Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-30

MuScovite anxiety to steal
few more versts on the way to the Persian Gulf was
checked by the presence of the British representa-
tves, pillars built and imaginary lines were
agreed to with remarkable celebrity
The Russian officer, until Japan arose from the
sea- always regarded his British confrere as his
hereditary foe. Nevertheless, he could be exceed
ingly courteous and hosptable under conditions of
peace.
II hear you going to London to report to
your Government" said Colonel Derjavin chief of
the Russian mission to Armstrong the night before
they separated
when l sent here, and now, by good luck, l
shall see England again before ejon my regiment"
" How do you return?'
By the way of the Persian Gulf and Alden"
Have you ever crossed the Caucasus?"
mo"
Then why not come with us? There is steamer
lying off the coast which will carry us to Baku
We all go to Moscow, and that is your nearest
way home. You will be in London by that route
before you reach Alden if you go south"
The idea occurred to me-" admitted
Frank. There is nothing l should like better"
His chief, Mr.. Egerton, gave ready sanction to
the scheme, only wishing that he might take the
trip himself instead of marching back to malo-
dorous Teheran.
Five days later, Armstrong with his Cossack
friends, surrounding the magnificent pass by
the ancient road which for thousands of years has
been the chief thoroughfare between Europe and
Asia. Notwithstanding the piercing cold which
his experienced companions we'll knew how to cir
cumvent he had immense advantage over the
summer traveller in the perfect clearness of the
atmosphere Moreover his new friends privileged
beyond ordinary mortals rushed the more trying
portion of the journey doing in ten hours what it
takes the average traveller whole day to accom-
plish.
From V1adilavkaz to Moscow they enjoyed all
the comforts of a well-equipped train and Arm
strong entered the Ryazan Station of the city of the
Kremlin the day following that on which Lord
Valletort and his were carried off by the Ban
nofka rebels. Of that exciting event no news ap-
peared in the papers. On the map Saratoff is near
Moscow; but Russia is land of enormous distances
and although the rail connection between the two
places is direct they five hundred miles apart
1t whim, the outcome of the chance
which led him to be well his way homeward
nearly month in advance of his due date that
caused Frank to telegraph to Lord Caringham
Returning London from Persia. Wire if YOU can meet
here Saratof Moskova Bazaar Hotel
He wrote it in Russian, thinking that English
would be mutilated and evoke suspicion from ig-
norant officials at Saratoff. Cunningham of course
would have difficulty in getting it translated
even if he failed to make out its purport. Having
despatched this friendly message, behind which
there was not shadow of thought for girl who
was little more than sad but sweet memory
to him, Frank went to theater to see Sarah Bern
hardt in Fedora"
There times in a mans life when lust such
harmless act serves the spark which fires powder
magazine. Many lives, much sorrow and not a
little happiness depended those few words wing
ing their way through space. Sitting in the stalls
watching the great French actress moving an easily
swayed audience to tears and laughter helpless
found at the end OF this inssslm ent on page 1e