“But if Zorogoff’s men should kill you? We have seen terrible things here—men are shot down crossing the street if they are opposed to Zorogoff. And who is to know who fired the shot if you should meet such a fate? Then, if it were known to Zorogoff that we had helped you, it would be the worse for us, with no one to protect us.”
“True,” said Peter, “but it is one thing for Zorogoff to terrorize a girl and a helpless old man, and quite another for him to frighten or kill an American officer—or defy the American army. He is aware of that, and he will be careful with me.”
“But your soldiers are in Vladivostok.”
“That is near enough to make Zorogoff think twice. In time he would have to pay the shot. And once we have found Kirsakoff and I have attended to my business, we shall leave the city.”
“You are brave,” she said simply, with a look of admiration.
He shrugged his shoulders. “It is you have been brave. It is easy for me to talk, with an army at my back. Please—tell me one thing—are you expecting an American officer to come here and meet you and your father?”
She looked at him in surprise, as if trying to understand what meaning might be behind his question. She locked her fingers together, and took her time before replying.
“No, we are not expecting an American officer. Our friends may send help to us. That is why I came to you—any newcomer in the city might bring word from friends—might be seeking to get news to us from friends.”
She laughed suddenly in comprehension of his meaning, and went on hastily. “We who are beset clutch at any straw—and you were a straw. Yet was I not wise? For you have said you will save us—you would even take us away, or——”
Katerin stopped abruptly, and looked into the light of the lamp. Her eyes showed more animation now, and Peter found himself admiring the patrician poise of her head. She turned away from his gaze, and shivered slightly.