know of him by reputation--a desperate fellow, according to his
record," remarked the Count. "And how did you first become acquainted
with him, Signor Corsini? But if you prefer to keep it a secret, I
will not press the question."

Corsini took advantage of Golitzine's generosity. He did not want to
confess that he had helped a notorious criminal to escape from
justice. "I think I would prefer to guard it as a secret, your
Excellency, since you give me permission to do so."

"Yet, if I may venture to relate a little history to you," he added a
moment later, "I think I might be able to convince you that this
wretched man, brutal and degraded as he became, was more sinned
against than sinning." In a few words he told him of the offences of
the Zouroffs, father and son, against the outlaw's family.

The Count made no comment. After a few moments he rose, to intimate
that the interview was at an end.

"With your assistance, Signor--I am, of course, assuming that the
scheme will go through as this unfortunate man has planned--I think
and hope we shall soon get the evidence we want. I fear I cannot give
you any more time now, as his Majesty has still some very important
matters to discuss with me. By the way, I know that General Beilski is
sending for you early to-morrow morning, as he has something of
importance to communicate to you. I shall have an interview with him
also, but in case you see him first, tell him everything you have told
us. He may be able to assist your plans. You will, of course, report
to us as soon as you have discovered anything."

Corsini promised that he would. He had a strong presentiment that his
changing places with the deaf Stepan would be productive of stupendous
events.

On arriving back at his hotel, he found a sealed note from the
General, summoning him to his office at an early hour the following
morning.

"I have not been idle since we last met, Signor," was Beilski's
greeting. "I have no doubt I have got to the bottom of your affair. I
will give you just an outline of how I propose to act."

But here Nello broke in. "Excuse me a moment, your Excellency, but
before you enter into this matter, may I put a question to you? Have
you seen or heard from Count Golitzine between now and last night?"

The General answered in the negative. "It is now only nine o'clock;
there has not been much time. Why do you ask?"

The young man explained. "Late last night I went to see the Count,
whom