Page:John Feoktist Dudikoff - Beasts in Cassocks (1924).djvu/93

 Provocateur, Vladimir Richlov. I found him-at the given address. When I called on him, I found with him the priest. Vassili Ptashchuk, his psalm-reader. I told Richlov all about my trials and tribulations, and all about the money I had lent to Platon. Father Richlov replied that he knew ail about my affair. Judging by his words and demeanor, he was ready to take as much interest in me as a father or mother. He told me that he was a descendant of an honest, decent family of a well-known Cossak General. He stated that his father was still in military service, but that he, the son, had changed his army career for one with the Church because of a core conviction.

Showing me Platon's and Alexander's visiting cards, Father Richlov told me that not only did these two Bishops admire and respect him, but that they also feared him, and were at this beck and call. "When I beckon they must turn," he said. "They'll turn right or left and if I call 'Halt!' they must stop." In addition to Platon's and Alexander's cards, Richlov showed me letters from a few Americans, in which he was addressed as "The Russian Bishop, Vladimir Richlov." Finally, he promised to pull a certain string and compel Platon and Alexander to return not only my $7,800.00, but also all the interest, and a refund of all expenses I had incurred.

A few days later, Father Richlov asked me to call on him and stated: "Dudikoff, you will get your money to a cent. Platon promised to do my bidding just as I told you he would. You will get your money, but on one condition—you must comply with his request." When I asked what they would like me to do, Father Richlov replied: