well acquainted with the identity of your companion?" 

 "I regret to say that I am not," I replied, relapsing into my former manner. 

 "Then permit me to introduce you. Mr. Derrington, the Prince Michael Michaelovitch Gortshakoff. And now that you know each other, we will proceed. But first, be seated." 

 My business during several years had taken me into astonishing situations, but never into one so astounding as this. I racked my brain in wondering what it could portend; in conjecturing if it were real, or if it were only the "hearty meal before the execution." I longed to ask a few questions, but remembering the advice that had been given me just before entering the room, I refrained. 

 "You will be surprised to learn that I am entirely aware of the object of your presence in Russia," continued his majesty, "for unless I am mistaken you believed your errand to be an inviolate secret. Is that true?" 

 "Quite true." 

 "And yet it is known to me. The best proof of that is that you are here." 

 I bowed. 

 "I knew a few hours after you left your own country, that you had started. I was fully acquainted with your mission. My eyes, or the eyes of those who are in my confidence, have not been off you one moment since you arrived in Europe. They followed you to Paris, across Germany, and even into the hotel where our friend called upon you and where you are known as Mr. Smith." He paused an instant, and turning to the prince, added: "Tell him the prospective fate of Mr. Smith, prince." 

 "Siberia," came the reply in one word, uttered calmly and coldly. 

 "Siberia?" I repeated after him, and shrugged my shoulders; and the czar added: 

 "Siberia." 

 

 CHAPTER VI 

 THE NIHILIST SPY 

 Prev. P 28/159 next