“Another American method? They are very elastic,” she laughed.
“They are very thorough.”
“How did you escape? Please tell me everything.”
“Yes. I have come to do that. All is well now. Siegel was caught at Kovna instead of me. I got through with the papers, returned, put them in safe keeping in the capital, tried to see the Emperor, and saw Kalkov instead; and when he realized what had happened, he agreed to release you, in order that you and I might leave Russia together.”
“You bewilder me,” she said.
“I will give you the details;” and I told her at some length all that had passed since we had parted in the train.
The story did not produce the effect upon her I wished. My note was one of jubilant congratulation; but I saw a look of thoughtful doubt settle gradually upon her face, and it hardened when I spoke of Kalkov’s condition that she should abandon her war against him.
“Did he tell you he had seen me? You have not mentioned it,” she said.
“No; not a word.”
“He came here—here to this prison—to this very room.”