question.

In spite of his intoxication, Frederick-Christian seemed to be a man of
normal temperament, and of a kindly disposition. His face betrayed none
of the characteristics of the drink-maddened.

The young man was about to question Frederick-Christian further when the
hall door bell rang sharply.

Fandor quickly opened the door and let in two policemen.

"Is it here the tragedy took place?"

"What! You know already?"

"The concierge notified us, Monsieur."

Then turning to his companion:

"See that no one gets out."

"But I've sent for a doctor.... I must go and find one," cried Fandor.

"That has already been attended to. We are here to ascertain the facts,
to make arrests. Where is the victim of the crime?"

As Fandor took the officer into the bedroom he expected at every moment
to hear some exclamation at the discovery of the King. But the latter
had mysteriously disappeared.

The officer surveyed the body of the young woman and seemed in doubt how
to begin his interrogatory. Suddenly his attention was diverted to the
vestibule, where whispering was going on.

Both men quickly returned to the hall door and Fandor overheard the
final words of a third person who had entered the room, evidently the
concierge. She was saying:

"It must be 'him' ... only treat him politely ... he isn't like an
ordinary ..."

Upon seeing the journalist the old woman stopped abruptly and made him a
deep bow.

"Ah, it's you, Madame," cried Fandor, "well, have you brought a doctor?"

"We're looking for one, Monsieur," replied the old woman, "but to-night
they seem to be all out enjoying themselves."

One of the officers turned to Fandor and spoke with evident
embarrassment.

"It might be better if Monsieur would tell us exactly what happened. On
account of possible annoyances ... besides, the business is too
important ... and then the Government ..."

Fandor explained briefly all he knew. He was careful not to mention the
King by name, leaving it to his Majesty to disclose his own identity
when the time came.

"Then Monsieur means to say that a third person was present?" one of the
officers asked.

"Of course!" replied Fandor.

"And where is this third person?"

The officer looked decidedly skeptical and the journalist began to grow
uneasy.

"He was here with me just now; probably he's in one of the other rooms.
Why don't you search?"

But the search disclosed nobody.

What on earth had become of th