The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-11-10
/ v.


Although Elena had obtained her
mothers permission to attempt a re-
Cancellation with her aunt Elena, the
ue the search for Garrett Owen, it was
with some trepidation that she de-
scended from her sledge and obtained
admittance to the magnificent house of
the Princess in st. Petersburg.
Two months had elapsed since Gar
rett Owens mysterious arrest, and even
the American Ambassador had been
unable to find him. They had obtain
ed news of him three times, but each
time he had been secretly removed and
all trace lost
Elena shivered a little even in her
sables as she waited in the glorious
room, where everything spoke of rich
es and power and the protection OF
the mighty. She wondered how she
would begin if the Princess received
her coldly.
Her doubts were soon put at rest, for
in a rustic of silks her aunt entered
and clasping Elena close in her arms,
the Princess began to weep softly, her
tears dropping over the girls cheeks.
20, my little Elena My pretty god
daughter What happy chance brings
you under my roof and into arms
which have ached these many years
to clasp you? o, my child-the baby OF
the dearest sister in the world! Have
you ever known how tenderly we have
always loved you? We knew that you
would come to us some day, Vladimir
and l. o, you should know my dear
husband Elena! He is such fine man
and so fond of you!"
Elena was so touched by this kind
ness that she flung her arms around
her aunt's neck and burst into tears.
How ungrateful we have been, and
how we have misunderstood you" she
sobbed. 80, how can you forgive the
return of all your lovely presents to
me and my mothers coldness?"
II have nothing to forgive, my dar-
ling" cried the Princess gayly, though
tears stood on her eyelashes. MY sis
ter has the best heart in the world,
and it was only because she loves our
dear Poland so intensely that she could
not pardon my husbands honor from
the Tar. But, tell me, did none of you
ever suspect that a true-hearted Pole
so close to our people Tar might in
fluence his great heart to be even MOI
generous to our people? Did you never
suspect when a ukase was proclaimed
removing taxes and renting cruel re
strictions that they might have been
somewhat due to me? But | have no
wish to claim any credit for placing
our national trials before our beautiful
and tender-hearted Tzarina and
through her to the Tar. Their kind
ness will go on long after 1 am dead
and buried, for they are noble rulers.
But, tell me, what kind Providence
brings you here! My precious Elena!"
Still holding her hand, the Princess
listened in silence to Elena's story. Oc-
casionally she frowned and once pass
ed her hand across her brow.
TT is very difficult" she murmured.
TT seems grave, because they have
removed him so many times. 1t almost
suggests spite. They have released
Josef, yet hold NJ. Owen, / have met
him. A handsome man, with brave eyes
and a true heart. My husband only
last week spoke to me about selecting
an American for the engineering prob
lens of the Volga, and the name of
Garrett owen was on the list he made
out. Think carefully now. Could this
Polinsh have any secret reason for
wishing to prevent M. owen from be-
ing tried? Does he wish him kept out
OF the way?
Elena bent her head in deep thought.
mo, / cannot think that he does"
'He was not in love with you, was
he?"
I'm love with me? That spy!" cried
Elena with whitening nostrils.
Her aunt laughed gently and contin-
ued patting her hand. well, we must
set about pulling wires to get him re-
leased. II we can only find him Vladi-
mir can have him set free"
II heard this morning that there were
some new prisoners in the fortress of
st. Peter and Paul. Can you get me
a permit 10 go there?" asked Elena.
II have a plant" cried the Princess.
II have promised 10 take an American
lady to see some Of the sights Of ST
Petersburg this afternoon. That Will
give US an excuse 10 speak English and
we Will go 10 the fortress"
To their dismay when they reached
the fortress II was too late for their
permit 10 be used. They were able 10
see the cathedral but the door OF the
fortress was closed.
Elena nearly tainted from disappOint-
ment. The Princess was furious. but
che could DO nothing. The command
ant was not there and the man was
stupid The American lady was al on
Ore ~ the thought that "a couniryfnan
might be behind those bars. iangulnh-
lnE ip prison out ~ spite,
"iiave you no signal BY which you
could call himY" she cried,
Suddenly Elena started,