BRIEFLY, the prince explained that Ivan was to be Agent K. He told how the Red meeting was held. He gave Ivan the signs, and all the necessary instructions.
The only fact that he subtly omitted was the most important one — that these men who would meet were Reds. Ivan noted the instructions; he did not ask their purpose.
“Remember, Ivan,” admonished the prince, as he carefully arranged the servant’s face to resemble that of the pretended Fritz Bloch, “we must protect the cause of the czar.”
“Aye, master.”
The disguise was completed. Ivan stared in wonderment as Prince Zuvor held a mirror before his eyes.
“Your work, master,” he said, “is more skillful than mine. I cannot understand.”
“You have prepared my disguise so often,” explained the prince. “I have remembered every movement. You make as good a Fritz as I do. Now speak.”
Ivan Shiskin uttered a few words in guttural English.
“Now go,” said Zuvor. He raised his hand. “Go. Remember all that happens. Go, in the name of the czar.”
After the servant had left by the front door, Prince Zuvor returned to the room on the second floor. He passed through the curtains, and did not return. Instead, a strange, mysterious figure emerged.