“Friendly,” was the prompt answer. “I bring you an offer.”
“From Lobenski?”
“From his august master! The Czar himself has plans for you!”
“His serene Majesty,” Mr. Sabin murmured, “has always been most kind.”
“Since you left the country of the Shah,” Felix continued, “Russian influence in Central Asia has been gradually upon the wane. All manner of means have been employed to conceal this, but the unfortunate fact remains. You were the only man who ever thoroughly grasped the situation and attained any real influence over the master of western Asia! Your removal from Teheran was the result of an intrigue on the part of the English. It was the greatest misfortune which ever befel Russia!”
“And your offer?” Mr. Sabin asked.
“Is that you return to Teheran not as the secret agent, but as the accredited ambassador of Russia, with an absolutely free hand and unlimited powers.”
“Such an offer,” Mr. Sabin remarked, “ten years ago would have made Russia mistress of all Asia.”
“The Czar,” Felix said, “is beginning to appreciate that. But what was possible then is possible now!”