“Yes, then I know him, although not very well. Why do you ask about him?”

“He was mixed up in some of Ivan Snokoff’s affairs. I think he advanced some money to Snokoff and then they divided their ill-gotten gains.”

“That is a serious charge to make against an officer.”

“But it is true.”

“Do you know that Captain Barusky’s regiment has been transferred to An-Ping.”

“No, I did not know it.”

“We are bound for An-Ping.”

“To the same place where Captain Barusky is located?”

“Exactly. You will probably have a chance to meet him face to face.”

This was astonishing news, and for the moment Gilbert did not know what to say.