The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-02-05

she filled the gold case also. We
chatted on Indifferent topics for some
time, and then took my leave, having
Just said enough TO Princess Olga to
show that was on my guard against
her
After leaving Princess Olga's house
had just time for dinner and to take
hanson cab to Waterloo. Here l
Joined the company who were 90 pro-
coed by a special train to meet Prince
Sergius. They included the Russian
ambassador with several of his at
taches. fifteen detectives and officials
of the secret service, and several Eng
lish officers, among whom was Captain
Rupert Clough.
During our journey down took an
opportunity of rallying Clough on his
evidently low spirits.
"My word, Fraser he replied Bit
terly, II have enough to make me
miserable. l see no alternative be-
tween crime and dishonor. and blow
ing my brains out. The latter appears
the more enviable course to pursue"
He gave a hollow laugh and stared
mOodily out of the window of the
saloon.
Come, come" I said, don't let
yourself get into this morbid state of
mind. If you tell me your troubles,
perhaps I can see a way out of them"
But he only shook his head and I
smoked on in silence until our arrival
at Portsmouth.
Prince Sergius Mendelejcif landed
at the pier at $50 on the following
morning, where We were waiting to
receive him.
His imperial highness is of mddle-
height, rk-complexioned. with clear
well cut features, and n heavy black
beard and mustache. On this occasion
he wore n blue undress uniform and
seemed much pleased with his infor-
NAL reception. I was included - the
presentations that We're made to him,
and had the honor of leading the way
to the special" which began to move
from the platform as soon as the last
of the party had entered the train.
The railway arrangements were per-
fectly carried out. and we reached our
one stopping place without a hitch.
Crawford is very picturesque; the lit
tie platform. with its wooden shed. is
stations, and the stolid villagers be-
trayed no inquisitive interest in the
arrival of the royal train. Lord Sell
ven's park is just opposite the rail-
way station here, under the spread
ing oak trees, his lordships servants
had prepared sumptuous breakfast
for the prince and company, to which
we all did justice. with appetites
whetted by the fresh morning air.
When the prince had finished eating
the company arose and, dispensing into
groups. strolled about on the gram
sward, chatting gayly.
l was speaking to Captain Clough
when Prince Sergius. accompanied by
the Russian ambassador. approached
us. Talk without smoke. gentlemen.
is like a service without music--unsat-
isfactory.'' he remarked. "Will you
have a cigarette"
He opened his case to hand il to me
and then burst out laughing. 1t was
empty.
II could have sworn Paul filled It for
me this morning; however, | must be
abstemious for a little,' he said.
Immediately the ambassador and I
presented our cases
His imperial highness chose a cigar
ette from each, Il will smoke the am
bassador's first, and then yours, Sir
George" and nodding his thanks he
sauntered off with his companion.
Have a cigarette, and act up to the
princes MAXIM" said Clough. / helped
myself from his case, and reciprocated