In a few days all was settled--the questions of the shrines and of the possession of the key of the great door of the church at Bethlehem were happily adjusted.

There were only a few "business details" to arrange, and the episode would be closed.

But the trouble was not over.

Hidden away among the "business details" was the germ of a great war.

The Emperor of Russia "felt obliged to demand guarantees, formal and positive," assuring the security of the Greek Christians in the Sultan's dominions.