As to my business, my visit to Major-General Floog earlier in the day decided that. The chief made me promise that I would call on the Major-General the next morning, and follow his directions. Meanwhile I was at liberty to go wherever I pleased in either the Old Town or the New. It was past midnight before I took supper at the Saratoff. Tsintsius was not present, but I noticed a change in the attitude of the company towards myself. The police interlude had enveloped me with an atmosphere of uncertainty; people doubted whether they might converse with me, without bringing suspicion upon themselves. Mac left during the night. Early the next morning I once more took up my abode at Efimoff’s, now crowded with Russian officers of inferior rank, horribly mismanaged and many times more filthy than when the proprietor was directing in person. Then I went again to visit Major-General Floog. On this occasion I did not see that irresponsible officer at all. First he wished to know the nature of my business with him. My papers explained it to him, or to his secretary. I awaited the reply with some misgiving. On one occasion when I interviewed an officer with reference to facilities for newspaper correspondents, I was answered by an inferior possessing the proportions of the conventional alderman, who came close to me, bowed slowly until our foreheads almost met; then straightened himself up suddenly, and as I took a step backward he repeated the manœuvre, and continued the ceremonial, until, against my intention, I was outside the room. And all he said was that the high authorities intended to make it so difficult for correspondents that few would care to remain with the army--if, even, they got so far as to be permitted to reach the Russian forces. By that time I was on the mat outside, experiencing a numb sensation of absolute soullessness pervading my whole being. The Russian officials told off for this special duty have such an excellent address, and are so adroit, yet gracious in their manner, that an undesired visitor is bowed out in less time than it takes him to say good-day. Another correspondent of the _Times_ had occasion to call on the Russian Administrator of Newchwang. It was his first visit, and before he had time to mention the purpose of his interview he was gladly received--and dismissed--finding himself on the mat, and the sentry holding open the hall door for his exit, before he realized that he was in the presence. Having experienced similar treatment, this time I was prepared for the excessively polite attack which ensures speedy and complete defeat. And first I walked across the room and took a seat near the wall farthest from the door.