The Emperor's Candlesticks Page #2

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"I am in the hands of

a group of Polish nationalists...

- So that's ti.

- Exactly.

"Who have made it their duty

"to secure the immediate release of

their friend and leader, Thaddeus Orlich,

"who is to be executed by your order

in St. Petersburg in 15 days."

That is unfortunate, but

what has it to do with me?

You and your father and your father's father

for 150 years have throttled our country...

You've tortured and imprisoned us

and now at the moment when...

We do not for a moment suggest your highness

that you have any responsibility in this crime.

Nonetheless, we require what we hope

may prove your effective assistance.

Go on.

This man, Orlich, has given his entire

life for the freedom of his country.

For this alone, he has now

been condemned to death

by the servants of your imperial father.

And I might tell your highness,

there is not a man in

this room at this moment

who would not gladly give his

life that Orlich's might be saved.

True.

But surely a petition for his release

through the ordinary channels...

We've already sent 3

petitions to his majesty.

But the secret police have

seen to it that your father

was spared the labor

of their examination.

As a matter of fact, we'll probably

have the greatest of difficulty in

getting even this letter

to him personally.

You needn't tell me that.

Perhaps you'll write

as we dictate?

- Suppose I refuse?

- In that case, your highness...

Perhaps I shouldn't asked that question.

However, gentlemen,

I'm not afraid of threats,

but I infinitely prefer them to

the means you used to get me here.

We regret that, your highness,

but we had no alternative.

I must congratulate you

upon your fair confederate.

She was most efficient.

- Believe me.

- That lady would sacrifice even more

than the regard of your highness if

she could save the life of her father.

- Her father?

- Thaddeus Orlich.

- I beg your pardon, sir.

- Yes, what is it?

- Colonel Suroff?

- Yes, what is it? What do you want?

Well, the young gentleman

told me to tell you, sir-

Oh, yes, of course.

Where is he?

He left hurriedly with my mistress,

to attend a little party.

And he's most anxious

that you should join them.

Oh, of course. I might

have guessed as much.

Tell me, my good man,

what sort of party is it?

I mean, will my attire be

in any way out of place?

Oh, no, sir.

I don't think so.

The party is very small and if

I may say so, very discreet.

Oh, well, that sounds most pleasant.

There's nothing like

a discreet little party,

if one is discreet. Well.

What time is it, Albert?

Half past 2:
00, sir.

Oh, it's good to get to

bed early for a change.

It enables me

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