"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 disc