even in the snow, that it seemed as if he had never felt anything softer
or warmer than this bed. He soon fell asleep and rested quietly and
peacefully till the dawn.




CHAPTER IV

THE STRANGER


On the following morning, at breakfast, Alfred Banford turned to the
kind-hearted Russian servant, and said: "Do tell me what sort of man
your master is, and what is his name?"

"He is a very good man," said the servant. "I can think of no one who is
kindlier. His name is Vosky, the Czar's chief financial adviser, and he
is particularly concerned with the care of the Russian army. He has
always shown me great consideration, for I was only a poor beggar boy.

"One day one of Mr. Vosky's assistants lost a package containing some
valuable papers and a large sum of money. It was extensively advertised.
I fortunately found the package and brought it to Mr. Vosky, who was so
pleased with my honesty that he offered me a home, had me trained for a
commercial life, and now takes me with him on his journeys, partly as
secretary and partly as valet.

"His home is in St. Petersburg. This house is only used as a stopping
place when his business carries him to this region, which happens quite