the British Embassy, and on
his way home called upon Rasputin.

"It is just as we heard from Moscow," he said to the monk anxiously.
"Miliukoff intends to denounce you at the opening of the Duma. He has
been in communication with both the French and British Embassies, and as
far as I can learn both are in entire agreement with him."

"Then I must save myself," Rasputin declared, stroking his matted beard
thoughtfully.

"The British never dream that I have been assisting you in your schemes
with Alexandra Feodorovna. That is why they are so friendly with me at
the Embassy. Indeed, only yesterday the French Ambassador handed me the
latest report upon the output of munitions in France, and the details of
their long-range gun. These I copied, and Hardt has left with them for
Berlin."

"Truly, we have fooled the Allies exquisitely," laughed the Black Monk.
"But if I am denounced, you also will be discovered as my associate, as
well as Stuermer, Fredericks, and our other friends."

"That is why the Empress urges you to resort to the 'perfume,'" said the
much-decorated traitor.

"Yes, but how?" asked Rasputin. "There is no time."

"There is sufficient."

"What do you suggest?" asked the monk.

"You know little Xenie, who married the Councillor of State, Kalatcheff,
last year? She is one of your 'sisters,' is she not?"

The "saint" nodded.

"Well, according to a secret report made to me, she has conceived a
violent hatred of Miliukoff, who was once a friend of her husband, and
who still admires her. Miliukoff visits her home sometimes, and one day
quite recently while in her salon he denounced you. She has been going
about declaring him to be your bitterest enemy. If so, could she not
invite him to take tea with her--and then?"

"An excellent idea!" cried Rasputin. "Xenie Kalatcheff warned me against
Miliukoff some time ago, I recollect. I will see her and sound her upon
the subject." Then, turning to me, he asked me to inquire over the
telephone if Madame Kalatcheff was at home.

Five minutes later I informed the monk that the lady was at home, and was
ready to speak with him if he wished.

At once Rasputin went to the instrument, and, after greeting her gaily,
asked if she could possibly come round to see him "on a very urgent
affair," to which she at once acceded.

"I had better not see her, so I shall get off," said His Excellency. "Be
careful how you treat her. Recollect, her mind may have been poisoned