There were some specifications relating to building property; there was a schedule of the timber then standing in a certain pine forest in Sweden in which James had a valuable share; there was a balance-sheet of a Moscow trading concern in which he had invested money; there were odds and ends of a similar nature--all financial.

From these papers Allerdyke could only select one which he did not understand, which conveyed no meaning to him.

This was a telegram, dispatched from London on April 21st, at eleven o'clock in the morning.

He spread it out on the table and slowly read it:-- "To _James Allerdyke_, _Hotel Grand Monarch_, _St.Petersburg_.
"Your wire received.

If Princess will confide goods to your care to personally bring over here have no doubt matter can be speedily and satisfactorily arranged.