CHAPTER XVIII
“FANTÔMAS SPEAKING!”
M. Havard was almost apologetic, almost polite, a fact which in his case was proof positive of the deepest respect. Habitually plain-spoken, accustomed to give orders in clear, precise terms, and to ask questions in a more downright fashion, still, M. Havard appeared for once to be making heroic efforts to preserve a respectful, deferential attitude.
“My carriage is not over and above luxurious,” he was saying, pointing to the inside of the brougham in which he had just taken his seat in company with a personage of a keen, anxious-looking countenance, “
but you must know that, to make up, it is one of the safest.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that, copying the Emperor of Germany, I have taken the precaution, Monsieur le Ministre, to have the woodwork lined with steel plates. In my carriage one is secure against the latest and most approved revolvers, the sharpest daggers.”
The Minister smiled approvingly. “And that is always something!” he laughed.
“Yes, it is indeed something,” M. Havard proceeded, “when, like me, a man is continually exposed to acts of vengeance, of reprisal, the object of ill-will and hatred.”
But it was pretty plain the Minister was paying but a divided attention to M. Havard’s remarks.
“Quite right,” he said, in an indifferent voice; “yes, I admire your precautions; you were certainly well inspired to fortify your carriage in this way.... But come now, tell me what line you propose to adopt with this individual?”