The Prince washed himself, smoothed out his rumpled clothes as well as he could, and put on his boots. While engaged in the latter operation the door opened, and the big Captain himself entered, inclosed in glistening oilskins.
“Hyvaa pyvaa, Highness,” said the Captain. “Will you walk the deck before breakfast?”
“Good-day to you,” returned the Prince, “and by your salutation I take you to be a Finn.”
“I am a native of Abo,” replied the Captain, “and as you say, a Finn, but I differ from many of my countrymen, as I am a good Russian also.”
“Well, there are not too many good Russians, and here is one who would rather have heard that you were a good Finn solely.”
“It is to prevent any mistake,” replied the Captain, almost roughly, “that I mention I am a good Russian.”
“Right you are, Captain, and as I am a good Russian also, perhaps good Russian Number One can tell me to what part of the world he is conveying good Russian Number Two, a man guiltless of any crime, and unwilling, at this moment, to take an enforced journey.”
“We may both be good, but the day is not, Highness. It has been raining during the night, and is still drizzling. I advise you to put on your overcoat.”
“Thanks, Captain, I will.”
The Captain in most friendly manner took the overcoat from its hook, shook it out, and held it ready to embrace its owner. Lermontoff shoved right arm, then left, into the sleeves, hunched the coat up into place, and buttoned it at the throat.