of the Russian Empire, he told his story very haltingly.
Several times Golitzine helped him through when he faltered.

And then, when he was not a quarter through his narrative, there came
a hesitating knock at the door. It was that of a timid _aide-de-camp_,
who had taken upon himself to disturb his Emperor's privacy.

At the first sound of that timid knock, the Emperor frowned. His
orders had been precise: he was not to be disturbed, except on a
matter of greatest urgency. Perhaps this was one.

"Come in," cried the autocrat, in a far from conciliatory voice.

The young man, dressed in immaculate uniform, advanced, bowing very
low. He tendered a letter.

"A thousand pardons for disturbing your Majesty after your particular
instructions. The Baron Salmoros, whom I know well, has just arrived.
I told him you were engaged in important discussions with the biggest
personages in the Empire. He persisted that I should bring his note to
you. I disobeyed your instructions, but, under the circumstances, I
trust you will think that I have not done wrong, that I have exercised
my discretion wisely. The Baron said it was urgent, that, whoever you
were engaged with, you must be disturbed. I know how highly the Baron
stands in your Majesty's favour."

Alexander opened the letter with a frowning brow. True autocrat, he
was incensed that his slightest instructions should have been
disobeyed. But, as he read the letter of the Baron, his brow cleared.

He turned a mild look upon the disturbed young officer. "You have
acted very wisely indeed. I shall hold you in my remembrance. Bring
the Baron to us at once."

He turned to the four other men. "Gentlemen, our good friend,
Salmoros, has taken a journey to us because he has certain information
to impart. I recognise very gratefully that I am well served, but I
think we may well admit the Baron's brains to our important conclave."
He looked towards Golitzine as he spoke.

The adroit Secretary inclined his head. "I think your Majesty can well
admit the Baron to our counsels. We can always learn something from
him."

A few moments later the venerable figure of Salmoros appeared in the
doorway of the private cabinet of the Emperor, ushered in by the no
longer fearful young officer.

He advanced and kissed the Emperor's hand. Alexander, as a mark of his
esteem for the great financier, had risen to greet him. The Baron
shook hands with Golitzine and the two Generals. Then he laid