The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-01-29

General Paul" she said, in the
low, sweet tones that thrilled him like
music. II have no right to ask a
promise from you"
"Why not?" he asked.
Because our relations might not
warrant the liberty"
Let me be the Judge of that, :
promise in advance to grant any re-
quest you may make, for 1 am sure
that you will ask me tc do nothing
that would not become gentleman,
and which my own heart would not
approve"
Il thank you for your confidence"
"But what is the promise2"
1T ID that if my friend explains
who he is, and tells you why he
came here and all about the offense
with which he is charged, you will
permit him to leave this place as he
came"
81 promise that, Lola, and I will add
thereto my word of honor that will
never take any advantage of the infor"
nation he may impart, certainly not to
work harm to him."
"You are q brave soldier, and will
you give me your hand on that?" said
Ivan.
"Here is my hand" replied the Gen
eral.
II am Ivan Berger, for whom all
your police are searching" said Ivan,
showing that he had his hands by re-
b,o 1,aor opJ wiz
Though General Paul triad to re-
main calm, he was evidently not pre-.
pared for this disclosure.
He had known Ivan, through his
friend, Count Orloff, for q long time,
and he half-suspected the young mans
love for Lola. His presence here, un-
der such circumstances, confirmed this
suspicion, and stirred up in his heart
that jealousy which is said to be insep-
arabic from love.
But he had given his pledge, and if
Lola announced, as he half-feared she
might, that this handsome young man
was her betrothed husband, still would
the General shield him from harm, so
far as lay in his power.
"If am free to speak" said Ivan,
slet me return your confidence, General
Paul, by beginning at the first
II leave all that to you,' replied the
General.
Without entering into details, Ivan
told the story of his life, though to do
him justice he kept himself in the
background, and spoke of his dead
father, and of the struggles of his
mother and sister for living, and the
efforts of himself to get q professional
education.
He confessed that he belonged to
Nihilist organization, and boldly as
serted that the Czar was surrounded
by people of the same class.
He told of the efforts to arrest him,
but he wisely kept to himself the
means by which he had so far success
sively eluded the authorities.
He told of his anxiety to see Lola,
and how he had put on this uniform
and assumed this character the better
to carry out his purpose.
Nor did he neglect to tell of his
meeting with Count Linwold, of his
visit to that gentleman's palace, and
all the circumstances connected with
his entrance into the Generals hotel.
General Paul heard him through,
then rising and pacing back and forth,
he said. as if thinking, aloud:
"This places me in a quandary."
Then after pause: "Did not hear
you say as I came in, that you know
the man who attempted my murder?'
II said, I thought I aid" replied
Ivan.
"Do you object to telling me who
this person is, and why you suspect
himP"
II do, at this time"
"Would you be willing to continue
that disguise and take service with
me?" asked the General abruptly.
eff it gave me the liberty to visit,
and, if need be, to protect my mother
and sister," replied Ivan. II would"
"I promise you all that liberty"
"Then agree"
"Good; report at my Office tomorrow.
And nov I shall leave you with Miss
Pulaski"
The General was about to withdraw,
but Ivan anticipated him by saying
goodnight" and going out.