A Nest of Spies: Fantômas Saga. Marcel Allain

with himself a moment, closed his eyes, and, without a touch of insincerity, replied in a steady voice:

      "Yes, I have decided to do it."

      "In that case," said Fandor, "will you look on the deed as done, and take it that you are no longer in existence?"

      The corporal stared at Fandor, speechless, absolutely dumbfounded. Fandor made his idea more definite.

      "From this moment you do not exist any more, you are nothing, you are no longer Corporal Vinson."...

      "And then?"...

      But Fandor must have a definite promise.

      "Is this agreed to?"...

      "I agree."

      "Swear it!"

      "I swear it!"

      "Very well, Vinson, you now belong to me, you are my property, my chattel; I am going to give you my instructions, and they must be strictly obeyed, carried out!"

      The miserable soldier seemed crushed to the earth; but with a movement of his head he signified that he was prepared to do whatever the journalist ordered.