Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-12-08

in u long, ill-lighted passage which end.
ed at the pOstern door, but 1t was I'M
possible that she should not notice the
large bundle was carrying.
Where are you going at this hour.
Mr.. Heath?" she demanded, and felt,
rather than saw her dark eyes fixed on
me with disdainful look Of inquiry.
! was silent, and wondered whether
1t would be too imprudent to give the
answer that rose to my lips-that l
was not accountable to her for my
conduct.
II see what it is!' she CIR cd, her col
Or rising as she spoke. You are car
ryihg food and clothes to that Nihilist
whom my father has forbidden anyone
to harbor. DO you not think it would
be more becoming in you to set an eX-
ample of obedience to your employer?'
by no MEANS" retortcd, stung by
the girls tone as much as her words.
II am my own master unless when l
am engaged II the work came here to
do; and l do not choose to stand by
and see murder done when l can pre-
vent it,
She started.
You would not dare to say this to
bling with Indignation.
Permit me to say that you are mis-
I taken," l returned. You are at per-
feet liberty to repeat my words when
and where you choose. The forbid
ding of shelter to Il man on such a
night, as this is equivalent to causing
his DEATH
II did not think of that" she said, in
lower tone II thought only of the
/ crimes these men commit, and the
strict orders issued by the Car that no
one is to harbor them. OF course, the
| man must not be allowed to perish at
our gate"
Precisely what l thought. And now,
hope you will excuse me for leaving
you l shall have enough ia do to get
back before the hour for locking the
doors''
The Princess said nothing, but stood
looking at the ground for some Sec
onds. Then she suddenly raised her
eyes and looked me straight in the
face.
You are quite right, Mr.. Heath"
she said, drawing herself up as she
spoke, as if the effort to speak words
which bore some resemblance to an
apology, were too much for her pride.
Il thank you for what you are doing,
and l am sure that, when he has haG
time to consider the matter, my father
will thank you, too.''
This l thought something less than
likely, but made no reply except by
bow, moving at the same time towards
the door.
Watt" she cried, and, without STOP
ping for an answer or looking behind
her, she swiftly disappeared.
l laid my burden on the stone floor
of the corridor and waited. 1 less time
than l would have thought it possible,
considering the distance she had to
traverse, the Princess had returned,
bearing in her arms heavy rug of
skins, such as are used in Russia for
slcdge travelling Without word she
placed it in my arms and vanished.
1t was almost more than could
manage to carry the heavy rug, in ad-
dition to the other articles, through the
snow, but l toiled on, and, after half
an hours struggle with the wind and
snow, had the satisfaction Of stagger-
ing through the door Of the saw-mill
with my burden.
"You have saved my 1ife,' said Won
Mitschka, as he ravenous1y ate some
of the food had brought.
"Pooh! that is an accident" said I.
'The trouble have taken is not much.
But, tell me: Is it really against the
law for anyone to shelter your
Certainly it ISL
"You must be very desperate fell
lows, surely said, with laugh.
'Desperate?" said the stranger, in
voice so gentle that it went straight to
my heart. Il hardly know what you
mean by desperate. If you mean that
the work of regenerating this Cod
abandoned country often seems task
beyond human powers, you are right
If you mean that we are men prepared
to commit murders and other crimes
lightly, you are wrong"
II thought Nihilists and Anarchists
were much the same thing" said I, in
rather a provocative tone, for wished
to force my companion to speak OF the
mysterus organization of which had
heard so much, and Of which knew
so little.
'"There is little wonder at the mis-
conception" said Won Mitschka, still In
the same calm, even tone, "seeing that
the names are so much alike in mean
ing. That is why we have repudiated
the name Of Nihilist. But l am not
prepared to deny that our principles,
our aims, and, to some extent, our
methods, are similar to those of the
Nihilists, whom we have succeeded"
II know very little either about An
archists or Nihilists," said I, land I
confess have good deal Of curiosity
On the subject. Anything you 'care to
tell me shall be glad to learn; but, of
Counsel don't expect you to disclose
any Of the secrets Of your organiza-
tin. In fact, I would rather not know
them"
my friend has not yet told me his
name," said the stranger, softly.
"My name is Raymond Heath. 1 am,
as you know, an Englishman; but I
have been staying at the castle Of Low
ma for some months, planning and SUI
pcrintending the execution Of some
rather extensive alterations at the cas-
tie, which the Prince has undertaken.
My life here is dull enough, as you
NAV imagine All nv news comes to