“Probably you know more about Ivan Snokoff,” went on Gilbert dryly.
“Yes, I know him quite well.”
“You were partners in business, so I understand.”
“Partners? Never! I am not a business man.”
“Do you mean to say that you did not have an interest in the concern which Ivan Snokoff ran?”
“Never. Why are you so curious to know?”
“Because Ivan Snokoff owes our company four thousand dollars, and he has run away,” answered Gilbert flatly. He felt that the man before him was not telling the truth. “I have been told upon pretty good authority that you were his partner.”
“It is not true.” Captain Barusky glared at Gilbert savagely. “This looks as if you had come here to make trouble for me. Let me warn you to beware. You cannot attack the honor of a Russian officer recklessly.”
Gilbert felt the truth of the last words and resolved to be cautious. He felt that he was among those who were more likely to prove enemies than friends.
“Then you mean to tell me that you had nothing to do with Ivan Snokoff or his company?” he asked, after a pause.