Chapter 7
The Race for SiberiaThe unnatural strain I had put on my
strength, undermined as it had been by the drugged vodka, gave way
under this depressing failure, and for an instant I seriously
thought of abandoning my effort to catch the Czar’s messenger.
I could leave Colonel Menken to pursue his journey, taking care
of himself as best he could, while I followed by a later train. But
I had little thought of that, as to adopt such a course would be to
abandon the gallant officer to his fate. Whatever the War Syndicate
might or might not know or suspect about myself, there could be no
doubt that they knew all there was to know about Menken, and that
the Colonel would never be allowed to reach Dalny with his
despatch, alive.
“Show me the passenger list,” I demanded sternly, d
