Do you imagine that I am here from fear?" he added violently. He felt
ready to stand by his opinion of Haldin to the last extremity.

"Certainly not," protested the General, with great simplicity of tone.
"And I don't mind telling you, Mr. Razumov, that if he had not come
with his tale to such a staunch and loyal Russian as you, he would
have disappeared like a stone in the water... which would have had a
detestable effect," he added, with a bright, cruel smile under his stony
stare. "So you see, there can be no suspicion of any fear here."

The Prince intervened, looking at Razumov round the back of the
armchair.

"Nobody doubts the moral soundness of your action. Be at ease in that
respect, pray."

He turned to the General uneasily.

"That's why I am here. You may be surprised why I should...."

The General hastened to interrupt.

"Not at all. Extremely natural. You saw the importance...."

"Yes," broke in the Prince. "And I venture to ask insistently that mine
and Mr. Razumov's intervention should not become public. He is a young
man of promise--of remarkable aptitudes."

"I haven't a doubt of it," murmured the General. "He inspires
confidence."