epine. Hiding behind a tree, he
listened attentively.

"Well, you know the last news?"

"Yes," declared M. Annion, "but it seems very extraordinary."

"There is no doubt, however, this Grand Duchess Alexandra should be well
posted ... now. She has formally promised the King that his diamond will
be found in the possession of our man ... who will be under arrest this
evening...."

"You believe that?" questioned M. Lepine, with a skeptical smile.

"Well, I believe in the arrest--that is certain; but whether we shall
find the diamond is another matter."

Juve's first impulse was to make himself known to his chief; but on
second thoughts he decided to keep silent. He had gathered from the
conversation that the arrest of Fantomas was imminent. That, of course,
was satisfactory in every respect.

The conversation continued and, as he listened, Juve could not help
smiling.

"They are all right! They realize the work I've done and they want me to
reap the reward of it."

M. Lepine had, in fact, asked M. Annion:

"You are quite sure Juve will be at the Gare du Nord this evening?"

"Quite sure; I have given him orders to that effect."

Juve decided it was not worth while going home to get the order.
Evidently they counted upon him to be at the Station at nine o'clock;
ostensibly to assist at the departure of the King, in reality to arrest
Fantomas.

The detective moved away, there was not a moment to spare. Whatever
happened it was absolutely necessary that he should have an interview
with Lady Beltham.

In her small oriental salon, the Grand Duchess Alexandra sat chatting
with Wulf, about five o'clock in the evening.

"Really, Monsieur Wulf, you are an extraordinary man, and your
intelligence is amazing."

"Madame is too indulgent," replied Wulf, beaming.

"Oh no, I am only fair to you; I know you are a man of value and that is
why I have been at pains to re-establish you in the good graces of your
sovereign."

Since her return to the America Hotel, Alexandra had been exceedingly
busy. To begin with, she had received a visit from her lover, the
Marquis de Serac. A long conversation in low tones had taken place, and
the Marquis had left her, nervous and agitated. The adventuress had then
put on a smiling face to meet the ridiculous Wulf, and after some
mysterious and complicated business with him had been transacted, she
had ended by loading the officer with outrageous compliments and saying:

"And now,