At this moment the King of Hesse-Weimar entered the reception-room accompanied by his friend, the Marquis de Sérac.
Juve could not repress a start. The daring of Fantômas was beyond belief. But his first duty was to recover the diamond. Leaning toward his prisoner, he whispered:
"Hand over the diamond immediately."
The adventuress gave him a strange and mysterious look.
"Monsieur, slip your hand into my sleeve."
Juve obeyed. His fingers instantly closed around the precious jewel which he identified at once by the feel.
"Monsieur, I came here for the express purpose of returning it, please believe me."
At this moment Juve met the eyes of M. Annion, and he realized that the time had come to report to his chief. The detective had three plain clothes men at his elbow; he now turned to them and with a gesture gave the care of Lady Beltham into their keeping. Juve then advanced through the crowded room toward M. Annion and the King. The latter watched him closely and whispered to M. Vicart:
"This time we mustn't hesitate."
In a moment Juve felt his arms seized and pinioned, and then before he could recover from his amazement, he was hustled off into a private room.