“Substituted another and more innocent document.”
“Just so. ’Twas neatly done, but it didn’t escape me. Convinced that the document must be one of great moment I determined to become the possessor of it. Knowing that Pahlen was about to proceed to the Mint to receive a deputation of merchants, I made some excuse for accompanying him, first, however, secretly sending a note to the Police Bureau.”
“What did the note contain?”
“These words—‘Send Godovin to me at once. I am at the Mint.’”
“And who in the devil’s name is Godovin?”
“Once the most expert pick-pocket in St. Petersburg, now an honest—ahem!—police officer!”
“I see your design.”
“Towards the close of the meeting, just as Pahlen was ending his speech to the merchants, my man entered. ‘Godovin,’ I whispered, ‘within Pahlen’s breast-pocket is a paper that I must have. Can you take it without his knowledge?’ The fellow smiled and nodded.”
“And he succeeded?”
“Godovin never fails. I’ve employed him before. Just as Pahlen was passing out Godovin simply brushed by him, and the next moment he was pushing beneath my cloak the document I wanted.”