The San Francisco call., 1896-01-26

o light. The Count is now in the East
and the St. Louis papers are full of sensa-
tional stories regarding the mans person
tality.
The latest contribution to the fund of
information concerning this noble enigma
is furnished by Baron Ivan Malchin, late
of the Hussars IN the Russian army and
q famous swordsman, at present residing
in this City.
81 knew Savin WE'LL" said Baron NAL
chin yesterday, land l consider him the
greatest and most daring adventurer at
present living. All Russia was ringing
with his escapades in the '80's. He was
big, strong, handsome, spent money with
both hands, was a desperate gambler, duel
ist, Lothario and general high-roller; all
the women were in love with him and he
stopped at nothing to satisfy a moments
caprice.
"Savin belonged to a good family and
was, when he first appeared IN prominence
member of the Cars bodyguard, the
crack regiment OF the empire. But his
course toward disgrace was rapid.
Among his escapades l recollect that
he imported French charmer from Paris
and with her opened a fashionable gam
ing-house in st. Petersburg. No small
stakes were tolerated, and the woman
feeced tho jeunesse doree with utter
heartlessness. One young French attache
lost fortune at the house, and created a
sensation by shooting himself at the door
of the Partisan Delilah. This caused
such scandal that the police could not
overlook it. The woman was arrested and
sent to Siberia, but Sayin, with his usual
good luck, and, doubtless, by means of in
huential friends, escaped the tolls that
time.
Another sensational scandal, which was
the gossip of all Russia, occurred at the
celebrated racetrack at Zarkoe Selo.
Savin had been plunging heavily, and
finally placed all he could command on a
certain horse. The story current was to
the effect that before the horses went to
the post the Count approached the jockey
who was to ride the animal of his choice,
and, drawing pistol told him he could
choose between death or a fortune. The
jockey, it is said, rode literally for his life,
and landed his horse winner by several
lengths, clearing for Savin sum esti-
mated at $50 900.
"Savin made and lost fortunes very
easily in those days. When his luck
finally turned, he disappeared from st.
Petersburg and with him went the pretty
wife of one Mohrenheim, a rich banker.
1t was said that she was infatuated with
Savin, and before their departure laid her
dainty hands on jeWelry, securities, cash
and all the valuables in her reach. The
police were put on the trail of the fleeing
pair, who travelled all over Europe under
various names, victimizing people on all
sides. In spite of Savins incurable tickle
ness in regard to women his companion
remained true to him till the end, and
when he was at last run to earth she
contrlved to end her life with poison rather
than betray her betrayer.
Eyes, Sayin was arrested at last, but
even that did not end his wild career. 1t
was in Germany that the hand of the law
was laid upon him, but he managed to
escape while in transit to Russia You
see, be was big, strong man, and while
on the train contrived TO attack and rem
der senseless his guard. He had been
heavily shackled, but broke the chains
from his wrists and opening the door OF
the compartment in which he was travel
ing plunged out into the wild country and
liberty.
"The train was stopped and the ground
retraced. The spot where Savin s desperate
leap took place was found through the dis
covery of pool of blood, showing that
the adventurer had not escaped without in
jury. AS soon as possible posse of police
was on his track. Bloodhounds were put
on the trail, but friendly stream of water
put stop to that method of pursuit.
"For long time Savin renamed at large,
although the country was secured far and
near for him. It was whispered hat he
had every woman in the country side as an
almost unsolicited ally, and that they had