Tell Paul, as you go out, that I wish to see the steward." A minute or two later the steward, a white-headed old man, who had from childhood been in the service of the family, entered.

"Demetri," he said, "will you tell Ivan and Alexander to go out into the stable?
They will find Alexis waiting for them.

Order them, when Paul joins them there, to aid Alexis in seizing him instantly.

Give them your instructions quietly, and without attracting notice.

Above all do not let Paul see you speaking to them.