The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-12-25

streets, but walked boldly out through
the Illuminated boulevards, along
which mounted soldiers were riding
some OF them in search of himself
and gay sleighs were dashing.
He walked straight down the street
on which his mother and sister lived,
and he halted across the way from the
house, as if he thought seriously of
going in. .
He was certainly moved to do so, but
rs he stccd there he saw the door open
and two policemen come out.
One of the men remained on guard
before the door, and the other walked
rapidly down the street.
It would not do for Ivan to remain
long in this position, for the police of
st. Petersburg are both vigilant and
suspicious.
He again resumed his walking, and
this time with the quick, decided gait
of man who Lad q fixed destination
IL view.
One might think that Ivan Berger
would have horror of prisons, for if
his identity were suspected he would
certainly be incarceruted, but now he
fastened toward the place where Lola
and her father were in duress.
Almost under the walls of the Neva
prison, he entered a low house-it
seemed actually squat in contrast with
fba proot toverino dunpeOn
Above the door of this house there
was sign setting forth that refresh
ments could be had within.
The front room was q cross between
low bar aud q cheap restaurant, and
the rough men, crowded about the
stove, looked as if they might have
been recently freed from the prison
near by.
These men saluted Ivan respectfully,
though he looked even rougher than
themselves, and one Of them, pointing
to q back room, said:
Lance has just gone in there"
Ivan bowed, in acknowledgment of
the information, and went into the
back room.
It was low, dingy apartment: with
O great many doors and no windows at
all.
Of of this room was another and
larger apartment, furnished neatly, II
not expensively. It contained table,
sofa and two chairs. In one corner
stood large wardrobe.
The sole occupant of this room was
Lance, the bearded giant who. it will
be remembered, took the records Of all
admitted to the Neva prison. One
would scarcely recognise him now, with
his disguise thrown Off and his hair
and beard neatly combed and brushed.
Lance met Ivan with warmth that
was in striking contrast to his official
manner.
Ivan, after shaking hands with
Lance, stepped into the wardrobe, and
emerged in few moments completely
metamorphosed. Instead of the shah
billy dressed and rough-looking work
ingman which he seemed upon going
n, he came out clad in neat suit OF
clothes of expensive fabric and fash
ionable cut.
Lance produced bottle of brandy
and pushed il toward Ivan, after first
helping himself, then he said:
1--WE been trembling for you, my gall
liant friend"
"Why so, Lance?" asked Ivan, as he
went through O show of tasting the
liquor.
"Why so? Why, man, every official
in st. Petersburg is looking for you.
You are charged with assassinating
General Paul: and great reward is
offered for you"
@But it Is q lie!"
"a horrible lie; I know the man who
did the deed" said Lance, striking his
ponderous thigh with blow that would
have staggered an OK.
Then, for Gods sake, tell mel" ex-
claimed Ivan, leaning forward in his
chair and resting one hand on his COM
rade's knee.
"I cant; at least not now," said
Lance, with shake of his bIshy head.
"Were I to do so, I would not be be-
ueYSu, uuu Iueu IV mOuA1 SoIAC oos
that I am a Nihilist. Have patience,
comrade."
But if 7 am suspected, why should
they hold Lola Pulaski?"
Because there is q strong case
against her. She was found beside the
murdered man, and she had in her pos
session revolver with one chamber
discharged. Oh, 1 tell YOU it will go
hard with her." sighed Lance, as he
drained his glass and laid it down on
the little table between them with
bang.
1T shall rot &C hard with her" said
Ivan, resolU:ely. Il will save her!"
YOU"
Yes, l."
"But what can YOU do?"
If it comes to the worst, / will sur
render myself and confess the chine.
fro BE Continued
-----
Pussy's Dilemma.
M .=JaAase