explained my scruples to him. He said there was no occasion for me
to take part in the politics of the matter, but to save his most
faithful servant, who was on the point of becoming the victim of
the strangest family drama ever conceived."

Madame Matrena, white as a sheet, rose to her feet.

"Ah," she said simply.

But Rouletabille, whom nothing escaped, saw her hand tremble on the
back of the chair.

He went on, not appearing to have noticed her emotion:

"His Majesty added these exact words: 'It is I who ask it of you;
I and Madame Trebassof. Go, monsieur, she awaits you'"

He ceased and waited for Madame Trebassof to speak.

She made up her mind after brief reflection.

"Have you seen Koupriane?"

"The Chief of Police? Yes. The grand-marshal accompanied me back
to the station at Krasnoie-Coelo, and the Chief of Police
accompanied me to St. Petersburg station. One could not have been
better received."

"Monsieur Rouletabille," said Matrena, who visibly strove to regain
her self-control, "I am not of Koupriane's opinion and I am not"