uermer, who has an account in Riga at the Disconto Gesellschaft.
Thirdly, the Emperor William on April 2nd gave audience in secret
at the Berlin Schloss to M. Protopopoff, for which no reason can
be assigned. Fourthly, I have learned on the best authority that
if Herr Hardt were arrested on any of his journeys to Sweden or
Germany, some highly interesting private correspondence would be
found upon him. Fifthly, there is no doubt whatever that the monk
Rasputin is in receipt of money from this city, as I have in my
possession a receipt given by him for two hundred thousand
roubles paid him by the Deutsche Bank, and this I am bringing
with me on my return.

"Further, I have documentary evidence of a widespread German
intrigue in Russia, facts which will, I feel confident, amaze
your Excellency. When I return I shall place in your hands
weapons by which the enemy may be combated. I hesitate to send
any documents through the post in case they miscarry, and I am
addressing this letter to Mademoiselle Pauline, as your
Excellency suggested.

"I have yet some further inquiries to make on your Excellency's
behalf, but I intend to leave Berlin in any case on the
twenty-second. I have the honour to remain, your Excellency's
obedient servant, IVAN BOTKINE."

The monk listened attentively, his big, strange eyes wearing a sly,
crafty expression. He fingered the jewelled cross suspended from his
neck--a habit of his.

"Ah! So Botkine leaves Berlin on the twenty-second. It is well that we
know this, my dear Rogogin--eh?"

"Yes," laughed the traitorous general. "He must not reach Russia."

"Of course not," agreed the monk. "We must obtain possession of this
documentary evidence that he will carry upon him. Who is he?"

"Botkine is a confidential agent in Kokovtsov's employ," was the
Director's reply. "He was, I find, assistant-director of police in Nijni
before the Minister was appointed, and is now in His Excellency's private
service."

"Well, it is excellent that by your astuteness, my dear General, we are
forewarned. If not, there might very easily have resulted a serious
contretemps--eh?"

"Exactly."

"And who is this Mademoiselle Pauline?" asked Rasputin, his clever
criminal brain already at work to defeat a revelation of the truth.

"Pauline Lahure, the little French dancer at the Vil