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BY ORDER OF THE CZAR 217

" You know Venice ? " asked Anna with the manner of one who repeats a fact and invites information upon it.

" I was there with our brother Ferrari for three years."

" You were a gondolier ? "

"Yes."

" He was a merchant? "

" Yes."

" He employed you? "

Yes."

" You respect and honor "him apart from your oath ? "

" Yes."

"As friend and chief?"

" Yes."

" You have friends in Venice? n

One."

" He can be trusted?"

"Yes."

"A gondolier?"

"Yes."

" You will leave London by the next train, and boat for Venice ? "

" Yes."

" The King of Italy is to be received in state by the municipality. The Countess Stravensky will be your mis- tress in the procession of boats. She will be attended by her secretary, Signor Ferrari ; you and your friend will be her gondoliers ; your uniform red, the decoration of your gondola red ; you will await the countess by the Pesaro Palace until she makes her appearance ; the old watchword ; your rendezvous with Ferrari will be at the little hotel of the Beau Rivage. In three days hence you will be there ; he will have arrived ; seek him and know the rest."

" I shall," said Paul, holding out his hand for the bank- notes which Anna drew from the pocket of her black dress.