i exchanged a few words with
the Countess, who informed him that her husband was at the Winter
Palace, closeted with the Emperor on important matters. She did not
expect him to return till very late.

Under ordinary circumstances, Nello would have refrained from
intruding himself on the Secretary when engaged with his Imperial
Master, but the information which Ivan had given him was genuine: of
that he felt assured.

Delay might be dangerous. The failure of Zouroff's scheme to entrap
the young director, the knowledge that there must have been treachery
amongst his associates, would render the Prince a very desperate man.
Whatever _coup_ he meditated would be brought off swiftly, before the
other side had time to strike.

He sent up a short note to Golitzine, stating that he had come into
the receipt of most important information, obtained from a most
unexpected quarter.

The Count showed the note to the Emperor, who read it, and said
immediately:

"Have him up at once and let us know what it is. I have always had a
notion that this young fellow would be useful to us. I believe he is
born to be lucky himself and to bring luck to those with whom he is
associated."

So Corsini was shown at once into the august presence.

The autocrat welcomed him most graciously. Any protege of his staunch
old friend and supporter, Salmoros, would have been sure of his good
graces in any case; but he liked the young man personally, for his
modest, but assured bearing. And, moreover, Corsini was free from the
cringing arts of the professional courtier. In his demeanour there was
proper respect, but no servility.

"Welcome back to St. Petersburg, Signor. I hear you have had a trying
time. I have had a full report of the occurrence from the Count and
General Beilski. I hope it will not be long before we give you your
revenge."

"I am in hopes that very shortly I may take a hand in that revenge
myself, your Majesty," answered the young Italian with a low bow.
"Something very extraordinary has happened to-night. I was taking one
of my evening strolls, shadowed by men whom the General has kindly
instructed to look after my safety, when I was accosted by a man whom
I met under strange circumstances, on my first entrance into this
country."

"His name? but perhaps we don't know him," interrupted the Count.

Corsini looked a little troubled. He remembered his promise to the
outlaw. He must secure that free pardon in advance.

"May