"
"It will be ready in a quarter of an hour, Excellency."
"Very good. Come for me at that time, as I don't know my way about the
boat."
The Prince washed himself, smoothed out his rumpled clothes as well as
he could, and put on his boots. While engaged in the latter operation
the door opened, and the big Captain himself entered, inclosed in
glistening oilskins.
"Hyvaa pyvaa, Highness," said the Captain. "Will you walk the deck
before breakfast?"
"Good-day to you," returned the Prince, "and by your salutation I take
you to be a Finn."
"I am a native of Abo," replied the Captain, "and as you say, a Finn,
but I differ from many of my countrymen, as I am a good Russian also."
"Well, there are not too many good Russians, and here is one who would
rather have heard that you were a good Finn solely."
"It is to prevent any mistake," replied the Captain, almost roughly,
"that I mention I am a good Russian."
"Right you are, Captain, and as I am a good Russian also, perhaps good
Russian Number One can tell me to what part of the world he is
conveying good Russian Number Two, a man guiltless of any crime, and
unwilling, at this moment, to take an enforced journey."
"We may both be good, but the day is not, Highness. It has been
raining during the night, and is still drizzling. I advise you to put
on your overcoat."
"Thanks, Captain, I will."
The Captain in most friendly manner took the overcoat from its hook,
shook it out, and held it ready to embrace its owner.
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