fete had been
already frequently postponed on account of the weather. It had become a
joke among Parisians to receive an invitation for a date which was
invariably followed by a period of thaw, turning the lake into ice water
and mud.

And now the afternoon of this January day, which began with the
explosion in the Sud-Nord tunnel, had been finally decided upon. The
clear atmosphere and severe cold promised no further disappointment. The
fete was to be given in aid of the poor of the town and the admission
fee was put at a high figure for the purpose of drawing a fashionable
crowd and keeping out the mob. Vehicles of all kinds drew up and were
parked by the shore of the lake, giving the place the appearance of a
fashionable reception.

M. Fouquet-Legendre, President of the Committee, stood chatting with the
Marquis de Serac, and both men cast frequent glances in the direction
of the town.

"You are sure he will come?" M. Fouquet-Legendre inquired for the
twentieth time.

"You may rely upon it, His Majesty himself promised to honor with his
presence the reunion organized by your Committee."

M. Fouquet-Legendre moved away to superintend the preparation of a lunch
table containing sandwiches, cakes and champagne. The Marquis de Serac
sauntered among the crowd, exchanging bows and handshakes with his
numerous friends.

To see this elegant old gentleman, jovial, smiling, without an apparent
trouble in the world, it would be hard to imagine that he was the
formidable and elusive Fantomas.

* * * * *

The arrival of a superb limousine aroused the curiosity of the crowd. A
distinguished-looking man, wearing a striking cloak and a cap of
astrakhan, stepped out of it.

It was King Frederick-Christian II. The worthy president immediately
suggested a glass of champagne, but the King made it quickly known that
he had come to skate, and desired to remain officially incognito.

Frederick-Christian had regained his popularity in the eyes of the
Parisians. The suspicion of murdering his mistress which had attached
to him had gradually given way to the belief that he was innocent, and
the real perpetrator of the crime was now supposed by the public to be
Fantomas.

* * * * *

The King proved himself to be an expert skater, and under the respectful
gaze of the crowd, described graceful curves and difficult figures upon
the ice. At length the attention of the K