“You have no warrant, then?”
“I have none. I act on my superior’s word, and do not presume to question it. May I hope that you will follow me without a further parley, which is embarrassing to me, and quite unhelpful to yourself. I have been instructed to treat you with every courtesy, but nevertheless force has been placed at my disposal. I am even to take your word of honor that you are unarmed, and your Highness is well aware that such leniency is seldom shown in St. Petersburg.”
“Well, sir, even if my word of honor failed to disarm me, your politeness would. I carry a revolver. Do you wish it?”
“If your Highness will condescend to give it to me.”
The Prince held the weapon, butt forward, to the officer, who received it with a gracious salutation.
“You know nothing of the reason for this action?”
“Nothing whatever, your Highness.”
“Where are you going to take me?”
“A walk of less than three minutes will acquaint your Highness with the spot.”
The Prince laughed.