Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-10-04
enemy of sacred Russia-hand and glove with

the nihiiista"
..But he is dead now and why vex his ghost2''
said Pechkoff iaughingly.
True, my friend. why2 But he may not be
80 dead as you think, replied the agent lean
ing across the table and fairly Kissing the words
out; for just in proportion as the fiery vodka
heated his brain did he become more and
more convinced that the man seated opposite
to him was none other than Prince Louk
Loukitch Narkine
The company now broke up. Col. Rivers,
closely followed by Pechkoff for neither WAS
willing to trust the other in the presence of
wagon TO learn the decision of Cesar Girard
as TO the scheme Of crossing the straits and
trayersing Siberia with him.
No sooner bad these two men quilted the
room than the Russian agent made haste to
have an interview with his subordinate officer
and bid him hold himself in readiness to cross
the straits the very moment the ice fields be-
came solld enough. Said he: las sure as truth
Is truth Leo Pechkoff is none other than Prince
Louk Loukitch Narkine, the escaped nihlist
This Is glorious chance for US and means pro-
motion and a rich reward. Being a political
prisoner it would be folly to demand his deliv-
GRANGE into our hands by the American author
tiles. We must wait patiently until he sets
foot on Russian soil and then arrest him. To
accomplish this We must set out for Numana u
day In advance Of the party. Once in our
power il will be an easy thing to secure a strong
escort and take him to Petropaulovsk or
Irkoutsk."
While the secret agents we're thus engaged in
laying their plans for the arrest OF Pechkoff
that gentleman and Col. Rivers were seated be-
meath the hospitable roof Of the rolling studio,
the capacity of whose salon. as Girard termed
it, was taxed to its uttermost to furnish seats
for the party.
Col. Rivers had been fortunate enough to Sc
cure position next to Virginie, who presented
most charming appearance in her fur cos
tune. Pechkotf seemed depressed, and for
once made no effort to keep even pace with the
colonel in paying court to Virginie.
Girard was quick TO notice the Russians pre-
occupied manner, and good humoredly de-
manded an explanation.
MY friends" replied Pechkoff solemniy az
he saluted the two women with courtly grace.
Il cannot accompany you across the straits.
have resolved to remain under the safe pro-
lection OF our republics glorious banner. l
say ours. for as you know. / have the honor
to be an American citizen"
Then you'll be safe in any quarter of the
globe" cried Col. Rivers impressively.
Not 80. my good friend" answered Pech-
koff; 1.-The mightiest empire the world has ever
seen is closed against me"
Rivers was OH his feet in a moment "Hows
this, Pechkoff. you are as this spy decares--''
Prince Louk Loukitch Narkiner said Pech-
koff, uttering these words with great deiibera-
ton. Il had hoped that ten years. absence
aided by terrible illness which brought me 10
y
my personal appearance that my own kInspeo-
pie would not recognize me, but you see am
already under surveillance"
Prince NarkIne," cried Rivers. laying his
hand on the mans shoulder, have you an
American passport
Il have" replied Narkine, but that will
not"
"Then I'll be responsible for your safety"
interrupted Rivers And now Mr.. Pechkoff ~
continued the colonel. by virtue of my COM
mission from the Russian government appoint
you my assistant and empower you to act as
my private secretary and interpreter"
The Girards had listened to these rapid and
startling disclosures with rapt attention. and
as Col Rivers ceased speaking and Pechk of
srasped his hand, too deeply moved for words,
the Frenchman burst out with:
well, am l to do nothing to assist in rescu-
ing our friend Pechkof from the persecution
OF this Jealous agent?'
I'm good time, in good time. my dear
Girard," exclaimed the colonel as he rubbed
his palms together with almost childish delight.
for now that he bad. as he imagined, effectually
disposed of Pechkoff as a rival. he already felt
a sort of fiial tenderness for Virginie's father.
But i refuse to wait" cried Girard. land
ask for the attention of this meeting. During
my journey along the Central and Union Pa
cific railways l observed tina. in spite of their
many miles of snowsheds the trains were often
blocked for several days from the lack OF a
proper snow pillow to pierce through the
enormous drifts. Well, my dear colonel, being
an inventor. at once set myself the task OF
solving this great problem. The thing is done,
sir; my drawings are made"
Col. Rivers bent forward with parted lips.
''And now" continued Girard, las the same
obstacles are to be encountered on the Trans
Siberian road, propose. in order still more
efectually to cover up our friend Prince
NarkiEes incognito, to turn this invention over
to him and permit him, with your approval, 10
lay it before the Russian authorities"
Splendid superb. MagniGcentr ejacu-
lated Col Rivers. i'll his excitement not only
grasping Girard's but also Virginie's hand
Madame Girard's samovar was now in readi-
ness and the little party. after innumerable
cups OF tea, found itself in a most hopeful
mood. When the hour came for taking leave
and the door OF the rolling studio was opened
the colonel pronounced the arctic night one of
the most beautiful he had ever seen, and
invited Mademoiselle Virginie to step outside
and contemplate the glory OF the northern
lights. He drew her arm through his and con-
Quoted her to a favorable position to observe
the splendid corruscations which illuminated
the armament. At last they were alone.
My dear Miss Virginie." he began, Il have
long"
But he could say no more. Pechkoff was on
the other side of Vlrginie pointing out to her
the peculiarities OF the electric effulgence.
In a few days the temperature had fallen SC
low that the ice foes were knit together into a
solid mass. and as the rolling studio had under
Col. Rivers superintendent already been Sc
curely mounted upon runners, the party only
awaited the report OF the natives who tested the
ice fields every twelve hours for word to set out
for the Siberian coast.