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Wulf explained how he had found the King near the fountains in the Place de la Concorde, and Juve realized that in some way or other the King and the fountains were mysteriously connected. In his turn, Wulf plied Juve with questions as to what he had done during his stay at Glotzbourg. What sort of welcome had he received from M. Heberlauf? How had the arrest of Fantômas been effected?
The building itself was a miniature copy of Versailles. Having left his carriage at the gate Juve followed Madame Heberlauf's instructions and made his way to the left wing of the Palace. Upon his card of introduction was written the title "Comte," for, as Madame Heberlauf had explained, the Queen had a penchant for meeting members of the nobility.
Juve made it clear to Monsieur Heberlauf that he wished to obtain an entry to the Court as soon as possible. Monsieur Heberlauf replied that nothing would be easier than a presentation to the Queen. It happened that she was receiving in the afternoon, and Madame Heberlauf would take the necessary steps for his introduction. He ended by saying: "Do come and lunch with us without ceremony.
"Your welcome will be made much easier if you are thought to be noble," Madame Heberlauf had explained. As it was imperative that the reason for Juve's visit should be kept from the Court, he had arranged a little story with Madame Heberlauf.
Juve also divined without much difficulty that his wife, Madame Heloise Heberlauf, was the best informed woman in the kingdom regarding gossip and scandal. "In fact," declared the chief of police, "I can be of very little assistance to you, Monsieur. But my wife can give you all the information you need."
Juve was anxiously regarding himself in the glass, examining the effect of his costume, while Madame Heberlauf, a fat little red-faced woman, was circling around, eyeing him from every angle and clapping her hands with pleasure at the success of her efforts. The lunch had been bountiful, and thoroughly German. Preserved fruit was served with the fish, and gooseberry jam with the roast.
The Comte Juve was a Canadian explorer who, after a trip through Africa, was coming to spend some time at Glotzbourg and was anxious to meet the reigning family. "God forgive us the lie," exclaimed Monsieur Heberlauf, "but as Monsieur Juve's mission is in the interest of the King Frederick-Christian, we are thoroughly justified in the deception."
You will have plenty of time afterward to dress for the reception.... Have you a Court costume?" Juve had overlooked that item. "No, I haven't," he replied. "Is it indispensable?" "It is, but don't worry, Madame Heberlauf will take charge of that. She will be able to find you the necessary garments."
Finally M. Heberlauf arrived. He appeared immensely important, and confided to a group his opinion of the affair, adding this restriction: "At any rate, that is what my wife believes." Mme. Heberlauf had, in fact, after an interview with one of the officers, announced it as her opinion that the thief so providentially arrested was no other than the world-famous and unseizable Fantômas.
Juve was now costumed in knee breeches and a dress coat which permitted him to enter the presence of royalty. "Don't be late," Madame Heberlauf advised, "for the Queen is very punctual, and there are a number of formalities to go through before you can be presented to her."
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