The sun was just sinking into a crimson bed of clouds when the faithful horses entered the little street on a gallop. An instant later they were pulled back on their haunches with foaming nostrils and steaming flanks, as a gate swung suddenly across the road checking further progress. It was directly in front of the little box-like military post that this occurred, and as Sandoff broke into an angry exclamation at the audacity of the deed, an officer came out into the road. “What do you mean by this?” cried Sandoff angrily. The man bowed almost to the ground. “Pardon, a thousand pardons, your excellency!” he entreated. “There was no other way—you were going so fast. The noise of the bells would have prevented you from hearing my voice.” “And now what do you want—my passport?” demanded Sandoff roughly. “No! No! Your excellency, I beg you not. It is a matter of a different nature. You are the honorable Inspector Serge Zamosc—I am not mistaken on that?” “Yes, I am he. Go on.” “Well, your excellency, I have a telegram from Colonel Nord at Riga. He wishes you to remain here until he comes. He has already started.” “The devil you have!” exclaimed Sandoff blankly. “Well, my good fellow, I am sorry I can’t oblige the colonel. I am in haste to get to Vladivostok, and I really can’t afford to lose so much as an hour. Tell the colonel that a man will come on from Vladivostok in a day or so to look into that little matter of the barracks.” “I—I am sorry, your excellency,” stammered the officer, “but Colonel Nord will take no denial. He insists that you wait here, and I dare not allow you to proceed.” It was clear that Inspector Serge Zamosc might be a great man at home in Russia, but here in Eastern Siberia Colonel Nord was a greater. “Well,” said Sandoff, as he realized the situation and choked down his anger, “I suppose you are only doing your duty. Since Colonel Nord is so importunate I will await his arrival. How soon do you think that will be?” “In two hours at the most,” replied the officer, “probably less. Until then let me offer you the use of my guard house.” “Thank you,” replied Sandoff shortly, “I will go to the post station and get supper and order a relay of fresh horses. Colonel Nord will find me there.” He slowly turned the sledge around and drove into the court yard of the station, which was but a few yards away. The _starosta_ came out to meet the new arrival, rubbing his hands in gleeful anticipation of legitimate robbery. “You will remain over night, your honor?” “No,” said Sandoff, “but I want a fresh relay of horses and some refreshment. Attend to these tired beasts first, and when supper is ready let us know. Meanwhile we will remain here.” The _starosta’s_ cheerful expression faded away, but without more words he unharnessed the horses and led them off to the stable. Sandoff climbed to the ground, followed by Shamarin, and the latter assisted Vera to dismount.