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


Mcndelejeff to these shores is
still a matter of recent his
tory; to most people but a
proof of the safety enjoyed
- by all nations, without dis
elimination, under the shadow
OF the British flag; to myself
and few others an anxious nightmare
in which we prevented as if by a mir
aclc the attack of the Nihilists on the
august person of his imperial highness.
on the afternoon of April 25 sat in
my chambers putting the final touches
to a draft of the route which was to be
taken by the royal visitor. The prince
was TO arrive at Portsmouth in his
yacht in the carly morning of the Goth,
to land incognito, and TO cntrain at
once in the special" that would be
waiting TO convey him to London. on
the journey the train was to halt at
Crawford, a small station, for an hour,
while the prince breakfasted in the
open air, this being his usual custom
while travelling in Russia. He was then
to proceed to Waterloo, being met there
by several members of the English
royal family. Such was the programme
arranged by the foreign office, and 1
was the official intrusted with the
supervision of the arrangements and
held responsible for Prince Sergius'
safety, a post that promised to be
little of a sinecure.
/ had finished annotating the draft
and was stretching out my hand for a
cigarette, when the page entered and
said that lady was waiting below ana
insisted on seeing me.
In my capacity of chief of the secret
service / have many unconventional
visitors, but on this occasion I felt
some annoyance, for I was very busy.
Cant she call again " began, when
the lady herself appeared in the door,
way and dissipated the text of my re-
monstrancc.
She was IL stylish. well-dressed girl
Of nineteen, with clustering curls Of
dark brown hair peeping out from be-
meath her picture hat. and radiant vio-
let eyes, which looked pleadingly to-
ward me.
My chagrin vanished with the pa
thetic little smile on her face, and l
found myself shutting the door and
placing chair for the fair stranger.
She sat down and played nervously
with her gold muff chain while muster
ing up courage to speak. you will
forgive me for interrupting you. sir,
when tell you that my errand is very
closely connected with the safety OF
his imperial highness, Prince Sergius
Mendelejeff," she said, after a few min
utes had elapsed.
1t is part of my profession not to
betray surprise at anything. there
fore remained outwardly calm before
my desk and nodded my head.
Indeed" ] remarked.
My name is Muriel Clough-you
know Capt. Clough, l suppose" she
continued.
The officer who has been appointed
to the Princes suite during his visit to
England?"
I signiiied my assent.
lie is my stepbrother 1t is for his
sake that have come here today--for
his sake and that of the family honor.
] know nothing definite, you under
stand, but / fear the danger all the
more for its obscurity.
He has fallen under the spell of
Princess Olga Skobensky. a Nihilist
refugee in London, who is as beautiful
as she is cruel and unscrupulous Ny
brother is merely wax in her hands,
and from certain hints that he has let
fall ] feel convinced that she is urging
him to attempt, or. at all events, con-
nive at, the murder of Prince Sergus
during his visit to England, n crime
for which his appointment offers such
fatal facilities. Oh, sir"