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I got upon my feet and bowed to him, but he extended his hand in the

enial smile upon his face which

rendered it handsome, and which won my affection as well as my respect,

said: "It will be a pleasure to me to be upon terms of familiarity with one

ears no title and who does not wish for one Henceforth ill

count ourselves as friends, and forget relative positions and rank

Give ht in build, and reat palot the czar in the ave hioes with it, sir, if the necessity arises"

"I believe you, Mr Derrington In the ht"

Then I followed the prince from the room and was presently conducted to

an apartned for me; at least I so

decided when I had an opportunity to examine it and to familiarize

myself with all that it contained The prince found sohted one while he said laughingly: "I

see that you are prepared to entertain your guests, Mr Derrington

Shall we chat together a little before we part for the night?"

"If you will be so good as to remain with reat favor," I replied "Is the boycott of

the interrogation removed?"

"Certainly"

"Then will you please tell h interrupted me

"I know all that you would ask," he said "Our mutual friend Alexis is

more in the confidence of his majesty than any other man in the world,

and this plot to induce you to come here and offer your services to the

czar, was deliberately planned between theo

From time to time Alexis dropped little hints to you which set you to

thinking, and the thought finally blossomed into action Had you