Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1891-04-16
SAVANNAH TENNESSEE, THURSDAY, April.

locked it, and placed the key in his
pocket. Every one will assert his
innocencc-of course. But, comrades,
suppose we endeavor to find him out?
Let us search each other. The traitor,
whoever he may be, must doubtless
have in his possession some proof of his
guilt At least, the experiment is
worth trying, What say you?
agreed! agreed!' exclaimed the
nihilists, as with one accord they
sprang convulsively to their feet One
of the students-a tall, lank youth,
with somewhat foppish appearance
objected, however, to the proposal.
But why?" hotly demanded the pro-
fessor, who seemed all eagerness to
begin the investigation.
because" was the hesitating re-
joinder, "honor ought to be enough.
Besides there is something degrading
in the idea of searching one another, as
if, indeed we were lot of picllpockets.
So let us break up the meeting, This
excitement is absurd, and renders the
discussion of our plot impossible. AS
for the story told by the drunken soldier
in the cafe, don't believe word of
it."
These words produced an angry mur-
mur among the excited conspirators,
The protest seemed so ridiculous; and
as the clamor increased Ivan turned to
the speaker and warmly exclaimed
Every well; we shall abstain from
searching you, since you wish it; but
remember this, that if we fail to find a
clew to the informant among those who
willingly submit to the examination we
shall then know upon whom to fix our
suspicious. Now, comrades, search me
first; am ready"
In moment the speakers pockets
were emptied of their contents and
even the lining of his clothes was care
fully searched, but beyond few old
lOvc-letters, some political pamphlets
and an English newspaper with para
graph obliterated with lampblack moth
ing of an discriminating character was
found. A second student readily sub
mitted to the test-if test it was-with
similar results Then third stepped
forward and placed himself in the hands
of his companions. But at that moment
a curious incident occurred. An invisi-
bic hand suddenly cxtinguished the light
of the candle, and in a second the room
was plunged in utter darkness.
What did itmean? Who had qucnched
the light? For moment the nihilists
remained motionless, as if rooted to the
spot. AS they listened in alarm they
heard strange, creaking sound in the
direction of the curtained window.
Suddenly the voice Of Ivan exclaimed
in the darkness: Comrades, this is q
trick! Listen! Some one is endeavor-
ing to escape by the windowl 1t is the
traitor at last His attempt to escape
bctrays his guilt Stand back know
how to deal with him!"
In an instant the reports of three re-
volver shots rang through the room and
were followed by an agonizing yell as
some one fell heavily upon the floor.
A profound silence then ensued.
1t was an awful situation.
At length Ivan spoke to his terrified
companions
Strike light now," he said, in a
trembling voice, land let us look upon
| the face Of traitor VIII no one move?
Are you all afraid to gaze upon the
dead body of miscreant who has be-
trayed us to our enemies? Come, pro-
fessor, where are the matches? You
had them last. But hush What sound
is that? Listen! BY heavens, comrades,
the police are upon us already. The
house is surrounded! Quick! here is a
trap-door known only to myself. 1t
leads to the main sewer and is our only
hope of escape. Follow me-"
Cropping hand in hand in the dark,
the affrighted men followed the speak
er's directions, and after some momen-
tary confusion disappeared into a
noisome abyss. None too soon. In
another instant the door of the room
was battered to pieces, and company
of gendarmes entered. Lights were
now flashed in every direction, but il
was obvious to all that the conspirators
had escaped. The officer in charge
sworc long and deep, and ordered the
men to search the house from top tc
bottom. Then, advancing toward the
window, he stumbled over human
body.
"What's this?" he exclaimed, exam
mining the dead mans features with G
lantern. "IIa! SO they have caught yor
at last, my friend, have they? Well
you played the spy long and well, but
it always come to this in the end"
And tearing down the window cur
tain the officer threw it over the rigid
body of-the professor.-Pall Mall Bud
get.