The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 1 — page 89: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BY RIGHT OF SWORD. 89 come back here with you and wait for me. Mind, too, should any one come to fetch away that fellow I’ve locked up, let Olga say enough in his presence to make it clear that she was here with us when the attack was first made. Be quick and careful; for much will depend on all this being well done.”’ I drove rapidly to the place and sending in my card asked for an imme- diate interview with the chief of police on urgent business. The reply came back that M. I‘ueski could not see me; I was to call at his office. I sent the messenger back with a peremptory reply that I must see him, as I had dis- covered an assassination plot. I was still refused admittance, though a longer wait showed me he had considered the matter carefully. This time I wrote a brief note: ‘‘One of your hired assassins has been identified, has confessed, and lies at this moment bound and in my power. If you do not see me now I shall communicate direct with the Ministry of the Interior.”’ ot That proved the ‘‘ open sesame,’’ and in a few moments I was ushered into the presence of one of the most hated men in Russia—the man I had been commuissioned to kill. He was small, with a face that would have been common looking but for its extraordinarily hard and cold expression. It was lined and seamed ; and each line might have been drawn by nature with the express object of marking an absolutely merciless, calculating, and emotionless man. ' His eyes were very bright as they fixed themselves on me, and his voice harsh, high pitched, and ‘tuneless. ‘“Men don’t belie your new character when they call you daring,’’ was his greeting. He was standing by the side of a long table with his black clothed figure outlined against the soft colors of luxuriant tapestries with which the walls were hung. He motioned me to a chair, near enough to be within the demands of courtesy to an officer bearing the emperor’s commis- sion and far enough removed from him to be safe should the visitor turn out to be dangerous. I noticed, too, that an electric bell button was well within reach. ‘‘ What do you wish with me, lieutenant? This visit is unusual.’’ ‘“T am not accustomed to bother about what is usual where my life is concerned,’’ I answered firmly. ‘‘I want a reply toa plain question. Why do you send your bravoes to assassinate me? ”’ ; ‘‘T have sent no bravoes to assassinate you, lieutenant. I don’t under- stand you. Wedon’t hire assassins.’’ As though the whole thing were ridiculous. : ‘Vet your wife recognized this man instantly.’’ ‘“ My wife!’’ he exclaimed, with a sufficient change to show how this had touched him. ‘Ves. Your wife. She was in my rooms when these men came.’’ He drew in a deep breath while he looked at me with eyes of hate. I had got right between the joints of his armor of impassivity. It was a cruel thrust ; but I had an ugly game to play, and was forced to hit hard. He seemed to struggle to repress his private feelings and to remain the impassive official, But human nature and his jealousy beat him, and his next question came with a jerk that showed the effort behind it. CoOnmmiclaoolK< (S@)