a loomed like an enormous
blot, he stopped. Then he glided like a snake through the reeds, the
grass, the ferns. He was at the back of the villa, near the river, not
far from the little path where he had discovered the passage of the
assassin, thanks to the broken cobwebs. At that moment the moon rose and
the birch-trees, which just before had been like great black staffs, now
became white tapers which seemed to brighten that sinister solitude.

The reporter wished to profit at once by the sudden luminance to learn
if his movements had been noticed and if the approaches to the villa on
that side were guarded. He picked up a small pebble and threw it some
distance from him along the path. At the unexpected noise three or four
shadowy heads were outlined suddenly in the white light of the moon, but
disappeared at once, lost again in the dark tufts of grass.

He had gained his information.

The reporter's acute ear caught a gliding in his direction, a slight
swish of twigs; then all at once a shadow grew by his side and he felt
the cold of a revolver barrel on his temple. He said "Koupriane," and at
once a hand seized his and pressed it.

The night had become black again. He murmured: "How is it you are here
in person?"

The Prefect of Police whispered in his ear:

"I have been informed that something will happen to-night. Natacha went
to Krestowsky and exchanged some words with Annouchka there. Prince
Galitch is involved, and it is an affair of State."

"Natacha has returned?" inquired Rouletabille.

"Yes, a long time ago. She ought to be in bed. In any case she is
pretending to be abed. The light from her chamber, in the window over
the garden, has been put out."

"Have you warned Matrena Petrovna?"

"Yes, I have let her know that she must keep on the sharp look-out
to-night."

"That's a mistake. I shouldn't have told her anything. She will take
such extra precautions that the others will be instantly warned."

"I have told her she should not go to the ground-floor at all this
night, and that she must not leave the general's chamber."

"That is perfect, if she will obey you."

"You see I have profited by all your information. I have followed your
instructions. The road from the Krestowsky is under surveillance."

"Perhaps too much. How are you planning?"

"We will let them enter. I don't know whom I have to deal with. I want
to strike a sure blow. I shall take him in the act. No more doubt after
this,