he ever know it was
through us his doom was brought about? That would be the greatest
satisfaction of all."

The pardoned outlaw smiled grimly. "Trust to me for that. I have
friends everywhere. I will get that information conveyed to him
somehow by somebody. Yes, that will make him writhe."

After his visit to the Villa Quero, Zouroff went back to the Palace.
He was met by his valet, Peter, whose looks expressed consternation.
The news he had to impart to his master was very grave. Also he was
uneasy with regard to his own skin. He had obtained a free pardon for
his share in the abduction of Corsini; could he rely upon a further
dispensation in the case of the young Princess?

"Excellency, I have to report disaster. One of our spies has ferreted
out the following facts. Stepan drove the carriage by a roundabout
route to the house of Golitzine. The Princess and her maid, my
sweetheart, Katerina, are now under the protection of the Count. I
fear this will very much interfere with your Excellency's plans."

Zouroff swore roundly. "Then this Stepan is another traitor."

"It would appear so," replied Peter, with a look of disgust well
simulated. Fresh from his confession to Beilski, it was necessary that
he should reprobate all fellow traitors. "You can never trust these
half-witted chaps," he added.

Zouroff thought rapidly. "Run round to the villa, Peter, and demand to
see Stepan. You can talk to him by signs. Learn what has become of the
carriage. Get what you can out of him. By Heaven, when I have done
with him he will wish he had never been born." His expression was
ferocious as he uttered those last words.

Peter hastened to obey his commands. To-morrow, the Prince might not
be his master, but he would obey him as long as he was in his service.
He returned with the news that Stepan was not at the villa. They could
draw their own conclusions from his absence.

Zouroff ground his teeth savagely. "Golitzine and Beilski have got him
safe between them. Well, never mind, the tables will be turned
to-morrow."

He was thinking of the great _coup_ which was to take place at the
Winter Palace that night, the great _coup_ which had been so carefully
rehearsed by himself and his fellow conspirators, the details of which
had been overheard by Corsini, in the character of Stepan.

Safe in the custody of the kind and amiable Countess, Nada felt
strangely happy. True, she was very anxious about her mother, and some
natura