The admission by Renouf was a little disconcerting. Sonia certainly did not dream that the Tzar's spies were even now watching her every action and carefully scrutinising each person who called at Pembroke Road. I saw that this knowledge I had acquired might prove extremely useful to her, for it was plain that even if she obtained the passport she would have to leave England secretly to avoid the vigilance of the secret agents of the Embassy. Again, why did Ella visit her? Instead of cycling in the Park she went to Pembroke Road, according to the report furnished to Renouf, nearly every day. For what purpose, I wondered. The more I reflected, the more deeply it became rooted within me that through Sonia I might ascertain the truth I sought. Therefore I abandoned none of my efforts to persuade my friend to issue the document that would pass the sad-eyed girl across the frontier into the land she loved. For fully half-an-hour we discussed the situation, but he would not consent. She was an adventuress and a criminal, he said, and he was not prepared to risk the consequences if she were arrested in Russia with a false special permit issued by him. "Besides," he added, "you have heard from Renouf how she is constantly kept under observation." "But you could arrange that with him if you liked. A word from you and the vigilance of the police would be relaxed for an hour or two while she escaped," I observed. "Ah, no," Verblioudovitch answered, "we have nothing whatever to do with Renouf and his subordinates, who are under the direct control of Sekerzhinski, the chief of the department in St Petersburg. They take no instructions from us." "Renouf would, however, do you a personal favour," I hazarded. "I fear not," was the reply. "We are not the best of friends. That is the reason I hesitate to issue a document that might implicate me. If he discovered the truth, my prospects in the diplomatic service might be ruined." With all Paul's gay spirits and careless manner he possessed an eager enthusiasm, and an insatiable curiosity concerning humanity at large. "But there is yet another way," I said. "How?" "Obtain the signature of His Excellency, the Ambassador. You can make an excuse that the permit is for a friend." Paul remained silent, pacing the room with stolid face and automatic movement. At last he turned to me, saying,-- "I see, Deedes, it's quite useless to argue longer. I admit that I am exceedingly anxious to render you this service, but knowing as I do that the consequences must be disastrous either to you, or to the woman Korolenko, I have hesitated. Yet if you are determined to assist her I suppose I must obtain for you the necessary paper." "Thanks, old fellow, thanks! I knew you would help me," I exclaimed enthusiastically. "I cannot let you have it before this evening. If you will send Juckes round at seven you shall have it with the vise and everything complete."