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TECHNOLOGYINACTION™
Learn Raspberry Pi
Programming with
Python
Learn to Program on the World’s
Most Popular Tiny Computer

Second Edition

Wolfram Donat
Learn Raspberry Pi
Programming with
Python
Learn to Program on
the World’s Most Popular
Tiny Computer
Second Edition
Wolfram Donat
Learn Raspberry Pi Programming with Python: Learn to
Program on the
World’s Most Popular Tiny Computer
Wolfram Donat
Palmdale, California, USA
ISBN-13 (pbk): 978-1-4842-3768-7

ISBN-13 (electronic): 978-1-4842-3769-4


https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-3769-4
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018951226
Copyright © 2018 by Wolfram Donat
This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the
Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned,
specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations,
recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other
physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval,
electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar
methodology now known or hereafter developed.
Trademarked names, logos, and images may appear in this book.
Rather than use a trademark symbol with every occurrence of a
trademarked name, logo, or image we use the names, logos, and images
only in an editorial fashion and to the benefit of the trademark owner,
with no intention of infringement of the trademark.
The use in this publication of trade names, trademarks, service
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be taken as an expression of opinion as to whether or not they are
subject to proprietary rights.
While the advice and information in this book are believed to be true
and accurate at the date of publication, neither the authors nor the
editors nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors
or omissions that may be made. The publisher makes no warranty,
express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.
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Printed on acid-free paper
To Becky and Reed
Thank you for your patience and support
when I disappear for hours, days, and weeks
at a time to build all manner of off-the-wall
things and then write about them.
Table of Contents
About the Author
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������xv
About the Technical Reviewer
���������������������������������
�������������������������xvii
Acknowledgments
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������xix
Preface
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������������xxi
Introduction
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������xxiii
Chapter 1: Introducing the Raspberry Pi
���������������������������������
�������������1
The History of the Raspberry Pi
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������3
Exploring the Pi
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��8
The GPIO Pins
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������������9
USB & Ethernet
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������������10
Audio Jack
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��10
Camera Connector
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������10
HDMI
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������11
Power
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������11
Display
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������11
The System on a Chip
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������12
SD Card
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������12
Not Visible
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���13
The Pi Zero/Zero W
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������������13
GPIO
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������14
Camera Connector
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������14
v
Table of Con
T
T
able of Con enT
en s
Power
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������14
USB
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������14
HDMI
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������15
SD Card
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������15
System on a Chip
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������15
Not Visible
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���15
Comparing the Raspberry Pi to Similar Devices
���������������������������������
����������������16
Getting Started with the Pi
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������16
Hardware Requirements of the Pi
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����17
Connecting to Power
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������17
Adding a Monitor
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������17
Adding a USB Hub
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������18
The Pi Operating System
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������19
Formatting the Card
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������20
Installing the OS
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������20
Connecting the Peripherals
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������21
Configuring the Pi
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������������22
Shutting Down the Pi
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������������25
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������26
Chapter 2: Linux by the Seat of Your Pants
���������������������������������
�������27
Getting Started with Linux on the Pi
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�30
Linux Files and the File System
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���31
Root User Versus sudo
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������32
Commands
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�33
Exercise: Navigating in the Linux File System
���������������������������������
��������������39
vi
Table of Con
T
T
able of Con enTs
Shells in Linux
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������������42
Package Managers
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������43
Text Editors
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������45
Vim Versus emacs Versus nano
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���46
Using Vim
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����47
Using emacs
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������������49
Using nano
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��51
Default Text Editor
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������52
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������53
Chapter 3: Introducing Python
���������������������������������
���������������������������55
Scripting Versus a Programming Language
���������������������������������
�����������������������56
The Python Philosophy
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������59
Getting Started with Python
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������61
Running Python Using IDLE
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������61
Running Python Using the Terminal
���������������������������������
������������������������������67
Running Python Using Scripts
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����67
Exploring Python Data Types
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������69
Numbers
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����70
Strings
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������71
Lists
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������73
Dictionaries
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������7
6
Tuples and Files
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������77
Programming with Python
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������79
IF tests
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������80
Loops
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������83
vii
Table of Con
T
T
able of Con enT
en s
Functions
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����86
Objects and Object-Oriented Programming
���������������������������������
������������������88
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������89
Chapter 4: Electronics at 100 MPH
���������������������������������
��������������������91
Basic Electricity Concepts
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������93
Required Tools for Robotics
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������96
Screwdrivers
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������������96
Pliers and Wire Strippers
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������96
Wire Cutters
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������9
9
Files
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������100
Magnifying Light
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������������101
Hot-Glue Gun
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������������101
Assorted
Glues�������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������������102
Multimeter
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������1
02
Power Supplies
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������104
Breadboard
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������������105
Power Strip
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������������107
Soldering Iron
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������������108
General Safety Rules
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������109
Working with Heat
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������110
Working with Sharp Objects
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������110
Wear Safety Glasses
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������111
Fire Extinguishers at the Ready
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�111
Keep a First-Aid Kit Handy
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������112
Work in a Ventilated
Area�������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������112
viii
Table of Con
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T
able of Con enTs
Organizing Your Workplace
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������113
Bonus: Soldering Techniques
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������115
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������118
Chapter 5: The Web Bot
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��119
Bot Etiquette
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��121
The Connections of the Web
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������123
Web Communications Protocols
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���������������������������������1
23
Web Page Formats
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��������������������124
A Request Example
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���������������������������������
��������������������125
Our Web Bot Concept
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������126
Parsing Web Pages
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������126
Coding with Python Modules
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������129
Using the Mechanize Module
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����130
Parsing with Beautiful Soup
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������131
Downloading with the urllib Library
���������������������������������
���������������������������131
Deciding What to Download
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������132
Choosing a Starting Point
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������133
Storing Your Files
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������133
Writing the Python Bot
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������135
Reading a String and Extracting All the Links
���������������������������������
������������135
Looking For and Downloading Files
���������������������������������
���������������������������136
Testing the Bot
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������138
Creating Directories and Instantiating a List
���������������������������������
��������������139
The Final Code
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���������������������������������
��������������������������������142
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������145
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Chapter 6: The Weather Station
���������������������������������
�����������������������147
A Shopping List of Parts
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������149
Using the I2C Protocol
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������150
Using an Anemometer
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������151
Building the Anemometer
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������152
Connecting the Anemometer to the Pi
���������������������������������
������������������������158
Correlating Revolutions per Second with Wind Speed
��������������������������������159
Connecting the Digital Compass
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����162
Connecting the Temperature/Humidity Sensor
���������������������������������
����������������166
Connecting the Barometer
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������168
Connecting the Bits
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������171
The Final Code
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���������������������������������
��������������������������������175
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������178
Chapter 7: The Media Server
���������������������������������
���������������������������179
A Shopping List of Parts
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������180
Using an NTFS Drive
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������180
Installing Samba
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������������184
Configuring Samba
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������186
Setting Linux Permissions
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������188
Restarting the Samba Service
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���189
Connecting with Linux/OS X
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������191
Kodi and Plex
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���������������������������������
�193
Where’s Python?
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���������������������������������
�����������������������������196
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������197
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Chapter 8: The Home Security System
���������������������������������
������������199
Dogs as Security
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������������200
The Raspberry Pi as Security
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������201
Using a Sensor Network
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������202
Understanding a Pulldown Resistor
���������������������������������
���������������������������������2
03
A Shopping List of Parts
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������204
Connecting to Your Network Wirelessly
���������������������������������
���������������������������205
Accessing the GPIO Pins
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������209
Setting Up the Motion Sensor
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������211
Setting Up the Reed Switch
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������214
Setting Up the Pressure Switch
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������216
Connecting the Magnetic Sensor
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����217
Setting Up the Pi’s Camera
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������219
Sending a Text Message from the Pi
���������������������������������
��������������������������������220
Implementing the Callback
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������221
Connecting All of the Bits
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������222
The Final Code
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������������223
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������226
Chapter 9: The Cat Toy
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����227
A Shopping List of Parts
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������228
The Concept Behind the Toy
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������229
Creating and Using Random Numbers
���������������������������������
�����������������������������230
Using the GPIO Library
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������233
Controlling the Servo
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������235
Constructing the Servo Mechanism
���������������������������������
���������������������������������2
39
Constructing the Laser Mechanism
���������������������������������
���������������������������������2
41
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Connecting the Laser to the Servo
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��243
Connecting the Motion Sensor
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������245
Connecting All the Bits
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������248
Final Code
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������252
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������254
Chapter 10: The Radio-Controlled Airplane
���������������������������������
�����255
A Shopping List of Parts
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������256
Connecting the GPS Receiver to the Pi
���������������������������������
����������������������������258
Setting Up a Log File
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������261
Formatting a KML File
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������263
Using Threading and Objects
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������265
Setting Up Automatic Startup
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������268
Connecting the Bits
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������270
The Final Code
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������������275
The Plane Program
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������275
KML Conversion Program
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������277
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������278
Chapter 11: The Weather Balloon
���������������������������������
��������������������279
A Shopping List of Parts
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������280
Setting Up the GPS Receiver
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������281
Storing the GPS
Data�������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������284
Installing PiFM
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������������286
Installing Festival
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������������286
Installing FFMPEG
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������288
Substituting avconv
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������289
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Preparing the Pi
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������������������289
Using Threading and Objects
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������290
Connecting the Bits
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������292
Reviewing the Photo Results
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������297
The Final Code
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������������300
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������302
Chapter 12: The Submersible
���������������������������������
��������������������������303
A Shopping List of Parts
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������305
Accessing the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO Pins
���������������������������������
��������������������������306
Installing the Pi Camera Board
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������310
Controlling the Sub
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������312
Attaching the Wiichuck Adapter
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������314
Activating the Pi’s I2C
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������315
Reading from the Nunchuk
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������317
The Nunchuk and LED Test Side Project
���������������������������������
��������������������������319
Controlling the Sub Motors and Camera with the Nunchuk
������������������������������324
Starting the Program Remotely
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������327
The Final Code
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������������329
Constructing the Sub
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������332
Building the Frame
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������������������333
Creating the Pi’s Enclosure
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������334
Waterproofing the Motor Enclosures
���������������������������������
�������������������������������334
Connecting the Nunchuk
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������338
Assembling the Final Product
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
���������339
Summary���������������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
��������������347
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Chapter 13: The Raspberry Pi and the Arduino
��������������������������������349
Exploring the Arduino
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
����������������������350
Installing the Arduino IDE on the Pi
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
�353
Running a Servo
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
������������������������������362
Summary���������������������������
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Another Random Scribd Document
with Unrelated Content
“It will be my first duty, your Majesty,” she replied, “when I see
mademoiselle.”
He made her a mocking bow. “When you see her, madame,” he
replied with a cynical smile, and then, turning on his heel, he walked
away through the rooms, followed by M. de Lambert and me, but
ignoring us both until he reached the head of the stairs. At the foot I
saw Pierrot with the czar’s equerry looking up at us, and understood
why Peter had come up unannounced. He turned upon us with a
return of his haughty manner, his dark eyes on M. de Lambert’s face.
“As for you, young sir,” he said coldly, “you are too clever in the
gallantry of courts. France is your proper sphere, and pray do not
allow us to detain you here. I will direct the authorities to furnish
you with your passport.”
The young man bowed haughtily, his face flushed with anger and his
eyes returning the czar’s glance with a defiance equal to his own.
“I am beholden to your Majesty,” he said in a low voice. “Since I
have been here, I have had occasion to feel the need of a safe-
conduct.”
Peter gave him a searching glance.
“You are pleased to speak in riddles, M. de Lambert,” he said
sharply, “but it is well that something has warned you to be
cautious. We Russians know how to resent idle interference with our
affairs.”
M. de Lambert bit his lip, his face paling a little. “Your Majesty has
the advantage,” he said, folding his arms on his breast, “since we
cannot meet on terms of equality.”
Peter laughed harshly. “You are a true knight-errant, monsieur,” he
said mockingly. “You forget, though, that the arm of Peter Romanoff
is not so feeble that he could not do battle, even if he did not wear a
crown. Do not be a fool, young man, and waste breath in idle
boasts.” Then turning to me, “As for you, M. l’Ambassadeur,” he
added bluntly, “I leave it to your conscience if it is consistent with
your honor and the honor of France to conceal and aid a little rebel
against her master.”
“Your Majesty makes serious charges,” I replied with composure,
“but I trust that my honor and that of my country will remain
untarnished.”
The czar was already on the stairs, but at my words turned and
looked at me. I was lighting the way, holding the taper over my
head, and I saw the gleam of amusement in his eyes.
“You are an old fox, Brousson,” he said gravely, “but remember that
the fox is no match for the lion, and you are treading on dangerous
ground.”
We were at the door, and I stood aside to permit him to pass out,
still holding the taper between us.
“The fox is no match for the lion, your Majesty,” I admitted calmly,
“but neither is the lion a match for the turtle-dove.”
He had gone out in the dark, but turned, and, coming close to me at
the door, spoke so low that none could hear.
“M. de Brousson,” he said sternly, “I have yielded to-night from
courtesy to madame, but if that young man yonder takes one step
to make Najine his wife without my sanction, it will cost him his
head, were there forty kings of France instead of one!”
CHAPTER XVI.
A DUEL WITH TONGUES.

With the czar’s threat ringing ominously in my ears, I ascended the


stairs and, asking M. de Lambert to remain in the salon, went on to
Madame de Brousson’s door to inquire for Najine. At the sound of
my voice they both came out into the ante-room, mademoiselle’s
face still pale with excitement. She ran up to me with the pretty
manner of a child, and, taking my hand, kissed it with impulsive
gratitude.
“M. l’Ambassadeur,” she said, “I feel as if I ought to go down on my
knees to you and Madame de Brousson, for rescuing me from this
situation; I do not know how I could have faced the czar in this
house.”
“Mademoiselle,” I replied gravely, “it was our happiness to shield
you, but I fear that we can do little more at this time. I wished to
talk to you without restraint, therefore I came alone. The czar has
spoken freely to me, and I believe that it is impossible for you to
escape to France at present; you are too closely watched. It is
equally impossible for me to protect you here; therefore,
mademoiselle, there is but one course open: you must go with all
speed to your good aunt at Troïtsa.”
“We had ourselves reached that conclusion,” Zénaïde said, “and
Najine and I were perfecting our arrangements to leave here in the
morning.”
“That will not do,” I replied at once; “you must go within the hour.”
Mademoiselle glanced up with surprise, and Zénaïde uttered a
protest.
“Philippe!” she exclaimed reproachfully, “mademoiselle will think you
lacking in courtesy.”
“No, no!” protested Najine, warmly, “I am sure that M. de Brousson
has some good reason for his haste.”
“I have the best, mademoiselle,” I replied; “the czar will undoubtedly
order your uncle to remove you from my house, and I have no
authority to resist him.”
“I know it, monsieur,” she replied gravely; “it is as I said, I cannot
remain here. Madame has urged me in her kindness, but it is
impossible. Neonila and I must find a way to escape from Moscow at
once.”
“How can they?” cried Zénaïde, casting an indignant glance at me,
—“two women, and at this hour!”
“M. de Lambert and Pierrot will accompany them,” I replied firmly;
“they must not lose an hour.”
“I must go with them,” Zénaïde exclaimed.
“Pardon me, madame,” I answered, “you must, on the contrary,
remain here and detain the Councillor Zotof’s party.”
In a moment Zénaïde understood my scheme, and let me go to
summon Pierrot and give my orders. It was nearly midnight, and he
was sleepy and loath to go on his errand; but a few words from me
roused him to meet the emergency. Then I sought M. de Lambert,
and informed him of the measures which I had taken without
consulting him, because I knew that it would be folly to expect his
acquiescence, and fatal to delay Najine’s flight. He was angry and
surprised at my action, and mastered his emotion with difficulty, for
his nature was impulsive.
“This seems a hard measure for mademoiselle,” he exclaimed at
once, “to send her away at this hour, when she came here for aid
and protection.”
“M. de Lambert,” I replied gravely, “I understand your feeling, and
you have my sympathy in your indignation for mademoiselle, but I
am truly giving her the best aid in my power. If she stays here until
morning, I should be compelled to surrender her to her uncle; the
demand is inevitable, and may come at any hour. Moreover, I think it
has cost mademoiselle something to take this decided step; she is
not without regret and hesitation at the thought of acting directly in
opposition to her guardians, and it is possible that, under their
persuasion, she might yet surrender her will to theirs, which would
be fatal to your interests. It is no light thing for a young girl, reared
as she has been, to evade her uncle’s authority and contemplate a
stolen marriage. If you hope to succeed in your suit, you must
speedily get her out of the reach of Zotof and his wife.”
He listened to me thoughtfully, and I saw that he realized the truth
of my words. He stood with folded arms, his eyes bent on the fire
and his brows furrowed with anxiety. He was probably thinking of a
dozen ways to evade the czar, and in the end finding himself, each
time, in a cul-de-sac. I heard Pierrot’s step on the stair, and knew
that all things were in readiness.
“M. de Lambert,” I said gravely, “when this errand is over, we must
seriously consider your own situation. The czar has virtually
demanded your return to France, and I have no doubt that the
passports will be forthcoming; in which case there will be an
accumulation of difficulties.”
He looked at me calmly. “I shall remain here, monsieur,” he said at
once, “as long as mademoiselle remains.”
I smiled in spite of myself. “Even if she becomes the Czarina of
Russia?” I asked naïvely.
At this moment Pierrot announced that all preparations for departure
had been made, and so checked the angry retort that was on M. de
Lambert’s lips, for he always lost his temper at the suggestion that
mademoiselle would ultimately wed the czar. As Pierrot came,
Madame de Brousson entered by the other door with Najine and her
woman, and I had my last instructions to give, so that we had no
further words over mademoiselle’s future. Indeed I was anxious to
hurry them off, knowing that the reprieve would be short. Najine
herself was nervous and impatient, although she clung affectionately
to my wife and, I thought, would have been happy to stay with her.
Zénaïde petted and soothed her, after the fashion of women, until I
felt it necessary to hasten them.
“Pardon my seeming discourtesy, mademoiselle,” I said, “but haste is
imperative. Pierrot, is everything in readiness?”
“At your service, M. le Vicomte,” he replied promptly.
Zénaïde herself adjusted mademoiselle’s mantle and hood, and M.
de Lambert, having placed his pistols in his belt, assumed his cloak,
and they were ready to follow Pierrot down to the rear door. Najine
came to me with outstretched hands, her charming face just peeping
out of the great gray fur-lined hood, which was peaked at the top
and, framing her face, met under her small firm chin.
“I thank you from my heart, monsieur,” she said softly. “May the
saints reward you for your kindness.”
“Mademoiselle,” I replied warmly, “I am always entirely at your
service, and, I trust, may yet find a way out of your difficulties.”
Something in the simplicity of her manner touched me more than
her words, and I went with her to the door and stood there, while
she bade Zénaïde farewell, without the heart to hasten her again.
Finally, however, M. de Lambert drew her arm through his and led
her out into the night, followed by Pierrot and her woman, while we
watched in the entry until we heard the horses start, and knew that
they were safely off; then I closed the door and barred it.
“And now for a few hours of repose!” I exclaimed with a sigh of
relief; but I was destined to disappointment. The words were
scarcely out of my mouth before a knock on the front door
resounded through the house.
“Hark!” exclaimed Zénaïde, “what can it mean?”
“Some one who is determined to enter,” I remarked dryly, as we
ascended the stairs which communicated with my rooms by a rear
door, so that we could avoid the entrance. I heard Touchet stumbling
through the house, evidently roused from a nap, for he was slow,
and there was a second summons before he unbarred the door.
Zénaïde followed me to the head of the stairs, and we stood looking
down into the lower hall. When the door was opened, several
persons immediately crowded into the entrance, and I at once
suspected who were our visitors, and in another moment a sharp
female voice confirmed my conclusion.
“Where is the marshal, and where is Madame de Brousson?” she
exclaimed.
It was Madame Zotof, and she pushed past Touchet and began to
come up the stairs before her husband could collect himself for the
attack. It was characteristic of madame, who was always at the front
of the battle, and she was eager now for the fray. As I saw her on
the stair, I glanced at Zénaïde and smiled. Madame de Brousson was
looking down at her with a peculiar expression in her blue eyes, and
knowing, as I did, her estimate of Madame Zotof, I wondered a little
what thoughts were in her mind, as she stood there with unruffled
composure awaiting the onslaught. It was not until she was half-way
up the stairs that Madame Zotof looked up and saw us standing at
the top; then she paused an instant, and eyed us with that keen, ill-
tempered look of hers, her thin face and shrewish mouth showing in
the glare of the taper that Touchet had set upon the landing.
“I am fortunate to find you awake at this hour,” she remarked
sharply.
“And we are fortunate to receive you at any hour, madame,” Zénaïde
replied suavely, “even if it is at a time when we usually seek repose.”
Madame Zotof looked at her keenly, suspicious of her opponent’s
smooth courtesy.
“It is evident that I did not rouse you,” she retorted tartly. “You do
not look as if you had come from your couch.”
By this time the councillor had come up the stair and stood behind
his wife, a few steps below us. Zénaïde, ignoring madame’s reply,
greeted him with quiet courtesy, and invited them to enter the salon,
ordering Touchet to bring fresh tapers, for those upon the table were
already exhausted. Madame Zotof, with an eager air, hurried into the
room behind my wife, and looked about, apparently for some token
of her truant niece, but there was no sign of her recent presence.
The apartment was in order, and the logs had burned down on the
hearth, so that there was a chill in the atmosphere. Zotof, following
his wife, stood in the center of the room, but seemed conscious that,
for the time, there was no need of speech from him, madame, as
usual, taking the lead.
“Be seated by the fire, for it grows cold here,” Zénaïde said easily;
“and, Touchet, bring hither some wine.”
“We do not want it,” Madame Zotof exclaimed angrily; “we did not
come out at two in the morning for entertainment. I came here for
that mad niece of ours, Madame de Brousson, and I would thank
you to order her to join me immediately; her conduct is
unpardonable.”
Zénaïde looked at her with mild surprise. “You labor under a
delusion, Madame Zotof,” she said gently; “mademoiselle your niece
is not here.”
Madame Zotof stared at her with exasperation showing in every line
of her face.
“It is you, Madame de Brousson, who labor under a mistake,” she
replied with a mocking imitation of Zénaïde’s manner. “A little bird
told me that my niece was here, and that it would be wise for you to
surrender her to her guardians.”
Zénaïde smiled. “It is unwise to listen to the counsel of little birds,
madame,” she remarked sweetly, “since your little bird was
possessed of the spirit of untruth.”
“It was not so small a bird as you think,” Madame Zotof exclaimed.
“It was a double-headed eagle, and it spoke the truth.”
“How could it,” Zénaïde said with a little laugh, “since it was double-
tongued and therefore versed in duplicity?”
“Beware, madame!” cried Madame Zotof; “the eagle knows how to
avenge both insult and injury.”
My wife’s face flushed with quick indignation. “Threats are wasted
upon me, Madame Zotof,” she said haughtily; “I am not so poor a
coward as to fear even an imperial eagle.”
“You will find that it has both beak and talons, madame,” the other
woman replied.
“Have done with this, wife,” Zotof exclaimed suddenly. “What profit
is it? In plain language, M. le Maréchal, his imperial Majesty has
notified us that my niece is in your house, and commanded us to
take her away. We must obey.”
“That may be, M. Zotof,” I replied haughtily; “but it does not signify
that a marshal of France must obey you.”
He looked at me gravely, evidently embarrassed by the position in
which he found himself, but stubbornly determined to obey the czar.
“It is true, M. le Vicomte,” he said, “that I cannot compel you to
obey my master, yet we are in Moscow, and the King of France does
not reign here. However, I ask you, as one man may ask another, in
all courtesy, to deliver my niece into my hands.”
“And I reply in the same spirit, monsieur, that your niece is not in my
house,” I said courteously.
He seemed for the moment perplexed; but Madame Zotof grasped
the truth of the matter at once.
“She was here,” she exclaimed in her high voice. “Where have you
sent her?”
“Madame forgets,” interposed Zénaïde, suavely, “that if she cannot
control her own niece, it is certainly not in our power to do so; that
is demanding a good deal of two strangers.”
The other woman turned upon her with a flash of temper. “Perhaps,
Madame de Brousson,” she said hotly, “you can also repudiate your
knowledge of M. de Lambert’s persistent pursuit of Mademoiselle
Zotof.”
My wife smiled, her composure still unruffled. “I do not venture to
account for the love affairs of M. de Brousson’s suite,” she said
suavely; “it is customary in France for the families of the two young
people to manage these matters.”
“And customary for French people out of France to aid and abet a
young gallant in his pursuit of another man’s niece,” Madame Zotof
retorted sharply.
“I really cannot say, madame,” Zénaïde replied with naïveté, “for, you
know, I am myself a Russian.”
Madame Zotof stood biting her lip, too angry to keep up the play of
words, and her husband was red with impatience. I regarded the
scene with intense enjoyment. It was a fair match between two
women, and Zénaïde, having the better command of her temper and
the sharper wit, was lashing her opponent to fury. Meanwhile every
moment’s delay was precious to mademoiselle. Zotof took matters
into his own hands; he went to Zénaïde, and looked at her with
almost an appeal in his eyes.
“Madame,” he said, “be kind enough to produce my niece.”
Madame de Brousson threw out her hands with a comic gesture of
despair.
“M. Zotof,” she exclaimed, “I am not a magician! Mademoiselle is not
here.”
“I should like to look behind you in those rooms,” cried Madame
Zotof, pointing her finger at the door that led into the other
apartments.
Zénaïde, seeing instantly an opportunity for delay, was all
complaisance.
“You shall be gratified,” she said sweetly. “Philippe, lead us with a
light.”
Madame Zotof was a little dashed by her ready compliance, but, still
full of suspicion, followed her closely, as I took the taper, and,
opening the door, conducted them slowly through the rooms.
Zénaïde consumed much time by insisting that Madame Zotof should
look behind every arras and into every cupboard, and Madame, full
of doubt and eagerness, peered into the crevices and behind the
doors; her husband following with a stolid obstinacy that did not
permit him to see how entirely they were playing into my wife’s
hands. As we passed on without success, madame’s face fell, and I
saw the suspicion in her pale eyes grow more intense as she began
to realize that there was a possibility that her niece had evaded her,
even though we were both in the house. At the door of my wife’s
apartment I detained the councillor, and the two women went in
alone, while we stood on the threshold. It was a strange scene; the
room was brightly lighted both with tapers and by the logs blazing
on the hearth. The walls were covered with tapestries, and Madame
Zotof went about lifting them up and searching for the truant, while
Zénaïde stood in the center of the room, her figure clearly outlined
in its dignified repose, and a smile of scorn on her face, her blue
eyes following the other woman’s quick movements. Never were two
women so strongly contrasted; the fine form and stately head of
Madame de Brousson dwarfing the smaller figure of Madame Zotof,
whose face was naturally homely and shrewish; her eyes of that
cold, pale blue that is opaque, and her mouth like a slit, while her
chin projected. She had too an affectation of youth that was absurd.
When she had quite completed her investigation and was satisfied
that mademoiselle was not there, she paused a moment
confounded.
“You have had the pleasure of searching my house, Madame Zotof,”
Zénaïde said with a cold smile, “and now I have the pleasure of
asking you to leave it with what speed you may.”
She spoke with scorn, and Madame Zotof recoiled before the
unexpected attack; she felt that she had overstepped the bounds of
propriety, and that my wife was justified in her retort. After a
moment she recovered and made a sweeping curtsy.
“You carry things with a high hand, madame,” she said bitterly, “but
his Majesty the Czar will have satisfaction. You cannot spirit away my
niece without accounting for it.”
“You speak wildly,” replied Zénaïde, haughtily; “from your own
statement, I understand that your niece has gone, and you are
searching for her, but I see no reason for the accusation that I took
her from your house. It is absurd!”
“You may not have taken her from my house, but you certainly sent
her from yours,” madame replied quickly.
“That is your conclusion, madame,” Zénaïde said calmly; “and if you
are quite done with your search, I will bid you good-morning, for I
find myself in sore need of repose.”
“Do not allow me to disturb you,” Madame Zotof retorted with mock
courtesy; “my husband and I will withdraw instantly, and report to
the czar that you have found means to despatch Najine to some
unknown spot.”
“As you will, madame,” Zénaïde retorted with assumed weariness;
“but be careful to adhere to the truth, for sometimes kings are
exacting.”
Madame Zotof grew red with anger. “Madame is kind,” she
exclaimed; “on my word, I never received such treatment. I am
requested to go, and accused of falsehood in a breath. Truly, French
manners have not improved the Russian woman.”
Zénaïde had her hand on the door in the act of closing it upon the
other, but she paused with a little soft laugh of disdain.
“I am rebuked, madame,” she said lightly, “but you must remember
that the provocation was great;” and with that she shut the door,
leaving me with the pair upon my hands,—M. Zotof angry and
embarrassed, and madame fuming with passion but still ready to
lead.
“Come, Zotof,” she said curtly, passing me without a glance; “it is a
waste of time to dally here. Najine has duped us again. Why stand
there gaping? Find a way out of this difficulty!” and she walked on
before us like a huge bird whose plumage had been ruffled in the
fray.
“Permit me to conduct you, madame,” I said graciously, advancing
with the light; “the stairs are dark and somewhat steep.”
“Nay, I shall not break my neck,” she retorted with a discordant
laugh; “I am sure of foot. You will be sorry for this night’s work, M.
l’Ambassadeur.”
“That is true,” said Zotof, as he came slowly down behind us. “I am
truly sorry, M. le Maréchal, that you have mixed yourself up in this
matter.”
“I thank you for your solicitude, monsieur and madame both,” I
replied, shading the taper from the wind, for Touchet had already
opened the door and their attendants were waiting at the threshold.
“I trust, however, that I shall surmount the embarrassments of the
occasion, and hope that the king my master will not resent the
discourtesy shown to his subjects.”
At this Zotof stopped with his mouth open, his breath coming fast,
for he was a very stout man. It was obviously a new light on the
situation; but madame chose to ignore it, merely gathering her skirts
about her as if she shook off the dust of my dwelling.
“I should like,” she remarked, eying me keenly, “to know where M.
de Lambert is at this moment.”
I smiled. “Madame asks too much of me,” I said, shrugging my
shoulders. “I am not omniscient.”
“You have a devil of diplomacy, monsieur,” she retorted sharply; then
turning on her stout and slow moving lord, “Come, come, Zotof, we
have been fools long enough; the day is breaking.”
But he let her go out, and then, pausing on the threshold, looked
back at me.
“I may have seemed discourteous, M. l’Ambassadeur,” he said too
low for her ears; “but women will be women, and we came at the
command of—of one in authority.”
“Of the czar, monsieur,” I replied with a frankness that made him
wince. “I understand, and bear you no ill-will; but, M. Zotof, no
Frenchman endures such impertinence with patience; therefore let
this be the last time that either you or madame your wife trespass
upon my hospitality after such a fashion;” and with this I closed the
door sharply in his face.
CHAPTER XVII.
MENTCHIKOF.

An hour after daybreak, Touchet came to me with the information


that one of the imperial equerries was in waiting. I had been
endeavoring to snatch a few hours’ rest, but roused myself at once,
and throwing on some clothing went out into the salon and received
the czar’s messenger. He was a young fellow, who had been
instructed to see me before delivering his document,—a packet with
the imperial seal. I was not surprised, on opening it, to find M. de
Lambert’s passports, with a formal note to me requesting that the
young man be sent at once to France.
“M. de Lambert is absent,” I said to the equerry, “but as soon as he
returns I will inform him of the czar’s pleasure.”
The Russian seemed satisfied with my assurance, and with a few
civil words departed, evidently having been instructed to serve his
notice with all due respect to me.
The whole affair was profoundly annoying, and I wished from my
heart that M. de Lambert had found it convenient to fall in love at
home. I was well aware that nothing but force would induce him to
leave Moscow at this crisis, and bitterly repented my folly in bringing
a young court gallant in my suite. How to get him out of the
imbroglio with a whole skin was a difficult question, and I was not
reassured by the thought that Catherine Shavronsky was still under
a cloud. I determined to see Mentchikof at my earliest opportunity
and feel his pulse on the situation. His threats against mademoiselle
were not to my comfort, but I was convinced that he would never
resort to extreme measures while there was a possibility of
reinstating the Livonian in favor.
The day passed without event, and the inaction of all persons
concerned was not altogether satisfactory. I feared that some
trouble was brewing, and was not quieted by the delay in the return
of M. de Lambert; he and Pierrot did not arrive until the following
morning. They were travel-stained and weary, but exultant; they had
conducted mademoiselle safely to her aunt at Troïtsa. Before
allowing M. de Lambert to remove the dust of the journey, I handed
him the czar’s document without comment, watching his face while
he read it. His expression was both scornful and perplexed, and his
cheek flushed scarlet as he flung the packet on the table.
“Ma foi!” he exclaimed with impatience, “the czar takes me for a fool
if he fancies that I can be packed off at his pleasure and leave
mademoiselle to his tender mercy!”
“You forget, monsieur,” I said gravely, “that he is master here.”
“I do not forget,” he returned passionately,—“parbleu! it is thrown in
my teeth at every turn,—but I am a French soldier, and forty czars
shall not intimidate me.”
“Bravo, monsieur!” I retorted, clapping my hands; “but how do you
propose to beard the lion in his den?”
“I will find a way to defeat him,” he replied quietly; “he cannot
always conquer circumstances.”
While he was talking, Touchet came to the door and addressed him.
“There is a youth below, sir,” he said, “who would speak with you
alone.”
M. de Lambert looked up in surprise. He had not had the opportunity
to lay aside his cloak, and he picked up his sword from the table and
started, as he was, to the door.
“Be careful,” I said to him at once; “you are in a delicate position—
take no hasty step.”
“It can be nothing of importance,” he replied, “but I thank you for
the caution, M. le Maréchal.”
With those words he went down the stairs to the door, and, Pierrot
at the moment bringing in my breakfast, I sat down by the fire to
eat it, while my equerry, giving place to Touchet, went to seek a little
rest himself. In a moment Zénaïde came in through the corridor and
joined me at the table.
“Who went out the door, Touchet?” she asked.
“M. de Lambert is talking to a lad there,” I explained.
“Not now,” she said at once; “some one went out and closed the
door.”
I rose and went to the window in time to see M. de Lambert walking
away alone and at a rapid pace.
“On some fool’s errand,” I muttered to myself, and went back to the
chair, explaining the departure with impatience.
Zénaïde looked disturbed, and was yet more troubled when I found
an opportunity to show her the passport.
“You should not have allowed him to go unattended, Philippe,” she
said gravely; “he is surrounded by dangers and so rash and
headstrong.”
“By all the saints, madame!” I exclaimed, “I cannot be his guardian.
He has been here scarcely more than a quarter of an hour, and has
not removed the dust of his long ride; how could I foresee his
immediate departure?”
Madame de Brousson sighed. “I feel as if we were responsible for
him,” she remarked pensively, “and you and I both know the
methods here more thoroughly than he.”
“I am half thankful for his passports,” I grumbled, “since Russia is no
place for a young courtier.”
As I spoke, I looked up and caught my wife’s eyes fixed upon me
with an arch glance of amusement. She laughed softly.
“If you had possessed your mature wisdom twenty years ago, M. le
Vicomte,” she said gravely, “we should never have met.”
I had risen from my chair and I made her an obeisance.
“I am convicted, madame,” I replied with mock gravity, “and crave
your permission to withdraw.”
Touchet came, at the moment, with my mantle and sword, and,
taking him for an attendant, I went to Mentchikof’s house. As I
approached it, I noted with amusement the certain indications of the
humor of a court. A week before, he had been the czar’s favorite,
the patron of a beautiful woman who was likely to be the successor
of Anna Mons, and the courtyard and hall had been crowded with
courtiers and those miserable creatures who fawn upon the man of
the hour. But for a few days the sunshine of imperial favor had been
obscured, and lo, the gay host of butterflies had fluttered to some
brighter spot. The entrance was deserted, and a solitary usher
conducted me through the splendid salons to the small room in the
wing where the great man worked alone. I had not seen Mentchikof
since the day that we parted on his stairs, with his veiled threat
against mademoiselle in my ears, and I approached him now with
some feelings of curiosity. How would the pampered favorite endure
this season of neglect? how would the darling of a court face the
solitude of a discarded counsellor? Without any ceremony, the usher
threw open the door and I stood face to face with Alexander
Mentchikof. He sat in a large chair by his writing-table, in an easy
attitude; his left elbow resting on the arm of his chair, his right arm
thrown across the table; the pen, still wet with ink, in his fingers,
while his left hand supported his chin, for his head was bent in
thought and his fine face was unusually grave in its repose. His rich
dress of black velvet was arranged as carefully as if for some court
function, and the blue ribbon of the Order of Saint Andrew showed
on his breast. He greeted me without emotion and with his usual
urbanity, asking me to be seated.
“There are chairs in plenty to-day, M. le Maréchal,” he remarked,
smiling, as he glanced at the vacant room; “you find my state
reduced, and my friends”—he laughed, looking at me with those
keen brilliant eyes, “my friends are running for a safer covert. It
reminds me of an ancient legend,—of a great lion to whom all the
beasts, through fear, paid court. The lion had a favorite, a mouse,
whom he guarded tenderly, and all the other beasts paid homage to
it, telling it that it resembled its patron, until the mouse, through
conceit, offended, and the lion deserted it in anger. Immediately all
the beasts departed, save one, who swallowed the wretched little
mouse. Presently, the lion, returning, found his pet gone, and was
enraged, and fell upon the beast who had eaten it, and tore him and
drove off the others, and was afterwards a scourge because no
animal dared any more to try to soothe his mood.” Throwing out his
hands with a gesture of disdain, he added, “I am waiting to be
devoured.”
“It is easy to draw a parallel,” I said thoughtfully, “for afterwards no
man will rule the heart of this lion.”
He laughed bitterly. “Fools rush upon their fate, M. le Maréchal,” he
rejoined; “each man thinks that he is born to scale the dizzy heights
of fame. The greater the fool, the more eager he is for the attempt.
Unhappily, they find their error out too late, and run headlong to
their ruin.”
“I have often considered whether it was worth while or not,” I
remarked quietly, “the glitter of a court dazzles, but its honors are
hollow.”
Mentchikof smiled. “It is easy to philosophize in the hour of good
fortune, M. l’Ambassadeur,” he replied dryly, “but in the day of evil it
is difficult to apply it. We who have tasted the sweets of power find
the loss a bitter one. However, sometimes our friends desert too
soon, and Fortune changes when it is least expected.”
“It will be so with you, monsieur,” I said with conviction; “meanwhile
I find myself also in embarrassment. This morning I received this
communication from the czar.”
He held out his hand for the papers with an expression of curiosity;
he was far from suspecting their contents, for, after glancing over
the documents, he looked at me in open astonishment, smiling a
little at the gravity of my face.
“When a man is a king, it is easy to dispose of rivals, monsieur,” he
remarked quietly; “it makes the less fortunate envious.”
I laughed. “The case is peculiar, however,” I replied, “for M. de
Lambert is a young hot-head and ill to guide; it will be difficult to
send him away. I have had some hope that this order might be
reversed or, at least, a delay permitted.”
“It might have been,” Mentchikof replied thoughtfully; “but,
unhappily, Mademoiselle Shavronsky’s folly has made it impossible
for me to arrange it. His Majesty would be instantly suspicious of any
interference on my part. I fear, M. le Maréchal, that the young man
must go.”
I did not reply at once, and he folded the papers gravely and
returned them to me; as he did so, he glanced at me keenly and
smiled.
“Where is Mademoiselle Zotof?” he asked abruptly.
For the moment I was taken unawares and hesitated to reply, and
he laughed.
“You must inquire of the Councillor Zotof,” I said with composure,
meeting his eye.
“If rumor makes no mistake, sir,” he rejoined quietly, “the councillor
is anxious to know.”
I had risen to take my leave. I was disappointed at the failure of my
effort, and no longer disturbed by his inquiry.
“You ask a good deal, monsieur,” I remarked calmly. “If the young
lady’s uncle cannot find her, certainly a stranger could not.”
He was still laughing softly and regarding me from beneath his
drooping lids.
“The czar may not think the same,” he said gently, “and it will be
difficult to avoid an explanation. As your friend, M. le Maréchal, I
warn you.”
I thanked him and withdrew, satisfied that he was really unable to
prevent M. de Lambert’s dismissal, but still gravely uncertain of his
intentions toward Najine. He would never accept his defeat with
resignation, and I had no doubt that he and Catherine were deep in
plot and counterplot. Meanwhile M. Guillaume would remain in
Moscow at his peril, and I shared Zénaïde’s feeling of personal
responsibility. I must send him away at once, or conceal him; and he
would dispute either expedient. Never was man more perplexed than
I, as I walked slowly toward my quarters. Mademoiselle, for the
time, was safe, but it was manifest that the Livonian girl was still out
of favor, and the czar’s fancy for Najine was likely to prevail; and,
after all, would she still persist in her repugnance to a crown?
When I entered the house, Pierrot met me with a grave face.
“M. de Lambert has not returned,” he said quietly, “and he went out
without eating a morsel.”
I paused to think. It was not reassuring, and yet there was a
possibility that there was no cause for apprehension.
“We will give him a few hours more, Pierrot,” I said; but I was ill at
ease.
CHAPTER XVIII.
MISSING.

When the day was far spent and there was still no sign of M. de
Lambert, I began to share Madame de Brousson’s solicitude. That he
could be again duped when he knew that Najine was miles away,
seemed improbable, but I could expect almost any folly from his
impetuosity. Pierrot had been out in search of him, but without
result, and came back manifestly disquieted, for years had not dulled
his suspicion of the Russian. He told me too that he had seen Tikhon
in the vicinity of my quarters, and I saw that he suspected some plot
to make away with M. Guillaume. This seemed improbable to me,
because of the czar’s order for his departure, for it would be
unnecessary to deal summarily with the young man until he failed to
obey the instructions. However, I became uneasy and, ordering my
horse, took Pierrot and started for Prince Dolgoruky’s house. I could,
at least, observe the prince, and learn something of his designs,
especially if he had really interfered with M. de Lambert. We rode at
a smart pace, and in a few moments I was dismounting in the
courtyard. While he did not assume the state of Mentchikof,
Dolgoruky belonged to the older boyars, and there was more of the
ceremony of twenty years before about his household. I was
ushered into his presence by an old Russian attendant who had
probably performed that office in the family for fifty years. The
prince was not alone, but surrounded by a group of friends, and, to
my discomfiture, attended by Zotof, who, I fancied, smiled a little at
my entrance. His presence disconcerted me, suggesting, as it did, an
intimate relation between the two, and therefore strengthening the
probability of Dolgoruky’s interference with my friend. However, I put
a bold face upon the matter, and, waiving the formal courtesy of the
occasion, spoke to the point, inventing a story for the purpose of
entrapping him.
“I come on a pressing errand, prince,” I said at once. “M. de
Lambert, a gentleman of my suite, left my house this morning at a
summons from one of your household and has not yet returned. His
presence being imperative at my quarters, owing to a message from
his Majesty the Czar, I came here to inquire for him. Doubtless you
can tell me where he is.”
Dolgoruky stared at me with an astonishment that was either
genuine or exceedingly well feigned; then, turning to his friends, he
exclaimed,—
“I call you to witness, gentlemen, the extraordinary demand of M. de
Brousson. He asks me to produce a French soldier whom I have not
seen for at least a fortnight and then at the palace.”
“M. de Brousson is a very extraordinary person,” remarked Zotof,
calmly. “He demands M. de Lambert at your hands, and yet refused
to account for my niece, Najine Alexeievna, when she visited his
wife.”
“Then let us make a bargain, M. l’Ambassadeur,” said Dolgoruky,
smiling; “if you will produce Najine Zotof, we will endeavor to find M.
de Lambert.”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I am not a magician, gentlemen,” I said
dryly, “but I must account to the king my master for an officer of his
household troops, in the person of Guillaume de Lambert. King Louis
loves not an injury offered to any true Frenchman.”
The Russians looked at me intently. I was standing before them, my
hat in my hand, and my cloak still thrown across my shoulders,
armed and booted as I had ridden, and I was measuring them with
a certain scorn of their ability to dupe me, yet curious too as to their
own estimate of the situation, for I no longer doubted that they
knew something of M. de Lambert.
“All honor to the King of France,” Dolgoruky replied suavely; “long
may he live and learn to stand with Russia against the madman of
Sweden and the Turk! Why should I desire to offend his Majesty?”
“Nevertheless, the king will be gravely offended, Prince Dolgoruky,” I
said calmly, “if I cannot account for this young man who has served
with conspicuous gallantry in the armies of France.”
“Am I his keeper, M. l’Ambassadeur?” exclaimed the prince, tartly.
“Why do you demand a hot-headed boy at my hands?”
For a moment I did not reply. I wished my words to have additional
weight, and I let a silence intervene and then spoke with
deliberation.
“I asked him at your hands, prince,” I said, “because you have set a
spy upon him for two months and more. It was your man, Tikhon,
who dogged his steps before Apraxin joined the pursuit and
attempted to assassinate him. I am responsible for his life, and am
compelled to demand your aid in my search for him.”
Dolgoruky’s face flushed deeply at my words, and I saw that he was
struggling with a passionate impulse to reply with violence, and his
anger was reflected in the faces of his friends. But he had much at
stake and was something of a diplomat; before I finished speaking,
he had smoothed his brow and was looking at me with candid
reproach.
“You do me foul injustice, M. le Vicomte,” he said plaintively; “how
have I deserved such treatment at your hands? My assistance you
shall have. Tikhon shall go with you into every corner of Moscow, to
search for this young gentleman.”
He had assumed the only tone possible to evade my importunity,
and I was astonished at the ease with which he played the injured
party. I could not quarrel with so passive a foe, and was forced to
accept Tikhon for what he was worth as a guide. I had no authority
to search Dolgoruky’s house, and indeed doubted that he would
attempt to detain M. de Lambert there.
So it was that, baffled in my intention of taunting him into an
acknowledgment of his work, I left his house as quickly as possible
to prosecute my search, accompanied by Tikhon, who rode along
sullenly enough with Pierrot, for he probably still remembered the
day when M. de Lambert had stretched him on the pavement of the
Grand Square of the Kremlin. In truth, I scarcely knew what use to
make of the silent Russian, who protested an ignorance as great as
his master’s, but whom I suspected of considerable malevolence, for
he was not the man to forget or forgive.
We rode back rapidly to my quarters to inquire if M. de Lambert had
returned in the interval, and, finding that he was yet absent, went
on upon our errand. The improbability of his voluntarily staying so
long away now that Najine was absent was palpable enough, and I
had no longer any doubt that he had met with foul play. We had
searched every quarter where he was likely to visit, with the result of
receiving repeated assurances that he had not been seen that day,
and I was deeply disquieted. The dusk was gathering, and we rode
back upon our tracks in an aimless fashion. I had ordered my two
attendants in front, and was riding several yards behind absorbed in
troubled thought. We were below the Kremlin, on the bank of the
Moskva, and so lost was I in meditation that I started when my
horse shied at the sudden appearance of a man before him. The
stranger laid his hand on my bridle, and I drew my pistol, thinking
him some cut-purse.
“You stop me at your peril, knave,” I said harshly, wrenching the rein
free.
“Do not shoot, sir!” he exclaimed, and I knew his voice at once; it
was the Swedish spy.
“You took a serious risk,” I remarked, putting up my weapon; “what
would you have from me?”
“You are searching for M. de Lambert,” he said quietly; “I have heard
of it. That man Tikhon knows something—and also, monsieur,
Apraxin is here again.”
I started; these were evil tidings, for I looked upon him as an
assassin. The Swede’s knowledge did not astonish me, since it was
his business to acquire information, and his devoted gratitude had
already been proved. I leaned from my saddle and spoke to him in a
low tone.
“I thank you,” I said; “learn all you can, for I fear that he has met
with foul play. They desire his absence or his death.”
“Compel yonder man to speak, M. le Vicomte,” he said earnestly,
“and I will do my best. One good turn deserves another;” and with
these words he slipped back behind the shadow of a low building,
and I rode on.
He had scarcely detained me five minutes, but the others had gained
upon me and were quite a way in advance, so that as I went I had
time to formulate a plan for learning something definite from Tikhon.
After a while I rode faster and, overtaking them, ordered them to
proceed to the Zemlianui-gorod by way of a lonely lane with which I
was familiar. It was now quite dark, and the quiet of the hour and
the place suited my purpose. When we had reached the loneliest
spot, I called Pierrot to me under the pretence that my saddle
needed a tighter girth, and thus found an opportunity to whisper a
word or so in his ear. Tikhon had halted and was waiting in sullen
acquiescence, when Pierrot and I rode forward, one on either side of
him, and, Pierrot seizing his horse’s rein, I pressed my pistol to his
temple. He was taken unawares, and for the moment, I think, was
badly frightened.
“We have had enough of this child’s play,” I said sternly, “and now
you can tell us where to find M. de Lambert or you can die—like the
miserable wretch that you are.”
“I know nothing,” he replied stubbornly; “it will avail nothing to kill
me.”
“Tush, man!” I exclaimed sharply, “a spy is never so ignorant. You
cannot escape me. Either take me to M. de Lambert, or tell me
where to find him.”
“I can do neither,” he retorted, in the same sullen tone, gaining
courage because I did not immediately execute my threat. “I know
nothing, nor does the prince my master.”
“Probably you know how to say your prayers,” I remarked dryly, “in
which case you had better say them, for you have only about five
minutes to live. I give you so much space to choose between
confession and eternity.”
He did not reply. I think he only just began to believe that I was in
earnest. He was not a coward, but the touch of cold steel thrills even
a strong man. There was no chance of escape for him; we were in a
desolate spot, and the night grew intensely dark. There was no
sound as we sat there on our horses but their occasional restive
movements. Pierrot held his bridle with an iron grip, and I had
covered him with my weapon. A pistol-shot more or less would not
be noticed in Moscow, and death stared him in the face. In the
silence I could hear his breath coming short and thick, and knew his
heart was failing him. He could not see my face, and I smiled in the
darkness. It would not be necessary to use violence. He was
struggling hard with himself, and I had no doubt that he had cause
to fear the result of a confession. Dolgoruky, of course, had bound
him to fidelity, and it was possible that he saw death as an
alternative on either hand, for the prince would never pardon the
betrayal of his trust, and he must have placed great confidence in
this man or he would not have permitted him to go with me. The
minutes passed, and Tikhon was silent, still doubtless hoping for
rescue. The stillness was oppressive; the city was strangely quiet,
only, far off, a cathedral bell tolled twice from the Kremlin. Once
more I raised and levelled my pistol.
“The time has expired,” I said quietly. “I shall count three before I
fire, therefore be prepared for eternity.”
Still he did not speak; he had a stubborn courage which was slow to
yield.
“One,” I counted, tightening my grip upon my horse’s rein, for it
seemed as if the fool was determined to rush upon his fate and I
was losing patience.
“Two!”
I heard him draw his breath with a gasp.
“Wait!” he cried thickly.
It had come at last, but I carried things with a high hand.
“Do not trifle,” I exclaimed sternly, “you are facing death; speak the
whole truth.”
“You are a hard man,” he said in his sullen voice. “I am likely to die
in either case, but I am not prepared now.”
“Be quick!” I cried with impatience; “where is M. de Lambert?”
“Where he is not likely to escape so easily,” he answered, with a
certain vicious triumph in his tone; “he is in a guard-room of the
Kremlin.”
I started; something in his tone convinced me that he spoke the
truth, and I was not prepared for it.
“He could not be there without the czar’s order,” I exclaimed, “and I
have his passports.”
“He was committed by the czar’s officers,” he replied.
“And you betrayed him into their hands,” I said fiercely.
“I did not,” he replied boldly; “not that I bore him any good-will, but
I had no need to do more than watch. Zotof’s relative, Apraxin, did
the work.”
“Ah!” I ejaculated, “where is the miserable coward?”
“Truly, I know not,” Tikhon said bluntly; “he is a sullen boy for whom
I have no love. He has doubtless taken care to escape your
vengeance.”
“Not if he is in Moscow,” I said sharply, all the while thinking of some
way out of the difficulty.
“Are you satisfied, M. le Vicomte?” he asked after a moment; “am I
at liberty to live, having betrayed my trust?”
“If what you have told me proves true, you are safe,” I replied
slowly; “if it is false, you will answer for it. Let go his rein, Pierrot,
and ride with him to my quarters, and let him not escape your close
surveillance until I order his dismissal. I have another errand.”
I watched them ride away until their dark figures became parts of
that other darkness, and then, turning my horse’s head, made all
speed to the Kremlin.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE MARRIAGE OF THE DWARFS.

I rode toward the Kremlin with a heavy heart; the perplexity and
perils of my position were increased a hundredfold. My distance from
my own government and my comparative isolation in Moscow made
a demand for justice not only difficult but practically futile. The czar
had no right to imprison arbitrarily one of my suite, but how absurd
was it to talk of privileges to the autocrat of all the Russias! It was
well enough to carry matters with a high hand and threaten the
wrath of the King of France while M. de Lambert was a free man,
but the coup d’état was accomplished; he was actually in a Russian
prison, and might easily starve there before aid could come from
Versailles. What folly had led him into the trap? What madness on
his part had prompted this sudden seizure? Not only did I find these
questions difficult to answer, but I found it difficult, too, to hit upon
a plan of action. Never was man in more unfortunate position,—
responsible for a delicate mission to the king my master; responsible
for a reckless young soldier; responsible for the honor and dignity of
my country, and dealing with a man of violent passions, for the czar
was a volcano ready to breathe smoke and fire at a moment’s
provocation. And how could I approach him now? Should I assume
ignorance, and appeal to him to aid me in my search for M. de
Lambert, or should I boldly proclaim my knowledge of the
imprisonment and demand justice in the name of the King of
France? I checked my horse and rode slowly to give myself time for
thought. On the whole, I reflected that feigned ignorance would suit
my purpose best, since defiance could scarcely help me and might
deeply incense the czar. There was one chance in a hundred for the
young man’s release, and that was a slender one. I fancied that he
would be offered an alternative; renunciation of mademoiselle or
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