The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-07-06

not yet been summoned 10 appear before his
judges. He was dying with anxiety. Judging
were devising torlures by which TO avenge them
selves on him. In these three days OF fearful
suspense he had grown ten years older.
On the fourth day after their return to Irkutck
Vladimir. who had Just returned from the Gov
ernor's Palace, entered JaEa's room, with the
words:
My dear Jana have just seen my uncle
once more and begged him urgently 10 let Schelm
be tried at some other place as he is sure to be
the answer is always the same. The Car has
ordered the guilty ones 10 be punished, and In
tie course OF the investigation have gained the
conviction that Scbelm IS very guilty. He must
suffer just punishment"
Do you wish him 10 be pnn!shed?"
Il? never thought OF II am free and
happy, so that / have entirely forgotten that
Schelm Is stlll alivel May he go where he
chooses, even to the d II he prefers lI.''
You see, Vladimir, when l think how many
= lives have been lost in order 10 secure our pres
cut happiness an ineXpressible anxiety seizes
my heart. The sacrifice OF another human life
appears to me crime l have remOrse. We
must by all means try to ger Schelm pardoned."
But that no longer depends on us ~
Let me Try vadimir ~ 60 and see your
He promised he would do everything TO please
me-"
Jana. animated by this noble DESIRE FASTENED
at once 10 The palace But she found thar both
General Moski and Count Laniu had come TO
the conclusion that Schelm had not merely
abused his official position but had evidently
criminal intrigues Oh his conscience, which could
not be overlooked. They had, therefore, decided
10 infliet the prescribed punishment IN strict jus
tce, aud TO make an example OF HIN. The Gar
had Invested his Adjutant with unlimited power
But IN order 10 proceed with strict regard 10
legality Grueral Moski had summoned Schelm
10 appear before him, thus giving him an opDor-
tunlTy 10 clear himself OF these charges II he
could.
Schelm had not seen the two Generals since the
sad event on The Mound Of The Tunguses. In his
solitude he was awaiting events When sum-
moned to appear before his judges, he prepared
sklllfully his whole appearance. The relative
liberty which had been granted him and the
courteous consideration shown him so far lad
somewhat quieted his apprehensions. He did
not guess, besides, how far his tricks and his in-
trigues had been found out, and he was full OF
hopes the sentence would be delayed; ana with
time on his side he felt lie could do much, help
himself through his friends, and perhaps form
new plans and new lntrigues. He appeared,
therefore. III the apartments of the Governor
General, not at all Ike man accused OF crime,
but more like casual visitor.
You Will please answer our questions With
great modesty" said Lanin, indignant at
Schem's usolence.
The trial began. When Schelm was asked
about P0pOffs arrest, and about his receipt for
the 100000 rubles, when he saw that the MIN.
lister of the Interior had forsaken him, and when
he finally perceived that Count Lanin held that
very receipt in his hands which the Car had
given him, then he felt that there was no escape
for him. He folded his hands and bowed so low
that the judges feared he intended to kneel
down.
"Your Excellency, 1 am guIltyl Have mercy
on me; have mercy on mel"
"Mercy!" exclaimed Lanin. "Perhaps you
have exlennatlng circumstances that you can
mention TO keep US from administering strict JUS
tice. What can you say In your own behalf?"
Il can plead my zeal in the Cars service,
your Exceency," lie cried. turning TO Count
Lanin, land we are both servants OF our MASTER
the Emperor l wanted TO make my way up
ward; | wanted 10 become one Of those who en-
JOY the happiness OF being near bis Majesty. j
was ambitious, ana that was my ruin. i confess
my guilt But your Excellency will consider
that was chief Of a division. of the division for
political affairs. had the care Tor the personal
safety Of our Emperor in my hands. The gen.
darmes continually look the butter off my bread
They always accused me. that / could discover
nothing, that l knew nothing. The Minister
continually said the same, and you, ALSO
General, told me In the name OF the Car.
gave me my daily bread. The gendarmes In
vented consplracies TO please the Car. They
deceived the Emperor, Count orIof, you your
selves. have seen it with my own eyes
witnessed how they were rewarded and pro-
NOTED, when 1 knew il was all fiction i! You
must admit that The monarch's favor may be-
come ST. ong temptation"
Lanin was silent.
1t Is hue that employed q man who was to
fan the discomfort of some conspirarors, but this
also did TO prove my zeal to serve the Gar. 1
admit that am not free from guilt, but never
exceeded my authority do not deserve reward
but have L incurred any punishment"
Count Moski exclaimed very indignant: "Cer.
tainly, and very heavy oDel''
''The conspiracy did actually exist The con-
opIdtoiS ict iito NY tIdp us ii tney ndu i0SL
their heads, so that could show The Emperor
who were his enemies, they were uumasked
Here, also, did not exceed my authority. All
whom ordered TO be arrested were conspira-
tors"
"All What falsehood" said Lann, frown.
Ing. "My nephew"
Schelm Interrupted him most humbly.
ITO be sure. your Excellencyi But you might
be lndugent with the weakness aud the heart OF
man who does not Claim lie Is fautless. You
yourself had announced TO me the Cars dis
pleasure and aroused my wrath Your nephew
had morially insulted me. was furious against
all who bore your name The Counts name was
mentioned, and was delighted to know that he
was involved IN this conspiracy. Ii, In my
ger, went loo far. you may punish me. The Idea
OF distinguishing myself before tEs Emper0f's
eyes has made me lose my head. had the con-