Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1893-09-05

and kiss me. Her voice, her smile
seemed to make the air he breathed de-
hghtful, and his nerves thrilled with
Joy. How could he help loving herr
Seeing her in all the glory of her youth
and beauty, he forgot the czar and all
Russia.
They were standing besidea high rock,
and with an impulse prompted by his
great passion he knelt Mt her fset, kissing
her hands madly and begging her to tell
him her name.
Her POOR heart beat wildly. For the
first time she loved, and at the cost of
her life she resolved to be true not to her
rath, but to the man who knelt before
her
Go, Flee for yorr lifer she cried.
My name is-nihilistr'
He started to his feet and turned to
leave her IN q dazed manner. a sharp
report of 4 pistol sounded in the air, and
the courier of tho car fell wounded
With lightning quiclness Nodine knelt
beside her lover, and while smoothing
back his hair with one hand, with the
other slSe stole the imperial letter and
slipped it into her breast. Then sheleft
him, for she had made up her mind that
she would carry the Important message
to the car herself.
After travelling day and night without
food or sleep she reached the palace and
delivered the letter to the car.
What can do for your asked the
ear of all Russia.
What do you do for nihilistsY" she
ssked him.
We shoot them, " he answered angrily.
"Then shall be shot" She said it SO
calmly and deliberately that the czar
looked at her in surprise.
''Nihilist or no nihilist. my child, you
have savedlny life, and therefore I spare
yours. You may return to Your home in
safety
With a cry like hunted animal she
fell at his feet.
Don't send me back. Tho bullet that
struck the courier was meant for me. /
heard the word 'Traitressr hissed by my
own father, and if so back he will not
miss his aim again. He has sworn to
kill me If prove false to the cause, and
he will keep his oath. pray you. don't
send me back"
He saw her agony was genuine, and
placing his hand on her head said: Rise,
child. You stay here" at that tmoment
Ivan Liveresky, the courier of the car,
dashed into the room. His clothes We're
covered with mud and his body weak
from loss of blood.
"Thank Godr' he cried when he saw
the car. "Otaroff. the traitor, is cap.
tured, has confessed all, and you are
softly.
The courier caught the back of a chair
for support, and the czar turned to her
in anger.
Yes, do with me what you will. l
am Nodine Otaroff, who despises her
name, her father and most of all her
self"
''Wait moment" said the courier to
the car; there is some mistake. Otaroh
gave me some papers and confessed hav-
ing stolen child out of revenge from
the rich Cordisky He name was No
dine" And Liveresky handed the docu-
nlents to the czar, who in turn, after
glancing over them, gave them to the
young girl.
Il will send messenger to Moscow,
and one who would travel night and
day, without sleep or food, to deliver this
letter is the noblest of Russians" So
said the czar and left the room.
You have saved my life!' the coarier
cried.
'And you mine" answered Nodine.
Yet, my loved one, it is worthless
without yours"
'"rhen," she said, with glad tears in
her eyes, 81 give mine for thine. 1 love
thee, Ivan Liveresky.''
He took her in his arms and kissed her
many times. When Cordisky arrived he
found he had gained child only to lose
her again, for Nodine gave her heart and
hand to q young soldier decorated with
the Order of st. George, given to him by
the czar of all Russia. Exchange.