and on that table there was a book. Guess what book. 'Women's
Stockings,' by Willy! And - and then - Your health, Matrena
Petrovna. What's the odds!"

"You yourselves, my friends," declared the general, prove your great
courage by coming to share the hours that remain of my life with me."

"Not at all, not at all! It is war."

"Yes, it is war."

"Oh, there's no occasion to pat us on the shoulder, Athanase,"
insisted Thaddeus modestly. "What risk do we run? We are well
guarded."

"We are protected by the finger of God," declared Athanase, "because
the police - well, I haven't any confidence in the police."

Michael Korsakoff, who had been for a turn in the garden, entered
during the remark.

"Be happy, then, Athanase Georgevitch," said he, "for there are now
no police around the villa."

"Where are they?" inquired the timber-merchant uneasily.

"An order came from Koupriane to remove them," explained Matrena
Petrovna, who exerted herself to appear calm.

"And are they not replaced?" asked Michael.