Exit a Dictator by E. Phillips Oppenheim

Marc Zaritsch, surrounded by books of reference in many languages, journals and reviews of comparatively recent date, was seated before a writing-table in a small, simply furnished sitting-room when Alexander entered. Perhaps the atmosphere of the place, where the latter reigned supreme, perhaps the consciousness of the danger which awaited him outside, had in some way inspired a change of attitude. He pushed back his chair and rose to his feet when Alexander appeared. No evidence of respect, however, was manifest in his tone as he addressed him.

"I am honoured indeed," he said. "Is it my death sentence that has arrived? Am I to be thrown to the wolves?"