We must act quietly. The more trouble we make, the more important they
will know us to be. If we hope to accomplish anything we must act
cautiously."
"But my airship!" cried Tom.
"They won't do anything to that right away," declared the Russian in a
whisper for he knew sometimes the police listened to the talk of
prisoners. "I think, from what I overheard when they arrested us, that
we either trespassed on the grounds of some one in authority, who had us
taken in out of spite, or they fear we may be English or French spies,
seeking to find out Russian secrets."
They were served with food in their prison, but to all inquiries made by
Ivan Petrofsky, evasive answers were returned. He spoke in poor, broken
Russian, so that he would not be taken for a native of that country. Had
he been, he would have at once been in great danger of being accused as
an escaped exile.
Finally a man who, the exile whispered to his Companions, was the local
governor, came to their prison. He eagerly asked questions as to their
mission, and Mr. Petrofsky answered them diplomatically.
"I don't think he'll make much out of what I told him," said the exile
when the governor had gone. "I let him think we were scientists, or
pleasure seekers, airshipping for our amusement. He tried to tangle me
up politically, but I knew enough to keep out of such traps.
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