There was little need, however, for the suggestion to this old Vice-Czar, long accustomed to the relentless exercise of autocratic power. He had sent scores to instant death, without giving them trial, without seeing them, upon far slighter charges than those now laid before him. While in command against the South Russian revolt it had been his standing order that any person found with a pistol upon him should be straightway stood against a wall and shot. So now he did not hesitate. He rang. “Tell my secretary to dress and come here,” he ordered the servant. Then he sat down at his desk, drew out two awesome documents and began to fill in the first. While the general’s head was down the prince did not try to hide his excitement; his eyes glittered, and his breath came tensely between his thin lips. The general brushed the first aside, completed, and began the second. He paused and looked up. “What was the woman’s name? Sonya something, was it not?” “Sonya Varanova, Freeman said,” returned the prince’s even voice. “Sonya Varanova,” the general repeated as he wrote in the name. A minute later he affixed his signature and his official seal and laid this warrant with the other. “On the other cases I shall postpone action,” he said. “As for The White One, it might occasion some criticism even among our own friends to execute so old and crippled a woman.” “What time have you set?” queried the prince. “Twenty-six hours from now. Four o’clock Thursday morning.” Berloff adroitly let it be seen that an idea had occurred to him. “You have a suggestion?” asked the general. “I was thinking this would have a more dumbfounding effect if it came without warning--if the revolutionists’ first news was the news that all was over.” “Yes--yes. And it will show them how crushingly determined is the Government!” “Then I suggest that you take precaution against your sentence leaking out. That you send along with the warrants an order to the governor of the Fortress that the prisoners are to be allowed to speak to no one, and no one is to speak to them--that is, without your permission.” “An excellent precaution.” The general took up his pen. As the order was finished his secretary entered, and to him the general gave the orders and the warrants. “Take these immediately over to the governor of Peter and Paul.” When the secretary had withdrawn, the prince arose. His pale face showed none of the exultant triumph that filled his heart. “Since all is done, I will be going,” he said. The general’s red figure stood up. “An excellent evening’s work, prince,” he said with satisfaction. “Excellent,” quietly acquiesced Berloff. The general pushed the button on his desk and followed Berloff into the darkened hall. “Andrei here will show you out. Good-night.” In the darkness the sleepy servant stumbled and upset a chair. “Be careful there, you Andrei!” he called out sharply. “You’ll disturb the princess!”