To Gilbert’s satisfaction the Russian officer came in a little later. He had a package of Russian cigarettes in his hand and asked them if they cared to smoke.
“Thank you, but I am not addicted to the weed,” said Gilbert, and Ben also declined the offer.
“I am glad you came in,” went on Gilbert. “I wished to ask you if you know a party by the name of Ivan Snokoff. He was at Port Arthur some time ago, running a business which he called the Russian-American Importing and Exporting Company.”
“Ivan Snokoff?” The officer reflected a minute. “I have heard the name Snokoff, but I do not recall such a person as you mention.”
“He is a swindler, and swindled a company in which I am interested out of four thousand dollars.”
“In that case he should be brought to justice.”
“Do you know a Captain Barusky? He was stationed at Port Arthur at the time this war broke out.”
Again the Russian officer mused for a moment.
“I think I do. To what command does he belong?”
“A regiment under Colonel Verga.”