Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1899-12-23

door, sat down ana, AFTER IoOK1ng al
his neighbor with flashing eyes, wrap
ped a handkerchief around his bleeding
wrist.
The young woman was weak with
fright. This man had, Of course, seen
her counting her gold and had come
to rob and kill her. He was gazing
at her fixedly with heav1ng chest and
distorted face. ready, doubtless. to
spring upon her.
Madame he said abruptly, do not
be afraid She made NO reply; inca
pable of opening her lips, she heard
her heart beat and her ears hum. 7
am not criminal, madame he added.
again she did not speak, but in a
quick movement which she made her
knees separated. letting her money
roll to the floor like water from rain
spout.
''The man looked at the stream OF
golden pieces with surprise, and imme-
diately stopped to pick them UP. Ter
rifed, the countess jumped to her feet
dropping all of her money, and rushed
to the door to throw herself from thu
train. But her companion, guessing
her purpose, sprang forward, seized her
in his arms and forced her into a seat.
Holding her wrists he exclaimed,
Listen to me, madame. I am no rob
Der: to prove it / will pick up your
money and return 1t to you But | am
a lost a dead man if you do not aid me
to pass the frontier cannot tell you
more. In one hour we shall be at the
last Russian station. In twenty min
utes more we shall reach the limits of
the Empire. If you do not help me,
am lost. Madame l swear to you
have neither killed nor robbed nor
done anything dishonorable. More
cannot tell
Dropping upon his knees he pick
ed up the money under the seats even
searching for the pieces that had roll
ed away Then when the leather bag
was again filled he handed it. to his
neighbor without word, and took a
seat in another corner of the COM
partment.
Neither of them stirred. She was
motionless and mute, still faint with
fright, though gradually gaining cour-
age. AS for him, not gesture, not
movement did he make; he sat erect,
with staring eyes, and face pale as
death. From time to time she gave
him hasty glance, then quickly look
ed away He was about thirty years
old, very handsome, and had every APP
pearance of being a gentleman.
"The train rushed on through the
darkness, sending its shrill whistle out
into the night, going slower at time
and then reSuming its former swift.
ness. But suddenly the engine lessen
ed it's speed, whistled several times anG
finally stopped.
Ivan appeared at the door for o.
ders The countess glanced at b
strange compa MON once more. and th>4
said to her servant in a trembii1,t
voice: Ivan, you are to return to tic
count haYa no further need for yc
The astounded fellow opened Wide
his big eyes and stammered: But
my Lady"
No, you are not to come she said.
I have changed my mind, and wish you
to remain in Russia Wait, here is the
money for your journey. Give me your
hat and coat
The old valet, accustomed to the
sudden whims and imperious caprices
Of masters, though bewildered, obeyed
without word. then he withdrew, his
eyes filled with tears.
'"The train started, hCrrying on to
the frontier. The Countess Marie at
last spoke to her neighbor: These
things are for you, monsieur; you are
my servant, Ivan. make but one con-
dition regarding what am about to
do. It is that you will not speak to