Gilpin observer., 1910-04-28
CHAPTER XVI.
Hardy Hesitates.

Emery stayed on in Stryetensk,
lengthening his visit into months, and
Hardy became greatly attached to
him, finding the companionship of
this cheerful, bold, resourceful, self
made man an inspiration which the
fellowship of his former society
friends had never afforded him. The
old merchant received frequent ad-
vices from his agent in Japan which
confirmed him in the belief that war
was imminent, and Stryetensk. at the
head of river navigation in Siberia,
seemed to him the most important of
the company's posts in Russia.
Vasili, who was suspected of hav-
ing been active in exciting popular
hatred against Hardy, whom he re-
garded as having supplanted him, was
transferred to Blagovestchensk. And
during all this time the Korean boy,
whose intelligence and adaptability
were truly marvellous, steadily grew
in favor with his employers. His
progress in Russian was phenomenal,
and as 1t transpired that he also knew
Japanese and some Chinese, he was,
after a couple of months, promoted
from errand boy to the office, and set
to writing letters.
In the meanwhile Hardy received
another letter from the Princess Ro-
manovna, chatty, delightful letter.
in Russian this time, complimenting
him on his progress in the language,
and telling him much of her own life
and of affairs in Moscow. Among
other things, she mentioned the fact
that she had spoken of his heroism on
the Amur to the emperor and of the
debt Of gratitude that she owed him.
She assured him that she would be
glad to hear from him from time to
time and signed her, Your friend.
Elizabetha Romanovna"
In January, Emery announced to
Hardy one day that he wished the
young man to take trip to Moscow
and perhaps to ST. Petersburg on
business.
by the way" said Hardy, STAN
mering slightly and feeling trife
confused, there is a-ah-matter of
which wish to speak to you. You
know this country so much better
than l. and its customs. have re-
ceived an invitation from the Princess
Romanovna to call on her while in
Moscow"
1t was little difficult to speak to
Emery on this subject, he was so
practical and his gray eyes were so
shrewd, and at times twinkled so
humorously. Yet he was thoroughly
kind-hearted. he loved Hardy, both
for his own and for his fathers sake,
and he took a paternal interest in the
young man.
rs she the one whom you saved
from the Chinese brigands?"
"She is the-ah-the one whom I
came up the Amur with" replied
Hardy, modestly.
well. go and call on her!" decided
Emery, without a moments thought.
Eyes, but / feel some little hesita-
ton. She is princess, and I am now
merchant, and we are in Russia. I
don't want her to feel under the least
obligation to me for what have done.
That is to say, I do not want her to
feel that l am taking advantage of it..
She means all right but taking me up
might cause her some little inconven-
fence or embarrassment. Her rela.
tives are proud and naughty, and |
don't belong to her social set"
Social set be blanked!" roared
Emery. Haven't you got that Bos.
ton tommy-rot out of your head yet?
You're an American gentleman, and
an American gentleman is good com.
pany for any princess that walks the
surface of the globe. Besides, II you
stay with me and this war goes right,
Ill make a merchant-prince out of