I am satisfied that all danger is removed I should be inclined to
apply for some shares in your undertaking," I said, giving the
promoter a meaning look.

From the expression in his eyes it was evident that this precious
scoundrel was ready to sell Czar, Russia and fellow-promoters all
together.

While he was struggling between his natural greed and his suspicion
the waiter reentered with some boxes of cigarettes.

I smelt the tobacco of each and made my choice, at the same time
pitching the half-smoked cigarette given to me by M. Petrovitch into
the fireplace, among the ashes.

"Your tobacco is a little too strong for me," I remarked by way of
excuse.

But the Russian was wrapped up in the thought of the bribe at which I
had just hinted.

"I shall bear in mind what you say," he declared, as he rose.

"Depend upon it, if it is possible for me to meet your wishes, I
shall be happy to do so."

I saw him go off, like a fish with the bait in its mouth. Directly
the door closed behind him I sprang to the fireplace, rescued the
still burning cigarette and quenched it, and then, carefully brushing
away the dust, read the maker's brand once more.

An hour later simultaneous messages were speeding over the wires to
my correspondents in London, Amsterdam and Hamburg:

Ascertain what becomes of all cigarettes made by
Gregorides; brand, Crown Aa.

CHAPTER IV

THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH

The next morning at breakfast I found the two invitations already
promised. That of the head of the Manchurian Syndicate was for the
same night.

Resolved not to remain in the dark any longer as to the reason for
this apparent breach of etiquette, I decided to do what the Marquis
of Bedale had suggested, namely, approach the Dowager Empress in
person.

Well accustomed to the obstacles which beset access to royalty, I
drove to the Palace in a richly appointed carriage from the best
livery stable in Petersburg, and sent in my card to the chamberlain
by an equerry.

"I have a message to the Czaritza which I am instructed to give to
her majesty in person," I told him. "Be good enough to let her know
that the messenger from the Queen of England has arrived."

He went out of the room, and at the end of ten minutes the door
opened again and admitted--the Princess Y----!

Overpowered by this unlucky accident, as I at first supposed it to
be, I rose to my feet, muttering some vague phrase of courtesy.

But the Prince