Part 6 (1/2)

Malcolh bench at which he cast curious eyes The paraphernalia of Kensky's hobby still lay upon its surface

”You are wondering what an old Jew does to amuse himself, eh?” chuckled Kensky ”Do you think we in South Russia do nothing but make bombs? If I had not an aptitude for business,” he said (he pronounced the word ”pizziness,” and it was one of the few mispronunciations he made), ”I should have been a bookbinder”

”It is beautiful work,” said Malcol of the art

”It takes s,” said Kensky, ”and also it helps me--yes, it helps me very much”

Malcolht assist a millionaire merchant, for in those days he had not heard of the ”Book of All-Power”

The conversation which followed travelled through aard stages and more aard pauses Kensky looked a dozen ti uncoerly invited to seat hi to Russia?”

”Yes”

”It is a strange country if you do not know it And the Russians are strange people And to Kieff also! That is most important”

Malcolm did not inquire where the importance lay, and dismissed this as an oblique piece of politeness on the other's part

”I a you, Mr Kensky I merely came in to make your acquaintance and shake hands with you,” he said, rising, after yet another anxious glance at the clock on the part of his host

”No, no, no,” protested Kensky ”Youand I do not entertain you I a over in my mind so many possibilities, so ht conclusion You shall stay, and you shall know I can rely upon your discretion, can I not?”

”Certainly, but----”

”I know I can!” said the old er in London Tell me, Mr Hay, do you know the Cafe of the Silver Lion?”

The other was staggered by the question

”No, I can't say that I do,” he ader in London myself”

”Ah, but you can find it You know all the reference books, which are soof the police--inquiries made very discreetly, you understand, Mr Hay?”

Malcoled the subject abruptly

”To-night you will see a lady here She is coain I ask for your discretion and your silence Wait!”

He shuffled to the , pulled aside the blind and looked out

”She is here,” he said in a whisper ”You will stand just there”

He indicated a position which to Malcol in a corner Further explanations could neither be given nor asked for The door opened suddenly and a girl ca it behind her She looked first at Kensky with a ser, and the smile faded from her lips As for Malcolm, he was speechless There was no doubt at all as to the identity The straight nose, the glorious eyes, the full, parted lips

Kensky shuffled across to her, bent down and kissed her hand

”Highness,” he said huentlehness!”