"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 discover their mistake in arresting him. His eyes had pained him greatly the first day but were now slowly recovering. Feeling a desire to sleep, Juve stretched himself on his bed and gave way to reflection. What had happened? It was not difficult to guess. The officers of the Palace, finding him in the King's bedroom, a smoking revolver beside him and a Lancer crying "Thief! thief!" had naturally arrested him, thinking him guilty. Fantomas, after blinding him with pepper, had changed back into his uniform and escaped with the diamond. But what was Lady Beltham doing there known to the Hesse-Weimar people as the Grand Duchess Alexandra? What new and diabolical projects were on foot to bring the monster and his mistress together in this honest, bourgeois court of Hesse-Weimar?