"Yes, and tell all the details; wind up by putting the question squarely. 'Is not Fantômas still alive?' Then sum up in the affirmative. Now, be off. I want to read your article this evening in the Capital."
Fandor had just left his detective friend when old Jean, the only servant that Juve tolerated in his private quarters, entered the room.
"Don't forget the person who is waiting in the parlour, sir."
"Ah, yes, to be sure. A person who comes to see me at home, when nobody knows my address should be interesting. Show him in, Jean."
Juve placed his revolver in reach of his hand as Jean announced: "Maître Gérin, notary."
Juve rose, motioned his visitor to a chair and inquired the object of his visit.
Maître Gérin bowed respectfully to Juve.
"I must apologise," he said, "for coming to disturb you at home, sir, but it concerns a matter of such importance and it involves names so terrible that I could not utter them within the walls of the Sûreté. What brings me here is a crime which must be laid to Fantômas or his heirs in crime."
Juve was strangely moved.
"Speak, sir, I am all attention."