The man saluted, thanked him, and retired; a moment later he heard the jingle of a bell, and then the steady throb of an engine. There was no window to the stateroom, and he could not tell whether the steamer was going up or down the river. Up, he surmised, and he suspected his destination was Schlusselburg, the fortress-prison on an island at the source of the Neva. He determined to go on deck and solve the question of direction, but the soldier at the door brought down his gun and barred the passage.
“You cannot pass without an order from the captain.”
“I dare not leave the door,” said the soldier.
Lermontoff pressed the button, and presently an attendant came to learn what was wanted.
The steward departed, and shortly after returned with a big, bronzed, bearded man, whose bulk made the stateroom seem small.
“You sent for the captain, and I am here.”
“So am I,” said the Prince jauntily. “My name is Lermontoff. Perhaps you have heard of me?”
“I am a Prince of Russia, and by some mistake find myself your passenger instead of spending the night in my own house. Where are you taking me, Captain?”
“It is forbidden that I should answer questions.”
“Is it also forbidden that I should go on deck?”
“The General said you were not to be allowed to leave this stateroom, as you did not give your parole.”
“How can I escape from a steamer in motion, Captain?”
“It is easy to jump into the river, and perhaps swim ashore.”
“So he is a general, is he? Well, Captain, I’ll give you my parole that I shall not attempt to swim the Neva on so cold a night as this.”
“I cannot allow you on deck now,” said the Captain, “but when we are in the Gulf of Finland you may walk the deck with the sentry beside you.”
“The Gulf of Finland!” cried Lermontoff. “Then you are going down the river?”
The big Captain looked at him with deep displeasure clouding his brow, feeling that he had been led to give away information which he should have kept to himself.
“You are not going up to Schlusselburg, then?”
“I told your Highness that I am not allowed to answer questions. The General, however, has given me a letter for you, and perhaps it may contain all you may want to know.”
“The General has given you a letter, eh? Then why don’t you let me have it?”