at
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 ama