“Then you have no idea what has become of this Ivan Snokoff, Mr. Chase?” “Not the slightest, Lieutenant Pennington. I met him at Dalny about a month ago, but since that time I have not seen him.” “Can you give me any information concerning this trading company of which he was the head?” “Perhaps,” was the slow answer. Nathan Chase rubbed his chin reflectively. “Would you mind telling me why you put the question?” “The answer is simple enough,” replied Gilbert Pennington. “As you know, I am connected with the Richmond Importing Company, of the United States.” “Yes, I know that. They tell me you are one of the principal stockholders.” “I am a stockholder, although not the principal one. But I am also connected with the company as a selling agent. About six months ago our concern sold Ivan Snokoff five thousand dollars’ worth of goods. We have been trying to collect the bill ever since.” “Phew! No wonder you are interested. Is the whole amount still due?” “No, one thousand dollars have been paid. But it looks now as if we should have to whistle for the remaining four thousand unless I can lay my hands on Snokoff.” “I thought there was something crooked about Snokoff and his company from the very start,” went on Nathan Chase, as he settled back in his office chair. “They didn’t do business in the fair and square fashion of most Russian firms. They sold goods almost regardless of cost. No firm can do that and pay its debts. They claimed to be establishing trade, but trade established in that manner isn’t worth having.”