their wake. Arrived at the villa, Corsini
slipped easily into the small vestibule to await the arrival of the
conspirators.

"You are well in time, Monsieur," whispered the man, Paul, as he took
his departure. "Do not answer the bell too quickly; watch its
vibration before you respond. You must remember that Stepan is deaf.
You will excuse me for giving you the hint."

Paul departed. The four guards scattered themselves in various
directions, but always ready to assemble together if danger threatened
the man they were deputed to watch.

Corsini was alone in the little vestibule. He drew aside the heavy
velvet curtains and peered into the inner room, a rather spacious
chamber. This was very dimly lighted, too. But evidently Madame Quero
had given her instructions. A cold supper was laid out on the long
table, with several bottles of champagne. Upstairs, no doubt, she was
lying between life and death, no longer able to take part in these
festivities.

The bell vibrated. Nello opened the door and made a low obeisance. Two
men came through the narrow doorway. He recognised them at once: they
were two highly distinguished noblemen of the Russian Empire. He had
seen them several times at the Opera.

The bell vibrated again and again. Five more men passed through, and
last came the tall, commanding figure of Zouroff.

In the dim light the Prince made his signs, "They are all here,
Stepan?"

And the supposed Stepan replied in answering signs, "I think they are
all here, Excellency."

Zouroff passed through the heavy curtains. Corsini crouched behind and
bent his ears to listen.

At first there was a confused babble of sounds. Everybody seemed to be
talking at once. But fortunately they were speaking in French and not
in Russian. It was easier for Corsini to catch what they said.

A tall, bearded man was speaking. "This infernal Corsini, for
instance. No doubt he is in the pay of Golitzine. We cannot remove
him, it seems."

Zouroff took up the running. "I did my best, you know, gentlemen; but
he escaped me, and since then Beilski has put a cordon round him that
we cannot break through."

"And yet Beilski is a fool," growled the bearded man.

"I know," answered Zouroff. "Beilski is what you say, but he has got
Golitzine at his back, and Golitzine has the intelligence of several
monkeys. When Beilski is in doubt, he goes to the secretary."

Another man spoke. "You know we have every confidence in you, Prince;
b