you had horses."

"Ah," said the commander, understanding. He turned and rattled an order to an aid who stood by to hoist a recall flag upon further command.

"About the terms," said the commander, "I trust that you follow the custom of these days."

"All prisoners disarmed and released and all impersonal baggage retained."

"Sir, although I dislike having to ask further forbearance from a man I respect, I hope you will allow us to retain our arms. The country through which we have passed is filled with roving bands of soldiers."

"Of course, you will give me your parole," said the lieutenant, "and swear on your honor as an officer to return to your center of government?"

"Certainly. You, perhaps, can give me the data we wish."

"Certainly. And now pardon me. Pollard, man that alcohol gun and send word to our battery to stand by. Have Weasel bring up the baggage train to that ravine below there. Your troops," he said, turning back to the commander, "will be left in possession of their rifles and ammunition. We shall retain the battery and animals and all impersonal baggage."

"Thank you," said the commander, giving the signal to hoist the recall. "We shall begin our return at noon. You wish my troops to remain there in the valley, of course, until they march?"

"Naturally."

"And you say there is no fertile region between here and the sea?"

"On my honor I know of none. England has exhausted herself and is of no value, and I dare say your own country is in like condition."

"Well—Sir, may I be frank?"

"Of course."

"We were not sent anywhere. We are the last of the imperial White Russian army which was defeated and thrown out of Moscow five months ago. The new government, I believe, strictly favored isolation and, I am certain, is in no position to favor anything else. There is no government now in Germany, aside from a few scattered officers in places which were not touched by the many waves of crop-destroying insects and disease bacteria. Spheres of isolation are being formed with scorched-earth belts about them. We sought to establish ourselves in Paris, some two 

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