For an instant Sandoff could only stare at his visitor in hopeless confusion. Here was a contingency that had never entered his head.
“What does this mean?” continued the colonel fiercely. “Is the inspector afraid to meet me in person? Does he forget having made my acquaintance in Petersburg last summer, that he attempts to palm off a substitute upon me? I refuse to treat with you. I will not touch a cent of that money, unless Inspector Zamosc counts it out with his own hand. Where is he? I demand to see him.”
The irate colonel started for the door, and would have rushed out to the sledge had not Sandoff checked him in time.
“Stop just a moment, Colonel Nord, and hear my explanation,” he entreated. “It is true that I am not Inspector Zamosc—I am merely his assistant. It was through a sad error that the inspector drove through Riga this morning without stopping. He has now begged me to see you in his stead and plead sickness as an excuse for his absence. He is out in the sledge, but if you insist upon seeing him I will summon him.”
“Yes, I do insist upon seeing him,” the colonel replied with a grim smile. “There are various private matters that must be discussed. Tell the inspector that he needn’t be afraid of me,” he added with a short chuckle.
“I will deliver your message,” replied Sandoff calmly. “Kindly excuse me while I go to summon the inspector. You will find cigars and wine on the table.”
“I had better accompany you,” said Colonel Nord jocosely. “The inspector might take fright and run away. When he sees that I am not in a violent rage he will be reassured.”
As he spoke he preceded his companion to the door. For a moment Sandoff thought all was lost, but a idea occurred to him just in time.
“Beg pardon, colonel!” he exclaimed. “But all that money—would it be safe to leave it here alone?”
“Ah, no, quite right!” muttered the colonel, glancing greedily at the chest. “I will remain here. Be quick, though, for I must return to Riga as soon as possible.”