The Washington times., 1904-01-24

silver candlesticks, and as soon as all
were seated brought in glass of tea
placed in a richly carved holder, and a
silver enameled spoon. The tea was
sweetened to the taste of each. for
Native knew the number of Jumps his
masters guests liked, and the slice
of lemon floating on the top looked
very appetizinS.
After the freezing air outside, the
room with its double windows was de-
lightfully warm. A big white porcelain
stove gave well-regulated heat, several
Persian rugs and some good paintings
charmed the eye. and in one corner of
the richly furnished room was a great
pot of roses in bloom. In another cor
ner were several growing plants of cy
clamen and narcissi.
The game progressed satisfactorily. so
satisfactorily. that Native. after sleepy
scrutiny from his chair in the hall out
side. anticipating a long seance. began
to do5e in between his Journeys to the
samovar. Now and again Anthony
Strong, preoccupied with his thoughts
as to his friends fate and the Cron-
stadt scandal. made a slight mistake
which evolved a smothered growl from
his partner. but otherwise the players
dealt and played their cards and marked
up their points in silence.
A little after midnight their play was
suddenly disturbed by a loud peal at
the doorbel. Everybody at the table
exchanged glances. and it seemed 10
Strong as II the face of his friend Yell
seyefr took on gray hue Even Strong
himself felt unnerved. In Russia IT is
always dangerous 20 ones liberty TO
have friend suspected. and, worse
still. arrested. 1t suddenly flashed
across Strong that Captain Barton was
not only his friend. but his most init
mate friend. They had chummed at
Elton and Oxford during his fathers
diplomatic relations with England On
hearing the doorbell Native started from
his doing and opened the door. A sec
ond later the ominous click OF spurs
could be heard in the hallway. The
landlady, who rented the rooms to bache-
lors, opened her door. which almost
faced the door from the staircase into
the apartment and began 10 scream.
Anthony Strong jumped to his feet
Then Yeliseyeff laid his hand on his
arm authoritatively and babe him sit
down
THE policer' he said I'm swift. low
tones BE quiet, and we will get you
out of this. Luckily. you have your
passport with you. Continue the game
as If nothing had happened. This oc-
ours all the time in Russia. and 1t is
wise to show no curiosity and say moth
ing"
At that moment a gigantic figure in
full military uniform appeared in the
doorway. 1t was the goradanachaInik.
or governor Of the city, and behind him
several soldiers.
All the players but Anthony Strong
stood up. and Yel,seyen's face wore an
affable smile as he went forward and
shook hands.
why. your exceIlency," he began,
courteously
The other was most businesslike in
his manner. and. glancing at him
sharply said quickly:
How do you do. Anton Petrowitch?''
He acknowledged the Introduction to
Strong with grave politeness.. adding:
II am sorry to disturb your game. but
my men have to make a search here.
Then. turning to Yeliseyeff's two
friends. he said. commandingly: Il will
trouble you. gentlemen. to remain here
and let me have the keys of your apart
ments"
Mine. your excellency," said Ignor
Basiliowitch Apraxine quietly. lis in my
door-suite No. g."
'And here. your excellency. is mine, -
interposed Piotr Antonowitch Stassof.
calmly.
Each apartment on tho floor consisted
on one large room. or reception parlor,
with a bedroom and dressing room ad-
joining.
Anyone in here?" asked the CORA
danachalnik. giving a careless glance
into Yeliseyer's bedroom.
Not that know Of, your exceIlency.' -
We'll. all right. all right. Be seated
and continue your game. gentlemen. ]
must beg you 10 remain till the search
Is over"
Everybody bowed and sat down as the
goradanachalnik withdrew. and, without
tremor. Yeliseyeff said Il differently:
1T is your deal, Strong
oh Hadesi" said the latter. forcibly.
mo good in my dealing-what is the
nearing of all this2 Do you think there
is any danger?''
Not for you. not for you. / told you
so" Yeliseyeff muttered in English
somewhat impatiently.