Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-12-08
CHAPTER I.
The White Fox.

Sliff-likC walls and lofty turretS OF the
castle. portendins Il storm. But it was
not until the sun went down, and the
early winter twilight was changing in
to night that the snowtlakes began to
fall.
l went 10 the window to watch them.
Though it was almost dark. the dull
white of the deSolate plain, for weeks
past shroudeu in snow, was visible for
niles.
AS stood there. saw a sledge come
out from the belt of pines to the west
ward. and approach the castle. 1t was
a shabby vehicle. drawn by a pair of
wretched. tired horses: but it was evil
dent that the visitor considered him.
self a person of some Importance, for
he drove straight up to the principal
entrance.
The coming of Il stranger was an
event at tn eCastlc of Lovna, where
weeks would often pass without the
advent of a visitor: and so tired was
l of my own company that, although it
vas none of my business, l left my
warm room and went down TO the hall
to see what sort of Il person it was
Nuo lltltl Uit1N Stl VIC NiSN AAiASA ~ VI -
sledSc journey in such weather. and
learn what he had come for.
When | entered the hall l found it
empty. except for two figures. One
was the lord of the castle. Prince kro-
penski: the other was the stranger.
They were standing opposite to each
other. 4 few feet apart.
Beside the tall. commanding figure
of bo D,;, ct
seemed slight. almost insignificant
Judging from his slim. we'll made limbs
and spare frame, anyone would have
taken him for man under thirty; and
was SURPRISED to see that his hair was
perfectly white. Yet his face, so far
as | could see it in the freight, was
not that of an old man.
Herr Won MitSchka." the Prince was
saving. with Il sarcastic accent on the
Won Il have not the honor of your
Quaintancc. To what do l owe the
pleasure of this visit"
l was crossing the hall as this was
said: and. to my surprise. the Prince.
as he observed me. made me 4 sign
tnat l should remain. The stranger
took no notice of me whatever.
II have come Il long way, Prince
Sttlu lt W llli t'Al't ihS obJSSe
is to pay a debt
What do you say:
"A debt due from my father to the
late Prince. your father
Prince Kropenski broke into laugh
This is something quite unusual"
he exclaimed. "But if that is your OBJ
Come, Herr Won Mitschka, and let us
toe will
stay the night-in fact, if am not mis-
taken, the weather will constrain you
to be our guest for some days"
perhaps you had better hear what
have to say, Prince. before you offer
me your hospitality"
"Well, business first, as you say,
Heath" said the Prince, glancing at
me. "How much is this debt?'
would it not be better that we
should be alone?" suggested Won
Mitschka.
ION the contrary, I prefer that this
gentleman, who is, for the time being,
a member of my household should be
present." and l noticed that suspi-
cious look crossed the bold features of
the Prince, as if he were not quite sure
of his visitors real intentions.
LII SOu " lSu IL, ACt IL NC ~, SaAu
Won Mitschka; and, turning half
returned.
1.-The debt have come to pay he
resumed, lis not a money debt"
II thought sou interjccted the Prince,
under his breath.
ance"
''Indced?'
1T is as l have said. The Prince,
your father. departed at one time so
far from his usual habit as to lay my
father. though German, ard credit
or. under an obligation. Twas but an
act of simple justice on the part Of the
Prince. yet in the result, it saved my
fathers life. In return, my father held
the large debt which the Prince owed
him as cancelled. and. in addition, he
laid it upon me that, if ever should
have the opportunity, l should perform
for YOU a service similar to that which
had been rendered him. The opportu-
nifty has come. and l am here to dis
charge the Obligation"
IAN this is very fine and romantic.
broke in the Prince. with a snepr,
but | don't see that | am likely 10 DC
a single kopec the richer for it. and 50
] have the less intercS, in the matter"
and lie haughtly turned aside. as if he
Fad already given this man more time
1Ean his affairs deserved.
"Onc moment, Prince. | Will not tax
your patience long. You may no, have
heard that YOU have been appointed,
or are about to be appointed to the
post of military governor of the PROV
ince of NolotZka.'
"WhatI' screamed the Prince. Turn
ing upon him in Il moment. with y
strange mixture Of emotions glowing
in his face. There was pleasure, salts
faction. delight triumph, and, above
and beyond these. Il surprise, all amaze
ment that amounted to awe.
What did YOU say" he said. in II
calmrr voice.
Won Mitschaka repeated his state
inert.
You have just been appointed to
the governorship of N"lnlzk;l. If III"
imperial mnnhnt" la, nD' been signed
to-day II will be signed ,o-mUrl"W. and
YOU may expect II messenger, hrnrin.
the Cars commands, IN II few days
time"
.tuI won wished To hc The first In