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.
