ere was not a word spoken. Presently he turned and came
back to the chair where I was seated, towering over me like a veritable
giant, the most magnificent specimen of masculine humanity I have ever
seen; and according to his lights, as good as he was great in stature.
When ultimately the nihilists succeeded in destroying him, they killed
the best friend that Russia ever had on the throne. They did not, could
not know it; but I do.

"Mr. Derrington," he said, speaking with great deliberation, as though
he weighed each word he uttered, "we will end this farce of questions
and answers. They are unnecessary as far as I am concerned, and are
unworthy of you. A long time ago I held a conversation in this very
room with your friend Alexis Saberevski who possesses my entire
confidence. In that conversation he recommended you to me, and I
directed him to put the bee in your bonnet that has been buzzing there
ever since; so you see that I really sent for you, although you did not
know it. It was necessary that I should first be entirely convinced
that I could trust you implicitly, before entering into negotiations
with you. I am convinced. I accept your service. You will sleep in the
palace to-night, and to-morrow we will discuss your plans in detail.
Mr. Smith has been arrested as a nihilist, and the morning papers will
announce that he has started on his journey to Siberia. Mr. Derrington
will remain in St. Petersburg and to-morrow he will decide what
disposition to make of himself. The prince will act as your host for
to-night."

I got upon my feet and bowed to him, but he extended his hand in the
most cordial manner; and with a genial smile upon his face which
rendered it handsome, and which won my affection as well as my respect,
said:

"It will be a pleasure to me to be upon terms of familiarity with one
who wears no title and who does not wish for one. Henceforth we will
count ourselves as friends, and forget relative positions and rank.
Give me your hand."

I was nearly as tall as he but much more slight in build, and my hand
was almost lost in his great palm when they were clasped together. I
forgot the czar in the magnificence of the man, and as I gave him my
hand, I said:

"My life goes with it, sir, if the necessity arises."

"I believe you, Mr. Derrington. In the morning I will send for you.
Good night."

Then I followed the prince from the room and was presently conducted to
an apartment which evidently h