"
"I have seen nothing of a warrant, your Highness, and I think you are
confusing your rights with those pertaining to individuals residing in
certain countries you have recently visited."
"You have no warrant, then?"
"I have none. I act on my superior's word, and do not presume to
question it. May I hope that you will follow me without a further
parley, which is embarrassing to me, and quite unhelpful to yourself.
I have been instructed to treat you with every courtesy, but
nevertheless force has been placed at my disposal. I am even to take
your word of honor that you are unarmed, and your Highness is well
aware that such leniency is seldom shown in St. Petersburg."
"Well, sir, even if my word of honor failed to disarm me, your
politeness would. I carry a revolver. Do you wish it?"
"If your Highness will condescend to give it to me."
The Prince held the weapon, butt forward, to the officer, who received
it with a gracious salutation.
"You know nothing of the reason for this action?"
"Nothing whatever, your Highness."
"Where are you going to take me?"
"A walk of less than three minutes will acquaint your Highness with
the spot."
The Prince laughed.
"Oh, very well," he said. "May I write a note to a friend who is
waiting up for me?"
"I regret, Highness, that no communications whatever can be allowed."
The Prince stepped down from the vehicle, walked diagonally across a
very dimly lighted courtyard with his guide, entered that section of
the rectangular building which faced the Neva, passed along a hall
with one gas jet burning, then outside again, and immediately over a
gang-plank that brought him aboard a steamer.
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