Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1894-01-26

Gordon started. and FIXING his eyes on
kudersdurf seemed to recall his face to
mind.
And all this" eXpostulated the old gen.
tleman, raising the pile OF identifying pa
l'er-. For example" he added, picking
UP a PHOTOGRAPH that Slipped uut. You
would not have Us believe that this is not
Your Portrait
Gi"rion took up the photograph and re-
Garded it Ill b,wIld,rmrnt 1t WAS un-
doubte'lly his own portrait. but mounted
on n carl. with the printed name and ad-
dress Of photographer in Moscow The
only explanation was that the photograph
had been reno, ed from the English mount
and pasted on the Russian one But for
what purpose was still an unfathomed mys-
terry to him.
on perhaps deny your own handwrit-
ing SAID the old gentleman. handing a
letter.
This is not my hand | cannot even
read the character in which it is written"
Here is one written by you in the ordi-
nary European hand"
That Is not my writing can prove It.
Give me a sheet Of paper"
Writing material was given to him. and
he wrote a couple of lines quickly.
Rudersdorf and the old gentleman ex-
amined it and exchanged a few observa-
tons.
The prince has altered bis hand evil
dei.tl!," said the Old gentleman in a COM
plinentary tone; but, as the count points
out, that is a slight achievement for one
whose skill Of hand is known all over the
world"
Gordon dashed down the pen in rage
and thrust his hands in his pockets.
luminous idea seemed to have occurred
to Rudersdorf. and rapid dialogue ensued
between him and his secretary. at the end
OF which the old gentleman. turning to Cor
don, said
admirably as you have played this lit
tie scene, you cannot expect us to take that
exhibition as a convincing proof that you
are not Prince Borgensky. We are used to
this sort of thing and not easily to be de-
ceived. At the same time, to remove even
the faintest trace Of doubt. we shall BE-
happy to facilitate to the utmost in our
power every means Of Immediately proving
your identity. If there is any reliable per
son with whom you wish to communi-
cate"-
You shan't have line of writing from
me-" said Gordon; mot scrap that can be
twisted into snare to serve your purpose"
I'm that case relying on the evidence be-
fore us and the perfect honesty of our con-
frere, Barry Kavanagh, we have only to
complete formalities and remove you to
Russia. where you will be dealt with in &C.
cordance with the pleasure Of the car"
"As you please"
At sign from the secretary, Rudersdorf
again took up the paper. which he this time
read through without interruption. Com
ing to the end, he nodded to the guard at
the door. who at once stepped forward and
laid hands upon Gordon. He made no re-
sistance, and without q word passed out Of
the cabin. apparently too absorbed in
thought to take heed of immediate circum-
stances
made a movement to follow him, but
Rudersdorf, who had risen and now stood
BY the door. interposed.
I'VE have not done with you yet" he
said sternly. "Sit down there"
seated myself in the chair he pushed to-
ward me.
For few minutes he and the old gentle
man conversed In a jargon that could not
understand. Then with the same brusque
manner he addressed me again.
You don't feign ignorance, SUPPOSED"
he continued rudely. You understand
Russian!"
mot such Russian as you two have been
epeaking together" replied. speaking. as
ahabitually did, in French.
"Oh. II you understand French, we can get
On" said he in that language Now. then.
your name is Aura Soltikoff"
II never heard the name"
"Ahl and you were not born ut Kiel" he
said, glancing at o paper.
mo"
"And of course you haven't got any pa
No"
1.-THE same old game" he muttered, with
a shrug, glancing at the old gentleman.
And also, Of course, you have not been
living for nearly year under the same roof
with Prince Borgensky!"
ayes, l have" replied, with pride.
"Oh, comet It's something to get that
admission out Of you. Well, having lived
with him SO long, you may happen to have
heard something about Siberian"
who's going to Siberian" asked in as
bold a tone as I could assume. my heart
QuAklIlS ~ Tue nluC.
"Who is going" he echoed slowly. You
are II you're not prudent"
He gave time for this threat to sink into
my mind by speaking to his secretary.
"Now them" he went on. las you value
your life answer me this truly Who is the
man who has just left this cabln"
made 10 reply. The old gentleman,
with most urbane smile, interviewed.
Mod - l.
and act has raised doubt-a very trifing
doubt-whether we have captured the real
Prince Borgensky or not. OF course II he
Is not the prince we dare not take either
him or mademoiselle from the country.
Both will be sent ON shore at once If that Is
proved. Mademoiselle will see that it can
do her no harm, but be to her great advan-
tage to answer the question"