The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-02-01
HAPTE TX,
THE pRoouRATon's AMBITION

IHE fhOCUhATORB AMBITION.
Almost the same moment, when the ma
bob and his Siberian attendant reached
home. Darins was knocking at the door of
Schelm's private room.
The ex-chancellor had passed through a
crisis. For two weeks he had lain between
life and death. For a time he seemed to
have completely lost his mind. But within
the last few days his intelligence had re-
turned with all it's former subtlety. and
with it that passion for activity which
never lett him. On the other name parasay-
sis had now disabled his left arm. When
he perceived that his arm was powerless he
knew that he would be SO forever.
More and more of a corpse!' he ex-
claimed. II have but one eye left, One
more such attack and l shall lave no body
at all. When paralysis reaches the head
death ensues. But l shall not die without
being revenged."
Darlne's talk with Schelm had lasted for
more than half an hour and yet the CONVEX
satlon was growing more and more ami
mated. After asking some questions the
~ex-chancellor spoke rapidly and Darine lis
tened with thoughtful attention. All at
once. after some objection from the pro-
curator, Schelm raised his voice and his
eye shot forth an angry flash.
well" said he, Il do not blame them,
1t IS not against them | mean to take arms
These people have right on their side and
they are strong. From the very fact that
we have a mysterious committee controlling
US, this committee must have a loftier aim
than the dreams of our nihilists. I had an
idea myself. l shall be happy to act in
harmony with others and to f~raternize with
men of intellect. l know now what / did
not know. l have, superiors. I must he
come their equal. That can be done and
shall be done. l am not dismayed at your
tldlngs, but almost pleased with them. Our
ASSOCIATION, l see. is more powerful than 1
had thought. | must rise to a higher place.
We must learn to obey in order to command.
l have considered the matter. IL ia Won
who make me impatient, Darine."
II! Why, l have simply transmitted to
you the orders Of q chief, whose authority
you acknowledged"
II submit to his authority as far as il con-
Germs the interests of the associations: in
what concerns my own interests, 1 do not.
Now, you tell me that Lanin is a proteoe Of
his. Well, l know Vladimir better than
these men do; l have had more intimate re-
lations with him than they will ever have.
Yes, he Is good natured. but he will fulfil
his mission with intelligence and courage.
He 10 neither more nor less dangerous than
any other of the emperor's aides-de-camp.
In short, whether it be personal vengeance
or party zeal, / am interested in ruininp
Lanin and l adjure you, Darine, to aid
me-"
"You are a nihilist because you believe
that nihilism has a future. Instead of re-
naming procurator, you are ambitious to
become president, senator, who knows, per-
haps minister? Little men want to live;
you want to shine. These men, these mys-
ferrous penitents, despised you. for my part
esteem you, because know you. Do you
wish to share my fortunes? l promise you
money and distinction. since that is what
you eovet. The progress of society at large
matters little to you. Promotion is all Won
want. is it not? l respect your intelligence
too much to believe that you are a nihilist
froEl conviction"
"You are right. But you ask me not to
carry out the orders of these men, to disre-
gard the egis with which they have pro-
tected Count Lanin. Well, / dare mott
fa!ter. l am not a traitor. If you mean to
against the association"
"You foo. what could do without the as
soclationI What other society would choose
my trembling arm? Authority, power is
my NE. Therefore. l shall never betray
On the contrary" he said. with
growing aeimation, II love them; | had hut
one purpose III my life. now l shall have
two, l want to be the supreme chief. That
shall be my final victory-one of nv great
est triumphs. l take the responsibility.
Darine! am president of tho mystery,
snail excuse you to my su%periors. l shall
give you q written order. | shall make your
fortune, but do not abandon me! Do YOU
me to beseech you after l have always
commanded your"
The procurator looked thoughtful.
"R0RlIy.V le aafh ,sunu i, bU hotrF.I A.
II you will have me chosen president
Of the mystery after you l agree to obey
IVY
At these words n smile of such bitter
IRONY played over Schelm's lips that the
procurator was slightly confused.
.Sohelm had hoped that Darine would ask
ann ior moneyor for his support in secur-
ing some government position. A strong
young man, who could be ambitious of the
niystsrious authority, that might suit an
obscure paralytic, but which rested on no
egal basis and gave in Russia no real pow