country’s defenders to take their proper places in the army and the navy.”

“And where is this Captain Barusky stationed?”

“He was at Mukden, but I have heard that he was seen at one of the forts of this port only day before yesterday.”

“What fort?”

“That I cannot tell, but I think it was the one nearest to the dry dock.”

“I am glad to know this,” said Gilbert slowly. He was wondering how he could get hold of his man. “Do you know for a fact that he was a partner in the company?”

“Yes, for I once saw the papers. Besides, he once lent Ivan Snokoff six hundred rubles with which to pay off certain bills for goods, and I know[Pg 15] he shared in the profits. They were a pair of sly foxes. Were I you, I should have this bold captain held by the authorities. It may be he will then reveal what has become of Ivan Snokoff.”

[Pg 15]

“I’ll certainly do something—if I can find him.” Gilbert was silent for a moment. “Give me your new address,” he continued. “I may want you again.”

“And the rubles——”

“Here they are,” and the young American counted out the amount in Russian scrip, for silver rubles are now but seldom seen. “I’ll give you a good deal more, if you’ll aid me to get back what belongs to our company.”

“Nicholas Vanskynov is at your service, sire. Here is the address,” and it was written down in a notebook which Gilbert brought forth.

After this the young American questioned the Russian clerk closely concerning Ivan Snokoff’s methods of doing business. He learned that all the goods sold had been shipped out of Manchuria, so that to trace them farther was next to impossible. Beyond a doubt Captain Barusky was hand-in-glove with Snokoff, and the pair had cleaned up a good many thousand dollars by their nefarious actions.

After parting with the Russian clerk, Gilbert[Pg 16] attended to various matters of business for the balance of that day and also for the morning of the next. While he war near the railroad station he saw a long train come in from the north packed with soldiers.

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