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As to the killing of Stanislaus, who could blame the czar for that? The

man had endeavored to kill him; had twice snapped a pistol in his face

and still held it in his hand when the erasp

and struck him on the head with it Who would not do the sa that affection for hiht me The real criminal in the case of the

story of Yvonne was Durnief Him I hated, and his name was on one of

the lists that had been read off toto the palace that

night There were special orders concerning him, too--but that will be

dealt with later

Now, as I entered the cabinet with the prince, I confess that I had

so my reception for I had no idea what the prince

had said to his majesty, and I knew only too well the inclination of

the czar to listen to anything that had a suspicious side to it,

particularly if that suspicion concerned one of his closest and most

intimate associates I could at any time, within five ainst the prince; and I did not doubt

that he could accomplish the same delicate attention for me The prince

preceded me; the czar rose as we entered

His majesty was alone, and I advanced at once with extended hand, as he

had often requested me to do when I discovered hi not to see it I halted, drew myself up, and returned