“That Mongol dog!” said Michael. “Have you heard that he has visited upon my daughter and me the silent torture? And that even now we hide from him? Yes. Well, he has buried people to their necks by the dozen, and then sent horsemen galloping over the ground. But if God is good I shall live to see his head carried about on the end of a pole!” “And Kirsakoff stands behind him, I hear,” said Peter. Michael exchanged glances with Katerin. “True, it is Kirsakoff who helps him hold his power.” “But it is dangerous to talk of Kirsakoff,” said Katerin, as she handed Peter a glass of tea. “That is whisper talk, and I warn you.” “No,” grumbled Michael. “Your life would be worth little if you let it be known that you are in possession of that secret. You are playing a dangerous game if you wish to get close to Kirsakoff.” “But if he only knows me as an American,” suggested Peter. “What! You, who speak the real Russian!” exclaimed Michael. “Do not be fooled—he will know you for a Russian!” “I can arrange that,” said Peter, with a smile. “If I can find him, that is a matter easy enough to be handled as the business needs.” Michael shook his head energetically. “No, no, my friend! Kirsakoff’s hand is hidden. Your life would be in danger at once if you gave a hint that you even know that Kirsakoff is in the city. Be sure of that.” “Then I can pretend I do not know him,” pressed Peter. He was somewhat disappointed by the resistance offered by the old man. “You must remember, my father, that our friend has reasons of his own for wanting to find the Governor. And danger may not be a matter of concern.” Peter gave her a grateful glance for thus allying herself with him. “If I were to tell you my reason for wanting Kirsakoff, I am sure that you would say that it is good, sir. I have waited many years to come back—and now I must not fail. I shall find Kirsakoff.” “But I should not like to be the one who puts your life in danger,” said Michael. “You may not be aware of all it means—this business of the Governor is not a light subject. You will do well not to cross his tracks, for he will strike at you through Zorogoff’s spies, and you will never know who struck. One cannot fight an army—and Zorogoff will not brook any interference. He will destroy you like a fly upon his bread.” “I court the danger,” said Peter, sipping his tea, and willing to wait till the old man was in a humor to be more communicative. “The Governor has five thousand rifles at his back,” said Michael. “You cannot know yet the full danger.” “I shall go gladly to meet it,” persisted Peter. “It cannot be any greater than my desire to find Kirsakoff.” “You would risk death?” asked Michael. “Even death.” “What! Twenty years in America, and you would risk death to find Kirsakoff?” “What you say is true, sir.”