u are about; bear
in mind that I am covering you, and I warn you that if I detect the
slightest appearance of haste in your movements, or if you produce
anything except the telegram from your pocket, I shall shoot you,
without a particle of compunction."

The count, keeping a wary eye upon von Schalckenberg, proceeded, with
much care and deliberation, to feel in his pocket for the telegram,
which he presently produced, in its envelope, and placed upon the table
before him.

"Are you sure that is it?" demanded von Schalckenberg.

"Quite certain," responded Vasilovich.

"Then, have the goodness to take it out of the envelope and spread it
open on the table," commanded the professor.

Without a word, Vasilovich did as he was ordered.

"Now," resumed the professor, "rise from your chair, turn your back to
me, and march slowly forward until you are against the wall. March!"

"Confound you!" exclaimed Vasilovich, his eyes gleaming with fury, "you
will not give me a chance!" And he rose, obedient to von
Schalckenberg's command, faced about, and moved forward to the wall, the
professor following him until the telegram was within his reach, when he
stretched out his hand, took possession of the document and, still
watching his prisoner out of the corner of his eye, read as follows, in
Russian--

"Convict-steamer _Ludwig Gadd_ just sailed for Sakhalien with
Sziszkinski safe on board.

"Tchernigov."

The message was dated that same day, and timed as having been despatched
from Odessa at four-forty.

"Thank you; that will do," remarked von Schalckenberg, as he thrust the
paper into his pocket. "Now," he continued, "I want you to take a walk
with me in the park. We shall pass out through the principal entrance
of the chateau. But I wish to warn you again to be extremely careful,
for I assure you that your life hangs by a hair, and if I see that there
is even a possibility of anything going wrong I shall shoot you at once,
taking my chance with your servants afterwards. So, in the event of our
encountering any of your domestics on our way out, you will instantly
order them to retire. Now, sir, have the goodness to lead the way."

And, as the professor spoke, he laid upon the table a document setting
forth the fact that Count Vasilovich had been "removed," as a punishment
for the many crimes of which he had been guilty.

The glitter of deadly hate in Vasilovich's eyes as he faced round and
began to move, in obe