Chapter XVIII—PRINCE KALKOV’S WELCOME
MY first inclination was to burst out laughing at the egregious absurdity of the blunder, but I restrained myself. Had I had no one but myself to think for, I would have had my laugh, if the next minute had seen me in the deepest dungeon in Petersburg. But I was carrying too many responsibilities.
There are certain classes of officials at whom it is extremely dangerous to laugh. You meet them in all countries; but on the continent of Europe, they are able to resent your merriment practically by clapping you into gaol and perhaps keeping you there. It is safer consequently to laugh at unofficial people.
There was one quick way for me out of the bother, to refer the thing to Prince Kalkov—and although I was loth to take it, I saw immediately that I must adopt that course or be marched off by the soldiers who were only too ready to obey the command.
“You must not permit yourself to commit this mistake, monsieur,” I said, quietly, “or you will incur the serious displeasure of Prince Kalkov, as well as of His Majesty. I do not wish to bring trouble upon so courteous an official, and consequently urge you in your own interest to communicate with the Prince without delay.”
Nowhere in the world does a big name properly used carry more terror than in Russia’s capital; and I put all the authority I could into my tone and manner.
“What have you to do with His Highness?” asked the man, hesitating and yet suspicious, and motioning to the soldiers to wait.
“It happens to be the case that I have told you the truth about myself and you have disbelieved me. You have sent for these gentlemen and ordered my arrest. I will overlook that insult if you send a letter which I will write to the Prince. And if you will not, I warn you in all seriousness that I can and will obtain from His Majesty your dismissal and disgrace.”
“I have done no more than my duty,” he returned sullenly. He was obviously unwilling to give way before his inferiors, and yet secretly afraid to persist.
“On the contrary, monsieur, you are exceeding your powers now. I have shown you how to obtain instant confirmation of what I have told you from the highest authority, and in the simplest manner. Refuse, and take the consequences. I am like yourself in one respect—my patience has its limits.”