FLIGHT
Monsieur Khodrine drove steadily into the gray light of the new day,
satisfied with the events of the night which had resulted quite
miraculously to his advantage, for the suit-case containing the bank
notes of Nemi was safe upon the floor of the tonneau and the Princess
Tatyana, still clad in her dark robe, sat in the seat beside him,
completely at his orders. The escape of Picard had annoyed him, for he
had intended taking the man far into the interior of Germany and there
turning him over to the authorities as an alien enemy and a prisoner.
But in the present turn of affairs it was possible that the counselors
of Nemi might be put upon his own tracks and the pig of a Yankee
liberated from the vault. He had been imprudent when in the first flush
of his success he had told Tanya of their destination, but the chances
of Picard getting back safely were not great, and he knew nothing of
value.
The way in which the American Rowland had hidden his hand and almost
defeated Monsieur Khodkine's projects showed how easily one could be
mistaken in appearances and the feeling of comfort that had followed the
imprisonment of the Yankee intruder in the vault was now slowly giving
way to a vague inquietude. For the arm of Nemi, as Khodkine himself had
said, was long and if Max Liederman blew open the door of the vault
before the air for Rowland's cursed lungs was exhausted, Khodkine would
have the whole pack of them yelping at his heels before he could take
himself and the money to cover.
It was gratifying to him to turn his head and see the handsome angry
profile of the Princess Tatyana there just beside him, but in spite of
the way in which fortune had played into his hands and the ease with
which her abduction had been accomplished, there were many thoughts that
bothered him and her uncompromising attitude of enmity made him aware
that he must play his game with a gentle hand. He had held her,
heretofore, by the threat which he had hung over her,--a painful
business at best, since she was quite the most desirable woman he had
ever known. But the pig Rowland had startled him by revealing a
knowledge of his nationality, his correct name, regiment and employment.
For if Rowland knew who he was, from whom had he received the
information? Not from Zoya Rochal, for that lady, clever as she was,
could have had no possible means of learning the truth. Not from
Liederman nor Barthou nor Shestov, for he had covered his trail far too
cleverly. He was not so sure that Kirylo Ivanitch had not discovered
something--Kirylo! Had Tatyana gotten something from the dead priest
and told what she had learned to Rowland?
And so, driving silently, Monsieur Khodkine tried to think out a
solution of his problems, mindful of the girl at his side, who sat
rigidly in resolute silence, deaf or oblivious to the small attentions
which he offered her. But as the day had now broken and the roads had
suddenly seemed to fill with people, some of whom stared at the dark,
cowled figure, he turned to her with a smile.
"They think, Princess Samarov," he said, "that I'm eloping with a nun."
She made no reply.
"If it pleases you, Princess Samarov, we will descend at Tuttlingen."
She understood the meaning of the repetition of her name, but gave no
sign that she was aware of it.
"Of course, Gregory Khodkine," she replied coldly, "I must do as you
wish."
"Ah, my dear Tatyana," he urged, "do not say that. Rather tell me that
you wish it also."
"I wish for nothing but my freedom."
He smiled at her pleasantly.
"How like a woman," he said, "to desire the one thing not in my power to
grant. I cannot let you go. And if I did, here in Germany, your
position would be precarious." He drove on in a moment of silence and
then spoke more soberly. "Come. Be reasonable. Through no fault of my
own we are enemies. It is very painful to me to feel that you are not
in sympathy with my aims for Russia, but the very fact that I am right
and you are wrong, makes me more generous toward you."
"Generous! Is this generosity----?"
"One moment, Princess Tatyana," he broke in as she paused. "You cannot
forget, nor can I, that no matter what has passed between us, you had no
right to condemn me unheard for what happened in Moscow. Prince
Samaroff brought his fate upon himself. Nor had you the right to
confide, without the consent of the Council of Nemi, in this absurd
adventurer from America, to set him against the established authority,
furnish him with the combination of the door which protected the money
of the society that he might loot the vault for his own uses----"
"That is a lie," she muttered tensely.
He shrugged.
"The evidence is all against him--and you, Princess Samarov," he added
quietly.
She faced him and in the abrupt action the cowl fell over her shoulders,
disclosing her disordered hair.
"You dare not look me in the eyes and say that I would steal money given
in a holy cause. You dare not!" she murmured bravely.
He drove on stolidly for a moment and then a smile came on his thin
lips.
"Much as I would like to look in your eyes, Princess, it is now
impossible, since I would surely run into a market-cart. It is difficult
furthermore," he said coolly, "because to look into your eyes is
dangerous to my peace of mind----"
"Tch!--" The accent of scorn in her voice was very genuine, as she
twisted away from him. "You honor me, Gregory Khodkine," she finished.
"I would honor you more, Tatyana Samarov--the highest honor in the
privilege of any man to bestow," he said quietly. "I ask you to be my
wife."
She was startled and turned toward him, wide-eyed.
"You!--after what you have done to me and mine----!"
"I beseech you to listen to me. Your father, Prince Samarov, was the
enemy of Russia's freedom----'
"Because he believed in order," she broke in wildly, "instead of
anarchy----"
"Because he was reactionary--" he paused with some show of delicacy,
"because he was a traitor to the very causes you represent."
"That is not true. His cause is mine--the integrity of Russia as well
as her freedom."
Khodkine smiled lightly.
"The old order passeth, Princess, and with it those who are not awake to
the new issues."
"And what is the new order of things?" She returned with spirit. "A
carefully planned disorder that Germany may triumph, a chase of
will-o'-the-wisps through a mist of illusions. _You_ speak of
treachery; _You_----!" She stifled the scorn of her tongue with an
effort, for the thought of the papers in her bodice warned her that she
was coming to dangerous ground.
"You are trying to do me injustice, Princess," he said quietly, "but
your very words fail you for lack of proof. That it was through my
agency that Prince Samarov was thrown into prison is indeed a proof of
my loyalty--for did I not know that in condemning him--" Khodkine's
voice sank a note as he finished slowly, "that in condemning him I was
losing my own heart's desire--the one woman in the world that I have
ever loved--or can."
She glanced at him quickly but anger dominated.
"He was innocent of any connection with the _Camarilla_ of Rasputin,"
she said in a tense voice. "He despised trickery--and you knew it."
"That will doubtless be proved, Princess Tatyana, and it may be that I
can help," he said suavely. "Indeed I am not without influence with the
Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' Deputies."
"And why should you not be--you who are----!"
Again she paused, her hand below her cassock fingering the _dossier_ of
Gregory Hochwald.
"I am--what, Tatyana?" he asked keenly.
She shrugged and looked away.
"The apostle of--of license!" she said chokingly.
The promptness of her reply reassured him. She believed in the
Provisional Government and the dangers that now beset it were very real
to her.
He smiled and turned to her softly.
"Aren't your mission and mine the same, after all? We desire a Russia
free--not alone from medievalism but from the traitors within her
borders who have stolen the food from her soldiers, profited upon
munitions which never reached those who upheld the honor of Russia at
the front--the capitalists and those they put in power. I need not go
on. You know their names and places--vipers that any true Russian of
the nobility or of the people should pledge his life to crush. You too,
Tatyana--you are their enemy as I am. Will you deny it?"
Tanya had listened in silence, amazed at the fervor of his denunciation
and at his plausibility. Had she not held close against her body the
proofs of his perfidy, had she not known the secrets of his Russian
intrigue, his clever tongue might have persuaded her. As it was, having
in her misery already planned a course of action, she merely answered
evasively. Gregory Khodkine should be no more clever than she. At the
present moment she seemed to be completely in his power, and until a
proper opportunity presented, she must meet him at his own game. This
was not the first time he had declared his love for her. There had been
other moments in Petrograd and at Nemi when Gregory Khodkine had chosen
to dignify her with his attentions, but beneath his suave demonstrations
of affection, she had always been sure of his venality and felt the
threat of a danger. Her father at this moment lay in a cell in the
Prison of St. Peter and St. Paul, a prisoner through this man's agency,
and of those others who had sworn falsely. She had blamed Gregory
Khodkine, because she had guessed that the currents which actuated him
had their source among the high places. Now she knew what and where,
for the proof was in her possession, and that knowledge made her fear
and hate him the more.
The disaster to Monsieur Rowland had stricken her helpless, the death of
Stepan had terrified her, but she had managed to gather her wits
together in time to feign illness and write the note to Shestov which
Picard had taken. All her hopes lay in Picard. Would he reach Nemi in
safety and if so would he be in time to save Monsieur Rowland from a
frightful death? Monsieur Rowland was a brave man. There was a quality
of carelessness in his courage and ingenuity that had made her throw
herself impulsively into his confidences and upon his protection. It was
incredible that this fine young life should be snuffed out.... She
would not believe it! And Monsieur Khodkine, Rowland's enemy, Stepan's
slayer, sat beside her, driving into the sunshine of the dewy morning,
alive, awake, persistent and successful, a portent of the triumph of the
dark forces which were spreading their evil snares all about the world.
She stole a quick sidelong glance at him and marked the handsome,
finely-cut profile. He was good to look at--but cold--so ruthless and
so cold! And it was this man who a moment ago had asked her to marry
him! There had seemed something more ominous to her in the carefully
chosen words of his declaration than there would have been in the rugged
orders of an honest jailor. And yet there was too something in the
quietness of his manner and in the air of submissiveness with which he
had accepted her rebuff which reassured her. Could it be, after all,
that under this impassive exterior there was a soul that could be
touched, a chord of memory, an ideal to be invoked, in which during
moments not given to the soulless pursuit of a mad nation's ambitions,
she, Tanya, could have a part? Once or twice she had believed him
genuine, for in his pale blue eyes had come a look that had been born of
a real emotion, and then something had happened--a quick return of his
imperiousness or suspicion, which had driven from her mind all thoughts
except that this was the man who held the fate of Prince Samarov in the
hollow of his hand. But what if...
She glanced at him again. His position was unchanged, his expression
unmoved, sober, determined but not unpleasant, and for the present he
seemed to have forgotten her existence. Love? To such a man--it was a
thing apart, a trifle, an incident upon the highway of his life and
yet--what if she could find it--use it?
There was a weapon here for her woman's fingers to grasp and wield. He
had offered it to her. Was that too a part of the tissue of falsehoods
he had woven about his life or was it a tangible thing that would cut
and rend as a woman's weapons should? There was nothing left for her
but to choose. Timidly, but firmly she caught at it.
"Grisha Khodkine," she said with a smile that belied the fear in her
heart, "perhaps you are right. I am only a woman. I have thought
deeply and sorrowed deeply for Russia, but that is a woman's weakness
for her heart leads her always. As to my father----"
She paused and looked over the blue valley which led down to Lake
Constance.
"He need not worry you," he broke in. "Before leaving Petrograd, I
assured myself that he lacked nothing. He is comfortable, well-fed and
in no danger. If you will trust in me, it will not be long before all
your clouds are rolled away."
"I--I do not believe you, Grisha Khodkine," she murmured. "One does not
change one's thoughts at the first wind that blows. You are catering to
a maddened people drunk with liberty. That is dangerous and bodes no
good to my country--and--and yours."
"And yet the Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' Deputies is to rule all
Russia. You shall see. Out of chaos, cosmos shall come, a government
'of the people, for the people, by the people.'"
She shook her head and spoke quickly.
"Nothing can come out of chaos but the chaotic. You see I can not
believe in you."
"That is a pity, Princess Tatyana," he said quietly. "But one day you
will learn that I have spoken the truth."
She was silent a moment and then she spoke, trying to measure her words
which came hotly in spite of herself.
"What have you done to make me believe in you? What does this flight
into Germany mean? These passports--which permit you, who call yourself
a loyal Russian, to go into the very heart of your enemy's country
without hindrance, without question? And by what right do you carry me
against my will to this central committee of Munich, which represents a
socialism tainted with the poisons of Potsdam----?"
"I would suggest caution, Prince Tatyana," he interrupted sharply. "You
are now in Germany and presently may be placed in a position where such
a remark if overheard would put you in great danger."
"The daughter of Prince Samarov is not afraid," she said scornfully.
"Then I shall be afraid for you and protect you in spite of yourself."
Her growing anger had driven prudence to the winds.
"I am no puppet, Gregory Khodkine, to be carried here and there against
my will. By what right have you dared do this thing----?"
"By right--of might," he said quietly, "the force that sways Russia and
will sway the world." The car had reached a deserted strip of the road
and Khodkine drove more slowly. "Listen, Tatyana. Perhaps you did not
believe me a while ago when I told you what was in my heart. That is
your privilege. But it is mine to serve--and wait----"
"Serve!"
"Let me finish. Perhaps I can make my purposes clearer to you. You
believe that I have stolen this money, for some personal or political
object. That is not true. It goes to a place of safety, where you as
well as I will have some say in its disposition in international
affairs. You chose to be suspicious of me and to take into your
confidence this mad American, but he did not foresee, nor did you, that
there were other forces at work which threatened the Society of
Nemi--Ah! You are interested! It is the truth."
"Max Liederman!"
He nodded. "And you know what that meant?"
"Zoya Rochal."
"Exactly! You are clever, Princess Tatyana. Herr Liederman would have
wasted no time. I know. I have evidence. He was prepared for the
death of Kirylo Ivanitch. He meant that the bank notes should fall into
no other hands but his."
"But Herr Liederman, whatever his deficiencies, is at least honest in
his convictions and in his allegiance."
Khodkine laughed lightly.
"The convictions, the allegiances of a dotard who is in love with a
dangerous woman are no more to be relied upon than the woman herself.
Zoya Rochal has owned many men and used their fortunes. She is without
an occupation. Herr Liederman is not prepossessing, but in her eyes
twenty-five million of francs would beautify Pluto himself. And Herr
Liederman----"
He shrugged expressively and finished with a smile.
"Herr Liederman would never have carried out his good intentions."
And then as she made no reply,
"So you see why I have acted quickly. Monsieur Rowland is clever, but
the Gods serve the righteous. I brought you with me, Princess, because
it was impossible to do otherwise. The judgment of a woman is not
always to be relied upon. You are out of harm's way. I shall save you
from mischief and from others who might do you and the cause I serve
incalculable harm. I pray that you will do me the justice of believing
in the honesty of my motives."
Under her robe her fingers clutched the _dossier_ of Gregory Hochwald.
"Honesty is as honesty does. The passports, Monsieur--to me they can
mean but one thing."
"Two things, Princess," he said with a laugh. "I am either a spy of
Germany in Russia or a spy of Russia in Germany. Can you choose?"
His impudence amazed her.
"A spy--of Russia!"
It was time that she moved carefully, for the slightest slip might
betray her. "Oh," she said carelessly, "I had not thought of that."
"I am not without friends in Germany," he went on--"in Prussia. I was
educated in a German university. If I have used my connections in
Russia's services, how can you blame me?"
She made no reply.
"Does that explain any facts--or help you to understand?" he asked.
"I think--perhaps," she said slowly, "that it does."
He examined her keenly for a moment.
"You suspected--you had heard that I was acting in the interests of
Prussia? Did Ivanitch speak of me to you?"
"Oh, no," she said, turning and looking steadily into his eyes. "I was
not the confidante of Kirylo Ivanitch in such matters." She broke off
and turned away with a shrug.
"My doubts as to your genuineness are purely personal--and based, you
must admit, upon good grounds. In the twentieth century abduction is
hardly conventional. Women no longer kiss the hands that beat them,
Gregory Khodkine."
He was silent for a long moment of meditation.
"It is very painful to me that you should dislike me so much. I ask
nothing of you--expect nothing. For while I can help the cause of free
Russia, I have sworn that no personal consideration shall stand in the
way of duty. It is the irony of fate that it should be you, Princess
Tatyana, who are thrown across my path, but that has made no difference
to me. My life or happiness is nothing beside the other issue. That
day at the British Embassy when we met and afterwards walked along the
river, our minds struck fire. I knew then that you were different from
other Russian women of your class. I am not sentimental--perhaps you
think me cold; but I love you, Tatyana, and whether you believe it or
not will serve and protect----"
"Please, Grisha Khodkine," she murmured. "My situation is delicate
enough, without making it more difficult."
They were approaching the town and Monsieur Khodkine drove more
carefully.
"It shall be as you please," he said quietly. "My desire was to
reassure you. You shall be as safe in my company as you are at Nemi,
but I pray you to be discreet. One may not speak freely in Germany in
times like these. I warn you now that for myself I fear nothing, so
that you are powerless against me, but should you antagonize or deride
German authority, I may not be able to save you."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Keep silent, that is all. You travel as my sister. At the town ahead
of us you will provide yourself with a valise, a hat, coat, and such
toilet articles as you may require. Tonight we should reach Munich
where you will be again among members of the society. I shall try my
case before them, place this money in their care."
"And after that--what?"
"If it pleases you, we shall go on into Russia."
She thought a moment. "And if I promise to obey you thus far, what do
you offer me in return?"
"The liberation of Prince Samarov when we reach Petrograd," he replied
promptly.
"Very well," she assented at last. "I agree."
"Good," and then with a smile; "one word more, Princess Tatyana, a word
of warning and of prophecy. The cause of the Provisional Government is
hopeless, its leaders dreamers--idealists. Russia has dreamed too long.
The party to come into power will be radical, applying desperate
remedies to desperate diseases, but it will be practical and it will be
triumphant. Do not sink with a lost cause--for in the end the result is
the same--Russia free--socialism--Internationalism victorious----"
"International Prussianism----!"
He frowned slightly--
"You are already breaking your agreement--
"And England, France, Italy--" she persisted eagerly. "What becomes of
our agreements with them?"
He shut his jaws grimly.
"They must look out for themselves, Princess Tatyana," he finished.
"Ah!" she gasped, and sinking back into her seat, said no more.