noticed her apartment was lighted up, I
+could see that through the curtains, and I said to myself, her lover
+must have arrived."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"Then suddenly some one pulled back the hall-window curtains, then the
+window was flung open and I thought I saw a man holding Mlle. d'Orsel
+by the shoulders ... she was struggling but without crying out ...
+finally he threw her out of the window, then the light was extinguished
+and I saw nothing more."
+
+"But you called for help?"
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, I'm afraid I didn't act as I should have. I lost my head,
+you understand ... I left my room and was on my way downstairs to help
+the poor woman ... and then I heard voices, doors slamming ... I was
+afraid the murderer might kill me, too, so I hurried back to my room."
+
+"According to you, then, it was not a suicide?"
+
+"Oh, no, Monsieur ... I am quite sure she was thrown out of the window
+by some man."
+
+"Some man? But, Mademoiselle, you know Susy d'Orsel was alone with the
+King, so that man must be the King."
+
+Marie Pascal gave a dubious shrug.
+
+"You know the King?" Juve asked.
+
+"Yes, I sold him laces. I saw him through an open door."
+
+"And you are not sure that he is or is not the murderer?"
+
+"No, I don't know, that's why I've said nothing about it. I'm not sure
+of anything."
+
+"Pardon, Mademoiselle, but it seems to me you don't quite grasp the
+situation ... what is it you are not sure of?"
+
+"Whether it was the King who killed poor Mlle. Susy."
+
+"But you are sure it was a man who killed Mlle. d'Orsel?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur ... and I am also sure it was a thin, tall man ... in
+fact, some one of the same build as the King."
+
+"Well, Mademoiselle, I cannot see why you have kept this knowledge to
+yourself, it is most important, for it does away with the theory of
+suicide, it proves that a crime has been committed."
+
+"Yes, but if it wasn't the King, it would be terrible to suspect him
+unjustly ... that is what stopped me ..."
+
+"It must no longer stop you. If the King is a murderer, he must be
+punished like any other man; if he is innocent, the guilty man must be
+caught. You haven't spoken of this to the concierge?"
+
+Marie Pascal smiled.
+
+"No, Monsieur, Mme. Ceiron is rather a gossip."
+
+"I understand, but now you need keep silence no longer; in fact, I
+should be glad if you would spread your news ... talk of it freely and
+I, on my side, will notify my chief.... I may add that we shall not be
+long in clearing up this mystery."
+
+Juve had a reason for giving this advice. The more gossip, the less
+chance would the police department have to stifle the investigation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Marie Pascal slept badly that night. She was too intelligent not to
+realize that her deposition had convinced Juve of the guilt of the King,
+and this troubled her greatly. She, herself, was persuaded that she had
+seen the King throw Susy out of the window, although she had had no time
+to identify him positively and the young girl was alarmed at the
+importance of her testimony.
+
+However, she determined to follow Juve's advice and spread the gossip.
+With that purpose she went down to see Mother Ceiron. As the concierge
+was not in her room she called through the hallway:
+
+"Madame Ceiron!... Madame Ceiron!"
+
+A man's voice answered and a laundryman came downstairs carrying a
+basket.
+
+"The concierge is on the sixth floor, Mademoiselle. I passed her as I
+was going up to get M. de Serac's laundry."
+
+"Ah, thank you, then I will wait for her."
+
+Marie Pascal took a seat in the office, but at the end of ten minutes
+she became bored and decided to go out and get a breath of the fresh
+morning air.
+
+As she reached the entrance she noticed an article of clothing lying on
+the ground.
+
+"A woman's chemise," she exclaimed, picking it up. "The laundryman must
+have dropped it."
+
+Then suddenly she grew pale and retraced her steps to the office.
+
+"Good God!" she cried, leaning for support upon the back of a chair.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE KING RECEIVES
+
+
+The elegant attache of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs bowed, saying:
+
+"I am extremely sorry to bring your Majesty this bad news."
+
+A voice from the depth of the cushions inquired:
+
+"What bad news?"
+
+"I am telling your Majesty that it would be difficult--even impossible
+for you to go to the Longchamps races as you had the intention of
+doing."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"The President of the Republic opens to-day the exposition at the
+Bagatelle Museum. If your Majesty went to the Bois de Boulogne you would
+run the risk of meeting him. You would then be obliged to stop and talk
+a few moments, but as this interview has not been foreseen and arranged
+for it would be very awkward."
+
+"That is true."
+
+"That is all I had to convey to your Majesty."
+
+"Let me see, what is your name, Monsieur?"
+
+"I am Count Adhemar de Candieres, your Majesty."
+
+"Well, Count, many thanks! You may retire."
+
+The Count gracefully bowed himself out and with a convulsive movement of
+the cushions Jerome Fandor sprang up and burst out laughing.
+
+"Ah!" he cried, "I thought that chap would never go! Your Majesty!...
+Sire ... the King ... pleasant names to be called when you're not
+accustomed to them. I've already had twenty-four hours of it, and if it
+goes on much longer I shall begin to think it's not a joke.
+
+"And the King himself, what's become of him ... what is
+Frederick-Christian II doing now ... that's something I'd like to find
+out."
+
+The journalist had indeed sufficient food for thought. From the dawn of
+New Year's Day he had gone from surprise to surprise. At first he
+thought he had been brought to the Royal Palace Hotel at the instigation
+of the King. That would have been the simple solution of the affair. The
+King must have realized the awkward predicament in which his companion
+was placed and in spite of his drunken stupor he would come to his
+assistance as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, Fandor had been set
+at liberty. The journalist therefore had waited patiently for the
+arrival of the King, who was unaccountably late.
+
+Then little by little it began to dawn on him that the hotel people
+were considering him not as a friend of the King but as the King
+himself! Under ordinary circumstances, he would at once have made his
+identity known, but against that there were now a multitude of
+objections. His presence in the apartment of the murdered Susy d'Orsel
+had created an ambiguous and disagreeable situation. Again, was the
+personnel of the hotel really duped by the substitution?
+
+The situation was becoming more and more difficult for Fandor. He
+realized that he was being watched. The evening before one of the clerks
+of the Royal Palace Hotel had informed him that his Majesty's automobile
+was ready. For a moment Fandor did not know what to do, but finally
+decided to take a chance for an outing. As soon as he had come
+downstairs he regretted his decision. Among the persons lounging in the
+lobby he recognized five or six detectives whom he had known and he
+realized that the police would have accurate information as to where he
+might go. On reaching the door he saw three or four automobiles lined up
+outside. Which one belonged to the King? Faced by this situation he
+acted without hesitation, he turned quickly and went back to the Royal
+apartment, where during the rest of the evening he had been left in
+peace. The following morning he awoke with a violent headache, and
+applied the usual remedy for the neuralgia to which he was subject. He
+bound up his head with a large silk scarf which he found in the Royal
+wardrobe. During the course of the morning his hotel bill was brought to
+him, which amounted to four thousand francs.
+
+"Pretty stiff," he muttered, "for three days' stay. It may be all right
+for Frederick-Christian II, but for a poor devil of a journalist it is
+rather awkward."
+
+Fandor was wondering what he should do about it when the telephone rang
+to announce a visitor. After listening at the receiver, his face
+suddenly lighted with a broad smile.
+
+"Show him up," he answered.
+
+Several moments afterwards a man entered the apartment He was about
+forty and wore the conventional frock coat and light gloves.
+
+"I am," he said, "the private secretary of the Comptoir National de
+Credit and am at your Majesty's disposition for the settlement of
+accounts. Your Majesty will excuse our sub-director for not having come
+himself to take your orders as it is his pleasure and honor generally to
+do, but he has been ill for several days and that is why I have begged
+permission for this audience with your Majesty."
+
+Fandor with difficulty repressed his desire to laugh and congratulated
+himself that he had escaped the danger of being shown up by the
+sub-director who knew the real King. The Secretary brought with him a
+large sum of money which he placed at the disposal of the sovereign. For
+a moment Fandor was tempted to accept the money but his scruples held
+him back. If things should turn out badly it would not do to lay himself
+open to the charge of usurping the Royal funds as well as the
+personality of the King. So he limited himself to handing over the hotel
+bill, saying:
+
+"Kindly settle this without delay and don't stint yourself with the
+tips."
+
+A little later a porter entered with newspapers. Fandor seized them
+eagerly, but after a single glance he could not repress a movement of
+impatience.
+
+"These idiots," he growled to himself, "always bring me the Hesse-Weimar
+papers, and I don't know a confounded word of German. What I would like
+to get hold of is a copy of _La Capitale_."
+
+He rang the bell intending to give the order for a copy to be sent up,
+but at that moment a servant announced:
+
+"Mlle. Marie Pascal is here, your Majesty."
+
+"What does she want?"
+
+The servant handed Fandor a letter.
+
+"Your Majesty has granted an interview to her."
+
+Without thinking the journalist asked: "Is she pretty?"
+
+The employe of the Royal Palace kept a straight face. He was too much in
+the habit of dealing with royal patrons. The King might joke as much as
+he pleased, but the same liberty was not granted to others. He therefore
+made a deep bow and said with a tone of profound deference:
+
+"I will send Marie Pascal to your Majesty."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+MARIE PASCAL
+
+
+Now that he had become a King and was obliged to receive unexpected
+visits in that capacity, Fandor had adopted the wise precaution of
+making his visitors wait in the main Salon, while he retired to the
+adjoining study. From there, thanks to a large mirror, he could see them
+without being seen himself. Following this precaution he waited for the
+appearance of his visitor and scarcely had she set foot in the Salon
+when he experienced an agreeable surprise.
+
+"Ah, there's a pretty girl."
+
+He was right. She was charming, with her large clear blue eyes, her fair
+hair and slight figure.
+
+"By Jove," thought Fandor, "here's a way to fill up my hours of
+solitude. It oughtn't to be hard for one in my position to get up an
+intrigue, and provided the lady is not too shy I can begin one of those
+adventures one reads of in fairy stories."
+
+Covering his face still further with his scarf and putting on a pair of
+blue spectacles he entered the Salon. The young girl betrayed a slight
+movement of surprise upon seeing him. At his silent invitation she sat
+down on the edge of an armchair without daring to raise her eyes. Then
+followed a long pause, until Fandor recollected that according to
+etiquette she was waiting for him to speak first.
+
+"Well, Mademoiselle, what can I do for you?"
+
+The young girl stammered: "I wanted to see you ... pardon ... to see
+your Majesty ... to tell him how grateful I am for the laces he ordered
+from me ... that your Majesty ordered."
+
+Fandor began to be amused at the embarrassment of the young girl, so to
+set her at ease he remarked:
+
+"Mademoiselle, just talk to me as you would to anyone else, and as for
+the laces, I shall be very glad to order others."
+
+A start of surprise from Marie Pascal gave Fandor the uneasy feeling
+that he had made a break.
+
+"Then, your Majesty, I suppose I must send the next lot to the Queen."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"How about the bill?"
+
+Fandor repressed a smile. Evidently these poor Kings must have one hand
+in their pockets. As the interview continued the young girl regained her
+confidence, and going close to Fandor, spoke in a tone of sincere
+anxiety:
+
+"Sire, it was not you ... oh, forgive me." And then in a lower tone: "I
+have denounced you, Sire."
+
+Then, dropping to her knees, Marie Pascal repeated all that had
+happened. Fandor now realized that the death of Susy d'Orsel had a
+witness and that a detective was now in possession of the facts.
+
+"And this detective! Is he tall, broad shouldered, about forty-five,
+with gray hair and clean shaven?"
+
+The young girl was astonished at the accuracy of the portrait.
+
+"Why, yes, Sire ... your Majesty is right."
+
+"It can be no other than Juve," thought Fandor joyfully. Then turning to
+Marie Pascal, "Now you must answer truthfully the question I am going to
+ask you. Will you tell me why, after accusing me of this dreadful crime,
+you have suddenly changed your opinion and come to tell me how sorry you
+are and that you are now sure I am not guilty? You must have very
+serious reasons for this change of front."
+
+"I have been convinced of your innocence," she replied, "by the most
+absolute proof." She then recounted to Fandor her discovery of the
+chemise belonging to the Marquis de Serac.
+
+"After picking up this chemise I was about to give it over to Mme.
+Ceiron, the concierge of the house, when my eyes happened to fall upon
+the ruffles on the sleeves. Attached to the right sleeve were some
+shreds of lace which seemed to have been torn from a larger piece. I am
+a lace maker and I recognized immediately that these pieces came from a
+dress I had just delivered to Mlle. Susy d'Orsel a few hours before."
+
+Fandor, who was listening with the closest attention, now asked: "What
+do you deduce from that, Mademoiselle?"
+
+"Sire, simply that the person who threw Susy d'Orsel out of the window
+was wearing that chemise."
+
+"And," continued the journalist, "as this belonged to the Marquis de
+Serac?"
+
+"But it is a woman's chemise."
+
+Fandor quickly realized the importance of this testimony. First, that
+Susy d'Orsel had really been murdered and secondly that the King
+Frederick-Christian had had no hand in it.
+
+"Is your Majesty very unhappy over the death of Mlle. d'Orsel?"
+
+Fandor glanced sharply at the young woman and then replied
+enigmatically: "I am, of course, very much shocked at the tragic end of
+this poor girl. But what is the matter with you?"
+
+Marie Pascal was growing paler and paler and finally collapsed in his
+arms. Gently he placed Marie Pascal on a sofa. For a few moments Fandor
+sat there holding her hands. Then she sat up quickly.
+
+"What are you doing?"
+
+Ready to continue what he considered an amusing adventure, he was about
+to take her in his arms murmuring, "I love you." But she rose quickly
+and fled horror-stricken.
+
+"No, no, it's horrible." She sank down covering her face and crying
+hysterically.
+
+Fandor rushed over just in time to hear her murmur, "Alas, and I love
+you."
+
+A variety of sentiments and impressions passed through the mind of
+Fandor. At first, delighted with the avowal he had heard, he took her,
+unresisting, in his arms. Then suddenly he became the victim of a
+violent jealousy. For it was not to Fandor she had yielded but to the
+King of Hesse-Weimar, Frederick-Christian. She looked so pretty with her
+tears and her love that the situation became intolerable to him.
+
+"Sire," whispered the gentle voice of Marie Pascal, "may I remind you of
+a promise? Dare I ask for a souvenir?" She pointed to a photograph of
+Frederick-Christian II.
+
+"All right, all right," growled Fandor, "take it."
+
+She then handed him a pen and asked him to write a dedication.
+
+"No, I'll be hanged if I do," cried Fandor. Then seeing that the young
+girl was beginning to cry again, he added:
+
+"My dear Marie Pascal, I am very sorry but it is against the rule for me
+to write a single word on my portrait.... It is against the
+Constitution." The journalist searched through his pockets to find
+something he might give her as compensation, and then clasped her to his
+heart as the only thing possible to do under the circumstances. At this
+moment a servant entered and gravely announced:
+
+"Sire, Wulfenmimenglaschk is here." Had the sun or the moon or the King
+himself been announced Fandor's amazement would not have been greater.
+Marie Pascal was about to slip away embarrassed, hardly capable of
+leaving in so much happiness, when Fandor recalled her.
+
+"Mademoiselle!"
+
+"Sire!"
+
+"What you told me just now about the torn lace you had better repeat at
+police headquarters." Then in a lower tone he continued his
+instructions. When he had finished she nodded her head.
+
+Yes, she would go and find Juve, the detective Juve, as the King had
+ordered her, and she would tell him everything.
+
+The servant was waiting motionless for the King's answer.
+
+"Wulfenmimenglaschk," thought he, "that must be one of those
+extraordinary German-American cocktails which Frederick-Christian is
+accustomed to order." He turned to the servant:
+
+"Pour it out." At the man's surprise Fandor realized that he had made a
+mistake. At this moment a very fat man with scarlet face and pointed
+moustache appeared in the doorway and gave the military salute,
+announcing in a voice of thunder:
+
+"Wulfenmimenglaschk!"
+
+"Good God," murmured the journalist, dropping into an armchair. "This
+time I'm dished. He's come from Hesse-Weimar."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+A PARTY OF THREE
+
+
+Juve was busy searching in a bureau drawer while Marie Pascal was going
+through piles of linen in her cupboard.
+
+"You are sure you put it there?" asked Juve. "Madame Ceiron hasn't by
+any chance taken it away, has she?"
+
+"Oh, no," replied Marie Pascal, "I am quite sure I locked it in my
+drawer, and locked the door of my room as well."
+
+The room had been turned completely topsy-turvy, while Juve and Marie
+Pascal were searching anxiously and nervously through all the girl's
+belongings.
+
+When she left the Royal Palace Hotel, Marie Pascal had gone directly to
+Police Headquarters, where she had found Juve. After telling him the
+history of the chemise fallen from the Marquis de Serac's laundry, she
+had repeated all the details of her interview with the King and the
+advice he had given her.
+
+"His Majesty Frederick-Christian was certainly wise in sending you
+here," he replied; "to begin with, it proves most conclusively that he
+has every intention of denying the crime of which you accused him
+yesterday, and of which you no longer accuse him to-day."
+
+Marie Pascal protested: "I never accused him!"
+
+"It amounted to the same thing, for the man you say threw Susy d'Orsel
+out of the window could only be the King, since he was alone with his
+mistress.... Now we get the further evidence of the chemise found by you
+quite by chance ... and by sending you to me His Majesty explicitly
+accuses a woman, the woman to whom that chemise belonged--of having
+killed Susy d'Orsel."
+
+"The first thing to be done, Mademoiselle, is to go to your room and
+have a look at this garment. The Marquis de Serac himself is away, and
+besides, his reputation is well known. Therefore, we cannot accuse him.
+If the chemise was found among his laundry it would imply that the
+murderer, taken by surprise, hid himself in the Marquis's apartment and
+either changed his clothes there or dropped the chemise into the
+Marquis's laundry-bag on purpose to create a false scent."
+
+Without further words, Juve and the young girl drove to Rue de Monceau
+to examine the chemise which she had found that morning. Marie Pascal
+unlocked her door; a few moments later started in amazement. The chemise
+had disappeared. Afterward Juve began to wonder whether Marie Pascal
+had spoken the truth or whether it was a put-up story between herself
+and the King.
+
+"There's no use looking any further," he cried, "some one has stolen
+it."
+
+"But it's terrible," replied Marie Pascal. "It is the only evidence that
+would clear the King. The only proof that he is not guilty. How can
+anyone be sure that I really found the chemise?"
+
+Juve nodded. "That's what I have been asking myself, Mademoiselle."
+
+"Oh, what can be done?"
+
+The anxiety of the young girl interested Juve keenly.
+
+"It's very annoying, Mademoiselle. But, after all, it only affects you
+indirectly. The King will have to explain clearly whether he was alone
+with Susy d'Orsel or whether a woman accompanied him."
+
+"Yes, but then they will suspect him.... Oh, M. Juve, what do you
+think?"
+
+Juve gave a dry cough and answered:
+
+"Well, Mademoiselle, this is the way I figure it out. Susy d'Orsel has
+been the mistress of the King for about two years, and as you know
+constancy is unusual with men, it is quite possible that
+Frederick-Christian had had enough of his mistress and had become
+interested in another woman."
+
+"That doesn't explain anything."
+
+"Oh, yes, it does. It explains everything. Suppose, for instance, that
+the King had fallen in love with another demi-mondaine, and that had
+brought her to the apartment to notify Susy d'Orsel of his intention to
+break with her. Might not a quarrel have arisen between the two women
+and the new mistress, exasperated by some taunt, had thrown the
+unfortunate Susy d'Orsel out of the window?... That would be a
+commonplace enough story."
+
+While speaking Juve was watching carefully the expression on Marie
+Pascal's face. She had grown very pale and at the end protested with a
+cry:
+
+"No, no, you are wrong. The King had not two mistresses. And besides,
+the chemise I found was made of coarse linen, and would not certainly be
+worn by that sort of woman."
+
+"Ah," thought Juve, "I wonder if Marie Pascal by any chance is in love
+with his Majesty. That would explain many things. To begin with, the
+reason why she was watching Susy's window. Also why the King, touched
+perhaps by the caprice of this girl, had had a row with his mistress,
+and finally why Marie Pascal, having seen him again, had invented the
+story of the chemise, which could not be found. This young girl is
+imprudent. She lets it be seen too clearly how disagreeable the
+hypothesis would be to her. After reasoning thus to himself Juve turned
+to the young girl.
+
+"Well, Mademoiselle Marie, if my supposition is wrong there can be only
+one explanation, namely, that some woman committed the crime, a woman
+who was hidden in the apartment and who subsequently hid the chemise in
+the Marquis de Serac's laundry bag, and then having learned of your
+discovery returned to your room to recover the compromising article."
+Marie Pascal remained silent. Juve continued with the intention of
+alarming her out of her reserve.
+
+"But if this last supposition is the right one we must admit that it is
+none the less unfortunate for the King. For once the chemise disappeared
+the King must be held guilty until further discovery."
+
+Marie Pascal replied simply:
+
+"It is frightful. The more so because I had this proof in my hand, and I
+know very well he is innocent."
+
+Juve picked up his hat and began buttoning his overcoat.
+
+"Naturally, Mademoiselle, you yourself know ... and I may add that I am
+of your opinion, but still you have no proof to offer, and
+consequently...."
+
+Marie Pascal wrung her hands in desperation.
+
+"What is to be done? How can the truth come to light.... Ah, I shall
+never forgive myself for having at first accused the King and then
+losing the proof of his innocence."
+
+"Oh, don't take it to heart too much. In criminal affairs the first
+results of the investigator are really conclusive."
+
+Juve nodded to the young girl and rapidly went downstairs smiling to
+himself. One thing and one alone had developed from his interview. The
+King denied his guilt.
+
+"The only thing I know," he thought, "is that the concierge affirms that
+Frederick-Christian was alone when he came to see Susy d'Orsel.... If I
+can prove that definitely I can also prove by the chain of evidence that
+the King is guilty. But how to do it?"
+
+Juve hurried through the courtyard, passing the office of Mme. Ceiron,
+who was out at that moment. As he had already obtained the key of Susy
+d'Orsel's apartment, her absence did not trouble him.
+
+"I'll be willing to bet," he thought, "that I shall find nothing
+interesting in her rooms. But it is at least my duty to go over them
+carefully.... If only I could discover evidence showing that three
+persons were there together, but that is most unlikely. The officers,
+the doctors, the concierge and the men who carried the body to the
+Morgue would have destroyed all traces."
+
+It was not without a slight shudder that Juve entered the apartment
+where the tragedy occurred. With a real catch at his heart he went
+through the bright, luxuriously decorated rooms, still giving evidence
+of a feminine presence.
+
+Death had entered there. The sinister death of crime, brutal,
+unforeseen. A hundred times more tragic for remaining unexplained. Juve,
+however, quickly stifled his feelings. He was there to investigate and
+nothing else mattered. The bedroom presented nothing worthy of notice,
+the boudoir was in perfect order, also the kitchen and the hall.
+
+Juve entered, finally, the dining-room. It was there, according to the
+testimony of witnesses, that the crime must have taken place. It was
+there in any case that Susy d'Orsel had received her lover.
+
+Nothing had been deranged. The table was still set for supper. Two
+places, side by side, bore mute witness that the King had been alone
+with his mistress.
+
+Juve at first carefully examined the general lay of the room. The
+disposition of the chairs, the two knives from the two forks, two fish
+plates, all went to prove there had been only two persons at the table.
+
+But suddenly he gave a start and his face expressed the keenest
+interest. He dropped to his knees and carefully examined the floor under
+the table.
+
+"Unless I am dreaming there are ashes here."
+
+Juve bent forward and noticed at the right of the sofa an ash receiver
+placed near the edge of the table, and below on the carpet a small heap
+of gray ash.
+
+"To begin with, we'll admit that Susy d'Orsel flicked the ash off her
+cigarette ... gray ash from Egyptian tobacco, a woman's cigarette."
+
+He now moved to the left of the sofa.
+
+"In the second place, here is another heap of ashes in this plate ...
+cigar ashes ... in fact here is the tend showing a German brand.... So
+the King was sitting on the right of Susy d'Orsel. Less careful, he used
+his plate instead of an ash receiver."
+
+Now bending down he noticed on the carpet a third heap of ash.
+
+"A third person has been smoking here. For there is no reason why the
+King should have changed his place and sat at the opposite side of the
+table where no place is laid.... Also this third person, in smoking a
+cigarette, and having no plate or ash receiver, dropped his ashes on the
+carpet."
+
+After a moment's thought Juve took from his pocket a small automatic
+lighting arrangement and going on his hands and knees under the table
+began a careful examination of its feet. In a moment he gave an
+exclamation of joy.
+
+"Ah, I have got it now. This is conclusive."
+
+And in fact Juve had made a most important discovery. The heavy legs of
+the table were joined by crosspieces and Juve had been able to determine
+where Susy d'Orsel had rested her feet. He saw also the slight traces of
+mud where the King had rested his feet. Most important, however, was the
+fact that further traces of mud had been left by a third pair of feet.
+
+"If only I could identify the feet that were placed here, and whether
+they belonged to a woman."
+
+A closer examination of the wood made him rise to his feet with a cry.
+Quickly taking a chair, he placed it before the table in the place that
+might naturally be occupied by a third guest, and then sat down. This is
+what he discovered. It was quite impossible for a woman to have been
+sitting there. Having stretched his legs and rested his feet upon the
+traces of mud, he discovered that one of the legs of the table came
+directly between his knees. A woman's skirt would have made this
+position impossible for her.
+
+"Why, the King was telling the truth! There were three persons in this
+dining-room a few moments before the crime was committed. And they were
+Susy d'Orsel, the King and another man."
+
+Juve now threw himself into an armchair and remained buried in thought.
+
+"To sum it up, the King alone is in a position to give me further
+information.... And if he should refuse to speak or should attempt to
+lie I have now within my hands the means of forcing him to tell the
+truth."
+
+He sprang up quickly.
+
+"The next thing to do is to go and see the King."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+WULFENMIMENGLASCHK
+
+
+Wulfenmimenglaschk!
+
+Fandor stared in consternation at the individual who had just entered
+the apartment of Frederick-Christian II.
+
+He was enormously fat and absurd looking. A large red nose stood out
+between two little blinking eyes; a heavy moustache bushed above his
+three well-defined chins. In his hand he held a soft green hat, through
+the ribbon of which was stuck a feather. He wore a wide leather belt
+containing cartridge cases, and the butts of two revolvers peeped out of
+his pockets.
+
+The man began once more.
+
+"Wulfen ..."
+
+Fandor stopped him with a movement of impatience.
+
+"Won't you please speak French, so long as we are in France?"
+
+For the twenty-fifth time this strange individual repeated the phrase
+which apparently meant his name and added in French:
+
+"Head of the Secret Service of the Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar and Attache
+of your Majesty."
+
+Fandor congratulated himself that the table separated them. He expected
+at any moment to be shown up as an impostor. But thinking the best plan
+would be to try and bluff it through he said graciously:
+
+"Sit down, Monsieur Wulf."
+
+"But that isn't possible."
+
+"Yes, it is ... take that chair."
+
+"I should never dare to," answered the police officer.
+
+Fandor insisted.
+
+"We desire you."
+
+Wulf bowed to such formal instructions, murmuring:
+
+"I do so at the order of your Majesty."
+
+Fandor sprang up amazed.
+
+"Does he take me for the King too? That can't be possible. The head of
+the Secret Service! They must be carrying this joke out to the bitter
+end. I'm hanged if I can understand it."
+
+"What do you want?"
+
+The man who since his entrance had not taken his eyes off Fandor, now
+appeared to be considering him with the greatest admiration.
+
+"Ah! Heaven be thanked.... My most cherished desire has come to
+pass.... Your Majesty has been good enough to allow me the honor of a
+personal interview."
+
+"He must be mad," thought Fandor.
+
+"Of course I was well acquainted with your august features....
+Frederick-Christian II is popular in his kingdom ... his portrait hangs
+on the walls of private houses as well as public buildings. But your
+Majesty understands that portraits and the reality are often
+dissimilar.... Now, although for seventeen years I have belonged to the
+Secret Service of the Kingdom, I have never before had the honor of
+meeting his Majesty face to face."
+
+"So, Monsieur Wulf, you think I don't look like my portrait."
+
+"Pardon me, Sire, that is not what I wish to say. The portrait
+represents your Majesty as being taller and heavier, with a larger
+moustache and fairer hair."
+
+"In other words," said Fandor, smiling, "my portrait flatters me."
+
+"Oh, Sire, quite the contrary, I assure you."
+
+"Well, what do you want?"
+
+Wulf was evidently waiting for this question. He rose from the seat and
+made a careful inspection of the room, opening each door to see that no
+one was outside listening. Then he returned to Fandor and whispered:
+
+"I am here on a secret mission, Sire."
+
+"Well, let's hear what it is."
+
+"I am charged with two commissions, one which interests your Majesty,
+the other the Kingdom. To begin with, I have come to get your reply to
+the telegram in cipher which his Highness the Minister of the Interior
+sent your Majesty yesterday."
+
+"The deuce," thought Fandor, "this is getting annoying. What on earth
+shall I tell him?"
+
+Then with an air of innocence he asked:
+
+"What telegram are you speaking of? I have received none."
+
+"Your Majesty didn't receive it?"
+
+"Well, you know the service is rotten in France."
+
+"Yes," replied Wulf scornfully, "it's easy to see it's a Republic."
+
+Fandor smiled. If he was compelled to run down his own country for once,
+it wouldn't matter.
+
+"What can you expect with the continual strikes ... however, that's not
+our fault, is it, Wulf?"
+
+"Quite true, Sire."
+
+The Chief of the Secret Service leaned toward Fandor and whispered
+mysteriously.
+
+"I have it, Sire."
+
+"What," inquired Fandor, with somewhat of anxiety.
+
+"The text of the telegram."
+
+Wulf drew out a document and was about to hand it to Fandor, but the
+latter stopped him with a gesture.
+
+"Read it to me."
+
+"His Highness, the Minister of the Interior, begs to inform your Majesty
+that since his absence a propaganda unfavorable to the throne is being
+actively spread in the Court and in the town. The partisans of Prince
+Gudulfin believe the occasion favorable to seize the Government."
+
+Fandor pretended anger.
+
+"Ah, it's Prince Gudulfin again!"
+
+"Alas, Sire, it is always the Prince."
+
+Fandor repressed a violent laugh.
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"No, Sire. His Highness the Minister requested to know, in the name of
+the Queen, when your Majesty has the intention of returning to his
+Kingdom."
+
+Fandor rose and tapping Wulf amicably on the shoulder replied:
+
+"Tell the Queen that business of the greatest importance keeps me in
+Paris, but that before long I hope to return to the Court."
+
+Wulf looked at him without answering, and Fandor added with great
+dignity:
+
+"You can go now."
+
+"But I have a formal order not to return to Glotzbourg without your
+Majesty, and when your Majesty is ready I am at your orders. Even
+to-night."
+
+Then he added in a low tone:
+
+"That would be a pity, for in Paris ..."
+
+Fandor glanced quickly at him. So this fat police officer was like the
+rest of the world. He, too, wanted to have his fling in Paris.
+
+At this moment they were interrupted by the arrival of the servant
+carrying a tray of cocktails. Fandor turned smilingly to Wulf.
+
+"Have a cocktail, Wulf?"
+
+The officer almost choked with delight. In Hesse-Weimar he would never
+have imagined that his King could be so charming and simple in private
+life. He made some remark to this effect and the journalist answered:
+
+"Why not, Wulf? Hesse-Weimar and France are two different places ... we
+are now in a democracy, let's be democratic." Then clinking his glass
+with Wulf's he cried:
+
+"To the health of the Republic!"
+
+Fandor now led the conversation to the charms and seductions of Paris,
+and he pictured the delights of the city in such glowing terms that
+Wulf's little eyes sparkled and his purple face became even more
+congested. He lost his timidity. He expressed a wish to see the
+Moulin-Rouge and the Singing Fountains.
+
+"What do you know about them?" inquired Fandor.
+
+"Why, they speak of nothing else in Hesse-Weimar."
+
+"You shall hear them then.... Look here, Wulf, are you married?"
+
+"Yes, Sire."
+
+"Then I'll bet you deceive your wife."
+
+"Hum! I should be sorry if my wife heard you say that. For up to
+now ..."
+
+Fandor laughed.
+
+"Oh, we Kings know everything. Even more than your Secret Service."
+
+"That's true," cried Wulf, "absolutely true."
+
+"Wulf, Paris is the town of charming women. I am sure they will please
+you greatly. And as I have no need of your services to-morrow I will
+give you your liberty."
+
+The officer was about to break into thanks when the door opened and a
+servant announced:
+
+"Will your Majesty receive Monsieur Juve?"
+
+"Show him in."
+
+When the detective entered and heard Fandor addressed as His Majesty he
+opened his eyes and stood staring, while Fandor himself was obliged to
+stuff his handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself from roaring
+with laughter.
+
+Juve began:
+
+"What does this mean?..."
+
+But Fandor quickly stepped forward.
+
+"Monsieur Juve, let me introduce you to Monsieur Wulf. Monsieur Wulf is
+the head of the Secret Service in my Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar."
+
+Then tapping Wulf familiarly on the shoulder he added:
+
+"He's one of the greatest detectives in the world. He was able to find
+the King of Hesse-Weimar right here in this apartment.... Though he had
+never seen me, he found me and recognized me!"
+
+The officer beamed with delight at the compliment. Fandor then conducted
+him to the door, whispering advice as to the best way of passing his
+night in Paris.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Scarcely had the ridiculous Wulf disappeared when Juve seized Fandor by
+the shoulder.
+
+"Fandor! What does this mean?"
+
+"Why, Juve, simply that I'm the King of Hesse-Weimar--of which fact you
+had a proof just now."
+
+But Juve's face was serious.
+
+"Now, without joking, tell me what you are doing here."
+
+When Fandor had finished his explanation Juve seized him by the hand.
+
+"Where is the King, Fandor?"
+
+"I have already told you. I haven't the least idea. And, furthermore, I
+don't care."
+
+"You are crazy to talk this way. What is happening is extremely
+serious."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Simply because a charge of murder has been brought against
+Frederick-Christian."
+
+"Very few people know it," exclaimed the journalist.
+
+He stopped speaking suddenly. Outside the murmur of a crowd grew louder
+and louder as it approached. Juve and Fandor ran to the window just in
+time to receive a volley of stones which broke the glass in several
+places. The two men sprang back.
+
+"Put out the lights!" cried Juve.
+
+Below them the avenue was black with people. After a moment they could
+distinguish what they were shouting.
+
+"Murderer! Murderer! Down with the King!"
+
+"That surprises you, Fandor," exclaimed Juve, "but for the last
+forty-eight hours I have been watching this trouble grow, and I tell
+you it is going to end badly."
+
+At the head of the mob and more daring than the others appeared a
+strange individual. A long-bearded old man, dressed in white, was
+endeavoring to force his way into the hotel and a fight was taking place
+at the door.
+
+"I know him," muttered Juve, "I have seen him once or twice before
+trying to raise a row about this affair."
+
+"Why it's Ouaouaoua, the Primitive Man," cried Fandor.
+
+A squad of policemen now arrived on the scene, and without much
+difficulty succeeded in dispersing the mob.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Well, Juve."
+
+"Well, Fandor."
+
+"To tell you the truth, Juve," admitted the journalist, "I am beginning
+to get a little uneasy. However, this manifestation is against
+Frederick-Christian, not against me...."
+
+Juve interrupted.
+
+"Idiot, don't you understand what's happening? Either one of two things.
+You are the King, and therefore in the opinion of the public the
+murderer of Susy d'Orsel, or you are not the King, and in that case you
+are an impostor, which will make it all the more likely that you will be
+considered as the murderer."
+
+"Not much," cried Fandor. "You seem to forget it was I who picked
+up ..."
+
+"Who knows that?" continued Juve. "Why, my dear fellow, think for a
+moment, if the King is guilty, and even if he is not, he will be only
+too glad to throw the responsibility for this tragedy upon your
+shoulders.... That would let him out of it completely. The situation
+could not be much worse. Suppose that this evening, to-morrow, at any
+moment some one finds out that you are not the King, you will then not
+only be suspected of the murder of Susy d'Orsel, but you will be accused
+of having done away with the King.... Where is the King? You haven't the
+least idea. Then what answer could you make?"
+
+"The devil," murmured Fandor, suddenly growing pale. "I didn't think of
+that. You are right, Juve, I am in a bad fix."
+
+There was a moment of silence. The two men looked at one another,
+troubled and anxious. Then Fandor, struck by a sudden inspiration,
+seized his hat and cane.
+
+"What are you doing?" inquired Juve.
+
+"I ... Why I'm going to clear out."
+
+"How?... The King's apartment is surrounded by Secret Service men....
+They take good care of His Majesty.... You were forgetting that!"
+
+"That's true," said Fandor, depressed. "So now I am actually a prisoner.
+Look here, Juve, what has become of this Frederick-Christian? Haven't
+you any clue to follow?"
+
+"No."
+
+"He can't have vanished into thin air. We must find him if it is humanly
+possible."
+
+"That's my opinion, Fandor, but I am wondering how."
+
+And then suddenly to each of them the same thought occurred.
+
+Fantomas!
+
+Was it not probable that the strange crime of which Susy d'Orsel was the
+victim, the mysterious disappearance of the King, might be attributed to
+this enigmatic and redoubtable bandit?
+
+It would not have been the first time that the journalist and the
+detective had put forth a similar hypothesis.
+
+Fantomas had always symbolized the very essence of crime itself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN STATIONS
+
+
+On leaving Fandor, Juve walked up the Avenue Champs Elysees, refusing
+the offers of various cab drivers. He felt the need of movement as an
+antidote to his growing worry over the affair. On arriving at the Rue
+Saussaies, Juve sent up his card to M. Annion and requested an immediate
+interview. In a few moments he was shown into M. Annion's office.
+
+"Well, what's new? What's the result of your investigation, Juve?"
+
+"There is nothing much to report yet. The theory of suicide is possible,
+although a crime may have been committed. Whether the King is involved
+or not in this affair is still uncertain. It will take me a week at
+least to find out."
+
+"In other words, you know nothing yet. Well, I can tell you a few things
+you don't know. Pass me those documents."
+
+M. Annion looked through the papers and then continued:
+
+"When Vicart saw you this morning he forgot to give you some of the
+instructions I had charged him with.... I sent two of my men to the
+Royal Palace Hotel.... Do you know what they found?"
+
+"No, I haven't the least idea. There was nothing to learn at the Royal
+Palace itself."
+
+"On the contrary, they made an extraordinary discovery."
+
+"What was it?"
+
+"They discovered that the King is not the King. The individual who is
+posing as Frederick-Christian II is an impostor. Rather sensational
+news, isn't it?"
+
+"So sensational that I don't believe it."
+
+"And why not, if you please?"
+
+Juve avoided a direct reply. He asked:
+
+"Upon what do you place this supposed imposture?"
+
+M. Annion took up the papers before him.
+
+"I have the evidence here before me. But first I must tell you how our
+suspicions became aroused.... This morning, after your departure, we
+received a telegram from Hesse-Weimar inquiring why Frederick-Christian
+did not reply to the telegram sent him from his kingdom.... That gave me
+an inkling of what was going on.... I sent to the Royal Palace Hotel and
+there my two detectives learned that Frederick-Christian had gained the
+reputation of being extremely odd, in fact, half crazy. Furthermore,
+that he was acting in a manner totally different from that of former
+occasions. He now scarcely moves from his room, whereas previously he
+spent most of his time out of doors."
+
+M. Annion handed Juve the documents and begged him to look them over
+himself. After returning them Juve realized that his best chance would
+be to gain time.
+
+"This is going to cause a great deal of trouble. If an impostor is
+really installed in the Royal Palace Hotel we shall have to notify the
+Chancellor and ask for the authorization to verify ... In other words, a
+number of tiresome formalities will have to be complied with."
+
+"Wait a minute, I have more surprises for you. We now have the press on
+our trail. All the evening papers publish articles inferring the guilt
+of the King.... They come out boldly accusing him of murder. Would you
+believe that at seven o'clock this evening there was a shouting, howling
+mob in front of the Royal Palace? And so, my dear Juve, you had better
+take two men with you, and without delay go to the hotel and arrest the
+man who is passing for the King, and who is, besides, the murderer of
+Susy d'Orsel."
+
+This is what Juve feared; he determined to make every effort to prevent
+the arrest of Fandor.
+
+"All this is very well, but I think you will agree with me that it is a
+romance, Monsieur Annion."
+
+"May I ask why you think that?"
+
+"Certainly, Monsieur Annion.
+
+"You intend to arrest the false King because he is accused by the public
+of murder.... If he were the real King, would you be willing to arrest
+him without further proof?"
+
+"No ... naturally not ... but then he is an impostor, so that won't
+worry me."
+
+"Very good, Monsieur Annion, and now, suppose you have guessed wrong?
+After all, you are basing your conclusion upon a number of minor
+details, upon the observation of hotel clerks. All that is not
+sufficient. But don't you think anyone in Paris knows the King by
+sight?"
+
+"Only two persons knew him here.... The Ambassador of Hesse-Weimar, M.
+de Naarboveck, who has just been changed and whose successor has not as
+yet arrived. The other person is one of his friends, the Marquis de
+Serac, who happens to be away from Paris just now."
+
+Juve smiled.
+
+"You forget one man, Monsieur Annion, who knows the King better than
+either of these. I refer to the head of the Secret Service of
+Hesse-Weimar ... one of my colleagues. He is at present staying at the
+Royal Palace and sees the King every day. Consequently it will be
+scarcely possible to deceive him."
+
+"What is his name?" asked M. Annion.
+
+"It's rather complicated; he calls himself Wulfenmimenglaschk, which we
+may cut to Wulf for all practical purposes. What should you think of his
+testimony?"
+
+M. Annion hesitated.
+
+"Of course, if this individual knows the King ..."
+
+"He is attached to the King's person."
+
+"And you are sure he recognized him at the Royal Palace?"
+
+"I'll bring him here and let him speak for himself."
+
+"Well, I'll give you until eleven to-morrow morning to produce this
+Wulf ... or whatever he calls himself; if then he cannot positively
+affirm that the King is really the King, you must arrest the impostor
+immediately. If, on the other hand, he does recognize him, we must refer
+the matter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs."
+
+"That is understood," replied Juve, and he took his leave.
+
+As Juve found himself again in the Rue de Saussaies his face clouded
+over.
+
+"Twenty-four hours gained anyway, but I wonder where the devil I can get
+hold of this Wulf? I might catch him at the Moulin-Rouge ... Fandor sent
+him there."
+
+Juve drove to the music hall and, showing his card, questioned the
+officials.
+
+"I'm looking for a fat little man, probably slightly drunk, foreign
+accent, wears a brown coat, tight trousers, white spats, and is
+plastered all over with decorations."
+
+"I saw him," cried one of the ushers. "I checked his overcoat and
+noticed the decorations. He left some time ago."
+
+"Confound it!" muttered Juve. "You don't know why he left so early? The
+show is only beginning."
+
+The usher smiled.
+
+"Well, he carried a couple of girls away with him. Probably he's in some
+nearby cafe."
+
+Juve decided to spend the whole night, if necessary, to find Wulf, and
+began a systematic search through all the cafes of Montmartre.
+
+At length, about three in the morning, he decided to give himself a rest
+and take a drink. For this purpose he entered a small cafe at the
+corner of the Rue de Douai and the Rue Victor-Masse, and ordered a beer.
+He put the usual question:
+
+"You don't happen to have seen a fat little man, drunk and profusely
+decorated?"
+
+The proprietor at once grew excited.
+
+"I should think I have seen him. He came in here asking for some
+outlandish brand of cigarettes, and ended by taking the cheapest I had,
+then paid for them with foreign money. And when I refused to take it, he
+threatened me with some King or other! Aren't we still a republic, I
+should like to know?"
+
+Evidently, from the description, it could be no other than the
+peripatetic Wulf.
+
+"Was he alone?" asked Juve.
+
+"Oh, he brought in a little blonde with him, but when she saw his fake
+money, I guess she gave him the slip, for he turned to the right and she
+went up the street in the opposite direction."
+
+"The devil!" exclaimed Juve; "the trail is lost again."
+
+A waiter stepped forward.
+
+"I think he went to the Courcelles Station; he asked me where it was."
+
+"The Courcelles Station!"
+
+Juve stood staring in amazement. What on earth could Wulf want to go
+there for?
+
+"Have you a telephone?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+With great difficulty Juve succeeded in getting the connection.
+
+"Hullo! Is that your Majesty?"
+
+Fandor's voice replied, laughingly:
+
+"Yes, it's His Majesty all right, but His Majesty doesn't like being
+wakened up at night. What can I do for you, my dear Juve?"
+
+"Can you tell me where Wulf is?"
+
+"How should I know? Probably with some women, he seems crazy about
+them."
+
+"No, he hasn't any French money."
+
+"Hold on, Juve; I advised him to take the circular tube as the best
+method of seeing Paris. I told him to stay on board till he reached the
+end of the line. Just a little joke of mine."
+
+Fandor burst out laughing, and Juve rang off, angrily.
+
+Once in the street, he stood a moment in doubt as to his next course. If
+Wulf was really taking a trip in the circular tube, he would be in
+process of going round and round Paris. How was it possible to overtake
+him?
+
+Hailing a taxi, he explained to the chauffeur:
+
+"Look here, I want you to take me to the Courcelles Station ... there we
+must find out in what direction the first train passes, either toward
+Porte Maillot or toward the Avenue de Clichy ..."
+
+The man stared stupidly and Juve found it necessary to explain in a few
+words the quest he was setting out upon.
+
+"If our man isn't on the first train that passes Courcelles, then we
+must hurry over to the Bois de Boulogne Station, understand?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Juve had the luck to learn from the ticket seller at Courcelles that she
+had noticed Wulf, and that he had bought a first-class ticket; this
+limited the search very considerably.
+
+The first train pulled in, but Wulf was not on board.
+
+Juve sprang into his taxi and now hurried over to the Bois de Boulogne.
+Here the same result met him; the next station was Auteuil, then
+Vaugirard, la Glaciere and Bel-Air.
+
+It was now eight o'clock, and his appointment with M. Annion was at
+eleven. What was to be done?
+
+On reaching Menilmontant Station, Juve had about decided to abandon the
+chase.
+
+"I'll wait for one more train and then make some other plan," he
+muttered.
+
+By great good luck he caught sight of Wulf as it ran into the station.
+Rushing into the carriage, he seized his man and hauled him on to the
+platform.
+
+"What's the matter? Why are you here, Monsieur Juve? I am perfectly
+amazed ..."
+
+"Where are you going, Monsieur Wulf?"
+
+Wulf smiled fatuously:
+
+"I have been following his Majesty's advice, seeing Paris. What an
+immense city! I counted one hundred and twenty-seven stations since five
+o'clock this morning and I have crossed ten rivers! Why have you stopped
+me? I wanted to go to the end of the line."
+
+Juve bustled him into the waiting taxi.
+
+"I'll explain as we go," he replied. "It is a question of saving the
+King. He is menaced by powerful and terrible enemies."
+
+"I am ready to die for him," exclaimed Wulf. "What must I do?"
+
+"Oh, it's not necessary to die. All you have to do is to certify before
+the police authorities that the person you know as Frederick-Christian
+at the Royal Palace is actually the King."
+
+"I don't understand in the least what you mean!"
+
+"That doesn't matter; you have only to do as I say and all will be
+well."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+M. Annion was overcome.
+
+Wulf, after testifying to the identity of the King, had been sent to
+wait in an adjoining room while Juve and M. Annion had a confidential
+chat.
+
+"Well, Juve, I can't get over it. Without you, I should have made a
+terrible break! The King arrested! What a scandal! But, tell me, what's
+to be done now? The public's calling for the murderer. I place myself in
+your hands. What do you suggest?"
+
+Juve thought a moment.
+
+For the time being Fandor was safe, but he was still very far from being
+out of the woods.
+
+"Monsieur Annion," he replied at length, "there is just one method of
+procedure in this case. The assassination of Susy d'Orsel, the question
+of this imposture, in fact all these mysterious points which have arisen
+cannot be cleared up in Paris."
+
+"What the devil do you mean, Juve?"
+
+"I mean that in all probability the threads of this intrigue lead to
+Hesse-Weimar, to the capital of the kingdom, to Glotzbourg. And, if you
+have no objection, I will start for there this evening."
+
+"Go, go," replied M. Annion; "perhaps you are right ... anyhow, don't
+forget to take letters of introduction with you."
+
+"Oh, don't worry about that. I can get all I want from my colleague."
+
+"Your colleague?"
+
+"Yes, from this excellent Wulf."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+CAMOUFLAGE
+
+
+"Come in and sit down, Monsieur Wulfenmimenglaschk."
+
+The Marquis de Serac led the way into his study.
+
+He was a powerfully built, white-haired man, in the sixties, still
+active, with a slightly tired voice, a typical man of the world in his
+manners and dress.
+
+Very embarrassed, Wulf bowed and bowed:
+
+"I am confused, Monsieur. Quite confused ... I ..."
+
+"Not at all, Monsieur Wulf; now take off your overcoat, sit down and
+smoke a cigar. I assure you it's a great pleasure for me to talk to
+anyone coming from Hesse-Weimar. I left the court when I was very young,
+and I should be a stranger in Glotzbourg to-day; still I remember my
+very good friends there ... but never mind that now, we have more
+important subjects to discuss, Monsieur Wulf, and I'm sure you are in a
+hurry."
+
+"Oh, not at all; I am only too happy and too proud ..."
+
+"Yes, yes, Paris is a city of temptations, and I won't take too much of
+your time. First of all let me explain that I only received your letter
+yesterday, as I happened to be out of town. You state that I am in a
+position to render you a great service; this I shall be delighted to do
+as soon as you tell me what it is."
+
+Wulf began a long and rambling story to the effect that upon leaving
+Glotzbourg for Paris, on his special mission to the King, he had
+conceived the idea of writing to the Marquis de Serac, whom he knew to
+be an intimate friend of the King, to give him a letter of introduction
+to His Majesty.
+
+"But now I don't need it," he ended, "for the King is my best friend ...
+he received me with charming simplicity, just like an old comrade."
+
+"Alas, my dear Wulf, His Majesty is at present exposed to the most
+terrible danger."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"You have doubtless heard of the tragic death of Mlle. Susy d'Orsel, the
+King's mistress, which, by a curious coincidence, occurred in this very
+house?"
+
+"I know! I know!"
+
+"Well, perhaps you also know that among the King's enemies, some dare to
+accuse him of having killed Mlle. Susy d'Orsel?"
+
+"Oh! Such people ought to be cut in pieces."
+
+"Alas, Monsieur Wulf, we are not yet in a position to avenge His
+Majesty. You don't happen to know who the real murderer is, do you?"
+
+"No, I haven't the least idea; but if I ever get hold of him, I shall
+know what to do!"
+
+The Marquis smiled and shrugged his shoulders:
+
+"I shall be glad to help you."
+
+"Thanks, Monsieur le Marquis, but I'm afraid we shan't succeed. There's
+a French detective on the case, a man named Juve, who hasn't been able
+to find the man either!"
+
+The Marquis gave a slight start:
+
+"Ah, and Juve has found nothing, suspects nobody?"
+
+"No."
+
+"That is strange.... Well, Monsieur Wulf, I think we shall be able to do
+better. You are ready for anything?"
+
+"For everything, on my honor!" replied Wulf, with fervor.
+
+"Very well, then I promise you we shall have some news within a week.
+But excuse me a moment, I have some orders to give; I won't be a
+moment."
+
+The Marquis crossed the room and opened the door; Wulf could hear him
+talking:
+
+"Is that you, Madame Ceiron?"
+
+A woman's voice answered:
+
+"Yes, Monsieur le Marquis. What can I do for you?"
+
+"Kindly unpack the bag in my room and when you go out be sure to lock
+the doors. I don't want a recurrence of what happened the other day when
+some one entered my apartment and left a chemise belonging to the
+murderer among my laundry."
+
+"Monsieur le Marquis may rest assured his orders will be obeyed."
+
+In a few moments the Marquis returned and M. Wulf rose to go. He
+repeated with emphasis his determination:
+
+"If ever I get the chance to arrest this murderer, I will do so in the
+face of any danger. All for the King! That is my motto!"
+
+"Yes, you are right, Monsieur, all for the King."
+
+The Marquis de Serac bowed his visitor out, and then suddenly his
+smiling face underwent an astounding change of expression.
+
+"I must clinch my alibi!"
+
+In a moment he had torn off his false whiskers and his wig of white hair
+was quickly replaced by another--this time a woman's wig. With the
+agility of a Fregoli he then got into a skirt and waist.
+
+Forty seconds after the departure of Wulf the Marquis de Serac had
+become ... Madame Ceiron, the concierge.
+
+Three or four pencil marks and his disguise was complete. It would be
+impossible for anybody not having seen this transformation to guess that
+the Marquis de Serac and old Madame Ceiron were one and the same
+individual.
+
+After a quick glance into his mirror he rushed across his drawing-room,
+through the hall, and quickly opened a large Breton wardrobe. Through
+the centre of this rose a post which he seized and slid down. It was the
+same contrivance used by firemen to join their engines when a call was
+sent in. At the foot of the post in Madame Ceiron's apartment were
+stretched two mattresses to deaden the fall. These were placed in a
+small storeroom, well hidden from observation. After closing the door
+behind her, Madame Ceiron rushed to the hall in time to intercept Wulf
+on his way downstairs.
+
+"You are looking for some one?" she asked.
+
+"No, Madame, I have just come from the Marquis de Serac's apartment."
+
+After Wulf had disappeared Madame Ceiron returned to her office and was
+about to enter when a voice called:
+
+"Here I am, Madame Ceiron. I found your note under my door. Is there
+anything I can do for you?"
+
+"Ah, it's you, my child. You are very kind to have come, and there is
+something that you can do for me. I want to know if you will come
+upstairs to Susy d'Orsel's room with me."
+
+"What on earth for?"
+
+"Well, I'll tell you. It's this way: I am scared to go up there all
+alone."
+
+Marie Pascal smiled.
+
+"Of course it is rather appalling, but why do you go there, Madame
+Ceiron?"
+
+"Well, you see, the police have put their seals over everything and I am
+paid one franc a day to see that nobody enters the apartment and breaks
+them. I have to take a look around from time to time, so won't you come
+with me?"
+
+"Certainly, Madame Ceiron."
+
+Marie Pascal and the concierge went up together and began a careful
+examination of the poor girl's rooms. While the young girl was looking
+curiously around Madame Ceiron entered the boudoir. She crossed to the
+chimney and pulled out a small casket, which was hidden behind a blue
+curtain. She opened it quickly and inspected the contents.
+
+"Jewels! Which would be the best to take? Ah, this ring and this
+bracelet ... and these earrings. Now for the key. I'll take that with
+me."
+
+"Mam'zelle Marie Pascal!"
+
+"Madame Ceiron?"
+
+"Come along, my dear. I am so frightened, it upsets me to go through
+this poor girl's apartment. Just run and see if the outer door is
+locked."
+
+While Marie Pascal turned her back and walked toward the door, Madame
+Ceiron suddenly pressed against a large box which fell over and spread a
+fine coal dust over the carpet.
+
+"It is locked, Madame Ceiron."
+
+"Then come along. I hope to Heaven this business will soon be cleared up
+or it will make me ill."
+
+A few moments later Marie Pascal had returned to her own bedroom and the
+concierge busied herself by opening in her office a parcel which she had
+taken from a cupboard. She was interrupted in her work by the arrival of
+a working woman who was engaged to take Madame Ceiron's place when she
+had errands to do.
+
+"I am going to leave you alone here to-day, Madame. I have some shopping
+to do.... I am going to spend my New Year's gifts, buy a green dress and
+a hat with red feathers.... It is my turn to dress up a little."
+
+Shortly afterwards the concierge went out, taking with her the parcel
+she had prepared. But instead of going to the shopping district of
+Paris, she hurried toward the Bois de Boulogne.
+
+When she had reached a remote part of the wood she entered a small hut.
+A few moments later visitors to the Bois noticed the well-known
+Ouaouaoua, the Primitive Man, walking down the main pathway. The
+enigmatic and dreamy face of this man resembled neither the Marquis de
+Serac nor Madame Ceiron and yet ...
+
+The science of camouflage pushed to its extreme limits produces the most
+unexpected transformations.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE KINGDOM OF HESSE-WEIMAR
+
+
+"Has Monsieur le Baron any trunks to be examined? This is the
+Hesse-Weimar Customs."
+
+These words, spoken in a respectful but guttural voice, startled Juve
+from the deep sleep into which he had fallen after a very unpleasant
+night. The detective opened his eyes and stretched himself.
+
+The pale light of dawn struggled through the windows of the sleeping
+car, the curtains of which had been carefully drawn. Outside nothing was
+to be seen, for besides the mud which covered the windows a heavy fog
+lay over the country.
+
+The train came to a standstill, and before Juve stood an individual
+dressed in an elegant blue and yellow uniform plentifully covered with
+gold braid. Juve looked around to see the man who was being addressed by
+the title of Monsieur le Baron and finally came to the conclusion that
+it was himself to whom the man was speaking.
+
+"Why do you call me Monsieur le Baron?" The man touched his hat
+deferentially and seemed very surprised at the question.
+
+"Why, Monsieur ... it's the custom. No one but the nobility travel first
+class."
+
+Juve smiled and replied:
+
+"That's all right, my friend, but in the future call me simply,
+'Marquis.'"
+
+The official again saluted and seizing Juve's valise traced on it the
+cabalistic chalk mark which allowed it to pass the frontier.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The evening before, the detective had taken his seat in the 10.50
+express from the Gare du Nord in Paris for Cologne and Berlin. He had
+the good luck to find that a sleeping car had been attached to the end
+of the train which would take him directly to Glotzbourg. At the
+frontier he changed into a local, which jogged peacefully along,
+stopping every few minutes at small stations. The country of
+Hesse-Weimar spread out attractive and varied. Numerous small hills
+crowned with woods succeeded the green valleys they passed through. The
+houses were Swiss in architecture and seemed built for comfort and
+elegance. The little Kingdom seemed to breathe peace, simplicity and
+well-being. On his arrival at Hesse-Weimar, Juve had not been without
+some apprehension. During his last interview with Monsieur Annion he
+had put forward the opinion that an investigation in Hesse-Weimar would
+do much to clear up the mystery surrounding the affair. As a matter of
+fact, it was more to gain time than for any other reason that Juve had
+suggested this. He had not mentioned to his chief that his real object
+in going to Glotzbourg was to try to obtain a clue as to the real or
+apparent disappearance of the King Frederick-Christian II.
+
+The formal declaration of the grotesque Wulf had reassured the French
+authorities as to the fate of the King, but to Juve, who knew that
+Fandor was installed at the Royal Palace, the search for the real King
+was of paramount importance.
+
+"Glotzbourg.... All out!"
+
+The detective seized his bag, hurried out of the car, hailed a cab and
+drove to the Hotel Deux-Hemispheres, which had been recommended by his
+colleague. After engaging his room Juve asked the porter to telephone to
+the police to find out when Heberlauf could see him. While waiting for
+the reply he took a bath and changed his clothes.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After having washed and shaved, he was about to go down to the lobby of
+the Hotel when a knock came at the door.
+
+"Come in!" he cried.
+
+A very tall and thin individual with a parchment-like face entered and
+bowed ceremoniously.
+
+"To whom have I the honor...?" Juve inquired.
+
+"I am Monsieur Heberlauf, head of the police at Hesse-Weimar.... Have I
+the pleasure of speaking to Monsieur Juve?"
+
+Juve, surprised at the visit, excused the disorder of the room and tried
+to make his guest comfortable.
+
+"Monsieur Wulf advised me of your intended visit to our Capital."
+
+In a very few moments Juve was able to size up his man, who seemed only
+too anxious to impart information about himself and his affairs. While
+quite as simple-minded as Wulf, he appeared far more sinister. Juve also
+divined without much difficulty that his wife, Madame Heloise Heberlauf,
+was the best informed woman in the kingdom regarding gossip and scandal.
+
+"In fact," declared the chief of police, "I can be of very little
+assistance to you, Monsieur. But my wife can give you all the
+information you need."
+
+Juve made it clear to Monsieur Heberlauf that he wished to obtain an
+entry to the Court as soon as possible.
+
+Monsieur Heberlauf replied that nothing would be easier than a
+presentation to the Queen. It happened that she was receiving in the
+afternoon, and Madame Heberlauf would take the necessary steps for his
+introduction. He ended by saying:
+
+"Do come and lunch with us without ceremony. You will have plenty of
+time afterward to dress for the reception.... Have you a Court costume?"
+
+Juve had overlooked that item.
+
+"No, I haven't," he replied. "Is it indispensable?"
+
+"It is, but don't worry, Madame Heberlauf will take charge of that. She
+will be able to find you the necessary garments." The luncheon
+engagement made for twelve o'clock sharp, the Chief of Police, now more
+solemn than ever, rose and took his leave.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Well, Monsieur Juve, don't you think that looks fine?"
+
+Juve was anxiously regarding himself in the glass, examining the effect
+of his costume, while Madame Heberlauf, a fat little red-faced woman,
+was circling around, eyeing him from every angle and clapping her hands
+with pleasure at the success of her efforts.
+
+The lunch had been bountiful, and thoroughly German. Preserved fruit was
+served with the fish, and gooseberry jam with the roast. Juve was now
+costumed in knee breeches and a dress coat which permitted him to enter
+the presence of royalty.
+
+"Don't be late," Madame Heberlauf advised, "for the Queen is very
+punctual, and there are a number of formalities to go through before you
+can be presented to her."
+
+The Palace of the King was on the outskirts of the town, and was reached
+by a drive through a Park which the inhabitants had named Pois de
+Pulugne. It was built upon the top of a hill and had a fine view over
+the surrounding country. The garden surrounding the Palace had been
+artistically laid out, a fine lawn stretching away from the main
+entrance. The building itself was a miniature copy of Versailles. Having
+left his carriage at the gate Juve followed Madame Heberlauf's
+instructions and made his way to the left wing of the Palace. Upon his
+card of introduction was written the title "Comte," for, as Madame
+Heberlauf had explained, the Queen had a penchant for meeting members of
+the nobility. "Your welcome will be made much easier if you are thought
+to be noble," Madame Heberlauf had explained. As it was imperative that
+the reason for Juve's visit should be kept from the Court, he had
+arranged a little story with Madame Heberlauf.
+
+The Comte Juve was a Canadian explorer who, after a trip through
+Africa, was coming to spend some time at Glotzbourg and was anxious to
+meet the reigning family.
+
+"God forgive us the lie," exclaimed Monsieur Heberlauf, "but as Monsieur
+Juve's mission is in the interest of the King Frederick-Christian, we
+are thoroughly justified in the deception."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Queen's chamberlain, Monsieur Erick von Kampfen, after carefully
+examining Juve's credentials, led the detective into a drawing-room in
+which were already gathered a number of persons. An officer, in a
+wonderful uniform, came forward and introduced him to several of his
+companions.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Princesse de Krauss, duc de Rutisheimer, colonel ..."
+
+Juve was not surprised at this. The excellent Madame Heberlauf had
+warned him that such was the usage of the Court, and that before being
+admitted to the presence of the sovereign, the guests were introduced to
+one another. Juve was on his guard against committing the slightest
+imprudence, but his new friends were quickly at ease with him and very
+amiable in their attentions. He was soon surrounded by a number of young
+women begging for details of his explorations. Among these people Juve
+picked out the Princesse de Krauss, a stout woman with exaggerated
+blonde hair and red spots on her face, barely disguised under a thick
+layer of powder. She seemed to be ready for a more personal conversation
+which Juve insensibly brought to bear upon the royal couple.
+
+"Will His Majesty the King be present at the Queen's reception to-day?"
+
+The Princess looked at Juve in amazement, and then burst out laughing.
+
+"It is easy to see you have just arrived from the middle of Africa, or
+you would know that His Majesty the King is in Paris.... Surely you must
+know that, since you tell me that you came through Paris on your way
+here."
+
+The Duchess de Rutisheimer, a rather pretty and distinguished looking
+woman, drew the detective apart and whispered behind her fan:
+
+"Our King is a gay bird, Count, and we know very well why he goes to
+Paris."
+
+The Duchess spoke with such an air of annoyance that Juve could hardly
+prevent a smile.
+
+"One might criticise His Majesty for going so far away to seek what was
+so close to hand."
+
+"Ah, indeed, you are right," the Princess sighed, "there must be
+something about these Parisian women. ... I heard that the dressmakers
+of the Rue de la Paix are going to bring out some Spring models which
+are so indecent ..."
+
+M. Erick von Kampfen, the chamberlain, entered the room at this moment
+and announced:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, kindly pass into the gallery. Her Majesty the
+Queen will be ready to receive you in a moment."
+
+Behind him came the little Duc Rudolphe, who was informing some of his
+friends as though it were a fine piece of scandal:
+
+"The Grand Duchess Alexandra hasn't come yet ... and they are wondering
+if she will come."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+QUEEN HEDWIGE RECEIVES
+
+
+Obedient to the Grand Chamberlain's invitation, the assembled guests
+passed into the great gallery at the end of which an immense salon was
+seen, still empty; it was the room in which the Queen held her
+drawing-room.
+
+It was sparsely furnished; a large gilded armchair, which was really a
+throne, stood at the farther end between two windows; the floor was
+waxed until it shone, and the surface was so slippery that Juve felt
+some fear of mishaps.
+
+First came the guard with a clatter of sabres, then two heralds, and
+finally Her Majesty Hedwige, Queen of Hesse-Weimar, who proceeded to the
+throne and sat down.
+
+She was a little body with a pinched and nervous expression of face. She
+trotted along like an old woman, her shoulders hunched up, and
+distributed nods right and left in response to the profound bows of her
+courtiers.
+
+This was not in the least as Juve had pictured her. He had seen her a
+dozen years previously, when she was a young girl engaged to
+Frederick-Christian; she had then appeared charming, and majestic in
+bearing. Now she looked like a woman of the middle class, bourgeois from
+head to heels.
+
+Near the throne stood two officers in gala uniform, while the guard
+formed a circle round the throne.
+
+The audience began.
+
+The first Chamberlain called out a name, and a matron, after making the
+three traditional courtseys, came forward and chatted in a low voice
+with the Queen. Juve was observing the ceremony with interest, when his
+reflections were cut short by a voice calling:
+
+"Monsieur le Comte de Juff!"
+
+The detective, slightly intimidated, advanced toward the sovereign,
+while the grand Chamberlain leaned over and whispered his name and rank
+to the Queen.
+
+"Monsieur le Comte de Juff," said the Queen in a little tinkling voice,
+"I am very happy to meet you. I congratulate you upon your travels. I am
+especially interested in the natives of Africa. We had a negro village
+here a few years ago ... hadn't we, M. von Kampfen?"
+
+"Quite true, your Majesty," replied the Chamberlain, bowing deeply. The
+Queen turned again to Juve:
+
+"I congratulate you, Monsieur, and I beg you to persevere in the work to
+which your special aptitude calls you."
+
+The interview was at an end, and Juve was left wondering whether he
+should leave the room. The Chamberlain signed to him to retire behind
+the throne, where he found the amiable Mme. Heberlauf.
+
+Juve, now standing quite close to the Queen, was enabled to overhear the
+next interview; with an old professor this time--Professor Muller. The
+Queen said:
+
+"I am very happy to meet you. I congratulate you upon your pupils. I am
+especially interested in scholars."
+
+Then turning to the Chamberlain:
+
+"We have some very excellent schools here, have we not, Monsieur
+Kampfen?"
+
+"Quite true, your Majesty."
+
+"I congratulate you. Can I beg you to persevere in the work to which
+your special aptitude calls you?"
+
+It was all Juve could do to keep from bursting into laughter.
+
+The same speech was being made to a couple of young girls who were
+making their debut at the Court, when the circle round the Queen noticed
+that she was growing uneasy and preoccupied. Finally she turned to her
+first maid of honor, and cried in a sharp tone:
+
+"Really, Madame, it is extraordinary that the electric lights should
+have been turned on while it is still daylight!... Kindly see that they
+are extinguished."
+
+The first maid of honor, very embarrassed, passed along the order to the
+second maid of honor, who in turn hunted up the lady of the household,
+who relaid the message to the captain of the guard, and while he went in
+search of the proper subordinate, the attention of the Court was
+distracted by the entrance of an individual to whom everybody paid the
+greatest deference.
+
+The Chamberlain announced:
+
+"His Highness, Prince Gudulfin!"
+
+The Prince was a distinguished looking young man of twenty-five,
+clean-shaven and dressed with extreme care and richness of attire.
+
+He presented a great contrast to his cousin, the Queen of Hesse-Weimar,
+and as he approached the throne, his head high and a sarcastic smile on
+his lips, Hedwige seemed to shrink into her armchair, unable to meet the
+look in his eyes.
+
+The suppressed hatred of the reigning dynasty for the younger branch was
+of ancient date and a matter of common knowledge. The recent and
+prolonged absence of Frederick-Christian had given Prince Gudulfin the
+opportunity by which he had profited to advance his claims and conspire
+for the overthrow of the Government, with himself as the King of
+Hesse-Weimar.
+
+Therefore his presence was regarded as a great piece of audacity, and
+every eye was watching how the Prince would be received. The question in
+every mind was whether the Grand Duchess Alexandra, a woman of majestic
+presence and great beauty, would also appear. Prince Gudulfin had been
+paying her conspicuous attentions, and it was rumored that the Duchess
+dreamed of a nobler crown than the one her rank gave her title to bear.
+
+The appearance of the two at the Queen's reception! What a scandal! But
+with the presence of the Prince came definite word that the Duchess had
+excused herself on the ground of a severe headache, a pretext which
+deceived nobody.
+
+Prince Gudulfin, after observing the correct formalities, stood before
+the Queen waiting for the invitation to sit by her side.
+
+Hedwige, still preoccupied by the electric lights, seemed to have
+forgotten him, and the situation was fast becoming embarrassing for the
+Prince, who could neither go nor stay. It was not long, however, before
+he saw what was troubling the Queen, and stepping aside he turned off
+the lights.
+
+"There is no such thing as unnecessary economy, is there, cousin?" he
+murmured with a smile.
+
+Hedwige blushed and gave him a furious look. She then proffered the
+tardy invitation to sit by her side. As the audience came to a close,
+the Queen in a loud voice announced:
+
+"I wish to inform you that I have received news of the King. His Majesty
+is well and is in Paris. He will return very soon."
+
+The Queen's guard now led the way back to the private apartments,
+followed by the maids of honor, and then the Queen herself hurried off
+as though glad to be finished with the whole affair.
+
+Juve, an attentive listener to the numberless intrigues on foot on every
+side, divined the comedies and tragedies which underlay this little
+Court, more gossipy and vulgar than a servant's parlor. Especially he
+noted the frequent and bitter allusions to the perpetual trips of the
+King to Paris. These cost the royal treasury a pretty penny, and for the
+twentieth time Juve heard references to a certain red diamond belonging
+to Frederick-Christian. He had known for a long time that such a diamond
+was numbered among the crown jewels, and that it was supposed to
+represent a value of several millions, but he had imagined it was kept
+in a place of safety. Now he learned that the King was suspected of
+having pawned it to raise money. With his most innocent air, he
+questioned one of the officers.
+
+"I should think it a very simple matter to find out whether the King
+took the diamond with him. It must surely be in the keeping of loyal and
+tried officials."
+
+The officer smiled:
+
+"My dear Count, it is easily seen that you come from the depths of
+Africa. Otherwise you would know that the diamond is hidden in the
+private apartments of the King--nobody knows where, not even the Queen.
+You may easily divine the uneasiness of the people and the advantage the
+affair gives to Prince Gudulfin."
+
+Juve now felt that the King was still in Paris. The problem thus far had
+become clearer. But under what conditions was he living? It was quite
+possible that he had been kidnapped by some person who knew of the
+diamond's existence.
+
+While pondering these matters, Juve had unconsciously wandered away from
+the salon and now found himself in the ante-room on the ground floor.
+Here he came face to face with Mme. Heberlauf, who was accompanied by a
+white-haired old man whom she at once introduced.
+
+"Count de Juff, let me present the Dean of the Court, the Burgomaster of
+Rung Cassel ..."
+
+"The deuce!" thought Juve, "a bore, by the look of him!"
+
+Escape was hopeless, the Burgomaster seized the detective by the arm and
+announced:
+
+"I am the author of a work in 25 volumes on "The History of the Dark
+Continent." Now I hear that you have just returned from a journey of
+exploration in Africa and ..."
+
+The old historian dragged Juve into the Palace gardens and the latter
+thought:
+
+"Hang it, I couldn't have pitched on a worse introduction, I don't know
+the first thing about Africa."
+
+But the author of the 25 volumes quickly set him at ease. For he began
+by admitting that he himself had never set foot out of Glotzbourg.
+
+Under these circumstances Juve recovered his nerve and glibly discussed
+the peculiarities of the African fauna.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+An hour later the two men were still talking, but this time it was Juve
+who was anxious to keep the conversation going. The good Burgomaster
+had drifted into gossip about the affairs of the Kingdom; suddenly he
+turned to the detective with a question:
+
+"Do you believe in this story about a visit to Paris?"
+
+Juve hesitated and then made an ambiguous reply.
+
+The Burgomaster continued:
+
+"Personally, I don't. You see, my windows look toward the large
+octagonal wing in which are the apartments of the King. Now, for the
+past week I have noticed strange lights moving about in these supposedly
+empty rooms, and I have a notion that our dear King Frederick-Christian
+is very far from being in Paris. In fact, I think he is held a prisoner
+in his own Palace!
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, you cannot imagine the intrigues which are being hatched
+against that noble heart; the black wickedness of the soul of Prince
+Gudulfin, hidden under the exterior of his seductive person!"
+
+Juve was impressed. He was inclined to give some credence to the
+suppositions of the Burgomaster. For, after all, his search in Paris for
+the King had been without result and he had had the presentiment that
+his trip to Hesse-Weimar would throw some light upon the strange
+disappearance of the monarch.
+
+So, while the old man was talking, Juve carefully noted in his mind the
+minutest architectural details of the octagonal tower which stood out
+clearly against the sky.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE MYSTERIOUS PRISON
+
+
+"Good Lord! How my head aches! It feels as though it were made of
+lead!... I have a fire in my veins and such a thirst! Here and now I
+make a firm resolution never to give way again to such dissipation.
+Never again will I drink champagne in such quantities. But, where the
+deuce am I?... It's still pitch dark!... Ah, I remember ... it's
+outrageous! Help! Help!"
+
+King Frederick-Christian had wakened. At first he experienced the usual
+unpleasant sensations which follow a night of heavy drinking and then,
+as his memory returned, he was afraid, horribly afraid.
+
+He recalled his arrival at Susy d'Orsel's apartment in company with the
+young companion he had picked up at Raxim's and the subsequent supper,
+and then he broke into a cold sweat as his mind flashed to the picture
+of Fandor's return with the inanimate body of his mistress in his
+arms--dead. Yes, she was undoubtedly dead!
+
+And afterwards, what had happened?
+
+His companion had declared himself to be the journalist, Jerome Fandor,
+and had called him by name--Frederick-Christian. Furthermore, he had
+cried:
+
+"It was you who killed Susy d'Orsel. It was you who threw her out of the
+window!"
+
+What had happened after that? His mind was a complete blank.
+
+Had these events occurred recently, or a long time ago? His headache and
+thirst were proof that they could not have been far distant.
+
+"Where am I? Evidently not at the Royal Palace!"
+
+When he first wakened he was lying flat on his back; now he sat up and
+groped about with his hands. The ground beneath him was cold and
+hard ... a floor of earth. So they had put him in a vault? in a
+cellar?
+
+The air he breathed was heavy and warm, and the walls of his cell felt
+damp to the touch. Could he be in prison? That was hardly possible, in
+such a short time. Besides, he was innocent! As he sat listening, he
+detected a faint and faraway rumbling sound. It seemed to come from
+above his head.
+
+As his senses became more fully aroused, an indefinable terror struck to
+his heart. At all costs he must take some action. He rose suddenly to
+his feet but before he reached his full height his head struck the
+roof. The blow was so violent that he fell back again in a fainting
+condition.
+
+It was not until many hours afterward that he regained his senses
+sufficiently to make another attempt. This time he proceeded with more
+caution.
+
+"I am the victim of some gang," he thought. "This Jerome Fandor is
+probably the leader of a band of cutthroats who, after killing Susy
+d'Orsel, took advantage of my intoxication to make me unconscious with
+some narcotic, and then dragged me to the place I am now in."
+
+The King now began to explore the place on his hands and knees, his ears
+keenly alive to the slightest sound. He crawled around trying to
+discover the extent and nature of his prison.
+
+The floor appeared to be of hard earth with occasional stretches of
+cement. The walls were smooth, but whether of stone or metal he could
+not determine. The height of the ceiling at the point where he lay was
+not over three feet, but gradually rose, vault-like, until he was able
+to stand fully upright. Was he buried alive in some kind of tomb? The
+idea terrified him and he began to shout for help. After many fruitless
+efforts and completely exhausted, he dropped to the ground overcome with
+the horror of his situation.
+
+The distant rumbling sound now became louder from time to time, and at
+moments shook the walls of his prison, then died away to a faint murmur.
+
+Frederick-Christian now tried to collect his thoughts upon the situation
+and bring some sort of order to his mind.
+
+Susy d'Orsel was dead ...
+
+The King had felt no deep love for the girl. Still, he had been fond of
+her in a way and her sudden death affected him deeply.
+
+He himself was a prisoner. But a prisoner of whom? Evidently of those
+who had killed his mistress. Again, in all probability, they did not
+contemplate killing him since they had had the opportunity to do so and
+he was still alive and unharmed. This being so, they would not let him
+die of hunger and thirst.
+
+His watch had stopped and he had no way of measuring the lapse of time;
+but his attention was called to the fact that the rumbling noises were
+happening at greater intervals.
+
+"The pulse-beats of a man are separated by intervals of a second," he
+thought, "and by counting my pulse I can determine the interval between
+the rumbling, and thus gain some idea of the passing hours."
+
+He was about to put this plan into practice when a sudden cry escaped
+him:
+
+"Good God!"
+
+In the blackness of his cell a thin shaft of light appeared.
+
+The King sprang toward it, but found the light too feeble for him to
+distinguish surrounding objects by. It entered the cell through a small
+fissure in one of the walls, and after a few minutes was suddenly
+withdrawn. Frederick-Christian stumbled forward in the darkness and,
+after taking a few steps, his feet struck some object lying on the
+ground. Stooping down, he groped with his hands until they touched
+something that drew from him an exclamation of joy ... he had found a
+pile of bottles. He seized one and opened it with a corkscrew which lay
+near by.
+
+One draught and he realized that the bottle contained wine. Thereupon he
+opened several more but with the same result. To drink them would only
+increase his thirst. He had the strength to resist the temptation. Again
+he moved forward and this time ran into a large box. His hand touched
+something cold. It was meat of some kind. After smelling and tasting it
+he flung it from him. It was a salt ham.
+
+Hours passed while Frederick-Christian suffered the tortures of hunger
+and thirst. Cold and tired out, he finally lay down on the ground,
+writhing with violent pains in his stomach. At length he could stand it
+no longer, and dragging himself to the box, he seized the ham and began
+to devour it ravenously. This brought on a maddening thirst, which he
+tried to quench by long draughts of the wine. Then he became very drunk
+and so, laughing and crying, he drank until he lost consciousness once
+more.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Sire! Can you hear me?"
+
+A sharp voice broke the silence. It seemed to come from a distance.
+
+"Sire, can you hear me?... Answer!"
+
+Frederick-Christian sprang up.
+
+"Who is speaking? Who are you? Help! Help!"
+
+The voice, mocking and authoritative, answered:
+
+"Now, then, keep quiet. I am not within reach, so it is useless to cry
+for help."
+
+"Scoundrel!" cried the King.
+
+"There's no use in behaving like a child ... you won't gain anything by
+it."
+
+"Pity, pity!... I will make you rich ... I will give you anything you
+ask, only set me at liberty ... take me out of this prison or I shall
+become mad."
+
+"Have you done with your lamentations?"
+
+"I'll be revenged!"
+
+"I am beyond your vengeance, Sire, and you would do well to talk quietly
+with me."
+
+"You killed my mistress, Susy d'Orsel!"
+
+"Yes, I killed her."
+
+"You are Fandor--Jerome Fandor!"
+
+"What you say is absurd."
+
+"And my Kingdom? The Queen, my wife? What is happening?"
+
+"I didn't come here to discuss politics with you. You must be
+reasonable."
+
+"What do you want with me? Why was I brought here?"
+
+"Ah, now we can discuss the matter together. You ask me what I want.
+First of all, let me reassure you. I do not intend to kill you. Your
+death would not be of the slightest use to me. Otherwise I shouldn't
+hesitate an instant."
+
+"I'm not afraid of death."
+
+"I know that, Sire ... you are brave.... I want your diamond."
+
+"My diamond!"
+
+"Exactly. I am quite aware, Frederick-Christian, that your personal
+fortune is represented by a diamond of marvelous purity and size. I also
+know that it is hidden in your Palace. You, alone, know where. I want
+you to disclose its hiding place to me so that I may go and get it."
+
+"Never! I'm not a coward!"
+
+"You are stupid, Sire. I repeat, once in possession of the diamond, I
+will set you at liberty."
+
+"Lies!"
+
+"Sire, consider a moment. It would be practically impossible for me to
+realize anything like the value of the diamond. To sell it I should be
+obliged to break it into small pieces, and in that case it would
+scarcely fetch more than twenty millions. Now, I have a better
+suggestion to offer."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"You are to give me directions how to find it. Once in my possession,
+you are free. You will then draw the sum of fifty millions from your
+bank. As King that will be quite possible. This money you will turn over
+to me in exchange for your diamond. And don't think you will be able to
+catch me. I shall take care that the exchange is made without witnesses,
+and in such a way that I run no risk of arrest. Now, what do you say to
+my proposition?"
+
+"I refuse."
+
+"Very well, then in two hours you will be dead. I pledge my word for
+it.... And my word has some value. Perhaps you guess who I am."
+
+"Who? Who?"
+
+"I am Fantomas, Sire."
+
+At this name of horror and crime, Frederick-Christian was seized with
+the utmost terror. In a broken voice he replied:
+
+"I accept."
+
+And then in trembling, disjointed sentences, he gave up the secret of
+the hiding place in his Palace at Glotzbourg.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE THEFT OF THE DIAMOND
+
+
+Queen Hedwige had had a serious and legitimate reason for bringing her
+reception to an abrupt conclusion. A Court ball for the high
+functionaries and dignities of the Kingdom was to take place that
+evening.
+
+Furthermore, the Queen was very much exercised over the rumor that the
+Grand Duchess Alexandra was to be present. This woman, still young and
+very beautiful, played an important role in the small world of the
+Palace. It was said by the gossips that she accepted the attentions of
+Prince Gudulfin, in the hope that some day she might share the throne of
+Hesse-Weimar with him. For many years she had been a great traveler but
+in recent times she had spent more and more of her time in Glotzbourg,
+where she continually met the Prince.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+While Juve had experienced no difficulty in being present at the Queen's
+audience, he found that even Mme. Heberlauf's influence was not
+sufficient to procure him an invitation to the ball. As a matter of
+fact, he had no particular wish to appear in the quality of a guest that
+evening. He had other plans.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At ten o'clock a long line of carriages and automobiles began to arrive
+in the gardens of the Palace. Innumerable electric lights shone out
+along the drive-way and from the windows. A few persons had managed to
+slip past the guards and had stationed themselves near the awning at the
+main entrance to watch the arrival of the guests. Beneath their fur
+cloaks, the women wore their very finest gowns and their richest
+jewelry.
+
+The hall of the chancellory had been transformed into a cloakroom and
+there the crowd was thickest. In contrast to the brilliantly illuminated
+left wing of the chateau, the octagonal tower showed dark and silent.
+Hiding behind pillars, keeping close to the walls, a man was making his
+way slowly toward that tower.
+
+The man was Juve.
+
+From behind a big tree he stood and watched the sky, rubbing his hands
+with satisfaction.
+
+"This is a night after my own heart," he murmured, "overcast and dark. I
+should have been very embarrassed had the moon come out."
+
+He felt his pockets.
+
+"Everything I need. My electric lamp and a good, strong, silk ladder."
+
+Then, surveying the tower, he soliloquized:
+
+"A fine monument! Solid and strong. They don't build them like that
+nowadays."
+
+Juve took a few steps, bent his knees and stretched his arms, tested the
+suppleness of his body.
+
+"Ah, in spite of my forty-odd years, I'm still pretty fit for ... the
+work I have to do."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+By the aid of the lightning rod, the gutters and the inequalities in the
+stones, the detective was enabled to climb without much difficulty to
+the first floor.
+
+There he paused to take breath and to examine the shutters of a window.
+
+"Can't get in that way," he muttered, "they're bolted inside. I'll have
+to climb higher."
+
+The same condition met him on the second floor, but when he had finally
+reached the roof, he espied a large chimney which promised a method of
+ingress to the apartment below. The descent was anything but easy, and
+Juve, in spite of his great strength and agility, was used up by the
+time he had reached the bottom. His clothes were torn and he was covered
+with the greasy soot he had accumulated on his journey. By dint of
+brushing and scraping, he succeeded in cleaning off the worst of it,
+and then looked round to take his bearings.
+
+He had landed in the large waiting-room which adjoined the royal
+apartments.
+
+The distant sound of dance music came to his ears and the atmosphere of
+the place was cold and damp.
+
+"He doesn't often come here, I'll bet," thought Juve.
+
+A door led him directly into the King's bathroom, and Juve paused to
+admire the famous bath of solid silver which the municipality had
+presented to the King upon one of his birthdays.
+
+"I've a good mind to take a tub," he muttered. "Maybe I shall find His
+Majesty locked in his bedroom, and I'm hardly a fit sight to appear
+before him."
+
+The detective now felt some cause for anxiety.
+
+There were two alternatives to consider. Either the King was absent, and
+in that case Juve's business would be to discover the hiding place of
+the diamond and clear up the question whether the King had taken it with
+him, or, if he had been sequestered, to discover his prison.
+
+Clutching the butt of his Browning revolver in his pocket, the detective
+opened the door to the King's bedroom and entered.
+
+A thick carpet deadened the sound of his footsteps. After listening for
+a few moments he relit his pocket lamp and flashed it round the room.
+
+In the centre stood an immense bed of oak designed in Renaissance style,
+the posts of which reached to the ceiling. Three steps led up to it.
+Juve noticed that it had not been disturbed. The sheets and pillows were
+all in order. There was nothing, however, to indicate that the King had
+been absent for any length of time.
+
+Upon one point he was certain: The King was not concealed anywhere about
+the room, and the more he thought of the Burgomaster's suspicion, the
+less he thought it plausible. But if the King had not been sequestered,
+it was quite possible that he might be purposely hiding after his
+unfortunate adventure of the Rue de Monceau. Therefore, Juve decided to
+pursue his search through the other rooms.
+
+But first he began mechanically to tap the wood-work, looking behind the
+pictures for the hiding place of the famous diamond. In his time he had
+seen so many secret drawers, double-seated chairs, and numerous
+contrivances of a similar sort, that it would be a cunning hand that
+could baffle his perspicacity and experience.
+
+He had just examined a chair when suddenly he stopped in his work and
+waited, listening. The sound of footsteps some distance off struck his
+ear. Without a moment's hesitation he put out his light and darted
+behind the curtains. It was a good position to take up for he could see
+without being seen.
+
+The footsteps drew near, the door opened and a light from an electric
+lantern similar to the one Juve had used, was thrown into the room.
+
+The individual advanced to the bed, all unaware of Juve's presence.
+Stooping down, he began feeling the foot of one of the bedposts, which
+at this point formed a bulge. In an instant the wood parted and
+disclosed a hollow in which lay a jewel case. The jewel case contained
+the famous red diamond.
+
+Juve's heart began to thump as he watched the man open the case and take
+out the diamond. Its facets reflected the light, multiplying the gleams
+and bringing into relief the features of the robber.
+
+Then it was that the detective uttered a great cry, a cry of agony, of
+anger and of triumph. The man was wrapped in a great cloak, his face
+hidden by a black mask, but there was no mistaking his identity. It was
+Fantomas.
+
+Juve's cry called forth another, ferocious and menacing, and then in a
+moment the room was plunged into darkness and the two men sprang at one
+another. Two revolver shots rang out. The dancers heard them in the
+ballroom and stopped dancing. The musicians heard them and ceased
+playing.
+
+At once a stampede ensued.
+
+Two officers of the guard rushed to the door leading to the King's
+apartments, and flung it wide open. One of them turned on the electric
+light and, followed by the frightened guests, entered the King's
+bedchamber.
+
+At the foot of the bed, struggling in a long cloak, a man with his hands
+over his face lay moaning. By his side was a smoking revolver, and on
+the ground the empty jewel case.
+
+"Arrest him!" somebody cried.
+
+In a moment a number of hands had seized and bound him. It was noticed
+that his eyelids were fearfully swollen and the eyes bloodshot.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+What had happened!
+
+The struggle between Juve and the monster had scarcely lasted a second.
+
+The detective had fired point blank at the black mask and as his finger
+pressed the trigger he had felt the whistle of a bullet past his ear.
+
+Then a door had opened slightly, letting in a thin shaft of light. To
+his amazement, Fantomas no longer stood before him, but an officer in
+the uniform of the Queen's lancers.
+
+Juve was not taken in by this quick change, and was on the point of
+firing again when suddenly his eyes were filled with a blinding powder,
+burning and blistering the pupils. He had been blinded by pepper.
+Instinctively he put his hands to his face, and in that moment he felt
+himself enveloped in the long cloak in which Fantomas had entangled him.
+Falling to the ground in agony he then heard the cry:
+
+"Help! Help!"
+
+By the sudden and growing noise, he realized that the crowd was drawing
+near. When he had struggled to a sitting posture, he found himself a
+prisoner.
+
+The sudden change from darkness to bright light increased the pain in
+his eyes, but with a superhuman effort he was enabled to pick out the
+superb uniform of the false lancer. Pointing to him, he cried:
+
+"Arrest him, why don't you arrest him!"
+
+Brutally, he was told to keep quiet.
+
+The noise of the theft spread rapidly and the greatest confusion reigned
+in the Palace. Many of the women fainted. Finally M. Heberlauf arrived.
+He appeared immensely important, and confided to a group his opinion of
+the affair, adding this restriction:
+
+"At any rate, that is what my wife believes."
+
+Mme. Heberlauf had, in fact, after an interview with one of the
+officers, announced it as her opinion that the thief so providentially
+arrested was no other than the world-famous and unseizable Fantomas.
+
+And then a queer thing happened. When the Grand Duchess Alexandra heard
+this sinister name spoken, when she knew that Fantomas had been
+arrested, she staggered as though struck to the heart and fell fainting
+into the arms of her friends.
+
+"Fantomas!" she murmured, "Fantomas arrested! Can it be possible?"
+
+Juve was taken away tightly bound. He seemed indifferent to the clamor
+of the crowd and constantly looked from side to side as though searching
+for something or somebody. Suddenly, as he passed the group surrounding
+the Grand Duchess Alexandra, he made a violent effort and dragged his
+captors close enough to enable him to see the fainting woman's features.
+One look was enough, and then without further resistance he allowed
+himself to be marched away. He had found out what he wanted to know; he
+had recognized in the Grand Duchess the mistress of Fantomas, the
+accomplice of his most dreadful crimes. He had seen Lady Beltham!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+ON THE RIGHT TRAIL
+
+
+"The Bureau of Public Highways, if you please?"
+
+"What is it you wish to inquire about?"
+
+"I want some information as to the probable duration of certain repair
+works."
+
+"Ah, then go to the fourth floor, number 54, door to the right at the
+end of the passage."
+
+"Thanks."
+
+With a slight nod, the visitor entered the huge building on the
+Boulevard Saint-Germain, which houses the offices of Public Works. He
+was a young man, dressed in a long black overcoat, a derby hat, which he
+wore well down over his eyes, and a wide bandage that covered one eye
+and part of the cheek.
+
+After climbing the four flights indicated, he discovered that he had
+evidently taken the wrong staircase. There was nothing to do then but to
+go back to the porter's lodge and get more explicit instructions. But
+after taking a few steps, he hesitated.
+
+"Fandor, old chap," he soliloquized, "what's the use of showing
+yourself and taking the risk of being recognized as the erstwhile King
+of Hesse-Weimar?"
+
+For the individual who was in search of the Bureau of Public Works was
+no other than the journalist. An hour previously he had succeeded by
+clever strategy in getting rid of the excellent Wulf, who was at all
+times very loath to let the King out of his sight. Then, rushing to his
+own apartment, he had changed his clothes and partly covered his face
+with the bandage to conceal his features.
+
+After several futile attempts, aided by innumerable directions from
+passing employes, he at length reached the office of which he was in
+search. There he encountered a clerk who viewed him with a suspicious
+eye.
+
+"What do you want, Monsieur?"
+
+"I want some information."
+
+"We don't give information here."
+
+"Really!... Why not?"
+
+"Are you a contractor?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You wish to lodge a complaint?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then what is your business?"
+
+"Just to get some information as to the probable duration of certain
+works."
+
+"You are not a reporter?"
+
+"I am not a reporter. I am an advertising agent."
+
+"Ah, that's different. The office you are looking for is number 43, the
+door opposite ... but there's nobody in now. However, you can wait."
+
+Fandor crossed and entered room 43, where, after a moment, he discovered
+an occupant tucked away behind an enormous pile of books and
+manuscripts. This clerk was absorbed in a yellow-covered novel and
+greeted Fandor with evident ill-humor.
+
+"What d'you want?"
+
+"I would like to know, Monsieur, the probable duration of the repair
+work in operation at the Place de la Concorde."
+
+"And why do you want to know that?"
+
+"I am an advertising agent, and I may have a proposition to offer to the
+city."
+
+"And at what point is this work in operation?"
+
+"At the corner of the wall of the Orangery and the Quay."
+
+After consulting a large register, the clerk turned to Fandor, shutting
+the book with a bang.
+
+"Nothing is being done there. You are mistaken."
+
+"But I've just come from there. There is a ditch and a palisade."
+
+"No, no, no such thing. In every quarter of Paris the police are obliged
+to notify me of any public works in operation, and an entry is made in
+my register to that effect. Now, I have no record of the repairs you
+speak of, consequently they don't exist."
+
+Fandor left the office, hailed a cab and ordered the driver to take him
+to the National Library.
+
+"Hang it," he muttered, "I saw the ditch and the palisade myself! Now,
+if they are not the work of the city, it will be interesting to find out
+what is going on there.... Ah! suppose this idiot Wulf was not deceived!
+Suppose he really heard the Singing Fountains the other evening giving
+the last bars of the national hymn of Hesse-Weimar!"
+
+Arrived at the National Library, Fandor began a long and minute search
+through volumes on architecture, on statuary and a multitude of guide
+books to Paris! He was so engrossed in his work that when four o'clock
+struck he sprang up suddenly.
+
+"Good heavens! I've scarcely time to get back to my apartment, change
+into my kingly clothes and meet Wulf, to become once more His Majesty
+Frederick-Christian!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In his apartment in his own house, the extraordinary Marquis de Serac,
+who was also the common Mme. Ceiron, was whispering to a person hidden
+behind the curtains.
+
+"You understand, don't move and listen with all your ears, and promise
+me not to interfere until I give you permission!"
+
+"I promise. Monsieur le Marquis," replied the individual in a low tone.
+
+"All right, then I'll have her in."
+
+The Marquis crossed the room and opened a door.
+
+"Come in, Mademoiselle, and forgive me for keeping you waiting. I had
+visitors."
+
+"Oh, Monsieur," replied Marie Pascal, for it was the young seamstress,
+"don't mention it ... and let me thank you for your recommendation to
+the King. I got two big orders from it."
+
+"Oh, I was very glad to be of service to you with
+Frederick-Christian.... I regret only one thing, Mademoiselle, and that
+is the unhappy events which have clouded His Majesty's visit to Paris."
+
+"Yes, indeed," replied Marie Pascal, "and in such a tragic way, too!"
+
+"A tragic way, Mademoiselle? I imagine this has quite upset you."
+
+"Yes."
+
+The Marquis emphasized his words.
+
+"So I thought, so I thought ... especially you."
+
+The young girl lifted her pure blue eyes in surprise.
+
+"The King spoke to me of you at great length," the Marquis added.
+
+A quick blush overspread her face.
+
+"Really.... The King spoke of me?"
+
+"His Majesty told me you were charming. He noticed you the very first
+time you went to see him."
+
+"At the Royal Palace?... But he only got a glimpse of me through the
+open door."
+
+The Marquis smiled.
+
+"Oh, it doesn't take long for a King ... or a young man to sometimes
+dream of the impossible."
+
+"Impossible ... yes, you are right."
+
+Marie Pascal pronounced the last words in a serious voice. She was
+making an evident effort to keep calm. The Marquis, on the other hand,
+seemed inclined to joke.
+
+"Impossible, why?... One never knows ... the will of the King knows no
+obstacle." Then brusquely turning, he asked:
+
+"You like the King, Mademoiselle?"
+
+"Why ... why ..."
+
+"Therefore, I'm wondering if the death of this unfortunate Susy is not
+really a benefit."
+
+"Oh, Monsieur!"
+
+"Well, you know, Mademoiselle Marie, the happiness of one person is
+made of the tears of another. You would have suffered. You would have
+been jealous."
+
+As though against her will, Marie Pascal repeated in a low voice:
+
+"Yes, I should have been jealous."
+
+"Terribly jealous, for Susy d'Orsel was pretty. Besides, a liaison with
+her wasn't taken seriously by the King ... while with you it would have
+been quite different ... why, I believe you would have reached the point
+of wishing her death."
+
+"No! no!" protested Marie feebly, "the King would have made his
+choice ... frankly and loyally...."
+
+"And suppose he hadn't chosen? Suppose he had hesitated before the
+possible scandal of a rupture? Don't you care enough for him to realize
+that the very idea of sharing him with another would have been
+intolerable?... What I am saying sounds brutal, I know, but I am frank
+with you.... Believe me, you would have been driven to hate the
+unfortunate Susy."
+
+"To hate her? Yes, ... perhaps ... for I should have been jealous!"
+
+And then suddenly Marie realized what her words meant: that she had
+betrayed her cherished secret ... her love. In a moment she burst into
+sobs and collapsed on the sofa.
+
+The Marquis de Serac very gently tried to reassure her.
+
+"Don't cry, my poor child. After all, you are lamenting imaginary
+misfortunes which I have so imprudently imagined.... They don't exist,
+and never could exist, for it is a fact that Susy d'Orsel is no longer a
+rival to be feared. Think rather of the future which smiles upon you.
+You love and you have some reason to hope that you are loved in return,
+so dry your eyes ... fate has withdrawn the one obstacle which existed
+between you and the King."
+
+Tremblingly, Marie Pascal rose.
+
+"Forgive me, Monsieur, for this stupid scene. I lost my self ...
+control.... I confessed a feeling which I should have kept a secret....
+I'm so confused I no longer know what I'm saying ... so please let me
+go."
+
+The Marquis, with exquisite politeness, opened the door for her.
+
+"Promise to come and see me again, Mademoiselle; before long I shall
+probably have something further of interest to say to you."
+
+When the door had closed upon Marie Pascal, the Marquis drew aside the
+portieres.
+
+"Come out, my dear fellow.... We shall be alone now!"
+
+Wulf appeared. A Wulf literally armed to the teeth, and ready for any
+emergency.
+
+"Put up your arsenal, we are in no danger," exclaimed the Marquis, "and
+tell me what you think of the visit."
+
+"I think there is not a moment to lose," replied Wulf, agitated. "She
+loves the King and she hated Susy d'Orsel, therefore she is the
+assassin. She is the cause of all the troubles that have fallen upon the
+head of our beloved sovereign. Ah! I want to arrest her! Condemn her to
+death! Come, Marquis, let us go to her room and seize her!"
+
+"Not yet a while, Wulf; sit down and talk it over. To begin with, we can
+arrest nobody without proof ... presumption is not sufficient."
+
+"I'll force her to confess!"
+
+"You wouldn't succeed, Wulf, and besides, you have no power to arrest
+her yourself. That is work for the French authorities. Your duty is
+simply to go and warn Juve."
+
+"Right away! At once!"
+
+"Hold on ... remember, you are to do nothing without my permission. Now,
+I repeat, we have no proof yet to offer ... but listen carefully, for I
+have a plan ... this is it...."
+
+Two hours later, Wulf rejoined Fandor in a boulevard cafe. The
+excellent man had such an air of elation that the journalist wondered:
+
+"What fool thing is this idiot getting ready to do now!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+A SLEEPER
+
+
+Fandor sat up in bed as the door of his room opened to admit the
+cautious head of Wulf. "Your Majesty is awake?" he inquired.
+
+"Yes, my Majesty is awake and ready to get up. Wulf, we are going out
+to-day."
+
+"As your Majesty wishes."
+
+"The Queen has written to say that she is getting bored, and wants me
+home again. That being the case we had better make the most of our few
+remaining days, you understand?"
+
+"Not very well."
+
+"Why, this afternoon we must look up some pretty girls and, as my cousin
+the King of England says, 'Honi soit qui mal y pense.' Evil to him who
+evil thinks. And now, au revoir, my dear Wulf; by and by I'll invite you
+to crack a bottle with me."
+
+The punctilious Wulf made the three bows demanded by etiquette, turned
+on his heel, and left the room.
+
+Fandor sprang out of bed and began to dress.
+
+"After all, it's not altogether a joke," he muttered. "I had to listen
+to that idiot Wulf jawing away all yesterday evening ... and if I
+remember right, he said something about being suspicious of that little
+Marie Pascal. I'll have to stop him making more blunders. He's quite
+capable of having her arrested. Anyway, Wulf is to do nothing till the
+return of Juve, and that will give me time to take my precautions."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Fandor and Wulf had just finished a very excellent dinner, which Fandor
+paid for out of his own pocket. He was careful not to take any of the
+royal funds for his personal use. Wulf hovered on the borderland of
+drunkenness, but his ideas still showed some coherence. For the
+twentieth time he asked Fandor the same question:
+
+"But, Sire, why the deuce are you wearing a false moustache and whiskers
+to-day?"
+
+"So that I may not be recognized, my friend. I don't like having to give
+royal tips everywhere."
+
+Fandor was not speaking the truth. His disguise was assumed for other
+reasons. He did not wish to be recognized either as Frederick-Christian
+or as Fandor. Since noon--and it was now ten o'clock at night--the two
+men had been doing Paris together, and Wulf had received the very
+gratifying appellations of "my excellent friend," "my subtle detective,"
+and other flattering names, so he was now dreaming of decorations, new
+decorations created especially for him.
+
+Fandor interrupted his thoughts by patting him familiarly on the
+shoulder:
+
+"Now that we've had dinner, I'm going to tell you something. We've had
+quite a day of it; we've visited the Bois, where you spat in the lake,
+the action of a reflective mind; we've been to the top of the Arc de
+Triomphe and to the Madeleine, so now there is only one joy remaining."
+
+Wulf nodded: "To pay for the dinner."
+
+"Not exactly," laughed Fandor, "that's more of a penance. No, I was
+referring to a chance meeting, a charming feminine figure, a kiss, a
+caress. Wulf, what would you say to two plump white arms around your
+neck?"
+
+Wulf became purple in the face.
+
+"Oh, Sire, that would be great! But when I am with your Majesty, I don't
+look at women."
+
+"And why not, Wulf?"
+
+"Because the women only look at you."
+
+"That's so, Wulf, that's so; but there is a way of fixing that. You
+order a drink which I will pay for, then sit here and count all the
+carriages that pass in the street while I do an errand, it will only
+take twenty-five minutes.... I'm going to see a girl I know you
+understand?"
+
+"Yes, Sire. Must I count all the carriages?"
+
+"No, only those drawn by white horses. Au revoir, Wulf."
+
+Fandor left the cafe and hailed a cab:
+
+"Rue Bonaparte. I'll tell you where to stop." He settled back in his
+seat, an anxious frown on his face.
+
+"I'll just drop a hint to Juve," he thought. "One never knows what may
+happen.... I suppose he'll be back soon ... to-morrow morning or evening
+... and won't he be glad to hear the result of my search!"
+
+Fandor tapped on the glass with his cane, got out, paid the driver and
+made his way to the house where Juve lived. He still had his pass-key
+and let himself in, calling:
+
+"Hello! Juve, are you in?"
+
+There was no answer, so Fandor sat at Juve's desk and wrote a long
+letter, then tracing a diagram upon another sheet, he put them into an
+envelope addressed to "Monsieur Juve--Urgent."
+
+When he rejoined Wulf, he found the faithful detective on his job.
+
+"I've counted up to 99, Sire, but I'm not quite sure that I'm exact. A
+bay horse passed, and I wasn't sure whether to count him or not."
+
+"That's all right, we'll take this up another time. I've spoken of you
+to my little friend and she is crazy to meet you, Wulf."
+
+"Oh, Sire! Sire!"
+
+"Yes ... so come along."
+
+"To her house?"
+
+"Oh, no--this lady is poetic, she wants the first meeting to take place
+in appropriate surroundings."
+
+While Wulf was cudgeling his brains to think up a verse or two to fit
+the occasion, Fandor guided him down the Rue Castiglione, the Rue de
+Rivoli and at length reached the Place de la Concorde. He cast an
+anxious glance as he passed at the mysterious repairs, repairs not
+indexed by the administration, and then turned to the Singing Fountains.
+
+"Sire, is this the place?"
+
+"Yes, Wulf, but first there are a few formalities to be gone through."
+
+The two men had reached the parapet overlooking the Seine.
+
+"You are to stand here, Wulf, and look down at the water. You are not to
+take your eyes off it."
+
+"Why? What does your Majesty mean?"
+
+"Because I have a surprise in store for you, and also I wish to bring
+about the meeting in a natural manner--to spare the lady's feelings. Now
+I shall go to meet her and take her to the Singing Fountains. When I
+whistle you are to join us. Does that meet with your approval?"
+
+"Your Majesty is most kind."
+
+Fandor moved away and after glancing back to make sure Wulf was obeying
+orders, he quickly drew his revolver and approached the works.
+
+"I must remember Juve's precept," he muttered, "never fire first, and
+then only when you're sure to hit."
+
+The journalist now examined the palisade which surrounded a ditch of
+some depth dug in the angle made by the Orangery walls.
+
+"Can't see anything from the outside," he thought, "so I'll go in."
+
+With a running jump he succeeded in catching hold of the palisade top
+and in a moment was sitting astride of it.
+
+Nobody was in sight. Fandor was a little surprised. He expected to be
+confronted by some sinister individual.
+
+"All right," he growled, "if you don't mind I'll come in."
+
+Letting go of the top he slid down to the ground. There he found a
+large hole in which was placed a ladder. This led to the bottom of the
+ditch where a series of pipes protruded from the soil. Fandor lit his
+pocket lamp and carefully examined the surroundings.
+
+"Ah," he exclaimed, "it looks as though some perfectly natural repair
+work was going on."
+
+He then went down listening at each pipe mouth. One of them gave out a
+peculiar sound, steady and cadenced, in fact, a snore, a real snore.
+
+"Can he be asleep," he muttered.
+
+Climbing quickly out of the ditch, Fandor reached the street again and
+ran toward the Singing Fountains.
+
+"Either the 'Curiosities of Paris' which I read yesterday in the library
+is a collection of bad jokes, or the body of the third statue ..."
+
+He did not complete his thought.
+
+After once more making sure that nobody was about, and that the
+excellent Wulf was still absorbed in contemplation of the Seine, he
+climbed into the basin at the foot of one of the bronze naiads and waded
+through mud and water to the base of the statue.
+
+"Now, then, let's see, what must I do next? Seize the statue by the
+neck, place the left hand in the middle of the body and sway it."
+
+Suiting the action to the word, the journalist applied all his force and
+in a moment the statue parted in two and swung toward him. The hollow
+interior appeared like a black hole. Bending forward, Fandor cried:
+
+"Sire, Sire, can you hear me?"
+
+His voice came echoing back to him, but there was no reply from the
+depths.
+
+"Ah, I can't be mistaken!" he cried, desperately. "Wulf heard this
+fountain singing the national anthem of Hesse-Weimar, the statue is
+hollow, therefore the King should be hidden in it."
+
+Again he stood, listening. After a pause an exclamation of surprise
+escaped him.
+
+"Why, it's the same noise I heard in the pipe ... it's a snore ... the
+unfortunate man is somewhere asleep!"
+
+To call louder would have been dangerous, and besides, quick action was
+necessary.
+
+"Nothing venture, nothing gain," he whispered, as, revolver in hand, he
+stepped inside the statue. He slid rapidly down for a distance of six or
+eight feet and then landed on earth. There he lay for a minute or two,
+reasoning that if he should be met by a fusillade, he would be safer in
+that position.
+
+However, complete silence reigned about him, broken only by the steady
+and distant snoring.
+
+Then, lighting his electric lamp, Fandor began a survey of the premises
+into which he had so daringly intruded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+FREE!
+
+
+After a brief inspection, a cry of surprise rose to his lips.
+
+"Good Lord!... there he is! Frederick-Christian."
+
+It was indeed the King--a prisoner in the hollow foundations of the
+Singing Fountains.
+
+"Sire, Sire!"
+
+The King slept on. But his sleep seemed troubled; he breathed in gasps.
+
+"Sire! Sire! Wake up! I have come to save you! Upon my word, that is
+what might be called a royal sleep."
+
+The journalist's words made no impression on the sleeping monarch, so,
+ignoring all formality, he laid hands upon the King and gave him a
+violent shaking.
+
+"For Heaven's sake, try to recognize me ... speak to me ... I am Jerome
+Fandor ... I've come to save you."
+
+In leaning over the sleeping man, Fandor suddenly got a whiff of his
+breath and then drew back, amazed.
+
+"Why, he's drunk! As drunk as a lord! Where the deuce did he get it?...
+Ah, these empty bottles!... Wine!... and ham ... no wonder! What on
+earth shall I do with him now? How can I get him out of here? I can't
+leave him in the hands of the cutthroats who have imprisoned him.... But
+if I do take him away, how the devil will Juve and I be able to catch
+the accomplices of Fantomas, if he has any?"
+
+"Juve!"
+
+The very name of the detective gave him an inspiration.
+
+"Yes, that's the only way out of it ... first of all, I must save the
+King, get him out of danger, and then arrange a trap to catch my gang."
+Fandor deliberated a moment.
+
+"There's no doubt I shall run the risk of being killed in his place, but
+that's a risk I shall have to take."
+
+And then a smile spread over the journalist's features.
+
+"What an idiot I am! After all, there's no danger ... it was a happy
+thought of mine leaving that note for Juve ... he'll come to-morrow at
+the latest ... that gives me the rest of the night."
+
+Fandor's ruse, its daring and its almost unheard of devotion, appeared
+to him quite natural. It was simply to set the King at liberty and
+remain himself in his place.
+
+While he undoubtedly ran the risk of a bullet in his body, yet the
+carefully drawn plan he had left in Juve's rooms would enable the
+detective to find his prison without difficulty.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The first problem that presented itself was to get the drunken King
+away.
+
+Frederick-Christian lay, an inert mass, quite incapable of rendering any
+assistance. Fandor began by drawing himself up to the opening and taking
+a look around. The Place de la Concorde was deserted.
+
+"Well, to work!" he cried. "There is nothing for me to do but to haul
+him out, then put the body of the statue back in place.... If in three
+days nothing happens, why I shall be free to leave. The ham will keep me
+going, and as for the wine ... Ah! an idea!"
+
+The journalist seized half a dozen of the empty bottles, climbed out and
+filled them with water; returning, he drew from his pocket a thin silk
+cord he had taken from Juve's room. By its aid and with a strength of
+which his slender figure gave no evidence, he succeeded in hauling the
+King up to the open air.
+
+"And now for another foot bath," exclaimed Fandor; "saving Kings is a
+sorry business."
+
+Having waded again through the icy water of the basin, Fandor carried
+the unconscious monarch upon his shoulders and deposited his burden on
+the sidewalk. He was about to regain his dungeon when he suddenly
+paused:
+
+"The deuce! I was forgetting! When he becomes sober again, he'll have
+forgotten all about his adventure ... he'll kick up a row at the Royal
+Palace.... I must warn him."
+
+Fandor took out his notebook, wrote a few lines which he enclosed in an
+envelope and pinned it upon the King's coat. Upon the envelope was
+written:
+
+"I am to read this when I wake."
+
+His next proceeding was to blow a shrill whistle.
+
+"It's your turn now, my dear Wulf ... you won't find the fair unknown
+you expect, but you'll get back your Prince, slightly the worse for
+wear."
+
+The journalist now swung the statue back in place, exclaiming:
+
+"Au revoir, Monsieur, I'm off to take your place ... sorry I can't stay
+to see the meeting with Wulf ... he'll find his King somewhat
+changed.... I ought to have given you my moustache and beard."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Fandor passed a horrible night. He was obliged to economize the use of
+his electric lamp, which was only capable of giving several hours of
+light, so after a careful survey of his lodging, he extinguished it and
+lay down to get what rest he could.
+
+"Not much fun for the King here!" he thought, "it's devilish
+monotonous ... can't see anything, and nothing to hear ... hold on,
+I can distinguish three separate noises, the plash of the water from the
+fountains, the rumble of carriages, and that heavy sound can only be the
+passage of trains from the North-South in the tunnel, which if I mistake
+not is right under my prison ... and these Singing Fountains ... they
+are accounted for by the King howling when he got drunk ... but what
+about the night Susy d'Orsel was killed?... The King wasn't here then,
+and yet they were heard singing?"
+
+Fandor was not long in reaching the solution of the mystery.
+
+"What a fool I am!... the murder of Susy d'Orsel, the imprisonment of
+the King, are both the work of Fantomas! Fantomas must have known this
+hiding place a long time ago.... It was he who tried the experiment of
+making the statues sing to find out whether the sound could be heard
+above.... And to think that this monster has been arrested by Juve! And
+without me, too!... I shall have only the glory of showing up a few of
+his accomplices, and if they don't come in two or three days, why, I
+shall clear out."
+
+Fandor rose and went toward the base of the naiad.
+
+"It's still dark. I might just as well get a breath of fresh air."
+
+With a gymnastic leap, the journalist reached the body of the statue and
+switched on his electric light. He made a horrible discovery. To reach
+the King he had maneuvered the statue from the outside. He realized now
+that it was impossible to open it from the inside. In his daring folly
+he had shut himself in and possibly condemned himself to the most
+terrible torture.
+
+Now he began a struggle to regain his liberty. He tore his fingers and
+broke his nails in vain despairing efforts ... at length he gave up,
+beaten. He was irrevocably a prisoner. When he realized his situation he
+sank to the ground, a cry escaping his lips:
+
+"Juve! Juve! If only Juve finds my letter. If only he comes to save
+me!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+FREDERICK-CHRISTIAN
+
+
+"Another drink, Monsieur Louis?"
+
+"I think I've had about enough."
+
+"No, no ... this is my turn to treat."
+
+"Well, since you put it that way, Monsieur Wulf, I can't refuse."
+
+"Besides," added the barkeeper, "this is some very special vermouth,
+only served to old clients."
+
+"Ah," laughed Wulf, "I hope we're included in that category, for you
+certainly have no better client than myself."
+
+"Excuse me," replied the barkeeper, smiling, "we have one, your boss,
+Monsieur Wulf, the King Frederick-Christian.... And while he doesn't
+always finish his drinks he always pays for them."
+
+"And that's the important thing," added M. Louis.
+
+It was about ten in the morning, and in the bar of the Royal Palace,
+deserted at this early hour, were M. Louis, Major-domo of the hotel,
+Wulf, and the barkeeper, who in his turn offered a round of drinks on
+the house.
+
+As the glasses were being filled, the telephone rang to say that his
+Majesty wanted to see Wulf.
+
+"That's all right," replied Wulf condescendingly, "I'll be along by and
+by."
+
+After several more vermouths, Wulf grew expansive:
+
+"Do you know, Monsieur Louis, that I've actually saved the King's life
+twice in five days!"
+
+"Pretty good work," commented M. Louis, politely.
+
+"The first time was the day after my arrival in Paris. Your Government
+wanted to kick up a fuss over the death of the King's little sweetheart;
+in fact, they went so far as to talk of his arrest." Wulf stopped
+suddenly, alarmed:
+
+"But that is a state secret which I may not tell you. The second time
+was yesterday evening, or rather early this morning. You see the King
+and I had been off on a spree together."
+
+As the barkeeper looked surprised at this announcement, Wulf explained:
+
+"Oh, we're a couple of pals, the King and I ... like two fingers of one
+hand ... that's why I was in no hurry to answer his call just now....
+Well, as I was saying, we were having a little spree, and the King was
+going to introduce me to a little ... but that's another secret....
+I'll skip the details, it is enough to say that after waiting a while, I
+found, instead of the girl, the King, my King. And where? Beside the
+Singing Fountains in the Place de la Concorde. Ah! my dear friends, what
+a state he was in! I hardly knew him at first; in fact, I shouldn't have
+known him at all if I were not such a sharp detective. He had removed
+his false beard and spectacles. I tell you Frederick-Christian has aged
+ten years, his clothes were torn and covered with mud, and moreover he
+was dead drunk! How he managed it in the time I don't know, for he
+wasn't away from me for more than an hour. What would you have done in
+my place? Left there in that deserted street he would have been at the
+mercy of the first thief or assassin. Therefore, I say, I saved his life
+by putting him into a cab and bringing him back to the Royal Palace.
+While I was helping to put him to bed, I noticed a letter pinned to his
+coat with this inscription on it, 'I am to read this when I wake.' So I
+have arranged accordingly. He'll see it the first thing on opening his
+eyes. Well, what do you think of that? Didn't I save the King's life a
+second time?"
+
+M. Louis nodded:
+
+"Never twice without the third time."
+
+"I hope so ... well, au revoir, Monsieur...."
+
+"Pardon, Monsieur," interrupted one of the employes, "but his Majesty
+has asked for you again."
+
+"All right, I'm going," replied Wulf, as he drank his fifth vermouth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Whatever happens, whatever you are told, do not show any surprise. Take
+up your customary life again as though it had never been interrupted, as
+though nothing had happened since the night of December 31st."
+
+Frederick-Christian, the victim of a racking headache, read and reread
+these strange mysterious words, without in the least understanding their
+meaning. After a heavy sleep, he had wakened about nine o'clock to find
+himself lying comfortably in his own bed at the Royal Palace. At first
+he thought it was part of his nightmare, that he was dreaming, but as he
+became more fully awake, he was obliged to admit the evidence of his
+senses.
+
+At this moment, he suddenly caught sight of the crumpled letter pinned
+to his counterpane; opening it, he read the lines that Fandor had
+hurriedly pencilled the night before.
+
+In spite of his exhaustion and stiffness, he sprang out of bed and was
+about to ring for a servant when a feeling of caution came over him.
+
+It would be better first to take stock of the situation.
+
+What had happened?
+
+Among the newspapers lying on the table, he noticed several copies of
+the _Gazette_ of Hesse-Weimar.
+
+He glanced over the most recent numbers, but found nothing unusual in
+their columns. He then went back to the paper dated January 1st and to
+his amazement saw the following announcement:
+
+"Paris, 1st January. (From our Special Correspondent.) His Majesty
+Frederick-Christian, contrary to his general custom, did not leave his
+Hotel during New Year's Day. This may be accounted for by the fact that
+the streets of Paris are, as a rule, crowded during this holiday and his
+Majesty would have run the risk of being drawn into promiscuous contact
+with the common people."
+
+The copy of January 2d also remarked that the King had evinced a desire
+to attend the Longchamps races, but had been prevented by the
+possibility of a chance meeting with the President of the Republic, a
+contingency not foreseen in the protocol. Frederick-Christian, in fact,
+recalled that he had expressed a wish to attend the Longchamps meet, but
+he asked himself how it was possible to have notified him of the change
+of program while at that time he had mysteriously disappeared! But the
+climax of his amazement was reached when he came to the following
+paragraph:
+
+"Paris, 4th January. (From our Special Correspondent.) His Majesty
+Frederick-Christian II is still held in the French Capital by affairs of
+the highest importance. His subjects need, however, be under no
+apprehension, as his Majesty's health is excellent, this information
+having been received by Hedwige, our well-beloved Queen.
+
+"During his stay in Paris, Frederick-Christian has been especially
+appreciative of the respectful and devoted services of M.
+Wulfenmimenglaschk, head of the secret service of Hesse-Weimar, who, by
+the exercise of his perspicacity and high intelligence, has found in the
+King not only an able assistant, but a true friend, having the honor to
+occupy the apartment at the Royal Palace next to his Majesty."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"What's this all about?" exclaimed the King, "what influence have I been
+under during these last four days?"
+
+It was easy enough to recommend him to show no surprise, but it was also
+necessary to settle upon some definite attitude to take. And what about
+this "Wulf"?
+
+Frederick-Christian would have a look at this individual who claimed to
+be his friend and his next door neighbor. Accordingly he rang the bell,
+and sent down the message which Wulf received in the barroom. A wait of
+twenty minutes followed and then the door opened without ceremony and
+the King stood rooted in amazement at the appearance of his Secret
+Service Chief. In the most natural manner in the world, Wulf entered the
+room and stood looking slyly at the King. Then, smilingly, he said:
+
+"Well, Sire, feel better?"
+
+"What!" stuttered Frederick-Christian, scarcely able to speak for
+indignation.
+
+"Yes," continued Wulf, "I'm glad to see you up; as for me, I'm all
+right ... but you must remember that I drank less than you did last
+night. I tell you they've capital vermouth here ... shall I order your
+Majesty a bottle?"
+
+"What's your name?" asked the King.
+
+Wulf considered his sovereign with compassion.
+
+"He's still a bit soused," he muttered to himself, then wagging a
+reproving finger at the King, he continued:
+
+"Who am I? Wulfenmimenglaschk, Sire, at your service, and I've already
+saved your life twice ... that's why I may be allowed to give you a bit
+of advice. Cut out the booze, Sire, you're distinctly the worse for
+wear ... you're so changed that if it wasn't for your dressing-gown...."
+
+Wulf was undoubtedly very drunk; otherwise he could not have failed to
+notice the difference between the King of the last few days and the
+present one.
+
+Frederick-Christian held himself in hand as long as possible, then burst
+out:
+
+"What does this attitude mean?... this familiarity? What makes you speak
+in French?"
+
+Wulf was first amazed at the change in his beloved master and inclined
+to weep over his humiliation. He was about to give utterance to his
+feelings when the King seized him by the arm and pointed to the
+_Hesse-Weimar Gazette_.
+
+"Read that! Who furnished this information?"
+
+"Why, I did, Sire."
+
+"Then you mean to say you have been continually with me. You occupy the
+next apartment? You enjoy my friendship?"
+
+"Yes, Sire."
+
+The King, in a burst of rage, now held the unfortunate Wulf by the
+collar and shoving him toward the door, ejected him onto the landing
+with a prodigious kick.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Frederick-Christian, more puzzled than ever by the turn of events, now
+turned his attention to his toilette. He was still in scanty attire and
+went behind his screen to continue dressing. At this moment a soft and
+charming voice spoke:
+
+"Sire, are you there? It is I ... Marie Pascal."
+
+Marie Pascal!
+
+Where had he heard that name before? Slowly Frederick-Christian recalled
+the silhouette of a young woman ... with a fair skin and light hair ...
+
+The voice continued:
+
+"I am glad to know that you are better, Sire. Forgive me for troubling
+you now but since our last meeting things have happened of a very
+serious nature ... hidden enemies want to destroy me ... to destroy
+us.... First of all they accused your Majesty of the murder of Susy
+d'Orsel, and now after torturing me with questions they have dared to
+say it was I!... I'm sure they overheard our last conversation and
+misunderstand our love for each other...."
+
+Frederick-Christian was growing suspicious. What did this extraordinary
+visit mean? Did they want to trap him into an unwary admission?
+
+"In the name of our love, say you don't believe me guilty!"
+
+The King hesitated.
+
+"I don't know.... I ..."
+
+He stopped short as Marie Pascal with a sudden movement flung down the
+screen. The King in amaze stood stock still while the young girl looked
+at him in utter stupefaction, with trembling lips and body shaken by
+nervous tremors. Then suddenly she turned in terror, screaming:
+
+"Help! Help! The impostor! The murderer!... the King is not the King....
+Frederick-Christian has disappeared!... Who is this man?"
+
+The girl's cries brought the Hotel servants quickly to the scene. She
+continued, pointing to the King:
+
+"Who is this man?... Frederick-Christian has disappeared!... good God,
+what has happened?"
+
+"Better call the police," suggested some one.
+
+This met with general approval, but proceedings were suddenly
+interrupted by the arrival of Wulf.
+
+"Have you heard?" several voices asked.
+
+"All I know," replied Wulf in a piteous tone, "is that
+Frederick-Christian or not, he's got a devilish heavy foot, and when he
+kicks, he kicks royally."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+HORRIBLE CERTAINTY
+
+
+"What has happened to that idiot Juve? Here for three days I've been
+shut up in this beastly prison and no sign of him."
+
+As the days passed, Fandor gradually lost his buoyancy of spirits and
+became more and more anxious.
+
+"What can Juve be doing?" he repeated for the hundredth time.
+
+The continual obscurity of the place began to weigh him down. This was
+relieved each day for a few moments by a thin shaft of light. Fandor was
+quick to account for the phenomenon.
+
+"It happens exactly at noon when the sun is directly overhead," he
+reasoned, "and finds an entrance through a crack in the bronze."
+
+Many times he climbed to the body of the naiad in the hope of
+discovering some method of escape, but at length he realized that the
+thing was impossible.
+
+He was seated one night deep in thought, puzzling his brains for the
+reason of Juve's defection, when a voice suddenly broke the silence.
+
+"Can you hear me?"
+
+Fandor bounded to his feet.
+
+"Yes, I hear you."
+
+"You must be getting uneasy?"
+
+"Uneasy! I'm going mad! What a long time you've been!"
+
+"That's true, I am a little late, but it hasn't been very easy."
+
+Now that Fandor's mind was set at rest about his deliverance, he grew
+curious to know the results of the detective's investigation.
+
+"Well, you were successful?"
+
+"Yes, quite successful."
+
+"Do they know in Glotzbourg?"
+
+"They must have some suspicion by now."
+
+"When did you get back?"
+
+"This morning."
+
+"Only this morning! And did you get my letter?"
+
+"Your what, Sire?... I don't catch."
+
+"I say you must have got my letter, since you are here, and now please
+get me out of this hole as quickly as possible ... it's awful being shut
+up here ... you can't imagine how I long for a breath of fresh air."
+
+"Yes, yes, I understand, but I'm wondering how I'm to get you out."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"Have you thought over a way we can effect the exchange?"
+
+"But, my dear fellow, you must know what to do. I gave you full
+particulars in my letter."
+
+"In your letter?"
+
+"Yes.... I even enclosed a diagram."
+
+There was a pause, the voice then asked:
+
+"Will you pass me up this letter by ..."
+
+Fandor interrupted:
+
+"Why, it's quite simple! Find the third naiad, counting from the one
+nearest the bridge."
+
+Suddenly the voice explained:
+
+"Look here, Sire, we are talking at cross purposes. I am asking you
+where we can exchange the diamond."
+
+"The diamond?"
+
+"Yes! Your diamond."
+
+Fandor's face grew pale.
+
+"My diamond!"
+
+"The diamond I went to Glotzbourg to get ... what's the matter with you,
+Sire? Don't you remember?... And what's all this about a letter?"
+
+"Why, Juve! I'm talking of the letter I left at your apartment in which
+I explained how you may reach me!"
+
+"Juve! Juve! Oho!"
+
+A burst of strident laughter, infernal and diabolical, reached Fandor,
+who now guessed the horrible truth.
+
+"If it isn't Juve who is speaking, who is it?" he cried. "For the love
+of God, who are you?"
+
+"The person speaking to you ... is Fantomas."
+
+"Fantomas!"
+
+Staggering, terrified, Fandor screamed:
+
+"Fantomas! Fantomas!... It can't be possible! Fantomas has been
+arrested! Fantomas is in the hands of Juve!"
+
+"Fantomas arrested?... Fantomas can't be arrested! He will never be
+caught! He is above and beyond every attack, every menace! Fantomas is
+Death, Eternal Death, Pitiless Death, King Death! Good-bye!"
+
+A long silence followed. Fandor was stunned by the awful reality. He
+experienced all the sensations of a man buried alive, condemned to death
+with torture. And then another thought flashed through his mind:
+
+"The papers spoke of Fantomas's arrest. But if Fantomas is at liberty,
+it must mean that Juve has been beaten! Juve went to Glotzbourg to
+arrest him. A man has been arrested under the name of Fantomas. That man
+must be Juve himself!"
+
+And his letter! The first thing Fantomas would do would be to go to
+Juve's apartment and destroy it.
+
+"He has got me," he exclaimed. "He can choose his own time to kill me.
+He can send down asphyxiating gas or a deluge of water through the
+connecting tube, or he can just leave me here to die slowly of hunger
+and thirst."
+
+The journalist began pacing up and down his prison. He tried to recover
+his calm and argue the case out:
+
+"Here I am in perfect health, clear in my mind and able to struggle to
+the bitter end. I have enough food and water to last me about nine or
+ten days. In my pocket I have my revolver, so that I can blow my brains
+out if it comes to the worst. But I won't. I'll fight! I'll fight until
+I drop!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+BETWEEN US THREE--FANTOMAS!
+
+
+For the second time, the Grand Duchess Alexandra solemnly repeated to
+the Queen:
+
+"I have the honor to take leave of your Majesty, and I dare to hope that
+I may hear news of your Majesty when I reach my journey's end. I shall
+be away a long while from the court of Hesse-Weimar and from its august
+Sovereign for whom I profess the deepest respect."
+
+The interview between the Queen and the woman she deemed her mortal
+enemy took place about eleven o'clock, two days after the famous ball in
+the midst of which the detective Juve had so unfortunately been mistaken
+for Fantomas, and thrown into a gloomy dungeon where he had since been
+kept in solitary confinement. Opinion at Hesse-Weimar was divided
+between the theory that the thief had succeeded in hiding the famous
+diamond before he was caught, and the theory that when he discovered its
+hiding place, he had found an empty jewel case. Naturally, the identity
+of the Grand Duchess with the famous Lady Beltham,[3] established by
+Juve, was unknown in Hesse-Weimar, nor did anyone suspect that her
+sudden departure was in any way connected with the arrest of the pseudo
+Fantomas.
+
+[Footnote 3: See "Fantomas," Vols. I, II, III.]
+
+The Queen was at first unwilling to believe in the retreat of her enemy,
+but she was at length obliged to accept the fact when Alexandra made her
+formal adieux.
+
+"There was a rumor that you were going to leave us," she replied, "but I
+scarcely credited it, Madame."
+
+The adventuress, who by a series of extraordinary circumstances had been
+enabled to pass herself as a cousin of the reigning family, looked at
+the Queen sadly:
+
+"Your Majesty is not very kind to me," she exclaimed with tears in her
+voice, "and I hoped for a more friendly farewell at the moment when I am
+taking my departure for the new world."
+
+The Queen was touched by these words; with an impulsive movement she
+opened her arms to the false Grand Duchess, who flung herself into them
+in a long embrace.
+
+The two women now had a heart to heart talk in which the Queen confessed
+her fears and distrust. She even went to the length of admitting her
+belief that Alexandra had had designs upon the throne of Hesse-Weimar.
+
+The adventuress looked with pitying contempt upon the little Queen
+Hedwige:
+
+"Your Majesty has been outrageously deceived," she replied, "I belong to
+a race which is incapable of such treachery."
+
+Completely reassured, the Queen became very tender and ended
+affectionately by wishing the pseudo Duchess a good journey. The two
+women parted friends.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On a siding in the Glotzbourg station stood a private car, which had
+been placed at the service of the Grand Duchess, waiting to be connected
+with the Paris express from Berlin.
+
+Inside, the Duchess, dressed in a quiet traveling costume, sat talking
+to Prince Gudulfin. The young man was pale and anxious:
+
+"Your orders have been carried out, Madame, are you satisfied?"
+
+The pseudo Grand Duchess thanked the Prince with a softened look, and
+the latter continued in a low voice:
+
+"Madame, you know that my followers are prepared to try a _coup
+d'etat_--for pity's sake accept the homage of my love, give me a word of
+hope, and I will overthrow the present dynasty and mount the throne
+myself with you as my Queen."
+
+"That is nothing but a mad dream, Prince ... something impossible to
+happen ... we have not the right even to think of it."
+
+"You are more than unkind to me, Madame ... you are enigmatic ...
+mysterious."
+
+At this moment a newsboy was heard crying an extra edition of the
+_Hesse-Weimar Gazette_. The Duchess rose quickly and bought a copy.
+
+In large headlines she read the following:
+
+"Death of Fantomas. The bandit ends his days in prison."
+
+Alexandra sat down and became absorbed in the details, paying no further
+attention to Prince Gudulfin.
+
+At length after a long pause, he spoke bitterly:
+
+"This bandit seems to interest you more than I do, Madame."
+
+The Grand Duchess made a vague gesture of denial.
+
+The Prince sighed:
+
+"Ah, you might remember that in this sinister business, the account of
+which you are now reading, it is owing to me your wishes have been
+carried out. You have been obeyed blindly."
+
+Lady Beltham was spared the necessity of replying, for at this moment
+the express entered the station with a deafening roar. As it was
+scheduled to remain only a few minutes, the private car was hurriedly
+attached to the end of the train. In the ensuing hurry and scurry of
+passengers who were anxiously being scrutinized by the Grand Duchess,
+there appeared a man dressed in dark clothes, and wearing a gray beard.
+He was searching hurriedly through the cars for an empty seat. The
+Duchess gave a faint cry at the sight of him, and withdrew to the back
+of her compartment.
+
+Who was it?
+
+The train whistled and the last good-byes were said.
+
+Prince Gudulfin pleaded so urgently for a tender word, that the
+adventuress, with the consummate art of the actress, leaned out,
+whispering:
+
+"Hope, Prince, hope ... some day, perhaps ... later ... and remember
+that even the most virtuous of women, when she cannot give
+encouragement, is not averse to leaving regrets behind her."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+During the evening which preceded Lady Beltham's departure, Juve sat in
+his cell eating his frugal repast.
+
+For forty-eight hours he had seen no one except his two jailors, and he
+was beginning to worry over his situation. There had now been plenty of
+time for them to discover their mistake in arresting him. His eyes had
+pained him greatly the first day but were now slowly recovering. Feeling
+a desire to sleep, Juve stretched himself on his bed and gave way to
+reflection.
+
+What had happened?
+
+It was not difficult to guess. The officers of the Palace, finding him
+in the King's bedroom, a smoking revolver beside him and a Lancer crying
+"Thief! thief!" had naturally arrested him, thinking him guilty.
+Fantomas, after blinding him with pepper, had changed back into his
+uniform and escaped with the diamond. But what was Lady Beltham doing
+there known to the Hesse-Weimar people as the Grand Duchess Alexandra?
+What new and diabolical projects were on foot to bring the monster and
+his mistress together in this honest, bourgeois court of Hesse-Weimar?
+
+As for the diamond, of what possible use could it be to the thief? It
+would be harder to get rid of than the obelisk or the Vendome column!
+
+While these thoughts were passing slowly through Juve's mind, he felt an
+intense desire to sleep come over him, his limbs suddenly became numb
+and heavy; and then a sudden terror seized him.
+
+"I have been poisoned!" he cried, making a superhuman effort to rise;
+but the narcotic was slowly but surely overpowering him. Finally, he
+lost all idea of his surroundings and sank back on his bed unconscious.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Had the day come?
+
+A pale light touched with yellow and silver rays, crept softly through
+the half-opened door and reached the face of a sleeping man; causing him
+to stir and to open his eyes, blinking and yawning. It was Juve.
+
+The first thing his gaze lighted upon was a round moon in a blue sky
+sown with stars. The detective who had gone to sleep in a dungeon,
+smiled instinctively at the heavens and the fresh, pure air which filled
+the room. By degrees his mind went back to the events of the past night,
+the heavy sleep that had come over him, and he wondered how much time
+had elapsed since he had lost consciousness. He had, besides, the
+impression that beneath his ample and warm bed clothes he was quite
+naked. His movements, too, seemed constricted as though he were lying in
+a narrow frame bed placed on the ground.
+
+But where was he?
+
+Thanks to the moonlight, he could perceive that he was in a room on the
+ground floor. Outside, shapes flitted by, and these Juve soon found to
+be bats hurrying to their nearby lairs. An owl hooted in the distance.
+The detective determined to make an effort to get up. To his surprise
+he met with no resistance and easily climbed out of the sort of box in
+which he had been lying.
+
+As his eyes became accustomed to the semi-obscurity, he started upon
+seeing the bed he had been lying in. It was a coffin.
+
+Juve then shuddered at the thought of the horrible death he might have
+undergone. He might have been buried alive! But a further surprise was
+in store for him. Not far away stood another coffin, and in this second
+one lay a corpse.
+
+The dead man was about fifty, strongly built and robust. A small clot of
+blood had congealed on his temple and this was enough to show Juve the
+cause of his death.
+
+He had been shot through the head with a revolver, and his death had
+been instantaneous. The rigidity of the body showed that the crime had
+been committed some time before. And then he made a still further
+discovery. By the side of the coffin lay a pile of clothes, and to
+Juve's amazement he recognized them as being his own!
+
+"Well," he exclaimed, "there can be no harm in putting them on, since
+they are mine." A further search disclosed, tucked away in a corner of
+the coffin, his pocketbook. Not only that, but some generous person had
+stuffed it literally full of bank notes, and in a small pocket he also
+found a first-class ticket from Glotzbourg to the frontier.
+
+"What on earth does all this mean?" he exclaimed.
+
+A search of his erstwhile bed now brought to light a sheet torn from a
+railway time-table, upon which a certain train was underscored in red
+ink. From another corner of the coffin he brought out a false beard and
+a pair of yellow spectacles! In a twinkling Juve dressed himself and
+crossing to the door, pushed it open and looked out.
+
+"The deuce!" he cried, "that's a funereal outlook!"
+
+Before him stretched away on all sides ... tombstones! tombstones big
+and little--some with crosses, others with crowns and flowers.
+
+Juve was in a cemetery, and the strange room in which he found himself
+was the mortuary chapel. Nothing disturbed the impressive silence of
+this vast resting place. In the distance a clock struck five, and far
+off Juve perceived the silhouette of the Glotzbourg Cathedral.
+
+The detective pulled himself together and began to piece out by his
+well-known habit of induction some solution to this incomprehensible
+mystery.
+
+"To begin with," he exclaimed, "my being still alive is evidently due
+to the will of my adversaries. It is possible that the police of
+Hesse-Weimar may have discovered their mistake, and taken this method of
+setting me at liberty. Or, it has been given out that I am dead, and
+they intend to bury this poor fellow in my place....
+
+"No, that's stupid. I was forgetting it is Fantomas who is supposed to
+be caught, then are they going to give out that Fantomas is dead?...
+That seems out of the question.... Besides this man didn't die a natural
+death, he was killed! I can't make head or tail of it."
+
+Juve paced up and down, rejecting one hypothesis after another. Finally,
+with a shrug of his shoulders, he cried:
+
+"Bah! I shall know all in good time. Let's get to the most pressing
+problem. I have been given money, a ticket with the time of departure
+marked on the time-table, that is as much as to say:
+
+"'My dear Sir, you are to go to the Station and take the 1.22 train,
+first class, for the frontier, there you will be left to your own
+devices ... but be careful to use the disguise given you.'"
+
+"Well," continued Juve to himself, "I haven't the least desire to thwart
+my mysterious friends, having no wish to prolong my visit here."
+
+Soon afterward Juve set out toward the town. As he walked the dawn broke
+on the horizon.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For three hours the Berlin express had been speeding across Hesse-Weimar
+on its way to Paris. Night was beginning to fall and multi-colored
+signals showed their points of light as the train sped past way
+stations.
+
+Juve, plunged in his thoughts, paid no attention to what was passing
+without. He had picked up a copy of the _Hesse-Weimar Gazette_ before
+leaving, and in it had read the following:
+
+"The desperate bandit, Fantomas, arrested two days ago in the Royal
+Palace while in the act of stealing the diamond, has committed suicide
+by shooting himself through the head with a small revolver he had hidden
+in his clothes. His body is now lying in the mortuary chapel of the
+cemetery awaiting the inevitable autopsy."
+
+This information but confirmed Juve in the hypothesis he had formed. But
+there still remained a point to be cleared up. Undoubtedly the public
+were being duped ... but who was duping them, and why? If Juve was
+thought to be Fantomas, they wouldn't have let him escape and put a dead
+man in his place. On the other hand, if they knew that Juve was not
+Fantomas, why the devil had this suicide story been invented?
+
+A new idea suddenly flashed through Juve's mind.
+
+"Suppose that not only the people of Hesse-Weimar but also the
+Government have been fooled!"
+
+A glimpse caught of Prince Gudulfin descending from the private car at
+the Hesse-Weimar station, was sufficient to start this train of thought.
+By association of ideas the sight of the Prince brought to Juve's mind
+the figure of the Grand Duchess Alexandra, who was no other than Lady
+Beltham. And Lady Beltham suggested Fantomas, whom Juve was inclined to
+credit not only with his arrest but also with his liberation.
+
+When the train pulled into the Frontier Station Juve, still wearing his
+false beard and whiskers, jumped down and hurried to the ticket office
+to buy his transportation to Paris. As he was returning, he happened to
+glance at the private car attached to the train at Glotzbourg, when, in
+spite of his self-control, he could not repress a cry of triumph.
+
+One of the window curtains was suddenly raised and then immediately
+lowered again, but Juve had time to recognize a face. It was that of the
+Grand Duchess Alexandra ... otherwise Lady Beltham. The train whistled.
+
+Juve had only just time to regain his compartment. He began pacing up
+and down the corridor, rubbing his hands, almost jumping for joy. At
+last the mystery was cleared. He understood what had been going on. Lady
+Beltham had fainted when Juve was arrested. Why?
+
+Evidently, because she had accepted the general opinion that he was
+Fantomas. After coming to herself and learning that the monster was in
+prison, she had made up her mind to effect his escape cost what it
+might.
+
+But how was she to set about it?
+
+Doubtless Lady Beltham, in her capacity of Grand Duchess, had many
+devoted friends, and it was evidently with their aid that the evasion
+had been brought about. And Lady Beltham, herself a dupe, still imagined
+it was her lover she had saved; when in reality she had set at liberty
+his most determined enemy.
+
+As the air now began to grow chilly, Juve returned to his compartment
+and picked up his overcoat. He was about to put it on, when he stopped
+in amazement.
+
+On the lining was pinned a paper with the following words scribbled in
+pencil:
+
+"America Hotel, Paris."
+
+For a long time Juve, with bent brows, read and reread these words. They
+could only have been brought here by Lady Beltham herself while Juve
+was away getting his ticket. What did this mysterious address portend?
+
+If Lady Beltham believed she was communicating with Fantomas, she
+certainly would have no need to write to him; she would know well enough
+where to find him.
+
+Furthermore, why didn't she simply walk through the several intervening
+cars and talk to him? What could be the motive powerful enough to
+prevent the mistress rejoining her lover? Upon second thoughts Juve
+doubted the hypothesis that Lady Beltham had intended to instigate the
+release of Fantomas. Might she not have become weary of the yoke which
+joined her to this monster and be really repentant of her crimes? It
+would not be the first time she had tasted remorse--and, instead of
+saving Fantomas, was aware that Juve had been set at liberty.
+
+"Yes," echoed Juve, "this second hypothesis is evidently the right one
+and Lady Beltham has ranged herself upon the side of law."
+
+The detective, with a defiant glance at the deepening evening shadows,
+proclaimed grandiloquently:
+
+"So be it, Lady Beltham, it shall not be said that a gallant man repays
+you with ingratitude, and if you care to have it so we will say in
+unison:
+
+"Between us three, Fantomas!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The train thundered through the night. It was only at seven in the
+morning that the suburbs of Paris showed through an uncertain fog.
+
+Saint Denis, the fortifications, and then the train slowed up and
+stopped under the great glass dome of the Gare du Nord. Juve, waking
+with a start, hastily sprang out and made his way to the private car in
+the hope of seeing Lady Beltham. But the Lady had already
+disappeared.... Juve caught up with her just in time to see her enter an
+automobile which instantly got under way. He managed to catch the number
+of the car, but could not find a taxi rapid enough to make the attempt
+of overtaking her.
+
+"Oh, well," he exclaimed, "I know how to find her."
+
+A sudden thought struck him:
+
+"The delay accorded me by M. Annion expires to-day, and the arrest of
+the false Frederick-Christian is about due. I don't suppose Fandor has
+taken any steps, but I'd better find out what is happening."
+
+Juve consulted his watch:
+
+"Half-past seven, I can call on the Minister of the Interior."
+
+He sprang into a taxi and cried:
+
+"Number eleven, Rue des Saussaies!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+OFFICIAL OPINIONS
+
+
+"Well, M. Vicart?"
+
+"Well, M. Annion, that's all."
+
+"That's all!" replied M. Annion. "That's nothing! We've been talking for
+a quarter of an hour without getting anywhere or reaching any
+conclusion."
+
+"But, M. Annion...."
+
+"No, I say.... It is I who have been giving you all the information and
+that, you know, is rather surprising.... You are the acting head of the
+Secret Service and you should have known all this. It's not my place to
+tell you what's going on at the Royal Palace."
+
+"M. Annion, nothing at all has happened."
+
+This reply threw M. Annion into a sudden fit of anger.
+
+"Is that so? Nothing has happened, hasn't it? And you don't realize the
+gravity of the case! Really, Vicart, it's discouraging! Can't you
+understand that we must absolutely come to some decision? The ministry
+is under the constant threat of interpellations and that state of
+affairs cannot continue."
+
+"Oh, I don't say the situation isn't serious, I only say nothing new has
+turned up."
+
+"That's just what I'm complaining about--your absolute lack of
+comprehension. To begin with, a week has gone by ... a whole week since
+Juve left, and not a word from Glotzbourg.... In fact, Juve is a day
+late already.... Does that convey nothing to you?... To me it means that
+Juve has found nothing there."
+
+"I don't quite understand," ventured the bewildered Vicart.
+
+M. Annion took pity on his subordinate.
+
+"Before Juve left he had proved to me that the King was the real King;
+isn't that so?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But that doesn't alter the fact that the King is a murderer.... Juve
+suspected some court intrigue, that's why he left for Glotzbourg. Now
+what is our situation? We have a King who has committed murder, and we
+don't arrest him. But that is the least of my worries. What about public
+opinion on the one hand and the extraordinary audacity of this monarch
+on the other?"
+
+"Public opinion?"
+
+"Yes! why the deuce don't you read the papers? Learn what is going on!
+Take the opposition press--they're always hinting at the weakness of
+the government in not arresting criminals on account of diplomatic
+complications. While I've seen to it that no more manifestations take
+place outside the Royal Palace, that the public for the time being is
+muzzled, still it is only waiting a chance to break out again. And now
+here is Frederick-Christian writing to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
+saying he wishes to meet the President of the Republic ... while he is
+here incognito. Still, by the terms of the protocol, he owes a visit to
+the Elysee--he's right about that."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"Why, it complicates things very awkwardly. How can the President
+receive, especially incognito, a King who is thought to be an assassin
+... you don't know what might be made of it.... This extraordinary
+Frederick-Christian takes advantage of his impunity. He's had lots of
+time since the death of Susy to slip quietly back to his own country....
+That would have let us out ... instead of which he comes out in the
+limelight ... gets himself talked about ... a nice time to choose, I
+must say!"
+
+M. Annion was interrupted by the entrance of a clerk who handed him a
+visiting card.
+
+"Who is it now?... Ah ... show them in."
+
+He then turned to M. Vicart:
+
+"Don't go.... It may be something connected with the King."
+
+The door was opened and the visitors announced:
+
+"M. the Commissaire of Police Giraud--Mlle. Marie Pascal."
+
+"Well, Monsieur Giraud ... take a seat, Mademoiselle ... what have you
+come about?"
+
+"A very serious business," answered M. Giraud. "I have come to see you
+after a visit from Mlle. Marie Pascal. She will repeat to you the
+extraordinary things she has said to me."
+
+"What is it all about, Mademoiselle?"
+
+Pale and anxious, Marie Pascal rose and advanced to M. Annion's desk,
+and said, with a trembling voice:
+
+"Monsieur, I went to M. Giraud about a call I wanted to make on his
+Majesty Frederick-Christian, King of Hesse-Weimar."
+
+"Yes?"
+
+"Well, Monsieur, I was not received by the King."
+
+M. Annion evinced no surprise.
+
+"Unless I am mistaken you are the lace-maker who was so tragically mixed
+up in the death of Susy d'Orsel?... It was you who found the chemise ...
+it was you who ... however, go ahead, Mademoiselle, you were received by
+a secretary, by a chamberlain?"
+
+"No! no! I was received by the King, but by a King who wasn't the real
+one, but an impostor!"
+
+"Good God!" cried M. Annion.
+
+Here was this impostor affair cropping up again. The girl must be crazy.
+
+"But it's unbelievable! Come, Mademoiselle, weigh well the gravity of
+your words--you can scarcely be making this up as a joke, I hope. You
+can furnish absolute proof of what you say? Why do you think the King is
+not the King?"
+
+Marie Pascal had recovered her self-control, and she gave M.
+Annion a detailed account of the audience she had obtained with
+Frederick-Christian. She hid nothing, neither his former warmth of
+feeling nor his recent coldness. She explained that his face no longer
+looked the same, nor had his voice the same sound, that he had attempted
+to hide behind the screen and finally that she was quite sure the man
+she saw was not the King.
+
+"What did you do, Mademoiselle?"
+
+This time M. Giraud spoke up:
+
+"Mlle. Marie was wrong in what she did, but under the stress of emotion
+she raised the whole hotel and made such a row that M. Louis advised her
+to come and see me."
+
+"Very good, and then?"
+
+"Why, M. Annion, I hurried to the Royal Palace and made an
+investigation, where I confirmed what Mademoiselle had told me. I then
+decided I had better lay the matter before you."
+
+M. Annion sat deep in thought for a few moments. Then he burst out:
+
+"Hang it! Your accusation of imposture is absurd, Mademoiselle, utterly
+impossible!" Then, turning to M. Vicart, he added:
+
+"Haven't we the formal declaration, irrefutable, of that Secret Service
+man ... Glaschk..."
+
+"Wulfenmimenglaschk."
+
+"That's it!... Have you seen him, M. Giraud?"
+
+"I have, but I couldn't get anything out of him; he was three-quarters
+drunk, and furious with his Majesty who had just struck him."
+
+M. Annion stared in amazement.
+
+"But Frederick-Christian was his friend--his intimate friend ... they
+were pals ... and you say he struck him?"
+
+Crossing quickly to the telephone, he called up:
+
+"Hello! Are inspectors 42, 59 and 63 there? What? Then send them up."
+
+"You did well to come to me, M. Giraud; we must clear up this business
+at any cost.... I've just sent for the three inspectors whom I detailed
+this morning to watch his Majesty Frederick-Christian...."
+
+Then glancing at Marie Pascal:
+
+"You'll hear what they have to say, Mademoiselle." A few minutes later
+the three men entered the office.
+
+"Well, what is new? You've been shadowing him?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+"Anything to report?"
+
+"Nothing much, Monsieur, only in regard to the conduct of the King. It
+seems that since this morning he has quite changed. Frederick-Christian,
+instead of keeping himself shut up as of late, now sees his friends
+again and has resumed his haughty manner and his fault-finding with the
+servants."
+
+"What friends has he seen?"
+
+"A young attache of the Embassy arrived immediately after luncheon, and
+the director of his bank."
+
+"And these men found nothing unusual?"
+
+"No, chief, nothing at all."
+
+M. Annion turned to Marie Pascal.
+
+"You see, Mademoiselle, that is conclusive, isn't it? What probably
+happened was that the King had a fit of nerves, due to the death of his
+mistress, and then his return to his normal life misled you...."
+
+Marie Pascal interrupted:
+
+"No, Monsieur, no! Your inspectors are wrong! I who love him cannot be
+deceived! It is no longer Frederick-Christian II who is at the Royal
+Palace, it is an impostor! Besides, even if I could have been mistaken,
+he had no reason for not recognizing me, of not seeming to understand
+what I was saying."
+
+The second inspector spoke up:
+
+"Chief, I have something which will convince Mademoiselle that she is
+mistaken. I was able to get hold of one of his Majesty's collars which
+he had just worn. Its size is distinctly characteristic, being 18
+inches. Now it would be very easy to verify the fact that the real King
+wears this size and also whether it fits the supposed impostor. In any
+case, Monsieur, from inquiries made among the hotel servants I find
+there can be no doubt that Frederick-Christian is actually staying
+there, and that his intimate friends have been received and have
+recognized him."
+
+M. Annion did not answer.
+
+"This Marie Pascal is crazy," he thought, "or else she is up to some
+game which I don't understand... the King is the King all right, but,
+hang it all, that doesn't alter the fact that he is an assassin."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+JUVE'S LIES
+
+
+M. Annion had left the Ministry quite late the evening before in a very
+bad humor. Not that he had any doubt about the deposition of Marie
+Pascal. The report of his inspectors had settled that point,
+supplemented by the visits to the King of the attache and the banker.
+
+"That young girl of the sixth floor," he said to himself, "who calls
+herself Marie Pascal, is either trying to hold up the sovereign or else
+she is crazy. In either case the important thing is to make her hold her
+tongue. Now there are two ways of doing this, through menacing her or
+through bribing her. I'll apply the first, and if that doesn't answer
+I'll try the second."
+
+As to the King, while his identity had been proved, he was none the less
+a murderer.
+
+The question was whether to prevent the visit he wished to pay to the
+President of the Republic or to bring it about.
+
+M. Annion took the Rue des Saussaies at 7.30 and having reached home,
+dined quickly while he read the evening paper. The news was startling.
+
+An article reserved in tone, but giving sufficient details, announced
+the arrest of Fantomas, the mysterious criminal of the Palace Royal of
+Glotzbourg, while attempting to steal the diamond which constituted the
+private fortune of Prince Frederick-Christian II.
+
+"Good God!" cried M. Annion, "Fantomas arrested, the diamond stolen, and
+Juve doesn't return or send any word!"
+
+The director of the Secret Service felt himself entangled in a network
+of intrigues which seemed impossible to unravel. He seemed to be
+surrounded by an impenetrable mystery.
+
+Fantomas! And now the name of Fantomas was associated with the scandal
+brought about by Frederick-Christian!
+
+M. Annion slept badly, haunted by a nightmare in which he was constantly
+pursuing an extraordinary Fantomas, whom he would seize and bind and who
+would then suddenly vanish into thin air. At eight o'clock in the
+morning he appeared at his office. There a surprise awaited him. Upon
+his desk lay a telegram. Rapidly tearing it open, he glanced at the
+text.
+
+"Ah!... Good God! Can it be true! Fantomas dead! Fantomas dead in
+prison! I must be dreaming!"
+
+While he was rereading the astonishing news, the door of his office
+opened and Juve walked in.
+
+"Juve!"
+
+"Myself, Chief."
+
+"Well!"
+
+"Well," replied Juve, calmly, "I've had a pretty good trip."
+
+Brandishing the telegram, M. Annion cried:
+
+"Fantomas is dead!"
+
+"Yes ... Fantomas is dead."
+
+"What have you found out?"
+
+"Oh, a thing or two ... rather interesting."
+
+"And the diamond?"
+
+"Stolen, Chief, disappeared."
+
+"Stolen by Fantomas?"
+
+"Yes, by Fantomas."
+
+"It was you who arrested him?"
+
+"Hum!--yes and no.... I was the cause of his arrest."
+
+"And the murder of Susy d'Orsel?"
+
+"It was committed by Fantomas."
+
+"You are sure of that?"
+
+"Certain, Chief."
+
+M. Annion rose and paced up and down in great excitement.
+
+"Now then, let's get the facts in the case, tell me in detail what
+occurred at Hesse-Weimar."
+
+Juve had had the foresight to prepare a report which would tell enough
+to prove that the murderer of Susy d'Orsel was really Fantomas, and thus
+clear the name of the King. He gave no hint, however, that Fandor was
+still, as Juve thought, impersonating Frederick-Christian, and made no
+mention of his own adventures. He concluded by saying:
+
+"In a word, we have now only to establish the guilt of Fantomas and
+publish the story of his crime, to absolve the King in the eyes of
+all ... and that will mean the end of your troubles."
+
+"That is true!" replied the director joyfully, "and I may add it is
+entirely due to you, my dear Juve. Why, the other day, I was actually on
+the point of arresting Frederick-Christian, which would have been an
+unpardonable blunder."
+
+"Really?"
+
+"Yes. For since your departure, the identity of the King has been
+established beyond dispute. Yesterday I learned that the director of the
+bank had had an interview with him, and he also received a visit from an
+intimate friend, an attache of the Embassy."
+
+Juve heard these words with growing uneasiness. The King was Fandor. How
+had Fandor managed the affair?
+
+M. Annion continued:
+
+"And what do you think happened yesterday afternoon? I received a visit
+from a little idiot called Marie Pascal, who still insisted on the
+imposture. She asserted that the King was no longer the same."
+
+Juve felt his head swimming.
+
+Marie Pascal had paid one visit to Fandor, and now declared he was no
+longer the same! So Fandor was not at the Royal Palace. Who had taken
+his place?
+
+The real King?
+
+Was Fandor himself a victim?
+
+"By the way," pursued M. Annion, oblivious of Juve's trouble, "you
+didn't happen to learn any details concerning the King's toilette at
+Glotzbourg?"
+
+"No, why?"
+
+"Oh, nothing of importance. I should like to have known whether it was a
+fact that Frederick-Christian wore an 18-inch collar. It would merely
+have been another proof."
+
+The words literally stupefied the detective. If the man at the Royal
+Palace wore 18-inch collars, he was certainly not Fandor, whose neck
+was very slender. The journalist wore size 14-1/2.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+One hour later--it was then half-past ten in the morning--Juve arrived
+at the Royal Palace. He did not attempt to send up his card to the King,
+but contented himself with gathering what information he could from
+among his colleagues who were stationed about the hotel.
+
+"The deuce!" he cried, twenty minutes later. "It's true that
+Frederick-Christian is really here. What has become of Fandor? Well, I
+shall probably be able to get news of him at his own apartment. What I
+have to do now is to recover the diamond and catch Fantomas ... if that
+is possible."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+"I WANT TO LIVE!"
+
+
+During two days which passed like two centuries, Fandor had been held
+prisoner in his dungeon where death awaited him.
+
+"I am condemned to death," he exclaimed, "very good, then I will wait
+for death."
+
+But Fandor was of those who do not give up until the struggle is over.
+Besides, he had his faithful revolver. He could end his life at any
+moment and shorten the torture. He had found sufficient ham to last for
+two meals, and when that had been eaten and the last drop of water drunk
+he began to suffer the tortures of hunger and thirst. And now, like a
+caged beast, he paced up and down his prison. His mind went back to
+stories he had read, stories of entombed miners, of explorers hemmed in
+by ice, of hunters caught in traps, but in all these cases deliverance
+in one form or another had come at last--the adventures ended happily.
+
+"I want to live," he cried aloud, "I want to live!"
+
+Suddenly a great calm descended upon him. His coolness and clear
+judgment returned.
+
+"To struggle! Yes--but how?"
+
+At this moment the roar of the Nord-Sud shook his prison walls. An idea
+took root in his mind.
+
+Might it not be possible to burrow his way through the soil directly to
+the tunnel! Examining the ground, he decided that it would be simpler to
+tunnel his way like a mole, skirting the concrete base of the statue and
+reaching the pavement beyond. It would not be hard work to dislodge one
+of the paving stones and reach the open air. No sooner was the plan
+conceived than he broke several of the bottles until he obtained a piece
+of the thick glass sufficiently jagged to form a trowel.
+
+With this rough implement he then set to work, scooping up the earth and
+piling it on one side of his cell. Patiently and ceaselessly he
+continued, hour after hour, until suddenly the hiss of escaping gas
+could be faintly heard.
+
+"I'm done for this time," he cried in despair. "I shall be asphyxiated!"
+But a gleam of hope quickly set him to work again.
+
+"Gas is lighter than air. It may percolate through the chinks of the
+masonry. In any case I'd rather die that way than be starved to death."
+
+It was a race between the escaping gas and the tunnel.
+
+Very soon Fandor began to feel a dizziness in his head, and the air
+became more difficult to breathe; suddenly, he had the sensation of
+being enveloped in an extraordinary blue flame, and then a loud report
+deafened him.
+
+Fandor's prison, saturated with gas, had suddenly blown up!
+
+The ground gave way beneath him: he was lying in the ruins.
+
+Destiny had made a plaything of his efforts.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+THE ACCUSING WAISTCOAT
+
+
+"As a matter of fact, Monsieur Juve, did not the celebrated Vidocq
+before he was a detective begin life as a murderer?"
+
+Wulf, book in hand and comfortably installed in a large armchair,
+addressed the question to Juve, who answered in brief monosyllables,
+without turning his head:
+
+"That's true, Monsieur Wulf."
+
+"And don't you think that every detective at one time or another has a
+tendency toward crime, either as a thief or as an assassin?"
+
+"That I cannot say."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+What a day Juve had passed! Events had succeeded each other with such
+startling rapidity that the detective, in spite of his robust physique,
+began at length to feel the strain. As a matter of fact he had really
+had no rest since his tragic awakening in the mortuary chapel at
+Glotzbourg. He had passed the following night in the train without
+closing an eye. Upon his arrival he had been busy without interruption
+until he found himself, at ten o'clock at night, in his little apartment
+in the Rue Bonaparte with the grotesque Wulf as companion. While the
+latter was tranquilly reading the adventures of Vidocq, Juve was
+absorbed in a strange task which occupied his entire attention.
+
+He was minutely examining a queer-looking garment, a waistcoat of very
+unusual cut. He turned to Wulf:
+
+"Monsieur Wulf, you recognize this garment, don't you? There is no doubt
+that it came from Jacob and Company, the Glotzbourg tailors?"
+
+Wulf nodded.
+
+"No doubt whatever. I've had too much experience in such matters to be
+mistaken.... Besides, the initials J. G. are on the buttons."
+
+"Yes, yes--Jacob of Glotzbourg."
+
+Juve now examined the lining with a magnifying glass, muttering the
+while:
+
+"Ah, just as I expected!"
+
+The pocket of the waistcoat had been distended by some large object
+which had been forcibly introduced into it. The detective quickly took
+some modeling clay and made it into certain dimensions carefully
+measured, then with a stick he marked the surface of the ball into
+facets, referring now and again to a book open before him. "Let's see,"
+he exclaimed, "the Hesse-Weimar diamond is two-thirds of a hen's egg in
+size, and weighs 295 carats, that is to say, larger than the Koh-i-noor,
+the famous Indian diamond, one of the crown jewels of England."
+
+He now introduced his model into the pocket and found that it fitted the
+hole exactly.
+
+"There! What do you say to that!" he cried.
+
+"Why, you're very clever, Monsieur Juve," replied Wulf, "but I don't see
+how that helps. Even if you prove that the King's diamond was kept for a
+certain time in the pocket of that waistcoat, still you don't know to
+whom the waistcoat belongs, and that's the most important point."
+
+Juve, still engrossed in his examination, vouchsafed no reply, and Wulf
+with folded arms stood contemplating him. Various problems were engaging
+Juve's thoughts, whose day had been exceedingly busy.
+
+After being satisfied that Frederick-Christian was really back again at
+the Royal Palace, the question arose as to what had become of him after
+his disappearance. A hurried visit to Fandor's lodgings disclosed the
+fact that the journalist, after a brief absence, had returned home for
+an hour and had then disappeared again.
+
+"Upon my word," he thought, "he might at least have sent me some word.
+He must know how anxious I would be about him."
+
+From Fandor's house Juve had gone direct to Susy d'Orsel's apartment. It
+was a theory of his that a good detective could never visit too often
+the scene of a crime. Mechanically he went through the various rooms
+until he reached the kitchen.
+
+"I have a feeling that something happened here," he muttered, "but
+what?"
+
+A close examination of the floor showed distinct traces of feet in some
+fine coal dust. These traces proved to be those of a woman's shoes,
+small, elegant and well made. They could not possibly belong to Mother
+Citron nor to Susy d'Orsel, who, he recalled, had worn satin mules on
+the night of the murder. The person who immediately presented herself to
+Juve's mind was Marie Pascal.
+
+"The deuce!" he cried, "this becomes complicated. This coal dust and
+these imprints were not here a few days ago, therefore some one has been
+here since and has evidently been at pains to lay a false trail!"
+
+With the intention of examining the servants' staircase again, he let
+himself out with a pass-key and began the descent. But so absorbed was
+he in his thoughts that unconsciously he went down one flight too many
+and found himself in the cellar of the building. Juve, following his
+custom of never neglecting to search even the most unsuspicious places,
+lit his electric light and examined the room he had entered.
+
+On either side of the cellar were ranged a number of doors, all securely
+padlocked. These were evidently the private cellars of the tenants. As
+he threw his light on the floor, he could not repress a movement of
+surprise. Dropping on all fours, he began a close examination of the
+ground.
+
+"Now I begin to see daylight. For some time I have had the conviction
+that Frederick-Christian, upon leaving Fandor made his escape by the
+servants' staircase, and thus left the house. But I could not understand
+why he had not returned to his hotel. My conclusion was wrong.
+Frederick-Christian, like myself, came down a flight too many and found
+himself, as I have, in this cellar. Evidently a scoundrel was waiting
+for him here. The trampled ground, the shreds of silk torn from a high
+hat, all indicate clearly the struggle which took place. But the King,
+being drunk, was easily overpowered and bound. That is the reason he did
+not reach his hotel."
+
+One difficulty still troubled the detective. It had been shown that on
+the night of December 31st, the third person, otherwise the King, whom
+Fandor declared to be in the apartment, had been unable to escape by
+the back stairs, since the door was locked and bolted. Then it came into
+Juve's mind that the maid Justine in giving testimony had become
+embarrassed and finally had admitted that the key having been lost, she
+had neglected to lock the door. This cleared up the dubious point and
+established in Juve's mind the complete explanation of what happened.
+
+Fantomas, after killing Susy d'Orsel, had lurked on the stairs until the
+King left the apartment. Then, locking the door, he had hurried after
+his victim and caught him at the moment he reached the cellar.
+
+The detective's next move was to break into the apartment of the Marquis
+de Serac. By the aid of a ladder which he found in a corner, he climbed
+up and broke a windowpane and thus made his entrance. At first nothing
+in the apartment seemed worthy of suspicion. The rooms were elegant but
+commonplace. The bureaus and wardrobes were locked, and gave out a
+hollow sound when rapped upon. As he did not have his burglar's
+equipment with him, Juve decided to come back later and investigate. He
+was on the point of leaving when his foot caught in a garment, which he
+found to be a waistcoat. He gave vent to an exclamation of surprise as
+he picked it up and folding it into a bundle hid it under his overcoat.
+The Marquis de Serac had been under his suspicion for some time; now
+that suspicion was in a fair way to become a certainty. Were the Marquis
+and Fantomas one and the same?
+
+Juve was inclined to answer in the affirmative....
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The next step was to invite Wulf to dine with him, to show him the
+waistcoat and prove beyond doubt that it had been made by a tailor of
+Glotzbourg.
+
+Juve's opinion had now become a solid conviction. Fantomas had worn the
+garment, and had carried the diamond in the pocket of the waistcoat he
+found in the Marquis de Serac's apartment. Hence the Marquis de Serac
+was Fantomas.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE EXPLOSION OF THE NORD-SUD
+
+
+The Empire clock on Juve's desk struck half-past eleven. The detective,
+having gone over in his mind the course of events just narrated, rose
+abruptly and tapped Wulf on the shoulder.
+
+"Monsieur Wulf, if you are to remain here you are very welcome to do so;
+as for me, I'm going out."
+
+Wulf, wakened out of a doze, sat up and stared at Juve, an expression of
+dawning suspicion in his eyes.
+
+"Where are you going?" he inquired.
+
+Juve, absorbed in his thoughts, did not remark the strange behavior of
+his colleague. He had settled on a plan of action, which was simply to
+arrest the Marquis de Serac.
+
+"Oh, I'm just going ... for a walk."
+
+"All right, get your hat."
+
+A few moments later the two men hailed a taxi and drove to 247 Rue de
+Monceau.
+
+During the trip Juve pumped Wulf about his relations with Fandor, and it
+appeared that the latter had pursued the policy of making Wulf drunk
+upon every occasion. Doubtless, the detective reasoned, it was thus
+that Fandor was enabled to escape for an hour, during which time the
+substitution had been effected. Wulf explained how he had found the King
+near the fountains in the Place de la Concorde, and Juve realized that
+in some way or other the King and the fountains were mysteriously
+connected.
+
+In his turn, Wulf plied Juve with questions as to what he had done
+during his stay at Glotzbourg.
+
+What sort of welcome had he received from M. Heberlauf?
+
+How had the arrest of Fantomas been effected?
+
+How had the monster died?
+
+The detective, naturally, had no intention of enlightening Wulf as to
+the truth.
+
+He therefore answered in monosyllables, annoyed by the turn the
+conversation had taken. In fact, as the questions became more pressing,
+it flashed through Juve's mind that the stupid officer was actually
+beginning to suspect him of being Fantomas. As the taxi neared its
+destination Juve suddenly put his head out of the window and cried with
+an oath to the chauffeur:
+
+"Follow that automobile which is just starting and don't lose sight of
+it!"
+
+Wulf turned inquiringly:
+
+"It's the Marquis de Serac."
+
+"Well, what of it?"
+
+"Why, is he the man we are after?" Then turning again to the chauffeur:
+
+"Have you plenty of gasoline?"
+
+"Enough to run a hundred miles, Monsieur."
+
+The chase began at the Boulevard de Courcelles, continued through the
+Place de l'Etoile and the Avenue de la Grande Armee. The two taxis, of
+the same horsepower, kept an equal pace, but the Marquis de Serac's
+chauffeur seemed the smarter man. At any rate, he was the more daring.
+He dodged in and out of the traffic and began to gain on his pursuers.
+
+"He's taking us to the Bois," growled Juve, as they made a turn to the
+left after passing the fortifications, before the Barriere de Neuilly.
+The pace increased in the back streets and then, suddenly, the taxi of
+the Marquis de Serac disappeared!
+
+It had turned sharply down a narrow street.
+
+At the risk of his neck, the detective sprang out of his taxi and rushed
+round the corner, just in time to hear a door bang to.
+
+Wulf now joined him.
+
+"We have wasted our time, my dear Juve. The taxi we have been following
+was empty. It made a circuit and passed me just now."
+
+"Just what I expected!" cried Juve, "our man got out of it ... he is
+still here."
+
+Juve took out his revolver, and then an exclamation of surprise escaped
+his lips. Fifty yards away, a figure appeared, vague and dressed in
+white.
+
+"What the devil does that mean? I've been following the Marquis de
+Serac, of that I'm sure, and now I find this other one." Then turning to
+Wulf, he gripped him by the arm. "You see that individual, well, he is
+the Primitive Man Ouaouaoua."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Taking the utmost precaution, Juve and Wulf followed the enigmatic
+Ouaouaoua for over an hour. The singular meeting had given the detective
+food for thought. This man had figured prominently at the ceremony of
+the Singing Fountains; again, he had been foremost in the demonstration
+of the mob against the King outside the Royal Palace. It was now that a
+suspicion came to Juve's mind, that this venerable beard and white
+woollen robe concealed the person of the Marquis de Serac.
+
+"Whatever happens," he muttered, "I must get to the bottom of this.
+While it would be quite easy to bring him down with a shot from my
+revolver, yet, once dead, I could get no information from him."
+
+They arrived at the corner of the Boulevard Malesherbes and the Avenue
+de Villiers, and Juve's excitement grew, for he knew that not far away
+was the America Hotel, where Lady Beltham had put up under the name of
+the Grand Duchess Alexandra. Ah! If it were possible to connect the
+Primitive Man with her! In that case he would not hesitate to arrest
+them both, although he suspected that Fantomas's mistress would be more
+ready to give him up than to shield him.
+
+But Ouaouaoua brusquely made a right-about face and headed toward the
+Boulevard des Batignolles.
+
+"Are we going to keep this up much longer?" inquired Wulf, who by this
+time was breathless and weary.
+
+"You can go if you like," growled Juve without turning his head. In his
+intense absorption, Juve failed to notice the menacing and ironical look
+the officer directed at him.
+
+Ouaouaoua now turned down the Rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette hastening his
+speed. The two men had some difficulty in keeping up with him. Suddenly
+he disappeared at the corner of the Rue Saint Lazare and the Rue
+Lamartine. Juve sprang forward just in time to see the white draped
+figure vanish down the stairs leading to the underground Station of the
+Nord-Sud.
+
+The Station was lighted and the ticket windows open. The morning's
+traffic had begun.
+
+"Have you just seen a queerly dressed man?" he asked one of the porters.
+
+"He has just bought his ticket, Monsieur."
+
+Juve flung down a coin, seized two coupons and without waiting for the
+change hurried onto the platform. The first morning train was waiting,
+due to start in five minutes. A quick search through the carriages
+disclosed the object of Juve's search. He was standing in the first
+carriage by the door of the driver's compartment. While Juve eyed him
+eagerly, the Primitive Man in turn was watching the detective.
+
+The conductors and employes were standing gossiping by the ticket
+office, and the station was almost deserted at this early morning hour.
+
+Juve remained on the platform with Wulf. As a preliminary to making his
+arrest, he took out his revolver, and held it in the palm of his hand.
+Suddenly he gave a yell and sprang forward. Ouaouaoua, taking advantage
+of the engine driver's absence, had entered his compartment and pulled
+the levers.
+
+In a moment the train was under way. As Juve made a jump on board, Wulf
+tried to restrain him, and in the scuffle knocked the revolver out of
+the detective's hand. To the consternation of the train's crew left
+behind in the station, the train was now gathering speed. Their shouts
+in turn alarmed the few passengers, who regarded the precipitate
+entrance of Juve in amazement. Finally a cry from the powerful lungs of
+Wulf was heard above all the other noises. A name shouted in terror:
+
+"Fantomas!"
+
+A rush was instantly made to seize the fool or the madman who had
+started the train, but a revolver shot quickly drove back the passengers
+and Juve, furious with the imbecile Wulf for having disarmed him, was
+obliged to take cover with the others.
+
+The train passed through the Station de la Trinite, shot through Saint
+Lazare without heed to signal and tore along at headlong speed. And
+then, in a moment, the train was plunged into total darkness and a cry
+of rage escaped from the Primitive Man. The detective understood in a
+flash.
+
+The Nord-Sud had had the happy idea of cutting off the power, and Juve
+noticed that this occurred just as the train had passed the Station de
+la Concorde and entered the tube beyond. Ah! this time the Primitive Man
+was in a tight corner. His revolver would be less dangerous in the
+darkness.
+
+Juve rose carefully, prepared to advance, when a spark was seen,
+succeeded by a terrific explosion. A shower of matter fell upon the
+train, shattering the windows and throwing the passengers pell-mell
+upon each other.
+
+Then ... silence....
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The red lights of torches gradually lighted up the tunnel in which the
+tragic accident, still unaccounted for, had occurred. Juve, unconscious
+for ten minutes, came to his senses and realized with a sense of relief
+that he was unhurt, and that the men directing the rescue were the Paris
+firemen. Many persons had been wounded, but by an apparent miracle not
+one had been killed.
+
+The Primitive Man had disappeared.
+
+Juve, in quest of clues which might lead to the discovery of the
+explosion, climbed upon the train to where an immense hole in the roof
+of the tube had showered down bits of asphalt and broken earth. He
+noticed quickly that communication had been opened with the Place de la
+Concorde. By dint of hoisting and scrambling he succeeded at length in
+gaining the surface of the ground.
+
+Vague groanings came from the mass of stones piled not far away. As he
+approached these noises, they became more distinct. Finally, he
+discovered the body of a man wedged between two large blocks and covered
+with a piece of gas-pipe.
+
+The body was begrimed with soot and mud. Juve, after hauling his burden
+to the open air, where he was greeted with cheers by the crowd, dipped
+his handkerchief in the water from the fountain and wiped the man's
+face. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees with a cry:
+
+"Fandor! It's Fandor!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+INNOCENT OR GUILTY?
+
+
+Juve and Doctor Gast were talking in low tones in the dining-room
+adjoining the bedroom. Their patient, Fandor, had just wakened and had
+cried out:
+
+"I'm dying of hunger!"
+
+It was about nine o'clock in the morning. After rescuing his friend
+Fandor from his perilous situation, he had taken the unfortunate
+journalist to his own home in Rue Richer and called in a physician of
+the quarter, Doctor Gast. An examination of the patient showed that he
+had received no serious injury, merely some abrasions and one or two
+burns.
+
+As Juve and the Doctor answered his call for food, Fandor sat up and
+without surprise or question repeated his cry:
+
+"I'm dying of hunger. Hurry up and give me something to eat."
+
+The Doctor took his pulse, then suggested:
+
+"Something light won't hurt him, say, a slice of ham."
+
+A formidable oath was the reply:
+
+"No, thanks!... anything you like, but not ham."
+
+"All right ... a chicken wing instead."
+
+This seemed to satisfy Fandor, who added:
+
+"While I'm awful hungry, don't forget that I'm just as thirsty!"
+
+"Well, Doctor?"
+
+"Well, Monsieur, I find everything going well. Our patient has had a
+good meal and is now sleeping peacefully. By to-morrow, M. Fandor will
+be all right again. It was, however, about time he got food, for in my
+judgment he pretty nearly died of hunger."
+
+"That's what I can't understand."
+
+"When you went back just now to the scene of the accident, didn't you
+learn any of the details?"
+
+Juve answered evasively:
+
+"Nothing to speak of, Doctor, merely that the wounds of the passengers
+are not serious. As to the cause of the explosion, I have a notion that
+it may have been due to an escape of gas. I noticed a strong odor of it
+about. Probably a spark set it off."
+
+The doctor now took his leave, and no sooner was he well out of the door
+when a joyful whistle came from the sick man's room. Juve could not
+restrain an exclamation of surprise as he looked into the bedroom.
+Fandor was already partly dressed and in the act of lacing up his boots.
+
+"You are crazy to get up in your condition!"
+
+"Hang my condition, I feel as strong as a horse and as hungry as a
+bear."
+
+Juve laughed.
+
+"Oh, if that's the way you feel there's nothing more to be said."
+
+After a second breakfast, Fandor turned to his friend:
+
+"Now, then, Juve, let's hear where you've been!"
+
+For two hours each in turn narrated their adventures of the past days,
+and by combining their experiences, they arrived at a clear view of the
+situation. One question was answered beyond doubt. The hand of Fantomas
+was everywhere apparent. His carefully laid plan to get possession of
+the King's diamond unquestionably involved the arrest of the King by the
+French authorities for the murder of his mistress.
+
+It was now their difficult task, first to recover the jewel and then
+capture the bandit. Two points still remained to be cleared up. What
+role had Marie Pascal played in the affair? Was she innocent or an
+accomplice? And had Lady Beltham intended to save Juve or had she
+intended to save Fantomas?
+
+It was finally arranged that Juve should go to the America Hotel and
+call on the pseudo Grand Duchess Alexandra, and that Fandor should see
+Marie Pascal. They were about to put this project into execution when a
+loud knocking at the door startled them.
+
+Fandor sprang forward, but the detective quickly thrust him into the
+bedroom, and opened the door himself.
+
+"You here, Wulf!"
+
+"As you see."
+
+The absurd officer marched into the apartment with an air of great
+satisfaction.
+
+"Well, Monsieur Juve, and what do you think of my detective instinct?"
+
+"I don't understand."
+
+"Ah, you thought you'd got rid of me at the Sud-Nord Station, didn't
+you, but I fooled you. I arrived at the scene of the explosion at the
+precise moment you were giving an address to the chauffeur and carrying
+away a body."
+
+"A body ... in pretty good health!"
+
+"Furthermore, I came across some one you were looking for, I think."
+
+"Fantomas?"
+
+"No, not Fantomas, but the Primitive Man, generally called Ouaouaoua."
+
+"And you let him go?"
+
+"Oh, I let him go all right, but not before he gave me his address."
+
+Juve smiled grimly.
+
+"A nice mess you've made of it!"
+
+Wulf continued with an air of great importance:
+
+"I can tell you something else, the King returns to Glotzbourg to-night,
+but before he goes we shall have the guilty person arrested."
+
+A slight noise made Wulf turn his head and then give a loud cry.
+
+Fandor had entered the room.
+
+"Good God! Who is that?... the King?... No, it's not the King ... help!
+help!"
+
+Wulf cast frightened glances to right and left and then made a dive for
+the door, slamming it behind him as he rushed out:
+
+"I knew he was a fool," exclaimed Juve, "but I didn't know he was crazy
+besides. And to think he had Fantomas in his hands and let him go!"
+
+The two men now reverted to their interrupted project and decided to pay
+their respective visits to Marie Pascal and Lady Beltham.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Mam'zelle Marie! Mam'zelle Marie! Come in and rest a bit!"
+
+The pretty lace-maker was passing the office of the concierge, the
+so-called Mother Citron. The young girl accepted the invitation and sat
+down, heaving a deep sigh. It was only ten in the morning but her red
+eyes and her face showed signs of having passed a bad night.
+
+"You mustn't work so hard!" exclaimed the concierge.
+
+"Oh, it isn't my work; that rests me, it helps me to forget.... I have
+so many troubles."
+
+"Tell me all about them."
+
+By degrees and through her tears, Marie confided all that had happened
+to her since the night of the murder. The avowal of love she had made to
+the King and the unforgettable hour she had passed in his company; then
+the police inquiries, suspicions, and the fact that they were
+continually following her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Ah, if only I had some one to turn to. I've thought of going to see
+this detective the King spoke of, M. Juve."
+
+As Marie Pascal pronounced that name, an expression of sinister joy came
+into the eyes of Mother Citron:
+
+"That's a good idea," she exclaimed.
+
+Marie hesitated:
+
+"I would never dare go to see him alone."
+
+"Marie Pascal, you know how fond of you I am, and as sure as I'm called
+Mother Citron, I'll prove what I say. In a couple of minutes I'll put
+on my hat with the flowers and leave my workwoman in charge here. Then
+I'll take you myself to this M. Juve... if you're afraid of him, I'm
+not!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+COMPROMISING DISCOVERIES
+
+
+Fandor, smoking a good cigar, walked to the Rue Monceau, taking deep
+breaths of the fresh air, looking up with delight at the blue sky. After
+his imprisonment and slow torture he experienced an extraordinary joy in
+living and in his freedom.
+
+When he reached the house he found the concierge's office empty. He
+called out several times.
+
+"I'm the concierge, what is it you want?" a voice answered behind him.
+
+Fandor turned sharply:
+
+"Ah, there you are, Madame, I didn't see you."
+
+It would have surprised the journalist had he known that the
+extraordinary Mme. Citron a moment before had been comfortably installed
+in the Marquis de Serac's apartment, and that hearing herself called,
+she had slid down her communicating post to answer the summons. Still
+further was he from imagining that the Marquis de Serac and Mme. Citron
+were one and the same person.
+
+"Well, now that I'm here, what is it you want?"
+
+Madame Citron recognized Fandor. But she recognized him as being some
+one he was not. She had, indeed, only seen him for a few moments
+immediately after the murder of Susy d'Orsel.
+
+"I want to see Mlle. Marie Pascal. She lives here, doesn't she?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, but ..."
+
+"Is she at home?"
+
+"What is it about?"
+
+Fandor answered casually:
+
+"I have an order to give her."
+
+"Then, if Monsieur will leave it with me..."
+
+"Why? Isn't Mlle. Marie Pascal here?"
+
+"No, Monsieur."
+
+"Will she be long away?"
+
+"I'm afraid she will."
+
+"All right, I'll come back about six o'clock. I must see her personally,
+I have a number of details to explain."
+
+Mme. Ceiron shook her head.
+
+"I don't think you'll find her."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Well, she's in the country."
+
+"Will she be away for several days?"
+
+"I expect so."
+
+Fandor decided to burn his bridges.
+
+"Look here, it's not about an order; I'm sent here by Juve, you know
+him?"
+
+"The detective?"
+
+"Yes, Madame, the detective."
+
+Madame Ceiron appeared to be very disturbed.
+
+"Oh! I shall get jaundice from all this bother. I can't even sleep in
+peace. It'll end in them suspecting me, I know it will."
+
+"No, no, Madame, I assure you...."
+
+"After all, I'd rather tell you the exact truth, then you can't complain
+of me. You see, it's this way: Yesterday the little girl came and said
+to me, 'Madame Ceiron, I'm so upset and unhappy, and I'm bothered to
+death with questions, too, and then, this King who isn't a King ... I've
+a good mind to pack my trunk and go away.' So I said to her, if that's
+the case, go by all means--she had paid a quarter's advance--and when
+you are ready just come back--and that's all there is to it, Monsieur."
+
+"You have no idea where she went, Mme. Ceiron?"
+
+"Well, I heard her tell the cab-driver to take her to the Montparnasse
+Station."
+
+"Do you know if she has any friends or relations in the country?"
+
+"Ah!--that's a good idea, Monsieur, now I come to think of it, she
+always went on her holidays from the same station, probably to visit
+some of her family, but where they live I haven't the least idea."
+
+Fandor had an inspiration.
+
+"Maybe she has received letters which will tell us! Have you the key of
+her room?"
+
+"Yes, I have the key; would you like to go up?"
+
+"Of course!--I must make a search through her belongings."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Jerome Fandor felt strangely agitated in entering the simple room of the
+young lace-maker. It has been frequently said that the souls of people
+can be divined from the atmosphere of their homes, and if this is true,
+the journalist was surely not mistaken when at the Royal Palace he had
+experienced a rather warm feeling for Marie Pascal.
+
+The room showed no sign of precipitate abandonment, nor any preparation
+for a long absence. Her work-basket and cushions were all in place, and
+one would have expected her return at any moment. But alas! Fandor could
+harbor no illusion regarding her. Her flight was evidently to escape a
+probable arrest by Juve. A minute inspection of Marie's papers disclosed
+nothing of importance; but upon opening the last drawer in her desk he
+found, hidden under envelopes and letter paper, a number of small
+objects.
+
+"Ah! the devil!" he exclaimed.
+
+The objects were jewels, brooches, rings, earrings and also a large
+key, evidently of an apartment door. One glance at the jewels was
+enough. Fandor had seen and admired them upon the person of Susy d'Orsel
+during the supper which preceded her tragic death.
+
+"My God! there's no doubt now," he muttered, "Marie Pascal is the
+accomplice of Fantomas."
+
+And then the journalist decided upon a theory to account for her having
+left the jewels behind. She had probably arranged to have them found
+among somebody else's things and thus to throw suspicion from herself,
+just as she had attempted to leave the famous chemise in the Marquis de
+Serac's laundry.
+
+"What will Juve say to this? I must see him right away!"
+
+He turned to the concierge:
+
+"Madame Ceiron, I realize our search here will be without result, so I
+will leave you now and probably return about ten to-night with my friend
+Juve."
+
+"Very good, Monsieur. You found nothing, I suppose?"
+
+"Nothing at all," declared Fandor.
+
+While Fandor was going downstairs the pseudo Mme. Ceiron made a grimace.
+
+"He's found nothing, hasn't he? And yet he's turned over everything I
+left in that drawer! He's not so clever as Juve, although he isn't a
+fool.... After all, I don't care, I've got them both where I want
+them."
+
+Jerome Fandor shouted an address to his driver:
+
+"Rue Bonaparte, and if you hurry there's a good tip waiting for you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+SHADOWED
+
+
+An unusual cold had continued for nearly a week, and the ice fete
+organized by the skating club upon the upper lake in the Bois de
+Boulogne had been announced for this particular day. This fete had been
+already frequently postponed on account of the weather. It had become a
+joke among Parisians to receive an invitation for a date which was
+invariably followed by a period of thaw, turning the lake into ice water
+and mud.
+
+And now the afternoon of this January day, which began with the
+explosion in the Sud-Nord tunnel, had been finally decided upon. The
+clear atmosphere and severe cold promised no further disappointment. The
+fete was to be given in aid of the poor of the town and the admission
+fee was put at a high figure for the purpose of drawing a fashionable
+crowd and keeping out the mob. Vehicles of all kinds drew up and were
+parked by the shore of the lake, giving the place the appearance of a
+fashionable reception.
+
+M. Fouquet-Legendre, President of the Committee, stood chatting with the
+Marquis de Serac, and both men cast frequent glances in the direction
+of the town.
+
+"You are sure he will come?" M. Fouquet-Legendre inquired for the
+twentieth time.
+
+"You may rely upon it, His Majesty himself promised to honor with his
+presence the reunion organized by your Committee."
+
+M. Fouquet-Legendre moved away to superintend the preparation of a lunch
+table containing sandwiches, cakes and champagne. The Marquis de Serac
+sauntered among the crowd, exchanging bows and handshakes with his
+numerous friends.
+
+To see this elegant old gentleman, jovial, smiling, without an apparent
+trouble in the world, it would be hard to imagine that he was the
+formidable and elusive Fantomas.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The arrival of a superb limousine aroused the curiosity of the crowd. A
+distinguished-looking man, wearing a striking cloak and a cap of
+astrakhan, stepped out of it.
+
+It was King Frederick-Christian II. The worthy president immediately
+suggested a glass of champagne, but the King made it quickly known that
+he had come to skate, and desired to remain officially incognito.
+
+Frederick-Christian had regained his popularity in the eyes of the
+Parisians. The suspicion of murdering his mistress which had attached
+to him had gradually given way to the belief that he was innocent, and
+the real perpetrator of the crime was now supposed by the public to be
+Fantomas.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The King proved himself to be an expert skater, and under the respectful
+gaze of the crowd, described graceful curves and difficult figures upon
+the ice. At length the attention of the King was drawn to a woman, who,
+equally clever, seemed to be amusing herself with copying his
+evolutions. The figure of this woman seemed not unfamiliar to him, and
+he finally set himself to follow her, increasing his speed, until the
+two brought up face to face. Involuntarily a name escaped his lips:
+
+"The Grand Duchess Alexandra! You here, Madame!"
+
+He could not forget that this woman, with all her seductive charm, was
+actually a redoubtable adversary of his dynasty. The pseudo Grand
+Duchess, however, manoeuvred skilfully, affecting such a timid and
+embarrassed air that by degrees the King's severity melted under her
+charm. She seemed a little tired and out of breath from the chase, and
+when she glanced round in search of support, he could scarcely do less
+as a gallant man than offer her his arm.
+
+Profiting by this chance, the adventuress adroitly whispered her regrets
+at the unjust scandal and calumny which had coupled her name with that
+of Prince Gudulfin.
+
+"Sire," she finally murmured, "give me the opportunity of proving my
+devotion."
+
+The two, separated from the others, slowly skated away together.
+Suddenly the King stopped short; he realized he had listened with close
+attention to the confidences of the troubling person he still took for
+the Grand Duchess.
+
+What had she been saying to him?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few minutes later Frederick-Christian, deciding it was time to return
+to his Hotel, skated toward the bank. The Grand Duchess made a deep
+curtsey and ended her conversation with these words:
+
+"Sire, may I beg your forgiveness for one of your subordinates?"
+
+"It is granted, Madame ... if what you tell me comes true...."
+
+"Your Majesty will permit me to be present at the Gare du Nord when you
+leave this evening."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A taxi arrived at the lake. Juve sprang out of it.
+
+The detective bit his lip and swore upon seeing a superb limousine in
+which he saw seated Frederick-Christian and the Marquis de Serac.
+
+"Too late again!" he muttered. "I miss Lady Beltham at the America
+Hotel; I miss the King at the skating. At least, let me make sure that
+the so-called Grand Duchess is still here."
+
+A thorough search on the ice and among the crowd on shore failed to
+discover the lady, who had doubtless left at the same time as the King.
+While skating from group to group Juve was brought up by a conversation
+in low tones between M. Annion and M. Lepine. Hiding behind a tree, he
+listened attentively.
+
+"Well, you know the last news?"
+
+"Yes," declared M. Annion, "but it seems very extraordinary."
+
+"There is no doubt, however, this Grand Duchess Alexandra should be well
+posted ... now. She has formally promised the King that his diamond will
+be found in the possession of our man ... who will be under arrest this
+evening...."
+
+"You believe that?" questioned M. Lepine, with a skeptical smile.
+
+"Well, I believe in the arrest--that is certain; but whether we shall
+find the diamond is another matter."
+
+Juve's first impulse was to make himself known to his chief; but on
+second thoughts he decided to keep silent. He had gathered from the
+conversation that the arrest of Fantomas was imminent. That, of course,
+was satisfactory in every respect.
+
+The conversation continued and, as he listened, Juve could not help
+smiling.
+
+"They are all right! They realize the work I've done and they want me to
+reap the reward of it."
+
+M. Lepine had, in fact, asked M. Annion:
+
+"You are quite sure Juve will be at the Gare du Nord this evening?"
+
+"Quite sure; I have given him orders to that effect."
+
+Juve decided it was not worth while going home to get the order.
+Evidently they counted upon him to be at the Station at nine o'clock;
+ostensibly to assist at the departure of the King, in reality to arrest
+Fantomas.
+
+The detective moved away, there was not a moment to spare. Whatever
+happened it was absolutely necessary that he should have an interview
+with Lady Beltham.
+
+In her small oriental salon, the Grand Duchess Alexandra sat chatting
+with Wulf, about five o'clock in the evening.
+
+"Really, Monsieur Wulf, you are an extraordinary man, and your
+intelligence is amazing."
+
+"Madame is too indulgent," replied Wulf, beaming.
+
+"Oh no, I am only fair to you; I know you are a man of value and that is
+why I have been at pains to re-establish you in the good graces of your
+sovereign."
+
+Since her return to the America Hotel, Alexandra had been exceedingly
+busy. To begin with, she had received a visit from her lover, the
+Marquis de Serac. A long conversation in low tones had taken place, and
+the Marquis had left her, nervous and agitated. The adventuress had then
+put on a smiling face to meet the ridiculous Wulf, and after some
+mysterious and complicated business with him had been transacted, she
+had ended by loading the officer with outrageous compliments and saying:
+
+"And now, thanks to you, Monsieur Wulf, the elusive Fantomas is about to
+be arrested. Be assured the King will give you the very highest proof of
+his gratitude for this service. Your position at the Court of
+Hesse-Weimar will be more important than ever."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Night had fallen and the lamps of the Paris streets were lit up.
+
+At the corner of the Boulevard Malesherbes and the Avenue de Villiers,
+not far from the door of the America Hotel, a man was seated on a bench;
+he seemed to be merely resting; but in reality he was closely watching
+each individual who entered and left the Hotel.
+
+This man was Juve.
+
+He began rubbing his hands with a satisfied air.
+
+"Good, good! The evening is beginning well.... There is one important
+thing for me to do now; shadow Lady Beltham, and not lose sight of her
+for a single moment, from the time she leaves this Hotel until...."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+THE DEATH WATCH
+
+
+In her ears an incessant buzzing. On her throat a weight which stifled
+her. In her mouth a gag which obstructed her breathing and tore her
+lips. Over her eyes a heavy bandage. Her arms were bound at the wrists,
+her body was bruised by heavy thongs, and her ankles bleeding from the
+pressure of cords.
+
+Marie Pascal was gradually regaining consciousness. She tried to make a
+movement, but her body could not respond; she wanted to cry out, but her
+voice died away in her throat. At first she thought it was all a
+nightmare, then memory returned and she recalled every detail of her
+strange and sinister adventure.
+
+She saw herself starting with Mme. Ceiron to call on Juve. The concierge
+had said:
+
+"Don't worry, my dear, I know the way. Monsieur Juve gave me his
+address."
+
+At length, after a long walk, Mme. Ceiron made her climb the stairs of a
+decent looking house. On the way up she remembered feeling faint and
+that the concierge had given her salts to smell. Following that came
+complete unconsciousness, out of which she woke to hear a grim menacing
+voice exclaim:
+
+"I am Fantomas! I condemn you to death in the interest of my cause!"
+
+She was in the hands of Fantomas!
+
+And then she fainted again, but not until after a flood of light had
+been let into her mind. In a flash she understood that Fantomas himself
+must have been the mainspring of the incomprehensible events enveloping
+the King's visit to Paris. Furthermore, she divined that Mme. Ceiron and
+Fantomas were the same person. It was she who offered the salts,
+undoubtedly inducing her unconsciousness. The sound of a steady tic-tac
+she recognized as coming from a nearby clock. Where was she?
+
+Was she really in Juve's apartment?
+
+With a supreme effort she succeeded in turning her head a little, and in
+the movement the bandage over her eyes became loosened and fell off. She
+could see at last!
+
+She found herself bound to a large sofa placed in the middle of a
+well-furnished room. Before her was placed a monstrous and sinister
+thing--the menacing barrel of a revolver. Its trigger was bound by a
+number of strings, each one ending in a nail. These were embedded in
+lighted wax candles, and from the nails hung a counter-weight.
+
+It was not difficult to guess its purport.
+
+When the candles burned down to the nails, these would become detached,
+releasing the counter-weights and automatically discharging the revolver
+aimed straight at her body. Fantomas had no need to return. His infernal
+cunning had found a means to kill her in his absence.
+
+Marie Pascal calculated that the candles would burn for not more than an
+hour--an hour and a half at most. The unfortunate girl now began to
+undergo the agony of waiting for her approaching end. It seemed to her
+that the candles had been piously lighted for some death watch. When the
+wax had melted near the first nails, she closed her eyes and a deep sigh
+of horror escaped from her lips.
+
+"Pity! Pity!"
+
+Suddenly, Jerome Fandor burst into the chamber, anxious to tell his
+friend Juve about the objects he had found in Marie Pascal's room.
+Scarcely had he opened the door than he started back in amazement, white
+as a sheet. Ah! the horrible spectacle of the young girl lying
+motionless, as though dead, she, who in spite of everything, he still
+found charming. Then realizing the situation, he sprang forward, put out
+the candles and removed the revolver.
+
+"Saved! You are saved!"
+
+With infinite precautions he untied the ropes and placed Marie's head
+upon some cushions. She opened her eyes slowly and murmured:
+
+"Where am I? Help! Fantomas!"
+
+Fandor endeavored to reassure her.
+
+"Don't be frightened! Fantomas isn't here; you are saved.... It is I ...
+Jerome Fandor."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Marie Pascal was seated in an armchair, still very pale, but with
+courage regained.
+
+"Now, Mademoiselle," exclaimed the journalist, "I beg you to tell me
+everything.... I promise I won't give you up ... time is precious and if
+your accomplice had tried to get rid of you, it is only natural; you are
+dangerous for him.... Marie Pascal, I implore you to tell me the truth!
+Tell me, who is Fantomas?"
+
+The young girl listened to these words with growing amazement.
+
+"The accomplice of Fantomas, I!... What are you saying, Monsieur?...
+Sire!"
+
+Jerome Fandor interrupted.
+
+"Now don't deny it! Look here, I'll tell you the truth. I am not the
+King."
+
+"You are not...."
+
+"No, but I haven't time to explain that now... you must help me to
+capture this criminal ... and I give you my word you will not be
+involved yourself."
+
+"But I am not the accomplice of Fantomas!"
+
+"Then why did you steal those jewels? Why have you the key of Susy
+d'Orsel's apartment in your possession?"
+
+Marie's face expressed such bewilderment as Fandor asked the question
+that he could no longer doubt her innocence.
+
+"Then, for the love of heaven, tell me all you know!"
+
+Marie Pascal told a lengthy story. She recounted in detail the role she
+had played in the tragic affair of the Rue Monceau and ended by
+exclaiming:
+
+"What you don't know is that Mme. Ceiron is in reality Fantomas. Under
+this disguise he has tried to assassinate me; he assured you that I had
+gone to the country, so that rescue would have been impossible."
+
+"Ah, Fantomas!" cried Fandor at the end of the recital, "your hour has
+come! In an hour at most you will begin the expiation of your crimes!"
+
+As the young girl looked doubtfully at him, he added:
+
+"It's time, Marie Pascal! Come with me and see him arrested!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+THE ARREST OF FANTOMAS
+
+
+"Good evening, Monsieur Caldoni, so you are starting soon?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur Vicart, it's customary and also my duty, every time a
+sovereign, a crowned head, takes the train..."
+
+"You stick as close to him as possible until he has reached the
+frontier. Well, I'm not sorry to see you here," continued Vicart, "for
+now my job is over."
+
+"And mine just beginning, worse luck."
+
+"Oh! you have only a few hours of it; you travel luxuriously in a
+special train..."
+
+"One gets tired of that pretty soon. Last week I took the Dowager Queen
+of Italy to Menton; then jumped to the Spanish frontier to pick up the
+King of Spain; now it's the King of Hesse-Weimar--to-morrow, who knows?"
+
+The station was decorated gaily in honor of the departing
+Frederick-Christian. In a private room, a number of the guests,
+especially invited, were waiting the arrival of the Sovereign.
+
+While M. Vicart, in company with a special agent, made a rapid
+examination of the station and satisfied himself that all preparations
+had been thoroughly carried out, M. Caldoni was talking to the
+station-master.
+
+"The King's special train is to start exactly at 10.17, that is to say,
+it will follow, at an interval of 10 minutes number 322."
+
+"The 322 is the Cologne express, isn't it?" inquired M. Caldoni.
+
+"Yes, the Cologne express."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In the meantime a vast crowd of the curious who had learned of the
+departure of the King by the evening papers, filled the waiting-rooms
+and platforms. Journalists were grouped apart and the invited guests
+included numerous persons of quality. Among them was Baron Weil, member
+of the Council of Administration, and delegated to represent it at the
+ceremony of departure. Lieutenant Colonel Bonnival was also there to
+represent the State. At the station entrance, M. Havard stood alone,
+waiting the arrival of the automobile which contained M. Annion, in
+attendance upon the King.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Making his way noiselessly in and out of the crowd, Juve gradually drew
+near the front ranks and reached the cordon of special officers whose
+duty it was to bar the way to the platform of departure. Here Juve ran
+into Michel, and the two men silently shook hands. Juve was about to
+show his card, but Michel smiled:
+
+"No need for you to show it, Juve."
+
+The detective now mingled with the guests, and as he reached the
+reception-room he moved behind a lady who had just arrived. Waiting a
+favorable opportunity he approached her:
+
+"Pardon me," he began in a dry voice, "one moment, please."
+
+The lady turned sharply:
+
+"Monsieur, who are you? What do you want?"
+
+"I am Juve, of the Secret Service."
+
+"And I am the Grand Duchess Alexandra, relative of the King of
+Hesse-Weimar."
+
+"No, you are Lady Beltham. I recognize you and it will be no use to deny
+it."
+
+The adventuress started panting, in her eyes a look of fear.
+
+"Ah," she stammered.
+
+"I've got you, Lady Beltham. The time to pay has come. You are under
+arrest." Then in a whisper he added, "Where is the diamond?"
+
+There was a silence. Lady Beltham lowered her eyes.
+
+"Better tell me, and avoid the scandal."
+
+"Don't make a scandal, I implore you. I have the diamond with me."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At this moment the King of Hesse-Weimar entered the reception-room
+accompanied by his friend, the Marquis de Serac.
+
+Juve could not repress a start. The daring of Fantomas was beyond
+belief. But his first duty was to recover the diamond. Leaning toward
+his prisoner, he whispered:
+
+"Hand over the diamond immediately."
+
+The adventuress gave him a strange and mysterious look.
+
+"Monsieur, slip your hand into my sleeve."
+
+Juve obeyed. His fingers instantly closed around the precious jewel
+which he identified at once by the feel.
+
+"Monsieur, I came here for the express purpose of returning it, please
+believe me."
+
+At this moment Juve met the eyes of M. Annion, and he realized that the
+time had come to report to his chief. The detective had three plain
+clothes men at his elbow; he now turned to them and with a gesture gave
+the care of Lady Beltham into their keeping. Juve then advanced through
+the crowded room toward M. Annion and the King. The latter watched him
+closely and whispered to M. Vicart:
+
+"This time we mustn't hesitate."
+
+In a moment Juve felt his arms seized and pinioned, and then before he
+could recover from his amazement, he was hustled off into a private
+room.
+
+"Search him!"
+
+Immediately one of his guards snatched the diamond from his waistcoat
+pocket. Juve looked up and in the doorway stood the absurd Wulf and by
+his side the Marquis de Serac.
+
+"Fantomas," he cried, "Fantomas!... arrest him!" Then in a sudden access
+of rage:
+
+"Let me go, you idiots! M. Annion, what does this mean? Fantomas stands
+before you! We've got him, and Lady Beltham, too!"
+
+M. Annion paid no attention to his outburst, but calmly turned to
+another man who had appeared on the scene.
+
+"Monsieur Heberlauf, do you recognize this man?"
+
+M. Heberlauf, who never could make a decision, hesitated:
+
+"It seems to me ... I don't know ... I think I do. Madame Heberlauf can
+tell you better than I can."
+
+Madame Heberlauf now stepped forward and in a flood of words, explained
+to M. Annion that she had no doubt in the matter.
+
+"By a most infernal device, Monsieur, this criminal escaped from his
+prison, and not content with that, he killed an unfortunate servant, an
+old porter whom our police discovered the following day in the mortuary
+chapel of Glotzbourg."
+
+Instinctly Juve was about to protest but M. Annion held up a hand.
+
+"Silence. You will explain at the trial." Then turning to the Marquis de
+Serac, he handed the diamond to him.
+
+"We are very glad to be able to return this precious jewel to his
+Majesty Frederick-Christian II, and I place it in your hands, Marquis,
+in presence of Monsieur Wulf and Monsieur Heberlauf."
+
+A yell from Juve interrupted him:
+
+"God Almighty! the Marquis de Serac is Fantomas!... Fantomas, the
+assassin of Susy d'Orsel!"
+
+M. Havard came forward:
+
+"It's no use, Juve, keep quiet. We know all you would say. But I may
+tell you that in every place where Fantomas left his trace we have found
+undeniable evidences of your presence."
+
+When M. Havard pronounced the name Fantomas, a young girl sprang
+forward. It was Marie Pascal.
+
+"Monsieur," she cried, "Fantomas is arrested! Fantomas, the monster who
+nearly killed me two hours ago!"
+
+"Nearly killed you? Where?"
+
+"In a house in the Rue Bonaparte."
+
+"M. Juve's house," exclaimed the Marquis de Serac with an ironical
+smile.
+
+"And who rescued you?" asked M. Havard.
+
+Marie Pascal turned to identify Fandor but the journalist had
+disappeared.
+
+Getting wind of what was afoot after reaching the station, he had kept
+out of sight and listened to the rumors of the crowd. It was with
+stupefaction that he at length discovered that the authorities had
+actually decided that Juve and Fantomas were one and the same person!
+
+With his usual quick decision, he promptly made up his mind that he
+would be more useful to his friend if he remained free. He realized the
+probability of his own arrest for counterfeiting the King.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+M. Vicart offered humble apologies to the pseudo Grand Duchess
+Alexandra, who accepted them with a haughty inclination of the head, and
+hastened to join the suite of the King.
+
+The latter warmly thanked the Marquis de Serac and amid the
+acclamations of the crowd the train started.
+
+Wulf, swollen with vanity, cried aloud so that everyone might hear:
+
+"It is thanks to me that he is arrested!"
+
+Juve now left with the police officers, shouted at the top of his voice:
+
+"But I am Juve! Juve! Oh! they are all crazy! Crazy!"
+
+In a few moments he was taken to a waiting taxi, while the crowd took a
+last look at the departing King and his suite. They were saying:
+
+"That's the Grand Duchess and the Marquis de Serac!"
+
+Juve gave one great cry of distress, while the tears coursed down his
+cheeks.
+
+"The Grand Duchess! the Marquis de Serac! No! no! The police have
+arrested an innocent man and have let Lady Beltham and Fantomas escape!"
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+FANTOMAS DETECTIVE TALES
+
+By
+
+PIERRE SOUVESTRE and MARCEL ALLAIN
+
+12 mo. Cloth. Price, $1.40, net, each.
+
+
+I.
+
+FANTOMAS
+
+The Adventures of Detective Juve in Pursuit of a Master in Crime.
+
+
+II.
+
+THE EXPLOITS OF JUVE
+
+In this continuation of "Fantomas" the further adventures of Detective
+Juve are narrated and tell of his efforts to run the notorious criminal
+to earth. Fantomas appears here as the leader of a gang of Apaches.
+
+
+III.
+
+MESSENGERS OF EVIL
+
+This third Instalment of the adventures of Detective Juve contains a
+recital of some remarkable happenings in the life of this
+master-criminal of Paris.
+
+
+IV.
+
+A NEST OF SPIES
+
+Fantomas now appears as the representative in Paris of a Foreign
+Government whose real business is to obtain important military secrets
+for Germany. Juve succeeds in defeating his efforts, but the criminal
+himself escapes once more.
+
+
+V.
+
+A ROYAL PRISONER
+
+This volume tells of the daring exploits of Fantomas in his attempts to
+get possession of the King of Hesse-Weimar's famous diamond.
+
+_Other Volumes in Preparation_
+
+BRENTANO'S
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Royal Prisoner, by
+Pierre Souvestre and Marcel Allain
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A ROYAL PRISONER ***
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