Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-02-06

Ee It's late master. 10
the left, darkest and gloomiest of all
was the old prison in which. helpless
and disconsolate, orouching in agony
upon his course bed, lay the once proud
form of Col. Bornoff, the Counts as
sassin.
But single day before and he was a
man whose might and power could
we'll be feared; now common felon
accused of the basest crime, the murder
OF his best friend. the man with whom in
: earlier days he had laughed aud played
and exchanged his childish confidence. :
We who live in other climes cannot
realize how deep must be the attach
ment to the principles of an organiza-
ton to cause man to thus slay his
nearest friend.
The Count was an earnest supporter
OF his Emperor, while Col. Bornotf
who had always been. publicly at
least, considered as cminently loyal,
was IN reality an ardent Nihilist. For
the success of nihilism the Counts life
must be sacrificed. aud upon Col. Born
off had fallen the task Of Offering up
this sacrifice. Detection had fol-
lowed, and his life must now
pay the forfeit.
For him there was indeed no hope.
None knew better than he how relent-
less was the Emperor where crimes
Of this nature were involved. Sad in
deed must have been the thoughts of
that gray.bearded man as he lay with
no company but his own thoughts.
Truly is guilty conscience its own con-
domination.
Not sound was to be heard save the
scanpering of rats as they ran about the
cells and corridor. But listen! was that
not human footstep? His mind flew
to other scenes. His daughter Tina,
his only and idolized child, could it be
her2 Was she coming to set him at lib
erty. Ardently, earnestly he prayed
that it might be true. The hope was
faint and he was doomed to disappoint-
ment
The soft footballs came nearer, nearer,
like the treading ola tiger in search of
prey. Then pause, not a movement
anywhere, save the anxious. fascinating
glances the old man cast toward the
doorway of his cell. An anxious mo-
ment thus passed when softly the huge
bolt is drawn, the massive door swings
silently back and u dark mufled figure
stands in the opening. The pale, stug-
Cling rays of mooniig ht enables the old
man to distinguished the outline of his
untimely visitor. A puzzled expression
was visible upon his haggard face. Did
this man come as friend or foe? Had
he come to aid him or was he only here
to anticipate the certain fate that
awaited the prisoners
It was plain that the old man was ill
at ease.
what is it?" he asked. as the figure
advanced toward him.
Good news, father. You NAV vet be
free"
Like the sunshine bursting through
deep, dark clouds the old mans face
frightened with an expression CT hope.
Ralph Marty he whispered in a
trembling voice, Il have wronged you,
deeply wronged you. but only aid me to
escape and henceforth my earnest pray
ers are yours. Forgive the wrong I
have done you in my heart"
"Not so fast, old man. I cannot risk
my life, aye, my liberty which is dearer,
for mere thanks. I must otherwise be
paid. YOU"
Eyes, yes, I forgot. You shall be
richly paid. Only give me my freedom
and all l have is freely yours, my house,
money, all you shall have"
"You mistake me. Colonel. I want
not your gold. You are welcome to
keep it. I ask what to me is more
price ess treasure. Hitherto you have
looked with scorn upon my aspirations;
now, even am SO situated that nv SER
vices are not to DO despised." There
was tone of triumph in his voice as
he ceased speaking to note tie effect of
his words.
The old man replied not q word. but
"at'as man struck dumb by mighty
revelation.