Mecsey must stay with him. I could see no solution but that, and yet I had depended on Mecsey to guide me to Miskolcz.
However, it had to be done; and at the first halt I explained the matter to the Russian.
"It is very kind of you to think of me at all," he said. "I am grateful."
"You seemed so very anxious for my society," I said, laughing, "that I am bound to take an interest in you; but, seriously, my man will remain to look after you. He is an honest fellow, and to be trusted. Of course, there is a chance of falling in with your own people. In that case, I trust you to do everything in your power to set him free."
"I promise that willingly."
"Then I will say good-bye; it is possible we may not meet again."
"I hope we shall, if only that I may have the chance to return your kindness. Will you not tell me your name?
"George Botskay."
"And mine is Michael Popkoff."
"I shall remember it; but now I must go. I am on special service; and since you have deprived me of my horse, I must do the journey on foot."