He did turn, but instead of coming up the street again, dashed through an open archway which led into the courtyard of a large building fronting the Neva. The moment the carriage was inside, the gates clanged shut.
“Now, what in the name of Saint Peter do you mean by this?” demanded the Prince angrily.
The cabman made no reply, but from a door to the right stepped a tall, uniformed officer, who said:
“Orders, your Highness, orders. The isvoshtchik is not to blame. May I beg of your Highness to accompany me inside?”
“Who the devil are you?” demanded the annoyed nobleman.
“I am one who is called upon to perform a disagreeable duty, which your Highness will make much easier by paying attention to my requests.”
“Then I demand that the gates be opened that I may return home, where more important business awaits me than talking to a stranger who refuses to reveal his identity.”
“I hope you will pardon me, Prince Lermontoff. I act, as the isvoshtchik has acted, under compulsion. My identity is not in question. I ask you for the second time to accompany me.”
“Then, for the second time I inquire, am I under arrest? If so, show me your warrant, and then I will go with you, merely protesting that whoever issued such a warrant has exceeded his authority.”
“I have seen nothing of a warrant, your Highness, and I think you are confusing your rights with those pertaining to individuals residing in certain countries you have recently visited.”
“I have none. I act on my superior’s word, and do not presume to question it. May I hope that you will follow me without a further parley, which is embarrassing to me, and quite unhelpful to yourself. I have been instructed to treat you with every courtesy, but nevertheless force has been placed at my disposal. I am even to take your word of honor that you are unarmed, and your Highness is well aware that such leniency is seldom shown in St. Petersburg.”
“Well, sir, even if my word of honor failed to disarm me, your politeness would. I carry a revolver. Do you wish it?”
“If your Highness will condescend to give it to me.”
The Prince held the weapon, butt forward, to the officer, who received it with a gracious salutation.
“You know nothing of the reason for this action?”