footstep, muffled on the carpet.

The Prince's voice immediately exclaimed, thick with excitement--

"We have got him--_ce miserable_. A worthy young man came to me--No!
It's incredible...."

Razumov held his breath before the bronze as if expecting a crash.
Behind his back a voice he had never heard before insisted politely--

"_Asseyez-vous donc_."

The Prince almost shrieked, "_Mais comprenez-vous, mon cher!
L'assassin_! the murderer--we have got him...."

Razumov spun round. The General's smooth big cheeks rested on the stiff
collar of his uniform. He must have been already looking at Razumov,
because that last saw the pale blue eyes fastened on him coldly.

The Prince from a chair waved an impressive hand.

"This is a most honourable young man whom Providence itself... Mr.
Razumov."

The General acknowledged the introduction by frowning at Razumov, who
did not make the slightest movement.

Sitting down before his desk the General listened with compressed lips.
It was impossible to detect any sign of emotion on his face.