The Washington herald., 1915-12-19

muddied vandyke beard. His clothes
were nearly ripped from him: ono long
riding boot was cut from knee to heel
as IL it had been paper. and he was
bleeding here and there, though in nc
place badly.
Your horse?" Dick asked.
Yes" The man was more interested
in Andry's wound than in his own
troubles. He was watching over Dicks
shoulder.
Camp near"
"A mile away
Servants"
1.-TWO. Cook bearer and groom"
Amy money in the camp" asked
Dick
Yes. Some Why?''
asked Dick.
The man stared harder yet. and looked
uncomfortable.
Il keep my money In a leather bag
with my initials on it,
Gold. by any chance?" asked Dick.
English gOld,'' said the one-eyed man.
He was satisfied by this time that DICK
meant to rob him.
What are the initials on the bag?"
asked Dick.
..R. l.. The man was speculating
again, Nliuiy HOW. lHeii LINN .'
his pocket and pulled out the little
leather bag.
Count 'em." he said. holding it out.
The man chose not to count. He
slipped the bag into his pocket, and
his face expressed astonishment, apol-
ogy. bewilderment in turn.
May / reward your men he asked
He held out the bag that Dick had
given him. and for once in his life
Dick did not understand. He actually
blushed. The stranger. feeling very
much a stranger. wilted.
Il beg pardon" he said.
1t was plain that he still did not
quite believe his senses.
Wont you catch his horssr" said
Dick. for most of the Afghahs were
clustered close to listen.
My own servants ought to be
somewhere near" said the one-eyed
man uneasily.
Two of Usbeg Ali Khan's men led
the horse up at a walk. and held il
while its owner climbed into the sad
die clumsily: his hurts were stinening.
I'D like to do more than just say.
Thank you" he said. looking from
Dick to Andry and then back again.
My names Lancaster-Eobert Lam
caster"
You might have mentioned that
before" said Dick. I'm Richard An
thony."
of Arran?"
new world of understanding and
a dozen mixed emotions swept across
the mans face.
IF that's who you are. I can be Of
service" he said emphatically. "Win
you come over to my tent? I'll be
happy to give you some information"
Information about what
About the Okhrana."
Never heard of it,
Ever hear of the Princess Olga
karageorgovich-
Yes" said Dick. frowning.
She's the paw of the Okhrana. Will
you come
Dick nodded.
BY the time they reached the two
white tents that glistened only one de-
gree less than the myriad salt deposits.
Lancaster had formed about as many
false conclusions as one man well may
form within one hour.
Then they all took seats on chairs
and boxes in the larger Of the two
tents, and Robert Lancaster at once
thrust out his muddy little beard as
he found himself at n terrific disad-
vantage. Three pairs OF calm. unfrieht-
ened eyes were levcled at him. He felt
them read him to the marrow. And he
only had one eye TO answer back.
who's going TO talk first, you or To-
he asked.
You are" said Dick; and Robert Lam
caster. nearly closing his one eye, be-
came aware that what Dick said was So
Lancaster fished inside an inner pock-
et. which had escaped ripping by a mir
acle; he produced a card case, drew out
a clean card. and laid it in front OF
Dick. as if it were the ace of trumps
Dick picked up the card and recognized
the name of a financial house that is
nearly as well known as some nations
are. Robert Lancaster's name was in
a bottom corner.
II am their representative In Persia
he said.
Banker is what ] have called my
self in Teheran for twenty years Agent
S what I am That includes a lot of
hings. II includes. for example. the
cultivation by means at my discre-
ion. of intimate relations with certain
,f the telegraph people and others"
His one eye was watching keenly for
'igns of some effect on his audience. !
II know all your recent history, Mr.. |
For instance" he continued, II
know that you were offered the COM |
nand OF the ex-shah's Amy, in the third
,ttempt he wants to make on the |
hrone of Persia You refused You
broke through the ranks OF a Co.'S |
ack regiment that tried to arrest you. |
Ind put to sea in the teeth OF storm
through which not even the gunboats |
Jared follow you. Am l correct. as
ar as ! have gone?"
so far" said Dick.
Then. believe me. Mr. Anthony, I
I'M correct. too. when I say that your /
description has been teleSraphed to |
very point around the Caspian, and !
very avenue for escape has been cut 1
IF. You are certain OF arrest II you /
hould try to move in any direction"
lie pointed finger at Dick. and |
nan sGuints down a rifle barrel. Dick /
lid not blench or answer.
The Princess Olga Karageorgovich-t
understood YOU to say you know who
he is-has telegraphed to all points
he offer OF a reward of five thousand
ubles for your capture alive"
Dick looked interested. but was not
moved to comment.
Under all the circumstances, our
Meeting is the most fortunate thing
hat could have happened. and not to
'ou only. I fiatter myself that many.
-ery many. will benefit by it later on.
rhe point I'm driving at Is this:
from all accounts. you are man
worth while. II you had seemed an
asy man to frighten or make use of,
.ou would have been Of no use to me.
BUT a man who can break through
sussia's hold as you did is the very
nan 7 have been looking for-is
nan Mr. Anthony who can set me to