end, I will not
play that sort of trick upon you a second time. Besides, being a Count
and the husband of a very charming Princess, I doubt if I should find
you so useful for my purposes. I will do my utmost to advance your
artistic interests in England, instead. But remember, it is a promise;
you will bring your wife to my house in Sussex, if not upon your
honeymoon, at some time convenient to yourselves."

Nello assured the benevolent old Baron that they would certainly
accept his hospitality, and bade him good-night.

Outside he saw the four stalwart figures of his bodyguard waiting for
him. Beilski had not relaxed his precautions. It was still possible
that some fanatical and devoted adherent of Zouroff might resolve to
avenge his defeated chief.

A burly, bearded man was walking up and down outside the door of the
hotel. Corsini recognised him immediately--"Ivan the Cuckoo."

The four men drew nearer, as they perceived the late outlaw was
accosting him, but Corsini raised his hand and waved them back.

"I waited for you, Signor, to express my thanks to you who have so
nobly fulfilled your part of the bargain," said Ivan, speaking in low
tones. "I was at the Count's house an hour ago; he has promised me a
most substantial sum, part of which will go to my good old comrade,
Stepan. After all, Signor, if we must be truthful, it was he who
really saved the Emperor."

"I quite agree," answered Corsini. Yes, Stepan had expressed his
suspicions to Ivan, and Ivan's quick wit had developed the plan of
campaign, which the Italian had skilfully conducted. The honours
seemed a little unequally distributed. Corsini was a Count, with a
handsome sum of money. Ivan was to have also a substantial pecuniary
reward, and Stepan was to have some share of what Ivan received.
Still, it was no use pondering over these caprices of fortune.

"Signor," went on the late outlaw, "I am sick of Russia. As soon as I
get my money, and the Count promises it immediately, I shall leave
this country. I am tired of it. I shall go to England--I hear it is a
land of the free--set up a business there, and turn myself into an
honest man."

Corsini shook him by the hand. "Bravo, Ivan. Yes, by all means go to
England. It is, as you say, a land of the free. I shall go back there
as soon as I can. I am not over-fond of Russia."

Ivan's eyes sparkled. "Perhaps, Signor, we might meet there some day,
if it would not be presumption on my part to intrude