In short, what I mean is that we must put an end to his foolishness.
I think this matter is getting beyond the stage where we may just laugh and draw funny pictures.
Believe me that what I'm concerned about is Vera's reputation and yours, Vasily Lvovich."
"I think you're exaggerating, Kolya," replied Sheyin.
"Perhaps I am.
But you risk finding yourself quite easily in a ridiculous position."
"I don't see how," said the prince.
"Suppose this idiotic bracelet" — Nikolai lifted the red case from the table and at once threw it down again with disgust — "this monstrous thing remains in our house, or we throw it out or present it to Dasha.
Then, first of all, P.P.Z. will be able to brag to his acquaintances or friends that Princess Vera Nikolayevna Sheyina accepts his gifts, and, secondly, the first opportunity will encourage him to further exploits.
Tomorrow he may send her a diamond ring, the day after a pearl necklace, and then, for all we knew, he may land in the dock for embezzlement or fraud and Prince and Princess Sheyin will be summoned to testify as witnesses.
A nice prospect, eh?"
"The bracelet must certainly be sent back!" cried Vasily Lvovich.
"I think so too," Vera assented, "and the sooner the better.
But how are we to do it?
We don't know the name or address."
"Oh, that's child's play," Nikolai Nikolayevich replied carelessly. "We know the initials of this P.P.Z.
Is that what they are, Vera?"
"G.S.Z."
"Very good.
Besides, we know that he's employed somewhere.
That's quite enough.
Tomorrow I'll take the town directory and look up an official or clerk with those initials.
If I don't find him for some reason, I'll simply call a detective and get him to trace the man for me.
In case of difficulty I'll have this paper here with his handwriting.
In short, by two o'clock tomorrow I'll know the exact name and address of the fellow and even the hours when he's in.
And then we'll not only give him back his treasure tomorrow but will also see that he never reminds us of his existence again."
"What are you going to do?" asked Prince Vasily.
"What?
I'm going to call on the governor."
"Not the governor — please!
You know what terms we're on with him.
We'd only make ourselves ridiculous."
"All right.
I'll go to the chief of police.
He's a club-mate of mine.
Let him summon that Romeo and shake his finger under the man's nose.
Do you know how he does it?
He brings his finger close to your nose but doesn't move his hand — he just wags his finger and bawls,
'I won't stand for this, sir!' "
"Fie!
Fancy dealing with the police!" said Vera, pulling a wry face.
"You're right, Vera," the prince agreed. "We'd better not drag any outsiders into this.
There'd be rumours and gossip.
We all know what our town is like.
One might as well live in a glass jar.
I think I had better go to that — er — young man myself; God knows he may be sixty.
I'll hand him the bracelet and give him ;a talking to."
"Then I'll go with you," Nikolai Nikolayevich cut in. "You're too soft.
Leave it to me to talk with him.
And now, my friends" — he pulled out his watch and glanced at it — "you'll excuse me if I go to my room.