Now there were more people in the streets. But every one was going about his business and paid little attention to Michael and Katerin. Such soldiers as they saw ignored them. They reached the bridge over the Ingoda, and now could see the front of the Dauria, not far ahead. They soon gained a position on the street opposite the entrance to the hotel, and crossed in the middle of the street after the manner of people from the country. Michael paused before the door, and waited for Katerin to come up with him.
“This is the place,” said Michael gruffly, and then he pushed open the door. He was afraid that there might be a group of people inside, but his fears were relieved at finding a sleepy-eyed youth drowsing by a fire-reddened stove on a bench.
Once through the door, Katerin let her bundle drop to the floor. It was so warm inside that she began to worry lest they be expected to uncover their faces, and in that case, if they did not find Slipitsky at once, they might be recognized by some casual passer-by who would carry the news of their arrival at the hotel to some of Zorogoff’s spies.
The youth by the fire roused himself reluctantly and gave an angry look at the intruders. It was plain he felt that people so poorly dressed had no business in the hotel. He eyed the bundle which Katerin had put down, and then motioned them out of the door with an angry gesture.
“Get away with your cabbages!” he snarled. “This is no public place where people can warm themselves. This is the best hotel in the city and only for rich people.”
Michael bowed abjectly. “I have come to pay to Mr. Slipitsky money which I owe him.”
The youth stared the harder. The heat from the stove was oppressive after the cold of the streets, but Michael and Katerin made no move to uncover their faces.
“You can give me the money,” said the youth, holding out his hand, though he did not rise from the bench. “Slipitsky is not here and if he were, he would have no time to bother with you. Come! Hand the money to me and get out!”
“Slipitsky not here?” demanded Michael. “But he told me to come. You mean that he has gone away?”
“I said he is not here,” said the youth curtly. “I have other things to do besides answer questions. I’ll take the money.”