Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1892-10-13

| it. Nevertheless, it had all effect, for there
were those about the Court who had rela
vide Tor. and they availed themselves of the
opportunity to enlarge on Alexietfs short
comings and to insist thar he was so lack
ing in tact aad discretion that he was ull-
fitted for his office; and that he could serve
the State better by being appointed to the
tant province OF Siberia. This suggestion
was not lost upon the Cars advisers. who
saw in it q means of getting out of a dllem-
ma; and the seed thus sown was destined
to lructity and bear fruit in the fullness of
time. But when that time would come it
move slowly in Russia. 1t is ponder
Gus country, and everything in connec-
ton with its working and administration
is ponderous. while hurry and speed,
especially in judicial matters, are not only
deprecated but unknown. Thus it comes
about that prisoners charged with offences
may languish for years in prison before
being brought to trial.
But matters were precipitated in Alex
ietf's case by another act of folly and out
rage which he was guilty Of and which
alienated from him some of his warmest
supporters. And this very act, strangely
enough, by the keenest irony of late, was
the result of Rachel Arama's resolution
which she made in Moscow. That resolu-
ton was nothing more nor less than to
seek personal interview with the Chief of
Police, and, throwing herself at his feet,
plead to him for her father.
1t is perhaps hardly necessary to say
that if she had had more worldly knowl-
edge, and had understood better what
rather have suffered death than
haye begged boon of him, and have
placed herself in his power. But in
her ignorance of all Safe matters, she
accredited the Chief of the Police with an
authority that was equal to the Chief of the
Army and only little less than that OF
the Car himself, whom she would have
approached had she known how to have
done so. But no subject in Russia, unless
he be Of high rank and great influence, has
the slightest posi- bic change of reaching
His Majestys private ear. For he is guard
ed about with triple Gordon, and the out
side world is to him almost terra incog-
nita.
For one who had always been secluded
as Rachel had. and who had scarcely ever
known what it was to be dependent upon
herself, it was a great undertaking that OF
had mentioned her project to her friend the
Chief Rabbi OF Moscow, who seemed dis
posed to discountenance it, but Rachel
was infcxible. Beyond the Rab-
bi, however, she told no one, not
even ;+ Ivan " w n , had n secretly paid
|
view he had renewed his prote,taions of
love- but she had emphatically declared
that so long as he was the son of Peter
Alexietf she could not listen to him il he
sought her love, which was tantamount to
saying that his suit was absolutely hope
but the son Of Peter; and so he had gone
away somewhat disheartened, but still
hopeful that by perseverance he would
prevail over her in the end When she
arrived IN st. Petersburg she went direct to
the bureau of the Chief OF the Police and
then her first difficulty began. The Chief
was guarded q ter the manner of tho
Gar himself and no one who had not all
official passport to his presence could gain
the inner sanctum where the Chief
welded his tyrannlcal power and re-.
ceived the daily reports Of his legion Of
spies.'
When Rachel announced who she was,
the understrappers laughed at her, and
made coarse jokes and rude remarks until
her face burned with the bushes ofshame.
But still she pressed her suit, for it was
her fath her; life she was going to plead fGr
with san shameless cowardice "'t the
Gals jecred at her and tainted her,
speaking, mockingly OF her as a
"Jewcss," and asking her what value she
put upon her beauty Shrinking with
horror from these ribald rutfians, she was
almost induced to abandon her errand, but
size remembered that her dear father was
languishing in the dreadful Schlusselburg
Prison. about which she had heard the
most fear III tales; SO she renewed her
pleadngs with tears and means, though it
was all of no avail She might as we'll
have pleaded to the stones. But it SO hap
pened that while she stood there beautiful
and bewi,ching even in her distress, the
Shiny, sleek and cunning Pavlotf entered,
and recognizing Rachel, he inquired in
establishment what she required. Then
when he was informed cur Gus smile
came over his saturnine features and re-
questing that she might be detained for a
little while, he made his way to the cabinet
o. his Chief.
Peter Alexieff was much occupied, for
he was debating important espatches to
creature entered. He did not see so we'll
weak from the effects of the injury; and
ever fearful OF assassination, he turned
quickly towards the intruder, exclain-
ing ;V, :. .,o.,, r,on ~ooo.n;.;na ,;n,.
"Ah, Pavlof1 you bring news? You
have something 10 communicate"
''Yes. your greatness" and Pavloff look
ed at the clerks and then at the Chief. The
look was significant and the Chief under
stood it, for he led the way into small
Geographic instruments and quite an arm
DRY of weapons-two loaded revolvers ly-
ing on the desk within reach of Peters
hand.
what brings you, Pavloff?' he asked. =.
II have surprise for you, little father"
"Then it must be something wonderful,
for have ceased to be surprised at any
thing"
1T is something wonderful.
Speak it. then"
"Rachel, the daughter of your enemy.
the Jew, is without, and Graves an audience
with you"
AS lie heard these words, there leapt into
Alexieff's face u look of devilish and ma
lcious Joy.
rachel here!' he exclaimed.
Even so, YOU greatness"
"And comes she other own free will?'
''She does. l found her here pleading
for an interview when entered the office.
''She shall have the interview" remarked
Peter with wicked significance. 'Pavlotf,
conduct her to my presence, andsee that all
the communicating :oors are closed. And,
Pavlof you will remain here during the
interview-and, stay, have you your revol-
yar2n