From henceforth she was faced with this accomplice, guilty of new crimes, clothed in a new personality, already under suspicion, which doubtless he would cast off only to assume another which would enable him still further to extend the list of his crimes! But despite all the horror her lover inspired her with she felt herself tamed again, powerless to resist him, ready to do anything the moment he bade her!
She inquired feebly:
"Who was it killed Mme. Raymond? Was it that ruffian—whom they speak of in the papers—Loupart?"
"Well, not exactly!"
"Then was it you? Speak, I would rather know."
"It was neither he nor I, and yet it was to some extent both."
"I do not understand."
"It is rather difficult to understand. Our 'executioner' does not lack originality. I may say it is something which lives yet does not think."
"Who is it! Who is it!"
"Why not ask Detective Juve. Oh! Juve, too, would like to know who the deuce all these people are. Gurn, Chaleck, Loupart, and, above all—Fantômas!"