I glanced upward into his eyes, which were bent half quizzically and
not at all unkindly upon me, and then in words that flowed easily, and
which came to me like an inspiration, I stated almost in one sentence,
and certainly in one paragraph, the concise explanation of my presence
in St. Petersburg at that moment. I said: "I believe that I can organize and maintain a secret service bureau in
your majesty's interest, which will be more effective than all the
present police force put together. In order to do so I must have my own
way entirely, must be absolute master of the situation, as far as my
men are concerned, and can have no superior officer--not even the czar
himself. My plans have been formulated with care, and I can go into
minute details whenever I am directed to do so."
"Modesty is not one of your accomplishments, Mr. Derrington."
"Possibly not; but thorough familiarity with the work I would do is
one. Interference with my duties by any one no matter how high in
place, would render my efforts impotent, and I should decline under
such circumstances to undertake the task I have set for myself."
"What is that task?"
"The utter dismemberment and destruction of an organization of
anarchists known as nihilists against whom I have already been twice
pitted, and both times successfully."
The czar arose from his chair and crossed the room to the window where
he stood for some time peering out into the darkness, in the interim
drumming ceaselessly on the pane with the tips of his fingers. During
that time there was not a word spoken. Presently he turned and came
back to the chair where I was seated, towering over me like a veritable
giant, the most magnificent specimen of masculine humanity I have ever
seen; and according to his lights, as good as he was great in stature.
When ultimately the nihilists succeeded in destroying him, they killed
the best friend that Russia ever had on the throne. They did not, could
not know it; but I do.
"Mr. Derrington," he said, speaking with great deliberation, as though
he weighed each word he uttered, "we will end this farce of questions
and answers. They are unnecessary as far as I am concerned, and are
unworthy of you. A long time ago I held a conversation in this very
room with your friend Alexis Saberevski who possesses my entire
confidence. In that conversation he recommended you to me, and I
directed him to put the bee in your bonnet that has been buzzing there
ever since; so you see that I really sent for you, although you did not
know it. It was necessary that I should first be entirely convinced
that I could trust you implicitly, before entering into negotiations
with you. I am convinced. I accept your service. You will sleep in the
palace to-night, and to-morrow we will discuss your plans in detail.
Mr. Smith has been arrested as a nihilist, and the morning papers will
announce that he has started on his journey to Siberia. Mr. Derrington
will remain in St. Petersburg and to-morrow he will decide what
disposition to make of himself. The prince will act as your host for
to-night."