The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-02-12

their presence, and, although intensely
interested in what he overheard, with
out seeming to be in the least aroused
from his assumed drunken stupor, Ivan
Berger waited till the two traitors and
! conspirators had finished their hot rum
and left the wine vault.
"Merciful heaven" he gasped, when
sure there was no one within hearing,
"is the world so utterly devoid of man.
illness and loyalty?"
Without attempting to answer his
own question, he left the place, his bill
having been collected in advance.
The streets of st. Petersburg are
ever filled with police.
The man or woman who hesitates as
to the direction to be pursued, at once
becomes an object of suspicion to this
Argus-eyed force.
Ivan knew this, so in his character OF
superannuated soldier he hobbled to
the rear of the tottering old house kept
by George Nevski, and gaining an en-.
! trance he was soon in the presence oi
his faithful friends, Lance and Maux,
! who, with the old costumer, had been
to and returned from the Nihilist meet
ing without detection.
"Haw exclaimed the rugged giant
Maux, IS he wrung Ivan's hand. "There
were those at the meeting tonight who
dared to call you traitor; but 1 gave
| them the lie in their teeth. Did not
do 80, Brother Lance?"
The ex-turnkey of the Neva prison,
who had been sitting buried in thought,
started up and said in fierce whisper:
"Aye, did you, and George Nevski
and I were ready to back you if
Colonel Orloff had continued his at
tack. But let all that go. The hour
for action has come. Let us work"
"The hour for action has come. Let
us work." said George Nevski, like a
solemn echo.
"The days of the tyrant are num-
bered," added Maux, with thrilling de-
liberation. "The angel of death hovers
with poised lance above the throne of
the great White Gar. The few hours
of power left him he may use as he
will; he should use them in invoking
the mercy of heaven on his blood
stained soul. We who cut him off must
90 down to death with him; but what
of that? With him dead, the grave to
us poor hunted wretches will be more
welcome than bridal couch. Join us.
Ivan. and win Immortality.
Ivan concealed the shudder that ran
through his frame. After pause he
replied:
"I am not selected for this work, but
if I were I should still feel that it was
my duty to consult our Queen before
took step"
"To consult Lola Pulaski?' asked
Maux.
eyes"
"But they say she has sold herself,
body and soul, to General Paul. :"
"Then I must tell you, Maux, that
they, whoever they are, lie" said Ivan
angrily. General Paul has been de-
posed, because of his fidelity to our
people and his defiance of the orders OF
the Gear. Let me tell you further that
he is aware of my identity, and that
ere this he could have handed me over
to the authorities had not his heart
been favorable. AS to Lola Pulaski,
the Gear has ordered that she and her
father leave Russia within forty-elght
hours, or go to Siberia. Nearly hall
the time has expired"
"And they are still here?" interrupt
ed Maux.
"They are still here, Maux."
"Why have they not left?"
"It may be death for them to remain"
said Ivan. "but it is certain death for
them to leave at this time"
"Why so?"
because General Pulaski is sick
man. His troubles have brought on
brain fever, ard to attempt to move
him any distance in such weather as
this would be like taking him to an
execution"
"Oh, Cod" groaned George Nevski,
4why dost Thou permit one Of Thy
creatures to oppress others who should
be equally dear to Thee?"
"God helps those who help them.
selves!" exclaimed Maux. Gen raj
Pulaski may die by order OF the Car.
but the Czar himself shall die by order
of that Nemesis that henceforth shall
be nearer to him than his own shadow
at high noon"
II shall see Lola at once" said Ivan
rising. "It is due to her to explain
what is ahoat. Her counsel has always
been wise; there is no reason why sh'
should change"
"Have care, have care, Ivan Ber
ger. Your love for the beautiful Lol,
may get you into trouble"
Il have relinquished all hopes of thai
love-" said Ivan. Still its memory
is in my heart, one of the few thin9t
worth treasuring in q lie of sorrow
Farewell till I see you again"
Ivan shook hands with his three
friends, and after adjusting his disguise
descended to the street.
With speed not at all in keeping
With his dress and assumed wounds
he made his way along the narrow
streets, which, as it was now after mid
night, were deserted. -
At length he emerged on the wide
and well-lit plaza before General
Paul's hotel. This he entered with.
out opposition, as the guards had re.
ceived orders to let him pass and re.
pass without interruption.
Although called "hotel, after the
French fashion, this sumptuous and
commodious building was General
PauIs palace, devoted exclusively to
his own use.
Ivan entered the great ante chamber
or waiting room, and sat down.