Princess Zara

I glanced upward into his eyes, which were bent half quizzically and

not at all unkindly upon me, and then in words that flowed easily, and

which came to me like an inspiration, I stated almost in one sentence,

and certainly in one paragraph, the concise explanation of my presence

in St. Petersburg at that moment. I said: "I believe that I can organize and maintain a secret service bureau in

your majesty's interest, which will be more effective than all the

present police force put together. In order to do so I must have my own

way entirely, must be absolute master of the situation, as far as my

men are concerned, and can have no superior officer--not even the czar

himself. My plans have been formulated with care, and I can go into

minute details whenever I am directed to do so."

"Modesty is not one of your accomplishments, Mr. Derrington."

"Possibly not; but thorough familiarity with the work I would do is

one. Interference with my duties by any one no matter how high in

place, would render my efforts impotent, and I should decline under

such circumstances to undertake the task I have set for myself."

"What is that task?"

"The utter dismemberment and destruction of an organization of

anarchists known as nihilists against whom I have already been twice

pitted, and both times successfully."

The czar arose from his chair and crossed the room to the window where

he stood for some time peering out into the darkness, in the interim

drumming ceaselessly on the pane with the tips of his fingers. During

that time there was not a word spoken. Presently he turned and came

back to the chair where I was seated, towering over me like a veritable

giant, the most magnificent specimen of masculine humanity I have ever

seen; and according to his lights, as good as he was great in stature.

When ultimately the nihilists succeeded in destroying him, they killed

the best friend that Russia ever had on the throne. They did not, could

not know it; but I do.

"Mr. Derrington," he said, speaking with great deliberation, as though

he weighed each word he uttered, "we will end this farce of questions

and answers. They are unnecessary as far as I am concerned, and are

unworthy of you. A long time ago I held a conversation in this very

room with your friend Alexis Saberevski who possesses my entire

confidence. In that conversation he recommended you to me, and I

directed him to put the bee in your bonnet that has been buzzing there

ever since; so you see that I really sent for you, although you did not

know it. It was necessary that I should first be entirely convinced

that I could trust you implicitly, before entering into negotiations

with you. I am convinced. I accept your service. You will sleep in the

palace to-night, and to-morrow we will discuss your plans in detail.

Mr. Smith has been arrested as a nihilist, and the morning papers will

announce that he has started on his journey to Siberia. Mr. Derrington

will remain in St. Petersburg and to-morrow he will decide what

disposition to make of himself. The prince will act as your host for

to-night."