De Naarboveck, who had followed this movement mechanically, could not restrain a cry of stupefaction, a cry of anguish.
The window curtain had just been gradually drawn apart: slowly before the miscreant's eyes appeared the majestic form of King Frederick Christian II, King of Hesse-Weimar.
The king was livid with suppressed rage.
Juve approached him, his eyes on de Naarboveck. The king took a large envelope from an inner pocket and handed it to Juve.
"I am the victim of this monster's imposture, but I know how to recognise my mistakes and rectify them.... Monsieur Juve, here is the decree you asked me for, annulling the nomination of—Baron de Naarboveck."
During this brief scene, Naarboveck-Fantômas had gradually backed towards a corner of the room, his face was pallid and drawn: he had the look of a trapped beast of prey. But at the king's last words Naarboveck-Fantômas drew himself up to a semblance of stateliness. He also took from an inner pocket a document. He held it out to the king: his lips were curved in a smile of bitter irony.
"Sire," he said: "I, in my turn, hand you this! It is the plan stolen from Captain Brocq—the mobilisation plan for the whole French army—a plan your emperor."...
"Enough, Monsieur!" shouted the king.
The paper fell to the ground.
Juve bent quickly and picked up the document.