Two or three rooms must have been thrown into one, for several thick supporting columns of iron crossed the middle of the studio.
Fandor failed to find either piece of furniture or picture he could recognise: everything in the place was new to him.
De Naarboveck had slipped off his gown at once. He was in elegant evening dress.
Fandor also threw off the advocate's gown. He wore the black trousers de Naarboveck had brought him, but was in his shirt sleeves. The Vinson uniform had been left in the cell.
Having sufficiently enjoyed the surprise of his protégé, the baron asked:
"Do you know where we are, Monsieur Fandor?"
"I have not the remotest idea."
"Think a little!"
"I do not know in the least; that is a fact!"
"Monsieur," said de Naarboveck, coming close to Fandor, as though he was afraid of being overheard: "You know, at least, by name a certain enigmatic individual who plays an important part in the affairs of which we both are victims, in different ways.... I will no longer hide from you that we are in this individual's house!"