Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-05-04

Wernin arose reluctantly and somewhat
impatiently put on q gorgeous dressing
gown. When he entered the reception room
he found there Popof and Mime. de
Ducarcy warming themselves at the fire.
The gendarme stood at the door. The
Frenchwoman had found 1t impossible to
see the Emperor at this hour, and therefore
came to Jana's father.
The old man wept bitterly when he heard
the terrible news, and cried: THAT is
Schelm's revengel Ny poor, poor child! 1
shall see Schelm at once and fall at his feet.
Nv son-in law is innocent! I'll sacrIhce my
whole fortune to save himl"
''If Your Excellency should not succeed
it will be my turn to act," said PoDof
Wernin looked at him astonished.
"Who are you?"
81 am Count Vladimir's secretary and owe
him everything. Before came to him was
employed in Schelm's office and L have
weapon, which, in my hands, may not De
very dangerous, but"
"What do you mean?
''That in the hands of Your Excellency
this weapon is mightier than all the gold OF
Russia"
"why don't you tell me at once what
weapon it is.
"Clear evidence that Sehelm has stolen
money and that the Count is innocent. But
these documents can only be submitted to
the Emperor himself
Wernin sank exhausted into chair.
1.-THE Emperor Only yesterday could
have done that! But tomorrow they will ar
rest me as the father-in-law of a man who is
accused OF having conspired against the per-
son OF the Emperor, and l shall never obtain
an audience. Your weapon is useless.
The French woman interrupted him.
lam Jana's friend, and 1 can always
reach the Emperor! lntrust those papers to
me. Monday the burgesses will give great
ball, at which the Emperor will certainly
appear. promise you will speak to him
and hand him the papers!"
Wernin shook his head.
"Idle hopesl You are not allowed to ad-
dress the Emperor at balI?'
'What a gentleman may not do lady
can. and what is forbidden a Russian is per-
mitted a foreigner. Besides, take the re-
sponsibility!
"Ahl nv lady," exclaimed wernin, "if
you could do that!'
Certainly, it shall be done! And now,
Nh Popoff, may ask for those papers?"
'Only as a last resource, when everything
else tails, can this weapon be used, for as it
crushes Schelm it crushes me also. When
a Door man rises TO overthrow great man
be generally perishes first"
'fBut who can be this man Schelm?" she
asked, filed with awe and terror.
HE is the man who watches over the
safety of the empire, works in secret con-
cocts conspiracies."
''Now understand! A policeman, spy
on large scale. All, the more zealously
shall work for you. Mr.. Popof, what are
your plans now?'
your Excellencv will go on Monday to
Schelm and offer him large sum of money.
l.. o.,
YOU fail I'll go to him at night. In the
meantime you will 90 to the ball and wait
for me there II [ cannot bring you the
Counts pardon l shall at least bring you ir-
re utable proof of Schelm's criminality"
"Your son-in-law is innocent?" asked
Nine. de Dugarcy.
"Bevond all doubt Vladimir must be
innocent Schelm's association with the
conspiracy proves it. 1 predicted the man
would avenge himself"
81 swear TO save the Count" said Popoff
"Count upon my gratitude, young mar"
replied Wernin.
''And now must go,' said Nine. de Du-
earcv. Tomorrow morning I'll come and
see Jana, and l am always ready to serve
you"
"a thousand thanks" said Wernin, kiss
ing her hand.
When the lady reached the door the gen.
darme stopped her.
"Does you companion remain here?" he
asked.
"Yes, indeed 1 return to the French
Legation
'sYou cannot do that I am ordered not
to lose sight OF both of YOU
She said smiling to Nicholas:
"Mr. Popof, you will have to spend the
night at the embassy. Nothing can be done
with this man."
''Oh, God % cried Wernin, when he was
alone, take my life, but save my chill
dren %
And the old counselor remained all night
sitting before the fire, wrapped in dark and
dismal thoughts.