dressed in the uniform of a captain.

“Here is the American,” said the first of the pair. “I found him watching us rather closely.”

“Ha!” came from the second. He turned to Gilbert. “And what have you to say for yourself?”

“What is there to say?” returned the young American boldly. “Certainly I have done no wrong.”

“You were acting the part of a spy.”

“Not at all. I am looking for a certain Captain Barusky, who is, so I have been told, located at one of the forts in or near this port.”

“Captain Barusky? That is my name.”

“Indeed!” Gilbert was taken somewhat by surprise.[Pg 24] He looked at the man closely, and the face did not at all please him.

[Pg 24]

“What do you want of me? What is your name?”

“I want to see you on business,” was Gilbert’s bold answer. “My name is Gilbert Pennington, and I am the selling agent for the Richmond Importing Company. I think you have heard of that concern.”

Captain Barusky started slightly and changed color. But he quickly recovered and took on a look of unconcern.

“I have heard of your company, yes, but I know little about it, and nothing about you.”

“Probably you know more about Ivan Snokoff,” went on Gilbert dryly.

“Yes, I know him quite well.”

“You were partners in business, so I understand.”

“Partners? Never! I am not a business man.”

“Do you mean to say that you did not have an interest in the concern which Ivan Snokoff ran?”

“Never. Why are you so curious to know?”

“Because Ivan Snokoff owes our company four thousand dollars, and he has run away,” answered Gilbert flatly. He felt that the man before him[Pg 25] was not telling the truth. “I have been told upon pretty good authority that you were his partner.”

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