Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1897-04-15

demanded, low at her car, while still bend
ing over her. evil you be my wife,
"Never," she answered so emphatically
that those near by turned to look at her.
1--WE 60 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 Eco.
dor did not Gppear and fearing he would.
When they reached the governors study,
he entered, nd she, u little to his appre
hensiye al +anee, followed linn in.
General adeonoT looHed up at his
Of IL de',. Maria sat ntar him
"Christ IS sem detained Boris
ale is ria ~ echoed the general, con
form to the universal custom of the
day, lat eroEling as an appendix. And
judas troubles are about To He@in. -
'Here, 20. excellence, is the envelope
intruetcd to my care" Boris reported,
drawing it and folded paper together
from his pocket "And here is a warrant
for your cxctllcncy's Signature authorz-
ing the arrest of u nihilist couspirator."
His name
"FeOdOr Danilov."
"No, no, your excellencyl 1t is false
chargen' cried Natalia in terror, clasping
her hands implorinsly
The old governor waved her aside, and
looking piercingly at the accuser said in
tone of curious and surprised interest:
$50 you have had the courage to attempt
winding me about your finger? | am not
aware that any one has done that yet and
fancy would not like it, particularly to
be wound around a finger SO dirty as yours
always is
II never said anything Of the sort. I
swear that l did not She has been lying
about me" And he pointed at Natala.
''She has not until just now said
word.
81 heard YOU" interpolated Maria.
"Your excellency is mistaken" STAN
mered Boris, beginning to feel frightened.
"No. She is not, miscreant!' Numbered
the general. Il myself heard you. Your
words We're written down as you uttered
them. Open that envelope which you saw
sealed a minute after you left Natalia and
have had ever since. Read. y
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
craftl'' he shrieked. Mercy! Have
mercyH' and dropped upon his knees
doomed the general deliberately. Il shall
not have you knouted, and that is conced-
ing more than you deserve. But l think
you will go to Siberia. Search him!'
Two men sprang forward and seized
Boris. He howled, but venturcd no resist
ance. From one of his pockets they drag
ged IA tract.
General Gedeonoff looked it over and
rumbled: Hail, Brutusp A fine title;
nihilstic literature if there ever was any;
caught with it in possession. Now, Boris,
I'm sure you II go to Siberia"
The wrctched schemer was overwhelmed.
1t would do him no good to explain that
he meant to slip that 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 excellency! He will repent and sin
no more! Pardon him this tilnel"
"No, answered the old man sternly.
"1lo who lerays justice and plots to ruin
another by perjury is even u more inia-
nous wretch thana nihilist. This time |
shall be sure OF sending to Siberia one who
belongs there. Take him away. There!
Now he is gone, don 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 l may have you all paired before
me. And now, my children, as governor,
friend and father, l give to your union
official sanction, earnest congratulations
and paternal blessing"