"

The General murmured--

"I detest rebels of every kind. I can't help it. It's my nature!"

He clenched a fist and shook it, drawing back his arm. "They shall be
destroyed, then."

"They have made a sacrifice of their lives beforehand," said Razumov
with malicious pleasure and looking the General straight in the face.
"If Haldin does change his purpose to-night, you may depend on it that
it will not be to save his life by flight in some other way. He would
have thought then of something else to attempt. But that is not likely."

The General repeated as if to himself, "They shall be destroyed."

Razumov assumed an impenetrable expression.

The Prince exclaimed--

"What a terrible necessity!"

The General's arm was lowered slowly.

"One comfort there is. That brood leaves no posterity. I've always said
it, one effort, pitiless, persistent, steady--and we are done with them
for ever."

Razumov thought to himself that this man entrusted with so much
arbitrary power must have believed what he said or else he could not
have gone on bearing the responsibility.

"I detest rebels. These subversive minds! These intellectual
_debauches_! My existence has been built on fidelity. It's a feeling.
To defend it I am ready to lay down my life--and even my honour--if
that were needed. But pray tell me what honour can there be as against
rebels--against people that deny God Himself--perfect unbelievers!
Brutes. It is horrible to think of."

During this tirade Razumov, facing the General, had nodded slightly
twice. Prince K---, standing on one side with his grand air, murmured,
casting up his eyes--

"_Helas!_"

Then lowering his glance and with great decision declared--

"This young man, General, is perfectly fit to apprehend the bearing of
your memorable words."

The General's whole expression changed from dull resentment to perfect
urbanity.

"I would ask now, Mr. Razumov," he said, "to return to his home. Note
that I don't ask Mr. Razumov whether he has justified his absence to his
guest. No doubt he did this sufficiently. But I don't ask. Mr. Razumov
inspires confidence. It is a great gift. I only suggest that a more
prolonged absence might awaken the criminal's suspicions and induce him
perhaps to change his plans."

He rose and with a scrupulous courtesy escorted his visitors to the
ante-room encumbered with flower-pots.

Razumov parted with the Prince at the corner of a street. In the
carriage he had l