that I am a sharper, like you and Bodlevski? Well, you are
right. We are all berries of the same bunch--except _her_" (and he
indicated the folding doors). "She, thanks to many things, has tasted
misery, but she is honest. But we are all rascals, and I first of all.
You are perfectly right in that. If you wish to get me in your
power--try to find some facts against me. Then we shall be quits!"

"And what is it you wish?"

"It is too late for justice, at least so far as she is concerned,"
replied the count, with a touch of sadness; "but it is not too late
for a measure of reparation. But we can discuss that later," he went
on more lightly, as if throwing aside the heavy impression produced by
the thought of Princess Anna's misery. "And now, dear baroness, let us
return to business, the business of Prince Shadursky! I will think the
matter over, and see whether anything suggests itself."

He courteously conducted the baroness to the carriage, and they
parted, to all appearance, friends. But there were dangerous elements
for both in that seeming friendship.

XIV

GOLD MINING

A wonderful scheme was hatched in Count Kallash's fertile brain.
Inspired by the thought of Prince Shadursky's newly replenished
millions, he devised a plan for the gang which promised brilliant
results, and only needed the aid of a discreet and skillful
confederate. And what confederate could be more trustworthy than
Sergei Antonovitch Kovroff? So the two friends were presently to be
found in secret consultation in the count's handsome study, with a
bottle of good Rhine wine before them, fine cigars between their lips,
and the memory of a well-served breakfast lingering pleasantly in
their minds. They were talking about the new resources of the
Shadurskys.

"To take their money at cards--what a wretched business--and so
infernally commonplace," said Count Kallash. "To tell you the truth, I
have for a long time been sick of cards! And, besides, time is money!
Why should we waste several weeks, or even months, over something that
could be done in a few days?"

Kovroff agreed completely, but at the same time put the question, if
not cards, what plan was available?

"That is it exactly!" cried Kallash, warming up. "I have thought it
all over. The problem is this: we must think up something that would
surprise Satan himself, something that would make all Hades smile and
blow us hot kisses. But what of Hades?--that's all nonsense. We must