Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-04-10

demanded, low at her car, while still bend ing over her, Will you De my wife?'
 Never, J she answered so cmphatically that those near by turned to look at her
 '.We go the same way, :" he said with ferocious smile, and placed himself at her side 'I have business with the governor. J
 They walked together, he threatening as usual, she in silence, wondering why Eco dor did not appear and fearing he would. When they reached tho governors study, he entered, and she, q little to his appre- hensiyo annoyance followed him in.
 General GcdeonoG leomed 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 growling 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 q warrant for your excellency's signature, authoriz- ing the arrest of nihilist conspirator. ,
 His names'
 "Feodor Danilov.
 "No, no, your excellcncyi It is false charger' cried Natalia in terror clasping her hands imploringly
 The old governor waved her aside, and looking piercingly at the accuser said in q tone of curious and surprised interest: ''So you have had the courage te attempt winding me about your finger2 l am not aware that any ono has done that yet and fancy 1 would not like it, particularly to be wound around q finger so dirty as yours always is. D
 q never said anything of the sort. swear that did not She has been lying about lnc D And he pointed at Natalia.
 ''She has not until just now said Q word ?
 "I heard you, interpolatcd Maria.
 'tYour cxcellency is mistaken, stam- mcred Boris, beginning to feel frightened.
 'sNo. She is not, miscrcant!i' thundered the general ''I myself heard you. Your words were written down as you uttered them. Open that envelope which you saw scaled 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 incloscd. It is witch craft!' he shricked. Mercy Have mercy!' and dropped upon his knees.
 "Oh, yes! The mcrciful deserve mercy, :" boomcd the general deliberately. Il shall not have you knouted, and that is conceal ing more than you deserve. But l think you will go to Siberia search himl"
 Two men sprang forward and seized Boris He howled, but venturcd no resist ance From one of his pockets they drag ged a tract.
 General Gedeonoff looked it over and rumbled: s' Hail, Brutusl' A fine title; nihilistic literature if there ever was any; caught with it in possession. Now, Boris, I'm sure you'll go to Siberia.
 The wretchcd schcmcr was overwhelmed It would do him no good to explain that he meant to slip that damning little sheet into Feodors pocket to insure his eonyie- tion. The question would still remain where he got it. and he feared his pur- pose would not be approved. Then that witeheraft recurred to his memory and crushed him. He wcpt in despair, for he knew himself doomed.
 But one pleaded for him. Natalia knelt before the governor and prayed. Oh, your cxcellency! He will repent and sin no more! Pardon him this timei"
 No, " answered the old man sternly. He who betrays justice and plots to ruin another by perjury is even q more mia nous wretch than 2. nihilst. This time l shall le sure of sending to Siberia one who belongs there, Take him away Thcrcl Now he is gone, don't talk about him any more. Let Ilic get the taste of him out of ,,, ,,;,,,I t-c,no lFIaaifY.f..- stD nd there beside Maria And you. Natalia, put yourself by your lever, Fcodor, on this side, that 1 may have yon all paired before me And now, m. children, as governor, friend and father, 1 give to your union official sanction, earnest congratulations and raternal blessing. :"