“That is a private matter between ourselves.”
“Ah! Something about the Ataman, I presume,” said Shimilin, giving Michael a suspicious look. Then to Peter, “You would hardly believe a man who is sought by the Ataman to have anything good to say about him—if you could trust such a report by such a man.”
“What this old gentleman has to say about the Ataman—good or bad—is likely to be borne out by the actions of the Ataman. You can see, Captain Shimilin, that if your Ataman did something which did not meet my approval—such as an arrest without sufficient warrant—I might be able to form my own opinion of the Ataman.”
“Hmm!” sniffed Shimilin, and walked round slowly in a small circle, looking at the floor while he considered Peter’s words. He stopped abruptly and faced Peter, one eye partly closed. “Perhaps you have an idea that the Ataman Zorogoff has no rights to consider?”
“I have never questioned any rights that Zorogoff may claim,” said Peter. He saw that he had Shimilin worried.
“But the Americans have not officially recognized Zorogoff as a ruler,” went on Shimilin. “You have been here several days, yet you have not called upon the Ataman.”
Peter saw in this an attempt to draw from him some hint as to the American attitude toward Zorogoff, and had no intention of committing himself on the subject.
“I do not feel accountable to any person for my actions here, other than my superiors,” said Peter. “If Zorogoff seeks information as to the attitude of the Americans, let him send some one to Vladivostok.”
“Would you defy an officer of the Ataman?” asked Shimilin. “Would you tell me that I cannot arrest a Russian subject here in your rooms?”
“This man is under my protection while he is in my room. I have not defied you—but I suggest delay. I shall not attempt to control your actions.”