The Brunswick times. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 188?-1900, 1897-04-18

ing over her. "Will you be my wifeP'
"Never," she answered so emphatically
that those near by turned to look at her.
''We go the same way" he said, with a
ferocious smile, and placed himself at her
side 81 have business with the governor. -
They walked together, he threatening as
usual, she in silence, wondering why Fec
dor did not appear and fearing he would.
When they reached the governors study,
he entered, and she, little to his appre
hensive annoyance, followed him in.
General Gedeonoff doomed up at his
official desk Maria sat near him.
"Christ is risen!' acclaimed Boris.
"He is risen!'' echoed the general, con
forming to the universal custom of the
day, but growing as an appendix. "And
Judas troubles are about to begin"
Here, your excellence, is the envelope
intrusted to my care" Boris reported,
drawing it and folded paper together
| from his pocket "And here is warrant
for your excellency's signature, authoriz-
ing the arrest of nihilist conspirator -
"His name?"
"Feodor Danilov.''
"NO, no, your excellency! 1t is false
charged cried Natalia in terror, clasping
her hands inploringly.
The old governor waved her aside, and
looking piercingly at the accuser said in a
tone of curious and surprised interest:
$50 you have had the courage to attempt
| winding me about your finger? lam not
aware that any one has done that yet and
fancy l would not like it, particularly to
be wound around a finger SO dirty as yours
always is
81 never said anything of the sort. l
swear that l did not She has been lying
about me. :" And he pointed at Natalia.
''She has not until just now said a
word ="
II heard you," interpolated Maria
"Your excellency is mistaken stam-
mered Boris, beginning to feel frightened
''NO. She is not, miscreantr Numbered
the general. 81 myself heard you. Your
words were written down as you uttered
them. Open that envelope which you saw
sealed minute after you left Natalia and
have had ever since. Read. -
Boris was so terrified that he did not
even notice several persons entering the
room behind him. His trembling fingers
tore open the envelope, and he hastily
scanned the sheet it inclosed. at is witch
craft!" he shrieked. "Mercyl Have
mercy!'' and dropped upon his knees.
ooh, yesl The merciful deserve mercy, -
doomed the general deliberately. 81 shall
not have you knouted, and that is conced-
ing more than you deserve. But 1 think
you will go to Siberia. Search him!''
Two men sprang forward and seized
Boris. He howled, but ventured no resist
ance. From one of his pockets they drag
ged tract.
General Gedeonoff looked it over and
rumbled: Hail, Brutusp A fine title;
nihilistic literature if there ever was any
caught with it in possession. Now, Boris,
Pm sure you'll go to Siberia
The wretched schemer was overwhelmed.
1t would do him no good to explain that
he meant to slip rat damning little sheet
into FeodOr's pocket to insure his convic-
ton. The question would still remain
where he got it, and he feared his pur-
pose would not be approved. Then that
witchcraft required to his memory and
crushed him. He wept in despair, for he
knew himself doomed.
But one pleaded for him. Natalia knelt
before the governor and prayed. ooh,
your excellencyl He will repent and sin
no more Pardon him this timet'
mo, 4" answered the old man sternly
He who betrays justice and plots to ruin
another by perjury is even a more infa-
nous wretch than nihilist. This time l
shall be sure of sending to Siberia one who
belongs there Take him away. THERE
Now he is gone, don't talk about him any
more. Let me get the taste of him out of
my mind. Come in, Vladimir, and stand
there beside Maria. And you, Natalia,
put yourself by your lover, Feodor, on this
side, that may have you all paired before
me. And now, my children, as governor,
friend and father, give to your union
official sanction, earnest congratulations
and paternal blessing"