A few minutes ago, just before we crossed the border, the strangest thing happened. Two officials came on board the train and began to go through it, car by car, asking the names of the passengers, staring into their faces, and making hasty rummages in their luggage. When they came near us, the Prince started violently, then sauntered over and sat down beside me without saying a word. His face was like chalk. I inquired what the trouble was and if they were looking for anyone in particular. They said a foreigner had been discovered doing a very clever bit of rascality--stealing valuable old Masters from the museums in several large cities, and leaving such admirable imitations in their places that the theft hadn’t been detected for some time, and no one could tell just how he had been operating. But certain letters had helped furnish clues, and they had reason to think the man was on the train. Aunt called out, “All these people are in my party. We’ve been camping,” and off started the official. As he moved away, he said to his assistant, “No, I don’t believe Kosloff is on this train.” It was my turn to look at the Prince. _Kosloff was the name on his letters!_ After the officials went out, I walked off astounded. Dear A. D., what _should_ I have done? He is even worse than we thought, isn’t he? * * * * * TELEGRAM TO A. D. _Care of the Department of State, Washington, May._ We reach New York the 28th. Plan dinner for wedding party the night of the 30th. Invite ushers. Much love. POLLY. * * * * * PRINCE BORIS TO POLLY _New York, May._ The last days on the trip you speak little to me. Yes I have played tricks and upset canoe but my love for you, that is excuse. Why do you refuse to see me? I can to you easily explain the pictures and the name Kosloff. If you intended to--what you call it?--throw me down, why have you and your Aunt so encourage me? I ask you that. Again I shall come to your door and you will grant me yet one conversation. Bah! I am not a fool! * * * * * A. D. TO POLLY _Washington, May._ Your journal notes and letters, my beloved, are before me, and I have alternately boiled with rage at that Russian imposter, and grinned at the thought of your baffled relative. You did exactly right, your judgment was good and my faith in you complete. I am so glad you told me fully about all the suspicious circumstances regarding the Prince, _if_ he is a prince. How abominable of him to lay even a finger on you. I should like to throttle him!