incess Y----, of course."

He brightened up a little, as though this name, at all events, was
familiar.

"No, she has not been here."

"One can never trust these women," I muttered aloud. "She has not
been at all the same since the death of her Englishman."

"Of Sterling, do you mean?"

"Yes. You heard of it, I suppose?"

Vassileffsky grinned.

"Rather sudden, wasn't it?"

I smiled meaningly, as I retorted,

"You remember he fainted rather unexpectedly that night he dined with
me."

A look of relief broke out on Vassileffsky's face, as I thus
referred to an incident which he naturally supposed could be known
only to Petrovitch.

"My dear fellow, I beg a thousand pardons for my stupid conduct last
night," he burst out. "But you must admit that your disguise is
extraordinary."

"Not a word!" I returned. "It is always better to err on the side of
distrust. Besides, I wished to spend a night on your ship in any
case. Your crew can be thoroughly depended on, if I am any judge."

"They would bombard the Tower of London, if I gave the word," boasted
Vassileffsky.

It is extraordinary how widely the belief prevails on the Continent
of Europe that the London Tower is still a fortress, charged with the
protection of the British capital.

"At all events, they will not be frightened by the sight of the Union
Jack?" I returned.

The Russian officer gave me an alarmed glance.

"You do not mean--you are not asking us to fire on the British
fleet?"

"No, no," I reassured him.

"Ah, that is all right. For the moment I confess you frightened me.
They say we shall have to pass Admiral Beresford!"

"What are you prepared to do?" I asked, concealing my deep interest
in the reply.

Vassileffsky's manner became slightly reproachful.

"You did not bargain with me to attack an armed ship," he said in
the tone of one who reminds another of his agreement. "It was
understood that we were to attack merchantmen, like the
Vladivostockers."

At last I had a direct confirmation of my suspicions.

"And what is the tone of the fleet generally?" I inquired.

"I have done my best to make them all of the same mind. They will do
their best, depend on it. I think there will be a few English vessels
mysteriously lost at sea during the next two or three months! The
prize courts cannot always be depended on."

By an effort I restrained my indignation at these atrocious hints.
The Baltic Fleet was about to seek the open sea,