There was only Nikolitch left, and even he failed me. He did not come at the time he had appointed, and when I went to his rooms in search of him, I heard that he had been sent away on military business and would not return until night or the next morning.
So the whole day passed without anything being done to kill the lie which was having such ominous results for me.
It was noon on the next day when I saw Nikolitch; and very anxious and disturbed he looked.
“I have grave news for you, Bergwyn,” he said at once. “The officers are going to move at once and a day or two, perhaps an hour or two, will find the crisis here.”
“I want to see you about something else,” I said, eagerly.
“My news first,” he replied. “Before anything else, you must know it. I fear that that condition of no violence will not be kept.”
Instantly my thoughts were for Gatrina and I chilled with fear for her.
“Speak plainly, Nikolitch.”
“I have come back at some risk to do so. I have only the worst to report. We moderates have been outvoted.”
Like a flash Elma’s grim word, “Assassination” darted across my mind as I waited for him to continue.