The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1891-03-27
THB TRAITOR.

glass, it's sombre folds Bwayed TO and
iro. The inmates OF this mourntul den
were seated round the table, smoking
their pipes and talking, as II furtively, in
whispers. As the feeble rays Of tho can
die fell fitfully upon the company they
revealed the youthful faces Of four stu
dents. The chief spokesman, however,
was much older man, apparently
about fifty, with a short pointed beard,
shaggy brows, and keen, penetrating
ewes OF the darkest hue. The others
deferentially addressed the speaker as
''prolessor," and such, indeed, he was.
al that time, at q well.known school OF
medicine in Russia.
On the present occasion, however, he
was speaking, not OF science, but OF the
terrible doctrine OF assassination.
Professor was Nihilist, a re-
puted Colossus OF craft In the dissemina-
ton OF revolutionary doctrines, and on
the particular evening in question he
was engaged in advocating, with fiery
elcouence, the assassination OF certain
colonel who had lately been promoted
TO the rank OF Chief Commissioner OF
the Secret Police. AS the night wore on
their whispered conversation was sud-
denly interrupted by low knocking at
the outer door. In moment the con-
spirators sprang noiselees to their feet,
and listened with bated breath. The
sound was repested-a peculiar whistle
was heard from without, and the listeners
exchanged significant glances and
quietly resumed their seats. Presently
cautious footsteps were heard in an outer
room, the door was opened, and young
man hastily entered. His face was pale,
his manner agitated, and as he returned
his companions salutations he regarded
them with fixed and angry stare. =.
"You have kept US waiting, comrade,"
exclaimed the professor, putting calmly
at his pipe. "Ugh! we are ALMOST aS;s
frozen, for the air oil TINS
wretched apartment is quite
Siberian. But now to business. we
will warm ourselves with talk, and fire
our minds with the prospect OF re-
venge." :,
There was murmur OF approval. It
was noticed, however, that the young
many who had just appeared upon the
scene took his seat in silence, and, rest
ing his elbows upon the table, slowly
scrutinized the faces Of his comrades.
"My dear professor" he said at length.
I'VE cannot possibly proceed at presant
with this business"
"Why mott" was unanimously asked.
because" replied the latest conner, as
be quietly snutIed the candle, because
one OF us is q traitor"
"a traitor" exclaimed the men, start
ing to their feet. +,
"Yes, comrades, we are betrayed; and
as no one knows OF this plot oil ours ex.
cept ourselves, 1t Ia plain, think, that
one OF Us has turned informant"
"You are mad to say sol" hoarsely
exclaimed the professor, "but in heav'
ems name, what has happened? Come,
tell us quickly. This is no iestinS mat
vs. %Listen. then. On my way hither,
comrades, l entered Gale de Paris to
sin a cup OF tea and smoke cigarette.
happened to cit down beside
two officers OF the Secret Police,
and, as one OF them was somewhat tipsy,
I could distinctly hear his conversation;
I found it rather interesting. He told
bis companion that he was under orders
to surround this old deserted house al
midnight IL near eleven now-and 70
arrest all persons found within. he
mentioned, moreover, all our names
and added, with a maudlin laugh, that a
certain person, to whom the admtnistra'
ton is eternally indebted, would be
found in our midst playing the part Of
conspirator. Now, comrades, l have
done. What shall We do"
The men looked ut each other in dis
NAV, A dead silence filed the room, Tor
the mere suspicion Of treachery amopE
the men who had solemnly dedicated
their lives 10 the sacred cause Of liberty
seemed to hold them dumb. Such VII
lainy in their very midst-among mer
banded together in sacred brotherhood
was a greater crime than the metciles'
acts Of a despot and his mInions.
"If this is tue" said the professor, Il
a voice OF suppressed rsge, "then vii
no longer believe In human fidelity, o
the future OF our cause. But-Death
IiTthe story Is true. Which OF US is thu
iniormer?" added the speaker, starinl
dercely at the pale faces Of his compan
ions.
"Bahl It is useless to ask that, ny
dear professor" exclaimed lyan-snct
was the name OF the youth who hat
brought the strange intelligence-as hi
advanced to the door OF the room
locked 1t, and placed the key in hi
pocket. every one will assert hi
Innocence-oI course. But, comrades
suppose we endeavor to find him out
Let us search each other. The traitor
whoever he may be, must doubtless hav'
in his possession some proof OF his guilt
al least, the experiment Is worth trying
What say your"
"Agreed agreedp exclaimed thu
Nihilists, ss with one accord the spranl
conyu!sively to their feet. One Of tn
studepts-a tall, lank yonth, with
somewha loppish appeaEance-oblected
however, to the proposal.
"But why 2" holly demanded the pro
fessor, who seemed all eagerness y
begin the investigation.
SBecause," was the hesitating re
ioinder, "because It Is unnecessary. Gu
word Of honor ought to be enough
BeelueH, buet6 10 bohebhAub 0SS io"AA
| In the idea Of searching one another, q
Il, indeed, We were q lot Of pickpock et!
90 let us break up the meeting. TIL
excitement is absurd, and renders tn
, discussion Of our plot impossible. A
for the story told by the drpnke
soldier in the cafe, don't believe
word Of It,"
These words produced an angry mu
i muir among tie excited conSpiEatoE
. The protest seemed 80 ridiculous; an
az the clamor increased Ivan turned
the speaker and warmly exclaime.
every well We ghall abstain from searcl
ING Won, since you wish it, h9t remen
ber Ibis, thSt II we fail to And q eIne
! the Inlofmspt among those who willing
submit TO the examination We shall the
know upon whom to AZ our susptcton
Now, comrades, search me tirsti ! q
ready"
In q moment the speakers poke
were emptied Of their contents, and eVI
the lining Of bis clothes was careful
searched but beyond a few old To-
letters, some political pamphlets, and
English newspaper with q paraguay
obliterated with 'lAmp-black. nothing
-. tna.s..fankfa., ahaRaAfAH Wnu fnffEi