all probability he wished to issue a direct order concerning the plan of
retreat.

Yet the officer did not at once move forward to where groups of soldiers
were also making preparations to be on the march. Instead he stood for a
few moments just outside the door, gazing searchingly about him.

No one of the Red Cross girls spoke. They were too awed by the gravity
of the situation to make trivial remarks. Moreover, the big Russian
officer was an impressive figure. It was more interesting to watch him
until they were summoned to take their places in the wagons that were
now leaving the fortress at intervals of about ten minutes apart.

By chance Mildred Thornton made a movement and immediately the Russian
colonel directed his glance toward her. He stared at her for a moment in
silence and then, stepping forward, touched her upon the arm.

"I should like to speak to you a moment alone, nurse," he announced in
low tones, although Barbara and Nona both heard this part of his speech.

Instantly Mildred complied, and the girl and man moved a few feet away,
where they could talk without being overheard.

Under the circumstances neither Barbara nor Nona had the temerity to
follow them. But this did not mean that they were not both
extraordinarily curious. At least they strained their ears as much as
possible in order to try and catch a stray word spoken either by Mildred
or her companion. But they heard nothing except the low murmur of the
two voices, the officer asking questions and Mildred making replies.

"What on earth do you suppose he can be saying to Mill?" Barbara
finally whispered.

Nona only shook her head. Any guessing would be a pure waste of energy,
since Mildred would return in a few moments to explain.

She did come back almost immediately, but with her first words her
friends realized that something unusual had occurred. Ordinarily Mildred
was calm and self possessed. Now her voice shook and indeed she seemed
to be shivering either from cold or excitement.

"I can't go with you to Petrograd, girls," she said quietly enough,
however. "Listen, please, so I can make matters plain to you, for you
may be ordered to leave at any moment. Barbara, I want you to write my
father and mother and try and make them see I had no choice in this
decision. But you must not speak of the circumstances to any one else.
It would be dangerous for me and for us all if you betray this
confidence. The officer who talked with me