he 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 on