Here must be recorded a circumstance which was destined to play an important part in the detection of the murders of Ekaterinburg. Before separating, it had been understood between mother and daughters that they would take measures for safeguarding the jewels that had been brought with them from Tsarskoe, worth not less than a million gold roubles (£100,000). A letter from the maid Demidova [Illustration: THE IPATIEV HOUSE: THE ROOM IN THE BASEMENT WHERE THE IMPERIAL FAMILY WAS MURDERED A vaulted semi-basement, 18 by 16 feet. Photographed from the spot where the so-called “Lett” soldiers stood while firing their revolvers. The Tsar and his son sat in the center of the room and behind them was the Empress, also seated. The other victims stood at the further wall.] [Illustration: YANKEL (JACOB) SVERDLOV, THE RED TSAR He organised the murder of the Romanov family, and was despised and later killed by Russian workmen. He was President of the “Tsik”, i.e., Prime Minister and Ruler of the Red Inquisition. He posed for his portrait with his portfolio at the entrance of his palatial offices in the Hotel Metropole in Moscow, located on the square which is named after him. He is dressed in a short shirt and shabby overcoat with only a cap of expensive fur to befit the high office of the wearer.] [Illustration: RELICS FOUND NEAR THE PYRES A pectoral cross, set with emeralds, belonging to the Empress, and the Empress’s great diamond pendant.] [Illustration: PEARL EARRING BELONGING TO THE EMPRESS] [Illustration: IKONS (HOLY IMAGES), BELONGING TO THE EMPRESS AND HER DAUGHTERS] [Illustration: THE ENTRANCE TO THE SHAFT NEAR EKATERINBURG] from Ekaterinburg gave the necessary indications. The grand duchesses were “to dispose of the medicines as had been agreed.” This meant that the jewels had to be secreted in the clothing in such a way as to escape search (Nicholas, Alexandra, and Maria had been “searched” very thoroughly and brutally). For some days the grand duchesses and their trusty servants worked at the task, sewing up the valuables in their bodices, in their hats, and even inside their buttons. The Empress had few if any valuables with her--possibly because there had been no time to secrete them--but thanks to the precautions now taken, the grand duchesses managed to smuggle all that was of greatest value into their last prison-house. Womanlike, they clung to these relics of former happiness, and perhaps deep down in their hearts slumbered some hope that the gems might help them to escape. Leaving Tobolsk by steamer on May 20th the family and household reached Ekaterinburg on the 22nd without incident.