“But he is an American,” persisted Katerin. “He probably knows little Russian. But what I wish to learn at once is whether he will know me for a Kirsakoff. And if he does not recognize me, and yet sees that I am not of the servant class, all the more reason why he should suspect that I might know the Kirsakoffs. So he might ask me if I know them. Why should he not ask a samovar girl, when he has asked old Rimsky for General Kirsakoff? Do you think I will only take his food to him and then run away without a word?”
“And what else can you do?” asked her father.
“I shall talk to him—of the weather, and the troubles that have come upon the people. And if he does not tell me why he has come to Chita, I shall try and learn it from him. Can he speak Russian, do you know, Mr. Slipitsky?”
“He must speak a little,” said the Jew. “He is alone, and he has made his way about. He talked with Dazo, who knows nothing but Russian, the stupid ox. But the American wrote in the book in English and I could make nothing of it—just a scrawl.”
“Then he will be able to talk a little with me,” said Katerin. “At least, enough so that I may gain his confidence and be able to talk with him in a way of gossip about General Kirsakoff who was Governor here.”
“By the Prophets!” said Slipitsky. “The mistress Katerin Stephanovna should be in the secret police, Excellence! It is all a good plan, and the mistress should be allowed to have her way in it.”
“I wish there were some other way to go about it than this business of being a samovar girl,” said Michael as he lighted a cigarette. “We shall know how wise it all is when we see what we shall learn by it. But I shall not prevent its being done, for we are in danger enough, and making danger for you, my friend.”
“Think not of my danger,” said the Jew.
“Then I shall do it,” said Katerin. “We cannot delay, and we cannot take outsiders, like this man Rimsky, into our confidence. Our safety now depends upon keeping secret where we are, and upon making the best of such time as we have. Who knows when the Ataman will learn where we have gone from the house? And you shall be well paid for your help, Mr. Slipitsky, and for what you have done.”
“Ah, it is not for money,” said the Jew. “When are you to begin as samovar girl, mistress? I must make the arrangements and be sure that everything is ready.”