Princess Zara

Night had just fallen when we left the hotel, and in the grim courtyard

where I found myself after the ride there was nothing discernible save

the shadowy forms of my abductors, the champing, foam-flecked horses,

and the somber walls of a huge building which loomed up on three sides

of me. I had very little time for thought, for my companion took me

familiarly by one arm and led me forward until we passed through a door

which I did not see until it swung open before us. Then it closed as

silently and as magically as it had opened, and I was led onward

through darkness that was absolute, through corridors and rooms, at

last emerging upon a dimly lighted hall, which seemed almost brilliant

by comparison. There we paused and waited.

"This does not seem like a prison," I said.

"No; but it has often led to one," he replied grimly. "One word of

advice to you before we proceed."

"I shall appreciate it. Heaven knows I need it."

"Do not on any account ask a single question during the experiences of

the next half hour. Forget that there is such a thing as an

interrogation. Perhaps, if you heed what I say, I may have the pleasure

of riding back to your hotel with you."

I did not have time to reply, for a door opened and we started forward

again, passing from room to room, each better lighted than the last,

until finally we entered one that was occupied. A man--a very large

man--was seated at a desk, and he raised his eyes as we entered his

presence. Never in my life was I so astonished as at that moment for I

recognized him at a glance.

I was in the presence of the czar.

There was a very good reason for my astonishment. I had gone to St.

Petersburg in the hope of obtaining an audience with the Emperor of all

the Russias, but I had anticipated some difficulty in securing it, nor

did I even wish for it in such a forcible and unsought manner. It was

because I desired to keep the object of my visit a close secret that I

had travelled incognito, and as I had imparted my secret to no living

human being, I was naturally astounded that my object should be so

quickly attained. A mental question shot through me in that instant

when I realized where I was: In what manner could any person have

learned of the true reason for my visit? and if it had not been learned

and transmitted to the czar, why was I conducted to the august

presence? At the same instant I comprehended that it would be the best

policy for me to appear not to know in whose presence I was, so I

simply inclined my head in the coldest bow I could master.