The Argosy, Volume XLIV — page 182: what you’re looking at

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

178 prince gave instructions for your arrest and detention.” “ We are, of course, at your disposal. I would first assure vou that Prince IK\alkov’s seizure is the result of illness for which we are in no way responsi- ble.” “You wish to make a statement ? ”’ ‘Not yet. Iam an American citizen, my name is Harper C. Denver, and this lady is my wife. I wish to go at once to the American embassy—on vitally urgent business.” ‘TI fear I cannot permit that.” “I have also the honor to enjoy the friendship of his majesty the emperor —as the prince’s man, there, Pierre, van tell you. I was his majesty’s guest at the palace recently.” He was impressed by this; but after a moment’s thought shook his head and repeated that he could not grant my request. “My purpose in going there touches all this very closely; and every moment of delay is important. May I suggest that you put a question to the man, Pierre, to confirm what I told you?” He drew Pierre aside, and they spoke together a moment. “We must get those papers back by hook or crook,” I whispered to Helga. The official returned, looking very CTAVe. ‘He tells me you were a palace evuest, monsieur, but adds that for some days you and the prince have been on extremelv hostile terms.” “ My wife will remain here, and I am” quite content that you and any number of your men should accompany me. I assure you that my visit is of extreme interest to his majesty.” He thought this over, and at length assented. “We must accompany you, as you are ”? “Come then. That is all I ask,” [ broke in. “I shall make no attempt to shirk any responsibility in all this.” We drove to the embassy, he and one of his men with me inside the carriage, and were shown at once to Marvyn, who looked in astonishment at my compan- ions, recognizing the official. “JT am under arrest, Marvyn, that’s all. I am not going to Siberia though, C. OUgle THE ARGOSY. and want you to stop those papers. Wire to your man, wherever he is, and ” “He hasn’t gone yet. turned up to delay him.” “Then get back the packet and bring it along with you to the Imperial, and just see to things. Prince Kalkov was with us and has had a seizure of some sort, and my wife and I are under ar- rest.” He went away and returned soon, carrying the packet. “If those are M. Denver’s papers, I must ask that they be given to me,” said the official immediately. I hadn’t thought of this. “ You can see for yourself that they bear the embassy’s seals, M. Drougoff, and are in my possession,” replied Mar- vyn with a readiness for which I blessed him. “I am acting, of course, offi- clally.” We drove back to the hotel, and on the way | told Marvyn pretty well how the case stood, withholding for the mo- ment, however, the fact that I had de- ceived him in the morning. he prince had been removed from the room, and Helga was alone there under guard. She was not in the least disconcerted by the fresh development, and had had tea served in anticipation of my return. : “ What is the charge against M. Den- ver, M. Drougoff? ” asked Marvyn. “ At the present I am not informed. Prince Kalkov had ordered the arrest; and there is now, of course, the fact of his highness’s—seizure.” He hesitated for the word. “You will allow us to consult in pri- vate?” “ Certainly, M. Denver. I am indeed rather at a loss what to do, except that M. Denver must Temain under arrest.” We sat down then to Helga’s tea table. “I must explain one thing,” I began at once. “I misled you this morning about those papers. Those are real things—what I brought away with me were shams.” “Yo you mean to say but [ interposed. “Listen to me a moment, and be Something ” he began, angry afterwards, if vou like. The lib- . £2 (COL (SG AOOLK COL