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"What does it mean?" she asked

"It means that you are to be protected from the hands of your friends,"

I replied "It means that I know that the nihilists would take your

life as soon as they know that betrayal of those aiting for

me came from your home I do not propose that they shall have such an

opportunity Itto place you for a time where no

harm can come to you, and that not one of them will knohere you

are"

"But ho have you the authority to do all this?"

"Did I not tell you that I am in the service of the czar?"

"Of my worst enemy, yes"

"Is it not wise to compel your enemies to do your service?"

"Can I accept a service from one whom I hate as I do him?"

"I think so, if your life and mine are both dependent upon that

service"

"But where are we going?"

"To the Vladek prison"

"I? Zara de Echeveria, to prison?"

"Yes"

"And you?"