The Spectator., 1915-07-16

fore me as well as before his two fn- feriors, who now regarded me with awe.
 q will atone for the insult in any way your high excellency desires" de- clared the official. T will serve your excellency in any way he may com mand."
 His words suggested brilliant idea. I had this man in my power; he feared me.
 Well" said after some reluctance, there is little matter in which you might be of some assistance. If you will, l will reconsider my decision of complaining to Petersburg"
 And what is that, excellency?" he gasped eagerly.
 'I desire to know the whereabouts of young English lady named Elma | Heath" I said, and l wrote down the name for him upon piece of paper. Age about twenty, and was at school at Chichester. in England. She is a niece of certain Baron Oberg."
 Baron Oberg!" he repeated, look ing at me rather strangely, 1 thought.
 Yes, as she is foreigner she will be registered in your books. She is where do not know. Tell me where she is, and I will say nothing more about my passport" I added.
 Then your excellency wishes to see the young lady?" he said reflectively, with the paper in his hand.
 Yes"
 Tn that case, 1t being commanded by the emperor that shall serve your excellency, I will have immediate in- quiries made" was his answer. When I discover her whereabouts, l will do myself the pleasure of calling at your excellency's hotel"
 And I left the fellow, very satisfied that had turned his officiousness and hatred of the English to very good ac- count.
 On the morning of the third day aft. CT my arrival at Apo, while sitting on the hotel veranda reading an old copy of the Paris Journal many portions of which had been "blacked out" by the censor, the chief of police, in his dark green uniform. entered and saluted before me.
 Your excellency, may I be permit ted to speak with you in private?"
 Certainly" I responded, rising and conducting him to my bedroom, where I closed the door. Invited him to a seat, and myself sat upon the edge of the bed.
 Il have made various inquiries" he said, and l think l have found the lady your excellency is seeking. My information, however, must be fur nished to you in strictest confidence, he added, because there are reasons why should withhold her where abouts from you"
 What do you mean?" l inquired What reasons?"
 "Well-the lady is living in Finland in secret"
 Then she is alive!" l exclaimed quickly. "I thought she was dead"
 "To the world she is dead" respond ed Michael Boranski. stroking his rec beard. For that reason the informa tion I give you must be treated as con fidential."
 Why should she be in hiding? She is guilty of no offense-is she?"
 The man shrugged his shoulders but did not reply.
 And this Baron Oberg? You tel Ag "a atisfaction.
 How can l when l know nothing excellency?" was his response.
 felt certain that the fellow was no, speaking the truth. for I had noticed his surprise when l had first uttered the mysterious nobleman's name.
 As I have already said, excellency am desirous of atoning for my in suit. and will serve you in every man her l can. For that reason l had sought news of the young English lady-the Mademoiselle Heath"
 But you have all foreigners regis tered in your books" I said. "The search was surely not a difficult one l know your police methods in Russia too we'll" laughed.
 Il regret that much as l desire. dare not appear to have any connec tion with your quest But l will di rect you. Indeed. I will give you a person to take you to her. If could find the man. you might go today. Yet 1t Is long way, and you would no, return before tomorrow"
 The roads are safe, l suppose? don't mind driving in the night"
 The official glanced at the clock, and rising exclaimed: Very well. l will send for the man. If we find him then the carriage will be at the east ern end of the quay in two hours"
 At noon. Very we'll. shall keer the appointment"
 And after seeing her. you will oi course keep your promise of secrecy regarding our little misunderstood ing?" he asked anxiously.
 ''I have already given my word, | was fho rosnOnso- and tha man howod