Senov asked the question in English that bore a slight accent. Tholbin nodded in reply.
“Good,” said Senov. “I came here to make sure. This is only the second time that we have met. It will probably be the last.”
Tholbin gave no sign that he regretted the fact that Senov had mentioned. The Russian looked about with apprehensive eyes. He studied Tholbin cautiously.
“It is a strange arrangement,” said Senov solemnly. “Much that I know, I do not tell you. Much that you know, you do not tell me. We are both under orders.”
“I am following mine,” interposed Tholbin calmly.
“That is good,” declared Senov. “I can only tell you this. You must be careful in all that you do. My instructions were to meet you here in this hotel. I did that, four nights ago. I was told to deliver a certain trunk into your care. I have done so. It is your duty, now, to make sure that the trunk reaches its destination. Have you taken care to do that?”
“Yes,” replied Tholbin, “it is already on its way.”
“There is one thing which I must tell you,” added Senov. “I have been informed that you are going to New York upon the steamship Gasconne. Upon that ship will be certain men to aid you, should you need them. They have never seen you. They will know you only by a sign—”
Tholbin interrupted by pressing the tips of his fingers and thumbs together. With digits wide apart, he formed an open-work figure.
“Ah!” exclaimed Senov, with approval. “You have already learned the sign of the crown. Good. You know how to recognize those men?”