As the air now began to grow chilly, Juve returned to his compartment and picked up his overcoat. He was about to put it on, when he stopped in amazement. On the lining was pinned a paper with the following words scribbled in pencil: "America Hotel, Paris." For a long time Juve, with bent brows, read and reread these words. They could only have been brought here by Lady Beltham herself while Juve was away getting his ticket. What did this mysterious address portend? If Lady Beltham believed she was communicating with Fantomas, she 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. Annion...."