I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering

over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the

difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a

sharp summons at my door.

It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the

room. That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the

Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously,

pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in

the hallway.

"I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in

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perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the

one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the

name of Smith. I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a

wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was

masterful and handsome. "Perhaps you prefer to be called Mr. Smith," he

continued. "It is, I understand, the name that is mentioned in your

papers."

"For the present, yes," I replied.

"I regret that I am compelled to place you under arrest, Mr. Smith, but

such is my unfortunate duty. You will have to take a short drive with

me. I hope that you will not be detained beyond your patience. Take

your wraps, and we will go at once if you please."

"Certainly. Shall I leave the keys to my baggage here?" I knew Russia

and I did not protest.

"Thank you, yes; it will simplify matters. I have friends here who will

take charge of your rooms until you return, or----" He did not finish

the sentence but that inimitable smile shone upon me again and somewhat

assured me, in spite of the fact that my perfect knowledge of Russian

affairs rendered me thoroughly aware of my peril.

We were presently in the street and driving rapidly away; whither, I

did not know, for my companion pulled down the curtains so that I could

see nothing of the scenes through which we were passing. I tried to

keep note in my mind of the turns we made, and to remember the streets

we traversed, but it was useless and I was convinced that my conductors

were purposely confusing me. This conviction forced upon me another;

that my escort, or the people who had sent him to me, were informed

regarding my past, and had somehow learned that I knew St. Petersburg

as well as they did.

During the drive which lasted nearly an hour we remained perfectly

silent. I knew how utterly useless it would be to question the man at

my side, and he volunteered not a word. Presently the pace was

increased until the horses were on a run through the streets; then

suddenly we flew around a corner at breakneck speed and stopped so

abruptly that I was thrown forward on my face in spite of the robes in

which I was swaddled. At the same moment I heard a gate clang shut

behind us and was respectfully bidden to alight.




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