The Created Legend

ainfully timid in going to Trirodov, in whom he evidently had certain hopes. Before Ostrov could make up his mind to ring the bell at the gates he walked the entire length of

ld his attention for a moment only. He had already taken hold of the brass bell-handle and paused cautiously, as if it were

t h

w and letting it sink between his shoulders. Quite close by a pale, blue-

ou here. Every one

o ring?" Ostrov

er to the left; it was a

he small g

h, narrow gate. A white electric bell-button shone in a round wooden recess. Ostrov rang and listened. He could hear somewhere th

wait?" he grumbled, then gav

v caught hold of the brass handle of the gate. The gate opened towards him easily and witho

kly? He could not recall now. He walked forward about ten paces, when he came upon a wall twice as high as the side walls. It had a massive oak door; an electric bel

otionless, observing eye, was

efore him like a single minute. Rays of bright light fell on his face and disappeared. Ostrov thought that some one flashed this light on his face by means of a lantern from the window over the

y as the first. He entered a short, dark corridor in the thick wall; the

here in this devilish

abs of stone under his feet. It was altogether dark on either side of the path, and it was impossible to know whether a wall was there or trees. There was nothing for him to do but to walk straight on

!" he g

off his guard, he put his left hand into the pocket of his dusty and greasy trousers and

v's face expressed nothing except an apparent effort to suppr

expect to

ov. "Whether you like it or not, you

more insolent than ever. Trirodov frowned lightly and looked s

y didn't you write and tell m

at you were here?" gr

und out," said Trirod

ed Ostrov. "Heard you mentioned in conversation.

mile. Trirodov merely sa

f odd corners, interrupted by long landings between the climbs; each landing revealed a tightly shut door. The light was clear and unwav

re the clicking sounds of lights being extinguished; the pas

lves in a large gloomy room. There was a sideboard against one of the walls and a table in the mid

g to do," grumbled Ostrov.

half of the table were in the shadow. Two boys dressed in

. Trirodov settled himself in the dark part of the

t do you w

question, not so much a gracious as a businesslike question. What do I want? In the first place, I

ad," said Tr

ap, I've come for something else. In fact, you've guessed what I'v

you want?" a

?" said Ostrov,

lied Trir

left for me to do but to tel

; then, pouring out a glass of w

d wi

swered Trirodov coldly. "Wh

s chair. He chuckle

have lots of money, and I have little. Comm

d suppose I refus

rply and looked ins

"I don't count on your permittin

y n

ust be as clear to you as to me, if not more so-and there'

n't understand why I should give you money. You'd

more sensibly?" asked Ost

"In any case, I'm prepared to help you. Only I may as well tell you that

, abrupt laugh and

I need a lot of money. But per

want?" asked Tr

plied Ostrov, making a determ

" said Trirodov, "and I cou

rer to Trirodov

form aga

d Trirodov, untou

me, as you know, my dear chap, and of a no

w," said Trirodov in

omehow, but will see that you get y

k that I have anything to fear," observe

insolent every minute. He w

you please! Did

t kill him," an

ed Ostrov in hi

ve," said

ks!" exclai

t, hoarse laugh, though he seemed pan

manufactured? I've heard that even now t

e," said Tr

sent is not absolutely clea

d-Trirodov

irst business in your colony is conspiracy,

stern frown and

time to gather a bo

nly say that they fit you somehow. Take, for instance, those perverse habits of yours; need

talking nonsense

, "that all this is being repeat

d Trirodov, "I do not see that

seemed remote. His voice had a calm, h

into a trap. If I don't leave this place, I hav

tly as before. "I'm not afraid. I

eless! Our police, they'll keep a sharp look-out for you, clever fellows that they

," said Trirodov. "It's a safe place, a

d for yourself?" asked Ostrov, smili

s Trirodov's simple

boisterously.

created by me. She is before

from his place, stamped viole

d fairy-tales of yours. Tell those sweet little stories to the silly littl

remained

othing. I'll help you wi

ion?" asked Ostrov w

here-very far-for alwa

think that ove

me exactly within a week, an

the feeling of having passed into another's power. He felt opp

kill you without scruple-like a snake. But

ov muttered hoar

n Trirodov. "You are a hired

id in a m

I've not betray

hat's why you've not betray

Ostrov humbly. "What is your cond