7Rue Blanche
Paris, France
January 1912
The persistent, gentle rapping on the door continued until Vladimir Lenin finally reached the door and pulled it open. The light of the overcast sky silhouetted the small man in front of him, making it difficult for Lenin to recognize him at first. Then he smiled and offered his hand to the man he hadn’t seen in nearly eight years. “Comrade Constantin Verontov! Welcome! Please come in!”
Lenin escorted his old colleague into his small apartment on Rue Blanche and called out to the other occupant of the apartment. “Comrade Mozger, look who just showed up at our door.” Mozger arose from his seat and went to shake the newcomer’s hand. “By God, it is you! We got your letter weeks ago! When did you get out of prison?” he asked.
“I left Solovetsky Isla
