"Yes," I answered gravely, "of a crime."
I fancied he started as I spoke, almost imperceptibly, perhaps, yet I
could have sworn that my words produced within him some nervous
apprehension.
"A crime!" he echoed. "Surely she cannot be guilty of anything more
serious than some little indiscretion."
"It is more than mere indiscretion that I suspect," I said, in a low
tone.
"Well," he observed mechanically, as, after a pause, he stood at the
window, gazing fixedly into the street, "I certainly would never accept
as truth anything whatever told me by Sonia Korolenko."
I was, however, inexorable in my demand, more than ever determined to
hear Sonia's story. The strange, hesitating manner in which my friend
had endeavoured to avoid complying with my request had aroused suspicion
within me; of what, I could not tell. It struck me as curious that he
should thus defend Ella so strenuously, although he knew her but
slightly. He was, perhaps, acting in my interests as his friend, but if
so, his intense hatred of Sonia was more than the mere official
denunciation of an evil-doer. I did not believe his declaration that he
had never met Sonia, but it seemed rather as if he had cause to well
remember his meeting with her, and that its recollection still rankled
bitterly within him.
The admission by Renouf was a little disconcerting. Sonia certainly did
not dream that the Tzar's spies were even now watching her every action
and carefully scrutinising each person who called at Pembroke Road. I
saw that this knowledge I had acquired might prove extremely useful to
her, for it was plain that even if she obtained the passport she would
have to leave England secretly to avoid the vigilance of the secret
agents of the Embassy. Again, why did Ella visit her? Instead of
cycling in the Park she went to Pembroke Road, according to the report
furnished to Renouf, nearly every day. For what purpose, I wondered.
The more I reflected, the more deeply it became rooted within me that
through Sonia I might ascertain the truth I sought.
Therefore I abandoned none of my efforts to persuade my friend to issue
the document that would pass the sad-eyed girl across the frontier into
the land she loved. For fully half-an-hour we discussed the situation,
but he would not consent. She was an adventuress and a criminal, he
said, and he was not prepared to risk the consequences if she were
arrested in Russia with a false special permit issued by him.
"Besides," he added, "you have heard from Renouf how she is constantly
kept under observation."
"But you could arrange that with him if you liked. A word from you and
the vigilance of the police would be relaxed for an hour or two while
she escaped," I observed.
"Ah, no," Verblioudovitch answered, "we have nothing whatever to do with
Renouf and his subordinates, who are under the direct control of
Sekerzhinski, the chief of the department in St Petersburg. They take
no instructions from us."
"Renouf would, however, do you a personal favour," I hazarded.
"I fear not," was the reply. "We are not the best of friends. That is
the reason I hesitate to issue a document that might implicate me. If
he discovered the truth, my prospects in the diplomatic service might be
ruined."
With all Paul's gay spirits and careless manner he possessed an eager
enthusiasm, and an insatiable curiosity concerning humanity at large.
"But there is yet another way," I said.
"How?"
"Obtain the signature of His Excellency, the Ambassador. You can make
an excuse that the permit is for a friend."
Paul remained silent, pacing the room with stolid face and automatic
movement. At last he turned to me, saying,--
"I see, Deedes, it's quite useless to argue longer. I admit that I am
exceedingly anxious to render you this service, but knowing as I do that
the consequences must be disastrous either to you, or to the woman
Korolenko, I have hesitated. Yet if you are determined to assist her I
suppose I must obtain for you the necessary paper."
"Thanks, old fellow, thanks! I knew you would help me," I exclaimed
enthusiastically.
"I cannot let you have it before this evening. If you will send Juckes
round at seven you shall have it with the vise and everything complete."
"What a good fellow you are!" I cried joyfully, rising and shaking his
hand. "Some day I hope to be able to perform a service for you."
"Let's hope so, old chap," he answered cheerily, but next second his
face assumed a grave expression, as he added, "Take my advice now, and
do not let any of Sonia's wild allegations disturb you. She certainly
is too expert an adventuress to tell you anything to your own advantage,
although whatever she does reveal will be to the detriment of the woman
you love."
"Why are you so certain of this?" I inquired quickly, in genuine
surprise.
"I have strong reasons for anticipating the course she will adopt," he
answered ambiguously. "I therefore give you warning."
"It seems that she is acquainted with Ella," I observed.
"Yes, from Renouf's report. But remember my words, and don't be led
away by any of her false statements. Do not forget that there is a very
strong motive why she should denounce Miss Laing--a motive you will
perhaps discover ere long," and he smiled mysteriously.
"Very well," I exclaimed, after a brief pause. Then again shaking his
hand, I left, after expressing thanks and promising to send Juckes to
the Embassy that evening.