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. An