As he did so the Empress who had raised her veil turned her head, whereupon he halted for several seconds and gazed straight into her face with that intense, hypnotic stare which always held women in such mysterious fascination. I saw that the Empress was again startled, but folding his hands across his breast, an attitude habitual to him, the Starets passed out of the church without a second glance at her, leaving her breathless and trembling. When he had gone she turned in alarm and whispered with her lady-in-waiting. Both women rose, and, following the monk, stood gazing at his receding figure as he went down the long white road. "A strange man surely, Zeneide!" I heard the Empress exclaim. "How curious that, unconscious of my presence, he should be here, praying for me--a holy man without a doubt! We must discover who he is. What eyes! Did you notice them?" "Yes. His gaze really frightened me," her companion admitted. "Ah! His is the face of a true saint--a wonder-worker! Of that I am certain. We must make inquiries concerning him," remarked Her Majesty. "I must see him again and speak with him!" Then the pair, entering the carriage, drove rapidly away. While standing upon the church steps they had discussed the Starets while I had lounged close by unnoticed, believing that we were alone. As the carriage moved off, however, I was startled to feel strong hands laid heavily upon me, as a rough voice exclaimed: "Halt! You are under arrest!" Next second I became aware that I was in the hands of two rather well dressed men, no doubt agents of the Okhrana. "You have been loitering here with evil intent!" exclaimed the elder of the pair. "We have been watching you ever since you entered behind that good Father. We saw you secrete yourself. Have you any firearms?" I unfortunately had a revolver, and at once produced it. "Ah!" exclaimed the brown-bearded agent of Secret Police as he took possession of it. "I thought so! You had discovered the identity of the lady with the long veil, and have been here awaiting an opportunity to fire at her!" "What?" I gasped, aghast at the serious charge levelled against me. "I am no revolutionist! I carry that weapon merely for my self-protection." The bearded man gave a low whistle, and next moment three grey-coated policemen in uniform sprang up from nowhere, and I was unceremoniously marched through the streets to the head police bureau in the Gostiny Dvor, well knowing the seriousness of the allegation against me.