"What is your height?" he asked. "If I remember right, five feet ten." Juve got out his pocket measure and took the length of the crate. "That's all right," he murmured. "You'll be quite snug and comfortable in it." Fandor burst out: "You're a cheerful host, Juve. You bottle up your guests in cages now!" Juve placed a mattress at the bottom of the basket and laid two blankets over that, then he put a pillow on top. Patting the bedding to make it smooth, he declared with a laugh: "I fear nothing, but I have taken precautions. I have posted two men in the porter's lodge. I have loaded my revolver, and dined comfortably. About half-past eleven I shall go to bed as usual. However, instead of going to sleep I shall endeavour to keep awake. At dinner I took three cups of coffee, and when you go I shall drink a fourth." "Excuse me," said Fandor, "but I am not going away." "There! You'll sleep splendid inside that, Fandor." The journalist, used to the devices of his friend, nodded his head. Juve had already taken off his coat and waistcoat and now drew from a box three belts half a yard in breadth and studded outside with sharp points. "Look, Fandor! I shall be completely protected when I am swathed in them. Oh," he added, "I was going to forget my leg guards!" Juve went back to the box and took out two other rolls, also studded with spikes. Fandor looked in amazement at this gear and Juve observed laughingly: "It will cost me a pair of sheets and maybe a mattress." "What does it mean?" "These defensive works have a double object. To protect me against Fantômas, or the 'executioner' he will send, and also I shall be able to determine the civil status of the 'executioner' in question." Fandor, more and more puzzled, inspected the iron spikes, which were two or more inches in length. "This contrivance is not new," said Juve; "Liabeuf wore arm guards like these under his jacket, and when the officers wanted to seize him they tore their hands." "I know, I know," replied Fandor, "but----" The detective all at once laid a finger on his lips. "It's now twenty past eleven, and I am in the habit of being in bed at half past. Fantômas is bound to know it: when he comes or sends, he must not notice anything out of the way. Get into your wicker case and shut the lid down carefully. By the by, I shall leave the window slightly open." "Isn't that a bit risky?" "It is one of my habits, and not to make Fantômas suspicious I alter my ways in nothing." Fandor settled himself in his case and Juve also got into bed. As he put out the light he gave a warning. "We mustn't close an eye or utter a word. Whatever happens, don't move. But when I call, strike a light at once and come to me." "All right," replied Fandor. * * * * * "Fandor!"