Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-07-27
FAt(EE G()QMA&RR
OF MOSCOW
Bx xSYhvANUS COBB, JE1.


"And now, sir, be sure that you
answer me directly and truly. Do
you know a young gunmaker named
Ruric Nevel?"
The fellow started with a percep-
tible quake as this question was
asked, but he seemed to have been
prepared for it, for his answer was
direct.
"No, sir; | 60 not.'
cha! Beware! Think well be-
fore you speak,"
"If you mean the man who fought
the duel with the Count Damonoff,
then | have heard of him, but do
not know that | ever saw him."
"Then you are sure of this Z"
"Of course am"
"Frederic Viska!"
The second prisoner DOW came
forward. He was few years youn-
ger than his companion, though
somewhat larger and evidently more
bold. Totnla was conducted out of
the apartment as Viska came for
ward.
"You, too, have been in the CON-
pany of this priest. Savotano, have
you not?" the monk asked.
T know him." the fellow replied,
with slight touch Of defiance in his
tone. lie had not surely looked
about him to see those strange con-
trivances by which he was surround
ed. or he would not have ventured
-A'h a tone.
4ind you have been some in his
~ompany?"
"rerhaps so.'
every we'll. And, now, do you
not also know Ruric Newell"
81 have seen him, too, SIR.
"And now can you tell me where
he is at this present timer"
No." was the answer, short and
quiisek: , - ,o,, ,ouo onn NO.
gard for your own welfare, you will
answer me truly. Where is Ruric
Newell"
Il tell you L know nothing about
him-nothing at ALL"
"And of this you are sure"
"Who are you that assume to
question me thus? know you no" "
Visl;a spoke this in tone of vir-
tuous Indignation, probably think
ing that that turn might serve him.
ave will let you into the secret
by and BY" the monk returned,
with peculiar shake of the head.
"But ! will ask YOU once more, do
you know where Newell is?"
"No!"
"You need not speak quite so
loud. We hear easily"
"Then don't ask me impertinenl
questions" retorted the prisoner.
Vladimir started half way up, and
his fists were clinched, but the quick
flush passed from his face, and he
sat back again.
"Look ye," he said as soon as he
was sure his anger would not mani
fest itself, "were I not sure that you
know what | ask l would not ques-
ton you thus. And now, once moro
I ask you, will you give me some
clew to the whereabouts of Ruric
Newell"
"I'll answer you once more. |
know nothing about him. You must
not think that this dark place and
you men all dressed in black can
fright men into telling a lie as it
might a child"
At this point Vladimir turned to
one of his men, one Of those who
helped bring the prisoners in, and
said:
"You know this to be the man ?"
'Yes, my master"
"And you have seen him in pri-
vate confab with the humpbacked
priest?"
81 have"
"And the other things you told
me are true?"
s'They are, master"
"Then let down those interpret
ers."
At this command two CT the at
tendants moved to the back side of
the room, where they unlocked a
stout chain from the wall, and as
they allowed it to slide through
their hands a curious piece of ma
chinery descended directly in front
of the table. 1t consisted of stout
bar of iron which was suspended
midway upon the chain and there
rested parallel with the ceiling. Up
on each end of this bar were straps
of iron armed with springs and
screws. At a motion from the
| LII loo1, III