The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-03-15
CHAPTER XIV.
BEFORE THE HEARING.

BEFORE THE HEARINGs
From early morning st. Petersburg hat
no more popular topic of conversation thar
the impending trial. A vast crowd had as
sembled before the court house; a few priv.
ileged persons had obtained admittanc,
upon the strength of special cards issued
The proceedings had opened at half-pas'
nine. At half-past ten the state carriag,
of the nabob crossed the Admiralty squar,
and drove up the Newsky perspective. TIL,
nabob occupied the back seat and by hin
sat a man with q fearfully mutilated face
Andrew Popoff and Ivan Kolok filled tn,
front seat. Two lackeys in full livery
stood behind. They were Bello n Polent
in disguise.
After having driven down the perspec
tive, the coach entered the Italian street ant
stopped before Schelm's house. The iro1
gate was open and another carriage, har
messed and ready to start, was waiting a
the door.
Bello got down. crossed the court yarc
| and entered the ante-room; a few minutes
later he returned.
"The baron will receive his hlghness, the
nabob of Cawnpore, and Mile. de Schelm-
berg, who is on her way to the court house,
begs Mr.. Andrew Popoff to wait for her IL
every wellv' said muller.
II have permitted you" he said, turning
to Andrew, 'to make this last effort, but
remember, it is the last! Be eloquent!
You, Dakouss, 0 will remain in the car
| riape. Is this the house to which Darine
took you? Well. Do not try to escape!
You know you are lost if you do it, don't
your"
Dakouss bowed his herd.
Let the outrage wait for me here.
Keep all at your posts and be ready for any
thing!!' ordered Muller.
He got out, followed by Andrew Popotf:
they reached the salon, where Louise,
dressed in black, was waiting for them.
Muller bowed low, without saying a word,
and went on. Andrew remained behind
alone with the young girl.
"Well," said Louise, when they were
alone. d you bring me the evidence that
Count Lanin Ia i%nnocent?'
mo. but the evidence exists and will be
produced at the trial.
why, then" abe asked haughtily, shave
you asked to see me here?'
1.-The nabob is determined to save the
count he is u strong man among the
strong and his will knows no obstacles. He
protects me II loves me and he has per-
mitted me to tell you that on your deposit
ton depends your fate II your fathers
INte. ilOutSes III tue Ldhie Oh your TREND
ship for Alexandra, permit me to invoke
the memory of the years of your childhood!
/ know nothine-I can say nothing, but l
beseech you, for your own sake, for your
fathers sake. do not go to the trial, do not
oyerwhelm the count by you deposition!"
Louise drew herself up. 'Your supplica-
ton sounds very much like u threat"
at is not l who threaten--it Is this mnn
before whom all tremble. l have seen them
down there, the n~eophytes; they all were
on their knees before him. He never
threatens i'll vain. Louise, | do not be-
seech you for the COUNT beseech you for
your own sake! love you-and trembie
for you!'
Enough! 1 shall do my duty. Without
passion and without reniorse l shall tell
what | have seon, and | shall speak as my
conscience bids met
Louise, you e.l.
~ believe that this Count Lanin, blinded
by ambition, may have .committed this
crime; | shall affirm nothing. but | shall
say what | have seen aud what makes me
believe him guilty."
You ruin your life--you ruin your
father!" a.
MY life is broken. Al to my father, il
he il guilty he must bear the punishment.
Let me go.' she said, turning to the door.
ut Is IL O'clock. Justice does not wait"
Andrew seized her robe by beth hands.
"fou have no pity. theny" n.