Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-09-27

of building air-castles. I had just discov- cred treasure island in mid-ocean, when my visions were dispelled by a loud click at my ear, and voice growled:
 ''Ivan Vondervitch"
 Istarted and looked about me-
 There was no one in the room. Was itmy fancy that played me this tricka No; for again the name was repeated by acme one speaking Russian, which understood very well, one of my duties having been to an- swer business letters in that language.
 ''Ivan Vondervitch," repeated the voice, 'sshall thus be sent to hades."
 He did not say hades, but while we are translating why not be as elegant as we cant
 confess that, supposing 1t to be Satan in person who was speaking, did not feel anxious to combat his resolution as to the final disposal of my Theodora's cruel parent But g moments reflection con vinced me that the voice came through the register.
 The flow of heat had ceased, and the per son who had turned 1t into his room had es tablished a sort of speaking-tube communl- cation with mine. l was tempted to cry out:
 "Hello am with you"
 But, happily, refrained, and the Russian spoke again shortly.
 ''Ivan Vondervitch little thought Peter Gorokof would be able to revenge him. self"
 Then followed recital of injuries re- ceived at the hands of Ivan Vondervitch some forty years before, when the men were youths of twenty and in love with the same woman; and I also learned that Von- dervitch still took an interest in the politics of his country, and had acted as spy on some small secret society.
 In consequence of this he was to be put out of the way, and Gorokoff, as a favor, had been appointed to do the deed. His passage had been paid to America for the purpose; but the fact that Vondervitch, be- ing aware of his danger, had himself con- stantly guarded by a policeman in plain clothes, had stood in tho way of his taking of.
 s'But at last" said Gorokoff, my oppor- tunity has come; the house next door is to let; the society has hiredit. Vondervitch's bedroom has iron bars Ut the window, and wonderful locks on tho door; but there is only party wall between it and a certain room in the next house. 1have made a hole in the wall large enough to enter by. Be tween me and his bedside remains only some gorgeous paper. He has been away for some days; he returns tomorrow; to- morrow night cut the heavy paper so 1t lifts like curtain, enter tho room, plunge my dagger into Vondervitch's dastard heart. leave 1t there; pass through the hole; gum down the paper; I replace brick and mortar. No trace remains that can tell that the poor little watchman of the empty house next door has freed the world of Ivan Vondervitch. Is my plan good3"
 "Gloriousl" replied the other Russian. 'Embrace me, Peter Gorokoff." Nothing could be done that night, so re- r <hrax 1,o1a a thing seemed like dream. At all events, what was it to me that an old tyrant, who had made Q beggar of me, and was about to marry his daughter to @ silver king, was about to be assassinated by secret society of Russians2
 "No doubt he rightly deserved it," l said, as I lay upon my dingy bed, thinking | it all over. However, while dressing, be- gan to feel moro like myself, and knew that ! it was my duty to give Ivan Vondervltch warning of his danger, and the consequence | was that I presented myself at the old office | in the Swamp about the hour of noon. Shortly carriage drove up; Ivan stepped l out of it. As he entered the building stood before him.
 l "Sir," said I, "I want word with you"
 "You can't haveit," said he. q must" said I.
 1 "Eh," said he, putting up his eyeglass. ''Upon my word, must to me-but this is free America"
 "If you value your life you will listen to me-" said l, in 0 lower tone. l "You threaten me, do you1' he asked. "No,n said s'But Peter Goroko6 does. !" l MT. Vondervitch turned pale.
 "Come into my office" said he. He led the way. I followed him. "Sit down" said | he.
 | "No," said I, Git Is not necessary, I only desire to warn you that tho sooiety"-and gave him the Russian name, which 1t is as well to omit here, as none of my readers could pronounce it-s'have determined on your assassination. They have hired a house next to yours. Peter Gorokoh, who is to do the deed, has already made hole in the wall of your bedroom, the paper only remains between untouched. Tonight, dis guised as night watchman, he will enter the house. If his plans succeed, you will be dead at dawn. You are now warned-l have done my duty, and you can prove the truth of my statements for yourself. wish you good-day,n and I turned on my heels.
 "Stop, I pray you" cried Ivan Wonder. witch. 'vfeli me where you got your in. formation"
 Twas on the point of doing so, but he had turned so pale and his manner had SC altered, that sudden thought struck me.
 '.That," said, ''is secret of the sort that one keeps sacredly," and moved to | ward the door.
 'Stop, pray you," he said again. ''l fapcied you merely one of the ordinary clerks-I-you have saved my ife Nc doubt 1t was for love of my daughter, Theo. dora."
 "Who is to be married shortly, heary,
 said l. My congratulations to her."
 's1 will break of the match If you stil
 love her, MT. Prince," said Ivan Wonder
 witch. "She is in despair, and threatens tt
 kiu herself-she Is still fond of you. vii
 take you into partnership, Mir. Prince; my
 such wonderful sources of private politica
 information as you have honored us by pro
 posing to wed @ daughter of the house
 Remember, I did not know"