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How Fandor longed to shout: "I am not Fantômas! Your Trokoff is a traitor!" But how pull the scales from off eyes blinded by fanaticism? How to prove to them he was not Fantômas? Who among them could recognise the unknown, elusive bandit, Fantômas? These Nihilists had for Trokoff an admiration beyond the bounds of reason. How could he show up Trokoff as he really was?
Had he not opened the door?... Only Trokoff, the expected, the longed for, could have done that! The assembly acclaimed him: "Trokoff! We for Russia welcome you! God be with you, Trokoff! Heaven guard you!" "God be with you, brothers!" Juve advanced, scrutinising each in turn: neither Vagualame nor Bobinette were among them. Juve addressed them: "My brothers!
This menace hurled at his victim, Trokoff drew his fanatical partisans together, made them quit the studio, and vanished with them.... "He will return," thought Fandor: "And then it is all up with me! Courage to face the worst!" The door of the studio had barely closed on Trokoff and his dupes when Fandor heard a breathless murmur at his ear. "Quick! Quick! Fandor!
Fandor's grip and spring had been so sudden that Trokoff had not been able to defend himself. He and Fandor struggled, twisted, writhed, in a terrible embrace; panting, livid, with eyes of hate and horror! De Naarboveck had laid hold of Trokoff, shouting: "You shall die! You must die!" This frightful struggle lasted but a few moments. Trokoff managed to free himself from Fandor's grip.
You know that the police are now searching the shop overhead: it is a serious moment!" One of the Nihilists stepped forward. "We know it, Trokoff! Our brother, Vagualame, accompanied by a young disciple, came to warn us but a minute ago. Be assured, brother!
In the uncertain light of the match flame Fandor perceived someone leaning against the wall it was Trokoff! Trokoff, who calmly went up to a table, took a candlestick, and lighted a candle! Throwing himself into an arm-chair, this Trokoff asked: "Well now? Why the devil are you got up as Fantômas, my lad?... For a military prisoner this is not at all correct!"
Suddenly Fandor shouted: "Do not kill him! If it is Fantômas, we must take him alive!" Before de Naarboveck had time to reply, the door was flung back against him, thus putting him out of action for the moment. Fandor shot forward, seized Trokoff by the throat, and, rolling on the floor with him, yelled: "To me, Naarboveck! Fantômas, you are taken! Yield!"
Thought Juve: "He will hardly guess that I entered the assembly below by the secret door and made them believe I was Trokoff!... It leaves a way open for future transactions!... Some day, not so far ahead, I may return, may find that devil's Will o' the Wisp of a bandit there and nab him at last!"... Did Michel suspect there were Nihilists on the premises?
Could Fandor believe his ears? his eyes? Trokoff was Juve! Fandor looked so bewildered that Juve-Trokoff laughed a merry laugh. "Come now, my Fandor, try to gather your wandering wits together a bit and answer me!" "You, Juve!... You are Juve!" gasped Fandor, exhausted in mind, and body with the emotions he had experienced.
Yes, Fantômas had changed his plans: rid of the Nihilists, he could have it all his own way with Fandor! The disciples, as with one voice, cried: "We are thy faithful followers. What thou ordainest that we do!"... Trokoff turned to Fandor. He shook a threatening fist in Fandor's face. "Collect yourself.... You are to pay the price of expiation soon!"
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