Princess Zara

the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task t

of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted h

orts, 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 genia

esent, yes,

ortunate duty. You will have to take a short drive with me. I hope that you will not b

keys to my baggage here?" I kn

turn, or--" He did not finish the sentence but that inimitable smile shone upon me again and somewhat assured

ing. 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

rd. 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 tha

ilding 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

seem like a p

" he replied grimly. "One word of

ate it. Heaven k

half hour. Forget that there is such a thing as an interrogation. Perhaps, if yo

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 h

e presence

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

demanded imperiously, ad

tly," I

r na

question, and I saw the shadow of a smile flit across his fe

your nati

an Ame

know w

of ceremony, but he waved his hand commandingly, and

l to be on the plane of equals. That, I believe, is a condition which will come quite naturally to an American alt

m not," I replied, relaps

ince Michael Michaelovitch Gortshakoff. And now that you

brain in wondering what it could portend; in conjecturing if it were real, or if it were only the "hearty meal before the executi

of your presence in Russia," continued his majesty, "for unless I am mi

te t

me. The best proof of th

bo

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 ca

eply in one word, utt

r him, and shrugged my sho

ber