"Princess," I said. "I do not think that these men mean to treat us unkindly. It is evidently some official inquiry brought about by the arrest that he had mentioned. I think it decidedly best to go without question."
Her face flushed and she said nothing more, but having had her wraps brought to her, followed me into the street, and we were soon driving rapidly away. The men were thoughtful enough to give us the interior of the vehicle to ourselves, and as soon as we were seated Zara turned her wistful eyes towards me.
"What does it mean?" she asked.
"It means that you are to be protected from the hands of your friends," I replied. "It means that I know that the nihilists would take your life as soon as they know that betrayal of those who were waiting for me came from your home. I do not propose that they shall have such an opportunity. It means that I am going to place you for a time where no harm can come to you, and that not one of them will know where you are."
"But how, how have you the authority to do all this?"
"Did I not tell you that I am in the service of the czar?"
"Of my worst enemy, yes."
"Is it not wise to compel your enemies to do your service?"
"Can I accept a service from one whom I hate as I do him?"
"I think so, if your life and mine are both dependent upon that service."