"It is too true. I am as far as ever from the accomplishment of my hopes."
"Who is this unknown interloper?"
"An English officer, at present serving in the Crimea. His name is McKay: Stanislas McKay."
"The name is familiar; the Christian name is suggestive. Do you know whether he is of Polish origin?"
"Yes, I have heard so. His father was once in the Russian army."
"It is the same, then. There can be no doubt of it. And you would like to see him out of the way? I might help you, perhaps."
"How? I have my own agents at work."
"He is in the Crimea, you say?"
"Yes, or will be within a few weeks."
"If we could inveigle him into the Russian lines he would be shot or hanged as a traitor. He is a Russian subject in arms against his Czar."