Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-12-09

ne, ike DermSky, Iell 10 us hHees'
obey-command me" he exclaimed.
Remain quiet. I did not come to
Tomsk for nothing. This night will
mean much to Russia. Work will be
done that will right terrible wrong.
All you need do is to remain quiet and
10 not attempt to interfere"
81 dare notw he said. You have the
seal of the czar! 1t commands all to
obey you! / obey"
She left him, staring and wondering,
and went to Neslerov. The governor
was dropping. He opened his eyes as
she entered.
your he hissed as he tried to regain
his strength. He would have killed
her.
"Yes, Iw she answered quietly. "You
will sleep. 1t will not be long"
what will you do?" he asked, with
curse.
"AIy work." she answered. 81 shall
release him-Vladimir."
He made a tremendous effort 70 rise
and smite her, but fell with groan to
the floor. Quickly Olga, taking pistol
from her pocket, ran across the hall to
Itzig.
"You! he cried as she entered. You
brought me wine that was drugged,
and my prisoner escaped"
True" said Olga. 'And now the
other You were with Jansky and the
governor when they visited him. You
know where he is"
81 know not" grumbled ltzig.
THAT is false. | heard them speak
Of you to Unsgethop. Will you guide
me to his dungeon? Open the door"
81 cannot The key is with ,Iansky.
1t Is never out of his hands"
"Oh, heavenw cried OLGA. "Have |
made this terrible mistakc:"
"The key Is Jansky's." said ltZiS.
mo one goes to the dungeon save by
his orders"
Break down the door,
Impossible! 1t is heavy oak. l
have no az"
She turned from him and fled to the
stairs.
Lieutenant"
The young officer, with visions Of
mines and the knout and wondering
where this complication would end.
answered her.
Come here" she said. 81 want this
door opened"
He looked at the door and at ItZig.
"Jansky has the key, and he is gone
said Itzig.
1--WE must open it, If the princess
says So" said the officer.
what! You disloyal to Neslerov:'
The officer smiled and looked at Olga.
1--WE must take off the hinges" he
said. 81 will get the tools"
He was gone but a moment and
when he returned he attacked the
screws that held the great iron hinges.
81 will alarm the governor!" cried It.
zig. leaping upon him.
"Stand back! Keep your hands off"
ordered Olga, aiming her revolver at
him. 81 have commanded. and l will
be obeyed!"
"You have no authority" said Itzig.
covering before the pistol.
II have this"
She showed him the paper. His face
grew white. and he sank shiverinG to
the floor.
"The seal of the czar! Oh. princess,
did not know! obey! Twill do any
thingw
Help open the door"
The hinges were soon off and the
door was opened. The iron gate re-
sisted the united efforts Of the two, bur
they sawed out the lock.
"Take the lanternw commanded the
princess.
Trembling in every fiber. Itzig light
ed lantern.
Lead the way to the dungeon where
Vladimir Is concealed"
81 obey"
"And will guard you. princess" )"
said the officer.
Thus they descended the stairs, 1tzig
leading with the lantern, Olga follow
ing and the officer close behind her
ready to protect her. Potent was the
seal Of the czar.
They found the giant blacksmith In
his chains. The hunger he felt had not
vet sapped his strength. The key the
princess had take from its peg soon
released him.
Gomez she said.
"But who are you, and what does
| this mean? he demanded.
"Come! We have no time to waste
with words. Tonight you have the
work of your life to do. Come"
The four ascended, and Itzig extin-
ruished his lantern. The eyes Of Vlad-
| imir blinked MS he entered the great
hall, which was kept lighted all night.
"You are Vladimir" said the prin-
cess. II am Olga Of the Neslerovs. Do
you know the story of the picture"
"The little picture" cried Vladimir
eagerly-"the little one that Papa Paul
Il
poff said he found? Yes; he told 1t to
me and to the American one day In the
hut ut Tivoloffsky."
"Then you know the truth. The
American was to 60 to Perm and start
the investigation"
Eyes, but he was brought here"
'T released him last night He went
from here to Tivoloffsky to bring Papa
Paulpoff to tell his story before the
governor general, who has not yet ar
rived. Jansky, the superintendent OF
police. and Unsgethop have gone te
fetch him. They will kill him; they
will not risk taking him alive. 1t IL
your duty to ride to Tivoloffsky-ride