"By the door or through the grotto?"

"Yes, bring them through the dark passage, underground."

Kirsha went out. Trirodov was left alone. He opened the drawer of his
writing-table, took out a strangely shaped flagon of green glass
filled with a dark fluid, and looked in the direction of the secret
door. At that instant it opened quietly and easily. A pale, quiet boy
entered and looked at Trirodov with his dispassionate and innocent,
but understanding eyes.

Trirodov went up to him. A reproach was ripe on his tongue but he
could not say it. Pity and tenderness clung to his lips. Silently he
gave the strange-shaped flagon to the boy. The boy went out quietly.




CHAPTER III


The sisters entered a thicket. The path's many turnings made them
giddy. Suddenly the turrets of the old house vanished from sight.
Everything around them assumed an unfamiliar look.

"We seem to have lost our way," said Elena cheerfully.

"Never fear, we'll find our way out," replied Elisaveta. "We are bound
to get somewhere."