At any rate, he meant to be there at that time. He
did not even ask me for a change of clothes."
"_Ah voila_!" said the General, turning to Prince K with an air of
satisfaction. "There is a way to keep your _protege_, Mr. Razumov, quite
clear of any connexion with the actual arrest. We shall be ready for
that gentleman in Karabelnaya."
The Prince expressed his gratitude. There was real emotion in his voice.
Razumov, motionless, silent, sat staring at the carpet. The General
turned to him.
"Half an hour after midnight. Till then we have to depend on you, Mr.
Razumov. You don't think he is likely to change his purpose?"
"How can I tell?" said Razumov. "Those men are not of the sort that ever
changes its purpose."
"What men do you mean?"
"Fanatical lovers of liberty in general. Liberty with a capital L,
Excellency. Liberty that means nothing precise. Liberty in whose name
crimes are committed."
The General murmured--
"I detest rebels of every kind. I can't help it. It's my nature!"
He clenched a fist and shook it, drawing back his arm. "They shall be
destroyed, then."
"They have made a sacrifice of their lives beforehand," said Razumov
with malicious pleasure and looking the General straight in the face.
"If Haldin does change his purpose to-night, you may depend on it that
it will not be to save his life by flight in some other way.
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