ths of mystery, presiding over this series of dramatic occurrences.

"Yes, Fantomas is certainly in this!" he cried.... But Dollon has left
traces of himself here--has, as it were, put his signature, his
identification mark to this crime!... But Dollon is not Fantomas ...
besides Dollon is dead!... I have proofs of it--yes, he is dead!... Well
then?...

What to make of it?

Fandor could not make anything of it!

X

IDENTITY OF A NAVVY

"The Barbey-Nanteuil bank is certainly gorgeous!" thought Jerome Fandor
as he traversed the hall on the ground floor, where the massive mahogany
furniture, the thick carpets, the deep, comfortable chairs, the sober
elegance of the window curtains breathed an atmosphere of luxury and
good taste. "And decidedly banking is the best of businesses!" added our
young journalist.

An attendant advanced to meet him.

"What do you want, monsieur?"

"Will you take in my card to Monsieur Nanteuil? I should be glad to have
a few minutes' talk with him."

The attendant bowed.

"On a personal matter, monsieur?"

"A personal matter?... Yes."

Jerome Fandor wanted to interview the Barbey-Nanteuils on the subject of
the recent occurrences, which had roused Paris opinion to the highest
degree--mysterious occurrences on which no light seemed to have been
thrown so far.... Not only were the Barbey-Nanteuils the bankers of the
Baroness de Vibray, but they had been present at Thomery's ball, when
the attack on Princess Sonia Danidoff had taken place.... Would they
allow themselves to be interviewed? Fandor decided that they certainly
would, for they were business men, and was he not going to give them a
free advertisement?

The attendant--a stately individual--returned.

"Monsieur Nanteuil is sorry he cannot see you, he is taking the chair
at an important committee meeting; but Monsieur Barbey will see you for
a few minutes, that is to say, if he will do instead of Monsieur
Nanteuil."

"In that case, I will see Monsieur Barbey," said Fandor, rising.

Following the attendant, Fandor traversed the whole length of the bank,
and passing the half-open door of Monsieur Nanteuil's office--the name
on the door told him this--he noticed that it was empty.

Monsieur Barbey received him coldly and with a solemn bow. Fandor's
reply was a pleasant smile.

"I know," said he, "that your time is precious, Monsieur Barbey, so I
will come straight to the object of my call.... You must be aware o