Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-05-18

line, who had almost fallen into his arms,
"Who can this be-"
"I do not know; perhaps the wife or the
cook of the officer here"
He entered the room and said aloud, 81
am Colonel Palkin, and I shall stay over
night in this house. Get me bed ready, old
witch"
The beam to which Vladimir had been
bound stood in the shade. so that the new
conner could not see it. PAlkin now turned
to his lady companion, saying: "Countess." ="
The sight of the bound man did not let
him end the sentence.
"What does this mean?" he asked.
"What man is this?"
Jana had in the meantime advanced a few
steps and was now standing near the lamp.
Vladimir thus saw her in a bright light
The excitement drove the blood to his head
The cloth that had been stuffed into his
mouth took away his breath. His ewes
burned like two flames. He tore his bonds
His lace was so wrapped up that the Count
ess could not recognize him; still this un-
fortunate creature, writhing in despair, filled
her with pity. She came nearer; Palkin
asked in tone of commands:
"I have said once before, want to know
who this man is?"
The Cossacks dared not say anything.
Now Caroline approached, pale and trem-
bling; she was afraid of the gigantic frame
of the Colonel, who had the right to enforce
obedience from all. But the presence Of
another woman encouraged her to make op-
position.
Colonel" she said, slowly, 'this man is
an exile, whom my husband had ordered to
COPY a report and who availed himself of his
absence to make me a declaration Of love.
Hallol" she cried to the Cossacks. Throw
him into the cellarf'
'By your leave" said Palkin; "not so
fast. Unite the man. I'll speak to him
myself. Quick, remove that handker-
chief"
Caroline, who had again become furious,
tried to interfere, but Palkin stopped her
severely, saying:
"Do you want taste Of the knout?"
The Cossacks hastened to carry out the
Colonels order. First they removed the
cloth that covered Vladimir's face.
"Janap' he exclaimed, as soon as he could
speak. "You surely do not believe this
fury's words?"
'vladimirl" cried the Countess in return,
falling upon his neck and covering him
with kisses. "You here and In such stated
Oh, Godr'
"Janal Say that you do not believe her."
mot q momentl" replied the young wife,
proudly. 1.-THE man whom love, who lives
in his thoughts with me, is incapable Of
STOPPING 20 low. Colonel" she added, in
tone Of command, which made even Caro-
line shrink back, "you have not yet loosed
the bonds that fasten my husband to this
postI"
Palkin beckoned and instantly Vladimir
would rise and embrace his wife; DR.. Haas
wiped away q tear in silence.
49,. N,,. L, =. -, L.,
to white heat. Jana's marvellous beauty
alled her with insane jealousy. Full Of
rage she approached Palkin.
"By what right do you dare command
herel am only woman-but if my hus-
band were here"
"If your husband were here he would
have long since been on his knees. Do you
know that can any day send both of you
into the mines? And now, old witch, out
with you and bring in the samovarl Send a
maid also to help the Countess take off her
travelling dress"
81 am not bound to wait on anybody.
cannot quarrel with you, because you are
stronger than am, but think as little of
obeying you"
well, then. your own Cossacks will drag
you into the kitchen. Here all must obey
me, as 1 am the head of the gen.
darmes."
The Cossacks approached Caroline. When
vain she hung her head and said: "Well, 1
am going"
"Send a maid"
81 have no maid"
'Then come back directly and take off
the Countess travelling dress and her fur
boots.''
"I?" cried the inspectors wife.
eyes, you" replied Palkin.
Jana returned to the Colonel, saying:
ave shall drive on to the Irkufsk tonight,
surely. I cannot leave my husband one
moment longer in the hands of this terrible
woman"
UNFORTUNATELY that is not in nv power
I cannot transfer a colonist by nv own
power. That lies with the Government"
answered Palkin.
"That does not matter shall drive on
with you, Colonel, tonight; tomorrow
morning I'll see the Governor and come
back here in the evening, either to take my
husband away from here or to remain with
him here. The doctor will remain here to
protect my husband"
But, Countess, our horses are tired;
there are no post horses here. This is an
country. The weather may change,
besides, and we may lose our way-in this
desert"
Nothing shall keep me, Colonel You
have done so much for me already-you will
not deny me this request2"
Palkin bowedj his eyes shoen with an un-
canny fire.
"I have learnt to admire you, Countess,
and cannot re use you anything. But what
shall we do about the horses7"
Let them feed and rest three hours and
then well go on"
"very well, said Palkin, and he was
about 70 go away TO give the necessary orders.
In 30 doing he noticed Caroline, who was
euriously listening at the door. Frownine,
he called out 10 heri "You still hereI Away
with you 10 the kiteheh"
Caroline disappeared, casting revengeful
looks ut Jana and the Colonel.
"And now, Countess" said the latter with
q profound bow, i've will leave you alone
with the Count, your husband, and wait for
further instructions IN the inspectors room,
In an hour you will perhaps permit Us to re-
turn and take cup OF tea together2 In
three hours well start Tor Irkutsk, y
Come doctorl'
Jana walked up to him, holding out her
hands. saying;
"My very best thanks Colonel, for the
protection you have been pleased to extend
to me during our journey. Vladimir"
turning to her husband, '"do you recognize
Colonel Palkin?"
Palkin's features were not such as could
be easily forgotten. The terrible circum-
stances under which he had seen the officer
of gendarmes for the first time returned be-
lore his minds eye. He shuddered as he
said:
''Of coursep"
'Thank him now, to-day, in my name rs
well as in your namel He possesses noble
heart and great souli 1t is due to him
that you see me here to-day When he ar
rested you he did but his duty; to-day he