"
Sina sat down without speaking. Her pretty face looked sad and
dejected.
"Now then, tell us all about it," said Ivanoff.
"As I came out of the club last night," began Riasantzeff, "a soldier
rushed up to me and stammered out, 'His Excellency's shot himself!' I
jumped into a _droschky_ and got there as fast as I could. I found
nearly the whole regiment at the house. Sarudine was lying on the bed,
and his tunic was unbuttoned."
"And where did he shoot himself?" asked Lialia, clinging to her lover's
arm.
"In the temple. The bullet went right through his head and hit the
ceiling."
"Was it a Browning?" Yourii asked this.
"Yes. It was an awful sight. The wall was splashed with blood and
brains, and his face was utterly disfigured. Sanine must have given him
a teaser." He laughed. "A tough customer is that lad!"
Ivanoff nodded approvingly.
"He's strong enough, I warrant you."
"Coarse brute!" said Yourii, in disgust.
Sina glanced timidly at him.
"In my opinion it was not his fault," she said. "He couldn't possibly
wait until..."
"Yes, yes," replied Riasantzeff, "but to hit a fellow like that!
Sarudine had challenged him.
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