"And that is?"
"Delicate, very delicate. I must report to the Palace this morning."
"Shall I kidnap him now?" Zubov interrupted, puffing conceitedly on his cigarette.
"Mind your language, Zubov. May I ask, Colonel—do you want me to think I am falling into a trap?"
"No, no, my friend. I am only doing my best not to show my surprise at seeing you again." The colonel got out of bed and sat down on Pashkov's other side.
"Zubov will make your trip to Moscow comfortable. All right, Zubov."
Zubov focused his crossed eyes on Pashkov.
"Take him straight to Petchareff," Colonel James said to Zubov. "I'll report as soon as I know what these Swedes are up to."
Zubov seized Pashkov by the scruff of the neck and dragged him towards the window.
"Hold your claws, Zubov lad," Pashkov said. "You have got the wrong man, can't you see? That is Colonel James."