"It will cost me a pair of sheets and maybe a mattress."
"What does it mean?"
"These defensive works have a double object. To protect me against Fantômas, or the 'executioner' he will send, and also I shall be able to determine the civil status of the 'executioner' in question."
Fandor, more and more puzzled, inspected the iron spikes, which were two or more inches in length.
"This contrivance is not new," said Juve; "Liabeuf wore arm guards like these under his jacket, and when the officers wanted to seize him they tore their hands."
"I know, I know," replied Fandor, "but——"
The detective all at once laid a finger on his lips.
"It's now twenty past eleven, and I am in the habit of being in bed at half past. Fantômas is bound to know it: when he comes or sends, he must not notice anything out of the way. Get into your wicker case and shut the lid down carefully. By the by, I shall leave the window slightly open."
"Isn't that a bit risky?"
"It is one of my habits, and not to make Fantômas suspicious I alter my ways in nothing."