“The same captain that had an interest in the trading company?” questioned Gilbert quickly.
“Yes, the same. He and Ivan Snokoff are great friends—I have heard that they have been in many business ventures together.”
“Do you know where Captain Barusky is?”
“He was out of active service for several years, but now he is once more in the army. Since it looks so much like war with Japan the Czar has called upon all our country’s defenders to take their proper places in the army and the navy.”
“And where is this Captain Barusky stationed?”
“He was at Mukden, but I have heard that he was seen at one of the forts of this port only day before yesterday.”
“What fort?”
“That I cannot tell, but I think it was the one nearest to the dry dock.”
“I am glad to know this,” said Gilbert slowly. He was wondering how he could get hold of his man. “Do you know for a fact that he was a partner in the company?”
“Yes, for I once saw the papers. Besides, he once lent Ivan Snokoff six hundred rubles with which to pay off certain bills for goods, and I know he shared in the profits. They were a pair of sly foxes. Were I you, I should have this bold captain held by the authorities. It may be he will then reveal what has become of Ivan Snokoff.”