a bottle of preserves is taken into the kitchens without having been
previously opened outside. No package comes from any tradesman without
being opened in the lodge. Here, within, we are able to feel a little
safe, even without the police--but away from here--outside!"

"Madame, they are going to try to kill your husband within forty-eight
hours. Do you desire me to save him perhaps for a long time--for good,
perhaps?"

"Ah, listen to him! Listen to him, the dear little domovoi! But what
will Koupriane say? He will not permit any venturing beyond the villa;
none, at least for the moment. Ah, now, how he looks at me, the dear
little domovoi! Oh, well, yes. There, I will do as you wish."

"Very well, come into the garden with me."

She accompanied him, leaning on his arm.

"Here's the idea," said Rouletabille. "This afternoon you will go with
the general in his rolling-chair. Everybody will follow. Everyone,
you understand, Madame--understand me thoroughly, I mean to say that
everyone who wishes to come must be invited to. Only those who wish
to remain behind will do so. And do not insist. Ah, now, I see, you
understand me. Why do you tremble?"

"But who will guard the house?"

"No one. Simply tell the servant at the lodge to watch from the
lodge those who enter the villa, but simply from the lodge, without
interfering with them, and saying nothing to them, nothing."

"I will do as you wish. Do you want me to announce our promenade
beforehand?"

"Why, certainly. Don't be uneasy; let everybody have the good news."

"Oh, I will tell only the general and his friends, you may be sure."

"Now, dear Madame, just one more word. Do not wait for me at luncheon."

"What! You are going to leave us?" she cried instantly, breathless. "No,
no. I do not wish it. I am willing to do without the police, but I am
not willing to do without you. Everything might happen in your absence.
Everything! Everything!" she repeated with singular energy. "Because,
for me, I cannot feel sure as I should, perhaps. Ah, you make me say
these things. Such things! But do not go."

"Do not be afraid; I am not going to leave you, madame."

"Ah, you are good! You are kind, kind! Caracho! (Very well.)"

"I will not leave you. But I must not be at luncheon. If anyone asks
where I am, say that I have my business to look after, and have gone to
interview political personages in the city."

"There's only one political personage in Russia," repli