It was signed by the Consul-General, but the date was missing, whereupon
the man shook his head and handed back the document curtly, saying in
Russian, which I understood fairly well, although I spoke badly--
"This is not in order. It must be returned to London and dated before
you can proceed."
"But it is not my fault," I protested. "It is the fault of the clerk at
the Consulate-General."
"You should have examined it before leaving. You must send it to London,
and return to Stockholm by to-night's boat."
"But this is outrageous!" I cried, as he had already taken the papers of
a passenger behind me and was looking at them with unconcern.
"Enough!" he exclaimed, glaring at me. "You will return to-night, or if
you choose to stay you will be arrested for landing without a passport."
"I shall not go back!" I declared defiantly. "Your Consul-General vised
my passport, and I claim, under international law, to be allowed to
proceed without hindrance."
"The steamer leaves at six o'clock," he remarked without looking up.
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