Good old bluff! The finest of all tactics, I thought as I sat, very anxious and impatient I admit, but very confident now. Once get the Czar’s ear, and then—
The door was pushed partly open, and there came a dramatic pause. I got up, eager and expectant; and the luck turned with a rush.
It was Prince Kalkov, pale, urbane, cool and dangerous.
“I am afraid, M. Denver, his Majesty is too much engaged to grant you an audience to-day.”
This in the suavest of tones, for those outside to hear. Then he closed the door and smiled.
Chapter XXVI—I WIN
MY feelings as Prince Kalkov and I stood thus face to face for some half minute or so without speaking were not wholly those of disappointment and chagrin. Disappointed I was, of course, and chagrined; but I had throughout had the secret expectation that he would succeed in blocking my way to the Czar; and it was in view of this that I had taken the elaborate precautions in regard to the compromising papers.
My surprise passed very quickly therefore, and I was conscious of a feeling of amusement mingled with conjecture as to the course which the interview would take. I had no fear of him whatever, for I was absolutely confident.