Therefore I said in a firm voice, in French-- "I think, Baron, our interview is at an end, is it not?
Therefore I wish you good-day." He turned upon me suddenly with an evil flash in his dark eyes, and a snarling imprecation in Russian upon his lips.

His hand still held the order committing me to the fortress.
"But before I leave you will destroy that document.

It may fall into other hands, you know," and I walked towards him with quick determination.
"I shall do nothing of the kind!" he snapped.
Without further word I snatched the paper from his thin white fingers and tore it up before his face.

His countenance went livid.

I do not think I have ever seen a man's face assume such an expression of fiendish vindictiveness.