“You mean that I am a sharper, like you and Bodlevski?  Well, you are right.  We are all berries of the same bunch—­except her” (and he indicated the folding doors).  “She, thanks to many things, has tasted misery, but she is honest.  But we are all rascals, and I first of all.  You are perfectly right in that.  If you wish to get me in your power—­try to find some facts against me.  Then we shall be quits!”

“And what is it you wish?”

“It is too late for justice, at least so far as she is concerned,” replied the count, with a touch of sadness; “but it is not too late for a measure of reparation.  But we can discuss that later,” he went on more lightly, as if throwing aside the heavy impression produced by the thought of Princess Anna’s misery.  “And now, dear baroness, let us return to business, the business of Prince Shadursky!  I will think the matter over, and see whether anything suggests itself.”

He courteously conducted the baroness to the carriage, and they parted, to all appearance, friends.  But there were dangerous elements for both in that seeming friendship.

XIV

GOLD MINING

A wonderful scheme was hatched in Count Kallash’s fertile brain.  Inspired by the thought of Prince Shadursky’s newly replenished millions, he devised a plan for the gang which promised brilliant results, and only needed the aid of a discreet and skillful confederate.  And what confederate could be more trustworthy than Sergei Antonovitch Kovroff?  So the two friends were presently to be found in secret consultation in the count’s handsome study, with a bottle of good Rhine wine before them, fine cigars between their lips, and the memory of a well-served breakfast lingering pleasantly in their minds.  They were talking about the new resources of the Shadurskys.

“To take their money at cards—­what a wretched business—­and so infernally commonplace,” said Count Kallash.  “To tell you the truth, I have for a long time been sick of cards!  And, besides, time is money!  Why should we waste several weeks, or even months, over something that could be done in a few days?”

Kovroff agreed completely, but at the same time put the question, if not cards, what plan was available?

“That is it exactly!” cried Kallash, warming up.  “I have thought it all over.  The problem is this:  we must think up something that would surprise Satan himself, something that would make all Hades smile and blow us hot kisses.  But what of Hades?—­that’s all nonsense.  We must do something that will make the whole Golden Band throw up their caps.  That is what we have to do!”

“Quite a problem,” lazily answered Kovroff, chewing the end of his cigar.  “But you are asking too much.”

“But that is not all,” the count interrupted him; “listen!  This is what my problem demands.  We must think of some project that unites two precious qualities:  first, a rapid and huge profit; second, entire absence of risk.”