"What's the matter?" I asked, with disquietude.
"A little unpleasantness," replied he, offering me the paper. "Read what
I have just received."
It was a secret dispatch, addressed to all Commanders of detachments,
ordering them to arrest me wherever I should be found, and to send me
under a strong escort to Khasan, to the Commission of Inquiry appointed
to try Pugatchef and his accomplices.
The paper dropped from my hands.
"Come," said Zourine, "it is my duty to execute the order. Probably the
report of your journeys in Pugatchef's intimate company has reached
headquarters. I hope sincerely the affair will not end badly, and that
you will be able to justify yourself to the Commission. Don't be cast
down, and start at once."
I had a clear conscience, but the thought that our reunion was delayed
for some months yet made my heart fail me.
After receiving Zourine's affectionate farewell I got into my
"telega,"[70] two hussars, with drawn swords, seated themselves, one
on each side of me, and we took the road to Khasan.