im, and Godfrey was astounded at the entry of
Alexis.

"I have come," the Russian said. "You told me to come, and I have done
so."

"I am delighted to see you, Alexis. I had thought of you as married and
settled among the Buriats."

"I did marry," Alexis said; "but three years afterwards I lost my wife.
What was I to do? I could not remain all my life a wandering shepherd,
afraid ever to enter a town or to speak with a civilized being; so I
sold my flocks and herds. You know my wife owned a third of those of the
Buriat. He was a rich man and bought most of them, and for the rest I
found other purchasers. Then he negotiated for me with one of the tea
merchants, and I managed to go as a driver with one of his caravans to
Pekin."

"And what do you mean to do, Alexis? I can still keep my promise, and
make a berth for you here in the office."

"I thank you, my friend," Alexis said; "but I shall return to my
profession. I am a doctor, you know, and have my Russian diplomas. I
shall learn your language, and study in your hospitals for a time; then
I shall set up here. I believe you have many Russians in your poorer
districts; and as, besides, I speak German, I should be able to obtain a
sufficient practice. Moreover, I have brought with me orders on a bank
here for five thousand pounds, which I paid into their branch at
Hong-Kong. I will get you to invest that for me, and you will see that
it will give me an income sufficient for all my wants."

Alexis carried out his plans, and has now a large although not very
remunerative practice among the Russian and German colony in the East
End of London. He married the daughter of a clergyman there, and remains
fast friends with Godfrey, who has now set up an establishment of his
own, of which Luka is major-domo, and special guardian and playmate to
Godfrey's little boys.

Godfrey has not returned to Russia, but is his father's right hand in
the London business; at the same time he is free to visit St. Petersburg
did he wish to do so, as Mr. Bullen drew up a full statement of his
case, and this having been forwarded by the Russian ambassador, with a
strong recommendation on his part, a reversal of the sentence of the
court-martial was obtained, and a full pardon granted to him. It is not
probable, however, that he will again set foot on Russian soil, his
experiences as a prisoner in Siberia having been, as he says, ample for
a lifetime.

THE END.

* *