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Updated: June 2, 2025
"Very well, then in two hours you will be dead. I pledge my word for it.... And my word has some value. Perhaps you guess who I am." "Who? Who?" "I am Fantômas, Sire." At this name of horror and crime, Frederick-Christian was seized with the utmost terror. In a broken voice he replied: "I accept."
When M. Vicart had explained the circumstances of the case, Juve summed up: "In a word, Frederick-Christian II went to see his mistress last night, she threw herself out of the window, the King was arrested for murder; he put in a denial, claiming that a third person was present, this third person escaped, an inadmissible hypothesis, since nobody saw him and the door to the servant's staircase was locked ... this morning the King was set at liberty, and we have now to find out whether a crime was really committed or whether it was a case of suicide.... Is that it?"
"I ... I don't understand." "Yes," insisted Fandor, "your Majesty does understand. You know that I am aware in whose presence I am standing. You are Frederick-Christian II, King of Hesse-Weimar... and I, your Majesty, am Jerome Fandor, reporter on La Capitale ... a journalist." The King did not appear to attach much importance to Fandor's words.
Various problems were engaging Juve's thoughts, whose day had been exceedingly busy. After being satisfied that Frederick-Christian was really back again at the Royal Palace, the question arose as to what had become of him after his disappearance.
I am quite aware, Frederick-Christian, that your personal fortune is represented by a diamond of marvelous purity and size. I also know that it is hidden in your Palace. You, alone, know where. I want you to disclose its hiding place to me so that I may go and get it." "Never! I'm not a coward!" "You are stupid, Sire. I repeat, once in possession of the diamond, I will set you at liberty."
Now it would be very easy to verify the fact that the real King wears this size and also whether it fits the supposed impostor. In any case, Monsieur, from inquiries made among the hotel servants I find there can be no doubt that Frederick-Christian is actually staying there, and that his intimate friends have been received and have recognized him." M. Annion did not answer.
Suddenly the King stopped short; he realized he had listened with close attention to the confidences of the troubling person he still took for the Grand Duchess. What had she been saying to him? A few minutes later Frederick-Christian, deciding it was time to return to his Hotel, skated toward the bank.
The King sprang toward it, but found the light too feeble for him to distinguish surrounding objects by. It entered the cell through a small fissure in one of the walls, and after a few minutes was suddenly withdrawn. Frederick-Christian stumbled forward in the darkness and, after taking a few steps, his feet struck some object lying on the ground.
These cost the royal treasury a pretty penny, and for the twentieth time Juve heard references to a certain red diamond belonging to Frederick-Christian. He had known for a long time that such a diamond was numbered among the crown jewels, and that it was supposed to represent a value of several millions, but he had imagined it was kept in a place of safety.
"I'll be back in a moment ... something must be open. I feel a draught on my legs." "Why not show us your legs!" cried Frederick-Christian, and turning to the journalist added: "She's built like a statue ... a little marvel." Susy returned. "I knew it! The hall door was open. I hope nobody has got in." The King laughed at the idea. "If anyone did, let him come and join us, the more the merrier."
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