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Updated: June 19, 2025
Be good enough, therefore, to bring Colonel Sziszkinski on deck at once, and send him, unhurt, aboard us. In exchange for him we will hand you over a man who calls himself Count Vasilovich."
He simply asked whether Count Vasilovich happened to be at home; and upon being informed somewhat to his surprise that he was, he scribbled a word or two in Russian upon one of his cards, and directed the gate-keeper to send it up to the count at once.
"Then, have the goodness to take it out of the envelope and spread it open on the table," commanded the professor. Without a word, Vasilovich did as he was ordered. "Now," resumed the professor, "rise from your chair, turn your back to me, and march slowly forward until you are against the wall. March!"
As the professor spoke, he suddenly raised his hand and levelled the pistol with lightning quickness first at one decanter and then at the other. There was a sharp clink-clink, and the tops of the smashed stoppers fell upon the table all but simultaneously. Vasilovich looked astounded. He stared first at the decanters, then at von Schalckenberg, then back again at the decanters.
So, in the event of our encountering any of your domestics on our way out, you will instantly order them to retire. Now, sir, have the goodness to lead the way." And, as the professor spoke, he laid upon the table a document setting forth the fact that Count Vasilovich had been "removed," as a punishment for the many crimes of which he had been guilty.
I tell you that but enough; I will not degrade myself by further bandying of words with you." The professor duly translated this blustering speech to Colonel Lethbridge, causing the latter to smile, at sight of which Vasilovich ground his teeth, and cursed the two men roundly in Russian. But he was biding his time.
"Is it possible that you have so soon forgotten the capabilities of this little toy of mine? Be silent, man, if you do not wish your sinful, misspent life to come to a sudden and violent end. I give you your choice: Will you die where you stand, or will you go peaceably aboard yonder ship?" "I will go," sullenly answered Vasilovich, through his clenched teeth.
"Did you break those stoppers by firing at them with that pistol?" he at length demanded, in a tone of mingled apprehension and rage. "Certainly," answered the professor, placidly. "Did you not see me do it, or was I rather too quick for you? Shall I do the trick again? Just watch the necks of the decanters this time " "Stop!" shouted Vasilovich, springing from his chair in a paroxysm of fury.
I have broken many a prouder spirit than yours, my man, and doubt not that I can break yours also, should it be necessary. Now, march!" And he waved his hand imperiously toward the gangway, through which Count Vasilovich and the two soldiers who had him in custody promptly disappeared. "I trust, Captain, that your new prisoner is not going to give you trouble," remarked the professor, blandly.
"That is for you to say," answered the professor. "So far as the capture of Vasilovich is concerned, if we arrive within sight of his chateau by nightfall, or in time to berth the Flying Fish in his park with the last of the daylight, we shall be quite early enough.
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