The Van Buren press., 1873-04-22
"Wbat house is thisi" | inquired.


Enter, said my friend.
] had half a mind to turn sharp round
and make holt for Homburg. How
wished had done so before many min
utes had elapsed Scholvolski, follow
ing close behind me. gave me push
away from the door, near which | wa'
lingering, and at the same instant it shu
with tremendous bang The janitor
who saw by his lamp was gigantic
ugly Russian, barred it carefully, anc
then, turning round, thrust his lamp full
in my face, and, pointing to my order
said with hoarse laugh;
Nv Welcome!'
"Come on, shouted Scholvolsk
from tho end Of the dark passage
bring the light, and show us in. "
"All right. answered James; and h'
followed till we came to where Scholve)
ski was waiting. Then throwing open q
: door, he said something in low voice
at the same time my friend gave me ap-
other awful push that sent me flying into
the room so that, to save myself from
falling, | clutched the back of chair
and so steadied myself, and recovered
my senses was in large, long room
brilliantly lighted, with u table running
nearly the whole length round which were
seated about thirty men, all smoking Gig
arettes A man who was sitting at the
head Of the table got up, and said. "gen
tlemen, welcome.
To my horror, this man, who seemed
the president Of the party, was Scholvol
skis friend, whom so much disliked.
Just then Scholvolski touched me on
the arm, and asked, "How do you like
their orders p
glanced in the direction he indicated,
and saw that every man had on his breast
a facsimile of the jewel woro
"Ah ah - thought; "now shall
find out all about it.
He now said, "W ont you take a seat
and join in the conversation p
"No, thank you," l replied, feigning
GOODNESS. GAS il is so late, ! must be
off; but, tell me, before | go, who are
these gentlemen, and what is the mean,
ing OF the order they each wear ?"
You'll soon know he answered ;
and advancing to the table, said in loud
tone "Mr President, and gentlemen,
this man has asked me to explain who
you are, and the meaning OF the order on
your breasts What answer shall | give
himI p
Whereupon the president rose, and
said
"Gentlemsn, what do you say to try
ing the traitor nowf'
The men round the table silently nod
dsd their heads.
! /" God i" "rajoined the President "Le,
the trial begin F"
"What does this mcan'" ] asked OF
my friend. Are they rehcarsing a scene
from a playp At all events, I'm sorry
can't stay to sec the fun. So, ifygu
won't come. | must find my way home
alone. so good night Gentlemen,
have the honor to wish you very good
evening"
With polite bow, / turned to the
door, and tried to open it; but there was
no handle, and pushed in vain
Scholvolski came up to me. "fou
can't leave yet; these gentlemen have a
few questions to ask you; so come and
sit down quietly, and answer them, or
-
Cor what ?" asked, Indignantly. "Is
this some trap you have led me into
You had better take care. Remember,
YOU are not in Russia.
mot much difference, though, in this
room"
"That VIC shall see, ! said; and,
rushing to the door, began hammerng
at il and shouting at the top OF my voice
The whole party smiled at my efforts
which made me more furious; and re
doubled my knocking and calls for help.
All at once it opened with a burst that
nearly knocked me backwards, and the
huge janitor entered. ! rushed at the
closing door; but lo was too quick foi
me. 1t was shut again in an instant, and
he stood with his back against il.
Put him in the chair, said the Pres
ident to this big brute.
"All right, master, was his reply ,and
walking to cupboard, he brought out 8
sort OF arm chair with straps and ropes
which he placed in the centre Of the room
and then beckoned me to sit in it.
"No!' exclaimed, Tin not goins
10 be put tamely in that chair" and
caught up the one had be n leaning
against, determined to hold my own
What is it you want Of me3 Is it to
rob mep Because, il so, will quietly
give you everything l have; but if YOU
think you arc going to play any tricks
you are very much mistaken. for the
first man who approaches me I'll brain |!
had hardly concluded when the big
porter threw himself heavily upon me
and, with the assistance Of two or three
more. / was placed ia tho chair ant
bound down 50 securely as to be unabl,
to move hand or foot My tongue wa.
free, though; and, most 70 oelishly, | com
menecd cries for help. In couple o
seconds was gagged and then ! wal
indeed helpless
Now" said ths President. I" let III
get on quickly. Come Ssholvolski
your evidence. "
And to my astonishment, this man
whom had thought my friend, took gu
a small pocket. book, and from it read al
the conversations We had had together
the opinions had expressed to him Oh
secret societies in particular, winding ~
by telling them how | had displayed tc
him nv new order, and how ! had also
shown my knowledge OF their private