"Do you or do you not know where that will is?" insisted Prince Vasili, his cheeks twitching more than ever.

"Tell the King of Naples," said he sternly, "that it is not noon yet, and I don`t yet see my chessboard clearly. Go!..."

He moved away as he said this; but seeing that Nicholas was about to speak, good–naturedly slackened his pace, as if he were unwilling to cut him short. After a little of that hesitation which may be sometimes observed between two people in the street who have exchanged a nod, and are both uncertain whether they shall turn back and speak, or not, Nicholas found himself at the old man’s side.