The morning call., 1890-04-14
THE ACE OF CLUBS!
Romance of Russia and Siberia BY Prince Josef LubOm~sh
Author of Satar-HadH Story of Tundstan Etc.
COPYRIGHT 1890, BY META DE WE'RE.

stances. But you will see this much even
now. By virtue of this sheet of paper you
are in my power. Whenever You repay me
the money l bave paid you this paper also
will be returned to you"
Miller was about to demonstrate, but
Schelm assumed at once a very different
bearing; he became stiff, abrupt and hard,
as he was with all his subordinates.
Enough of this" he said. You will
now come here every Friday, at the same
your efforts. Now, do not want you any
more and you can 60 where you choose"
Miller bowed and went into the adjoin-
ing room. There he found an official, who
seemed to watch the last remnant of a coal
fire in the CRATE. At the noise of the clos
ing of the door he turned round quickly.
Nicholas P0poff!" cried Miller, aston
ished. what are you doing here?"
Hush hush! neighbour" whispered
Nicholas. "Schelm's goodness has pre-
scented me with my dismissal. An obliging
/ colleague has allowed me to do my duty TO-
| day, and l hope may procure my pardon
| But what are you yourself doing here,
neighbour l saw you enter, but did not
trust my own eyes"
Il have in the meantime thought of you,"
replied Miller, land l have found place
for you which will pay You better than what
you get here, even if, contrary to my eX-
pectations. Sehelm should be mercifui and
pardon yOu."
But. neighbor, who are you-really?"
That does not matter to you. | am able
to do you great service. Go at once. to-
morrow in the forenoon. to II English
street. and ask for Count Vladimir Lanin.
l have recommended you to him and he will
make you his private secretary with a
salary of a hundred rubles month and
free board and lodging. |. myself, shall
not return to my former quarters. You can
take whatever you may find there, it does
net amount to much, but"
Nicholas Popof opened his eyes wide.
"Neghbor, dear, what does this mean?
Yesterday you were as poor as |, and to-
| day"
"You need not accept my Offer" broke in
Miller, 'if you have any scruples. L only
repeat that L have recommended you 10
Count Lanin. my friend, whom l happened
! to meet yesterday give you my word of
honor that yesterday you could accept
favors from me because L was as honest as
| you are"
In the words of Schelm's new agent there
| spoke such eandor that Nicholas shook
hands with him.
Il do believe you, neighbor, and thank
you with all my heart. But what can have
happened since yesterday?"
Goodbye said Miller, CURLY, and dis
appeared in the windings of the long pas
sage.
As soon as Schelm was alone ne looked at
the door TO make sure that it was locked :;
then he drew curtains and portieres closer
together, opened drawer and began to eX-
| anime Miller's acknowledgment of debt
most carefully.
lone agent 1 have" he said to himself,
but that is not enough. He shall serve my
| personal revenge. He is right when lie says
| 1t Will be easy for him to play the part of
| friend. Then closer intimacy must and no
| doubt will spring up. So that is settled!
But 1t has cost dear! In order to attain my
ends want more; | must have a regular
| organization. But how? 1t must be done
| for the Minister was very cool las might"
While thus thinking aloud Schelm pressed
spring in the portrait of Alexander; it
turned half round and revealed a secret
compartment in the wall. In the same
moment Nicholas Popof had opened the
door without making the smallest noise and
had entered the room on tiptoe. Schelm
had heard nothing He drew small pack
age OF writings from the niche and added
MIller's papers. Then he touched the spring
once more-the portrait moved back to its
place. Deeply absorbed in thoughts,
Schelm sat down on chair near by and
said to himself
Il must have money. This rascal has
cost me already 10000 rubleS; if l we're to
sell all l possess and to deny myself every
thing could hardly serape together twice
as much. And what could l do with that?
l must absolutely have 100000 rubles to
carry out such gigantic intrigue as this.
Where can get it?"
To be continued tomorrow.