"You are stupid, Sire. I repeat, once in possession of the diamond, I will set you at liberty."
"Lies!"
"Sire, consider a moment. It would be practically impossible for me to realize anything like the value of the diamond. To sell it I should be obliged to break it into small pieces, and in that case it would scarcely fetch more than twenty millions. Now, I have a better suggestion to offer."
"What is it?"
"You are to give me directions how to find it. Once in my possession, you are free. You will then draw the sum of fifty millions from your bank. As King that will be quite possible. This money you will turn over to me in exchange for your diamond. And don't think you will be able to catch me. I shall take care that the exchange is made without witnesses, and in such a way that I run no risk of arrest. Now, what do you say to my proposition?"
"I refuse."
"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: