The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-10-30
CHAPTER xxx.
A TRAP.

heard the clank Of furnace doors and the
scraping Of shovels as we passed the engine
room. The officer who had received US led
the way to the deck cabin, couple OF men
following close at our heels
The cabin was we'll lit An elderly, sharp
visaged man, in close fitting official cos
tune, was seated at the table In the middle,
with writing materials and pile Of docu-
ments before him. He rose, removing his
cap as we entered. The officer placed chairs
for us near the table. and begging us to be
seated unbuttoned his overcoat. Az he
threw 1t open l observed that he wore a
belt with n pistol holster attached to IL.
the flaps unbuttoned
sat down, faint with emotion, now that
my part was played. but Gordon remained
standing. his brows bent. his countenance
overcast with pain. believing that Taras
had been taken prisoner Again the officer,
speaking In Russian, begged him TO take a
seat. Gordon turned to me. i dropped my
head, ashamed to meet his eyes. II don't
know what he says, but suppose he wants
me to sit down." said he. "Will you tell
him, mademoiselle that we have come to
see Taras, and that's all we wantp
made no reply, but remained silent with
downcast eyes.
''I beg your pardon" be said with earnest
solicitude,s"I forgot that you-that this
blow must naturally fall heavily upon you.
You are illg"
shook my head.
Once more the courteous official offered
chair, and Gordon refusing it with curt
"No. thanksp he shrugged his shoulders,
and seating himself at the head of the table
took up paper and began to read from il
in Russian. Gordon stopped him in the
first sentence
If you are reading that paper for my
benefit" said he, "allow me to tell you that
you are wasting your time. don't under
stand word of Russian"
The old gentleman, who had seated him
self on the left hand of the officer, leaned
forward, and speaking for the first time
said in fairly good English and with trace
of sarcasm in bis bland smile:
Surely the prince has not been expa-
triated SO long as to forget his native
tongue!"
I'm not q prince, and my native tongue
Is English" Gordon asserted stoutly
"Ahl understand" the old gentleman
responded with the same ironical bland
ness. "You wish to plead mistaken iden-
tity."
II don't know what you mean 1 have
come on board to see Taras--Prince Bor
gensky-at his request"
Pardon me, was at the head Of th
stairs when Count Rudersdorf invited the
prince-addressing you, Of course, In the
third person--to come on board"
At the name of Hudersdorf lifted my
head in surprise to look at the officer Was
this the relentless enemy, the bloodhound"
that Kavanagh had gone to such lengths to
outwit--this polite. middle aged. not un-
merciful, certainly not ferocious looking
mani
what on earth does this means" asked
Gordon, turning to me. Then, getting no
response, he addressed the officer: "Will
you answer me one question, pleasei Is
Taras on board this vessels"
IF you are not Taras. he certainly Is not"
was the direct reply
Then am not Taras There Is no ne
cessity to stay here any longer"
He turned as II to go. In that instant
Rudersdorf touched gong and slipped his
hand into the holster. Almost simultar
neously the two burly fellows who had fol-
lowed us TO the cabin stepped In and sta
toned themselves before the door, each
armed with q revolver. Gordon stopped
abruptly.
Pardon me-" said the elderly gentleman
as If nothing had occurred to break the
thread of the discussion, "there is neces-
fty to stay. We have a warrant for the ar
rest of Prince Borgensky, which Count
Rudersdorf viii proceed to read to you il
you choose TO hear it, and until you can
give satisfactory proof that you are not
Taras Borgcnsky you must consider your
self prisoner. OF c|prse," he continued
with shrug aad a smile, "Ineed not point
put to you that resistance is perfectly use
less and may be fatal"
my name is George Gordon. can give
you my card"
The old man held up his hand derisiveiy
as he said:
'We are quite aware that you have
adopted that name and also that you have
lately been living at Grandson Chambers,
Adelphi terrace. The count has been
watching you closely for some time. Here
is an accurate description of your person,
If you would IKE to see it. We have taken
the utmost pains TO assure ourselves of
your identity before taking this important
STEP you mey he sure"
'Hang I'll II you will not believe my
word, what proof cnn give your"
"The simplest In the world-showing
your papers"
"PapersV
With a smile, as IL at Gordon's affected
ignorance, the old gentleman drew from his
pocket a well worn document and showing
II said:
1.-THE papers which every one Is compelled
by police regulations to carry"
"In England, sir" said Gordon hercely.
"that humiliation is only put upon those
who merit IL by their crimes"
do you wish me to believe that an Eng
lshman is not Obliged to produce papers OF
identification at the request OF the police"
mot unless he is a ticket Of leave man"
The old gentleman. in complete astonish.
ment, communicated this information to
Rudersdorf, who shook his head with an
incrcdulous smile.
This young lady will tell you that am
not Taras," said Gordon.
ave cannot expect any young lady to In
criminate her friend. We are very well nc.
quainted with Mile. Aura Soltikoff. She
has saved you thrice from apprehension, but
she will not succeed a fourth-at any rate,
not nv sucb sinple means as Won en- ooost ~