“Certainly, sir; the more readily, because in this country there are no hereditary titles.”
“Will you tell me, please, how you knew me to be Prince Alexis Turnieff?”
“Certainly.” This was precisely the point at which the detective had wished to arrive. “My assistant informed me that you sent up the wrong card by mistake. Also that your name is Alexis Turnieff, and that you are a colonel in the Russian army. Just now, I assume you to be in the diplomatic service attached to the Russian embassy. That is correct, is it not?”
“Quite so.”
“Very well; I am more or less familiar with many Russian names and titles. Not so very long ago I knew of a gentleman by your name, who was also a prince. He would be old enough to be your father, if he were living. I assumed that he was your father, and being aware that he is dead, I also assumed that you had succeeded to his title. So”—with a smile—“you will observe that it was not strange that I should make use of the title in addressing you.”
“I quite understand. Thank you.”
“And now, colonel, if you are ready we will come to the business of your call upon me,” said the detective.
“At once. Yes, sir. You have doubtless been informed that I am here at the request of the ambassador for the czar, but that my errand is unofficial, and——”
“Pardon me, colonel; my information is solely to the effect that a gentleman from the Russian embassy would call upon me,” said Nick.
Colonel Turnieff fidgeted for a moment in his chair. Then with some abruptness he said: