AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE 283

“T had asked for Dr. Kelly the day after I was taken
prisoner, and was told that he had gone to the Volga. I
thought that he would be back before long, and it was only
when I heard of his death that it occurred to me to endeav-
our to find one who had kindly promised, after a few
hours’ acquaintance only, to befriend me should [ ever find
myself in a similar scrape.”

“Tt would have saved you the journey down to Moscow.
I heard, of course, that a Swedish captain had been made
prisoner that night, but I was myself at Moscow at the time,
and did not happen to notice the name of the officer taken.
Were you well treated at Bercov?”

“The governor there was most kind, and all the arrange-
ments of the prison seem excellent; I had no reason what-
ever to complain. ‘The governor was good enough to come
frequently himself to talk to me. He is a fine soldierly
man, and though he did not say much, I think he is eating
his heart out at being laid on the shelf there, instead of
aiding to fight the battles of his country.”

The Russian took out a pocket-book and made a note,
then he rose. “It is time for bed,” he said. “1am up
at daybreak.”

“T hope I shall see you often in the prison,” Charlie
said. “I suppose I shall go in there to-morrow morning.
lam indebted to you indeed, for the very great kindness
you have shown me.”

“No, you will not go in early. Ihave got leave for you
for another day, and I am going to take you for a drive in
the morning. You will be called an hour before sunrise.
Take your breakfast as soon as you are dressed, do not wait
for me; I have work to do before I start, and shall breakfast
elsewhere.”

As soon as Charlie had breakfasted the next morning a
Cossack told him that the carriage was below, and he fol-
lowed him to the door where he had entered on the previ-