Naumoff, in amazement at these words which he believed to be addressed
to himself, relaxed his hold. "What is it?" he whispered. "Is any one
there?"
Step by step I drew back from him, with my fascinated eyes still fixed
upon Prilukoff, who stood motionless as a statue in the same dreadful
attitude.
"Is any one there?" repeated Naumoff.
"Yes. Don't move." The words formed themselves soundlessly on my lips,
but Naumoff understood them and obeyed. He neither turned nor moved.
"Stand as you are," I breathed; "do not stir." And I glided snake-like
from him.
Then with the quickness of lightning I darted upon Prilukoff, thrusting
him back into the dark bedroom, clutching him by the wrist, and covering
his rapid breathing with my hand. The carpet deadened our footsteps.
With my elbow I pushed the door and, as it closed behind me, I turned
and shot the bolt. I was locked in my room with Prilukoff.
"Hush, hush!" I whispered, my lips almost touching his face. "I implore
you, I implore you! Do not betray me. Do not let them hear you."
Through his closed and stifled lips there issued hideous, incoherent
words of vituperation.
"Hush! hush! hush!" I pressed my hand still tighter to his lips.
"Forgive me! Spare me! I am yours, yours only! Donat, forgive me and
keep silence!"
"Mine, mine only," breathed Prilukoff, hoarsely; "you swear it!"
"Yes! oh, yes!"