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We arranged that I should go in ordinary morning dress, and over this I was to wear a semi-military cloak borrowed from the Imperial wardrobe.

The papers I required were all prepared with scrupulous care. These were a patent of nobility making Boreski a Count—and I was instructed how to perform the little ceremony of investing him with it; a written consent to his marriage with the Duchess Stephanie; and a draft upon the Imperial Treasury for the sum of a million roubles.

“The draft is post dated, as you see,” said the Prince, “as the money is intended for the Duchess’s dowry, and is not payable until the marriage. You can explain this.”

“He’ll probably look for the money down,” I objected at once.

“He is dealing with an Emperor who would not break faith with him,” returned the Prince with a grim smile reminiscent of our previous night’s discussion.

“If these papers are so valuable, why not give the money at once and let me take it in bank notes?”

“When we have the papers we can deal with him for a tenth part of the sum. A million, indeed!”