u go to St. Petersburg, Russia?"

"Well, I did intend to go there at once, and from there visit the
different capitals."

"And will you go to St. Petersburg?"

"Certainly."

"And will you do me a favor--will you do it in the cause of human
liberty?" asked the stranger, catching hold of his hand.

"I will."

The stranger appeared like a Russian or a Polish Jew, but there was
something about him that seemed to interest Barnwell.

"Can I trust you beyond a doubt?"

"I think you can in ordinary matters. Why do you ask?"

"For very good reasons. And when you know that the lives and liberty of
hundreds of brave men and women depend upon your trust and faith, will
you swear to be true?"

"I will swear, sir," said Barnwell, earnestly, for he was becoming more
strongly interested.

The stranger appeared to hesitate as though not daring to trust the
entire importance of the business to the young man. But he finally
concluded what to do, evidently, and drawing Barnwell still further away
from the throng, he took a large brown envelope from the breast-pocket
of his coat.

"Everybody in St. Petersburg knows Prince Mastowix, and it will be an
easy matter for you to find and approach him, seeing that you have your
passport all right. Will you swear to me to place this envelope in his
hand, allowing no one else to see or handle it?" asked the stranger,
with great earnestness.

"I will swear to do so if you will tell me your name, and assure me that
I shall not be breaking any law of my country by so doing."

"Paul Zobriskie is my name," said he, after hesitating an instant, and
gazing sharply at the brave youth before him.

"I think I have heard the name before, in connection with socialistic
matters," mused Will.

"Very likely; but keep that to yourself, for it will be better for you
not to know me in Russia. As to the other, I assure you that you will
break no law, social, moral, or political, in giving this to Prince
Mastowix."

"Very well. On those conditions I will convey the packet to him," said
he, taking it.

"Good; and the prince will be of great service to you during your stay
in Russia, and perhaps furnish letters which will assist you in many
other capitals."

"Thanks. That is just what I require, as I have no letters of
introduction anywhere beyond my passport, and shall be a stranger
everywhere," said Barnwell, evidently delighted with such a prospect.

"Good speed to you," said Zobriskie, shak