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A nihilistic bomb exploded in the cabinet of the czar would scarcely

have created more consternation than did my statement The emperor

himself started back in ae and terror, upon Prince Michael

The prince, instead of shrugging his shoulders and laughing at the

charge I haddeathly pale, and

at once protesting his innocence It was that protest which decided the

battle of wits in my favor Always ready to doubt those ere

nearest to hi

by playing the traitor He recalled also many instances, small in

themselves but sufficiently prominent nohen the prince had deceived

him That, he knew I had never done I had always possessed the courage

to tell him the truth even when it was unpleasant The habit of

truthfulness told, then He believed me, and he doubted the prince

More than that, I see, for it proved to be

true that the prince had persuaded hin an order for my

temporary arrest--or rather, my detention in the palace It had been