"I was not permitted to do so, sir, but was thrown into a dungeon."
"Did you know Zobriskie was a Nihilist?"
"I did not. He accosted me when on the eve of sailing, and asked me as a favor to hand the letter to Prince Mastowix. I did so without suspecting that I was in any danger."
"But it appears that you were in danger, and as I learn from St. Petersburg, that letter by some means or other got into the hands of the authorities, he was arrested, brought before the tribunal, proven to be a Nihilist in disguise, and executed. It is very strange," he added.
"But I am not to blame, and why should I suffer for the faults of others?"
"Well, you should not."
"Then send me back to St. Petersburg," said Barnwell, eagerly.
"That I cannot do without an imperial order. But I will forward the particulars of your case to the authorities, and then, if they see fit to act favorably towards you, I will send you back again with pleasure," replied the governor, who was not altogether bad at heart.
"How long will it take?"
"That I cannot say."