"And so do I; but he wants to have you learn it so as to become a more useful slave. How long have you been here?"
"I came with the last consignment."
"Are you a Nihilist?" asked the old man, after a moment's silence, during which he looked at him sharply.
"No, sir; but I think the Russian police authorities will drive me to being one."
The old man rose quickly to a sitting position.
"What were you sent here for?"
"I was sent here by the treachery of one who has since been executed."
"Who was it?"
"Prince Mastowix."
"Mastowix!" exclaimed Batavsky, and this time he tottered to his feet.