I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering
over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the
difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a
sharp summons at my door.
It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the
room. That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the
Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously,
pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in
the hallway.
"I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in
perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the
one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the
name of Smith. I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a
wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was
masterful and handsome. "Perhaps you prefer to be called Mr. Smith," he
continued. "It is, I understand, the name that is mentioned in your
papers."
"For the present, yes," I replied.
"I regret that I am compelled to place you under arrest, Mr. Smith, but
such is my unfortunate duty. You will have to take a short drive with
me. I hope that you will not be detained beyond your patience. Take
your wraps, and we will go at once if you please."
"Certainly. Shall I leave the keys to my baggage here?" I knew Russia
and I did not protest.
"Thank you, yes; it will simplify matters. I have friends here who will
take charge of your rooms until you return, or----" He did not finish
the sentence but that inimitable smile shone upon me again and somewhat
assured me, in spite of the fact that my perfect knowledge of Russian
affairs rendered me thoroughly aware of my peril.
We were presently in the street and driving rapidly away; whither, I
did not know, for my companion pulled down the curtains so that I could
see nothing of the scenes through which we were passing. I tried to
keep note in my mind of the turns we made, and to remember the streets
we traversed, but it was useless and I was convinced that my conductors
were purposely confusing me. This conviction forced upon me another;
that my escort, or the people who had sent him to me, were informed
regarding my past, and had somehow learned that I knew St. Petersburg
as well as they did.
During the drive which lasted nearly an hour we remained perfectly
silent. I knew how utterly useless it would be to question the man at
my side, and he volunteered not a word. Presently the pace was
increased until the horses were on a run through the streets; then
suddenly we flew around a corner at breakneck speed and stopped so
abruptly that I was thrown forward on my face in spite of the robes in
which I was swaddled. At the same moment I heard a gate clang shut
behind us and was respectfully bidden to alight.