The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-12-04
By AShley Towne

He stared at her. In his eyes she
was as beautiful even as Frances Cor
don, but his danger made him think
her tigress seeking to devour him.
Yet he dared not show it.
''Why are you alone?' asked Olga.
You usually have Jansky, the super.
intendent of police, with your"
"Jansky is away. A noted prisoner
has escaped and the superintendent
has gone to retake him.
II heard commotion. I supposed it
was something of that kind. Was it
Russian?"
"Yes-a nihilist."
II hope they will capture him."
"They will! They mustv' said Ne
slerov fiercely.
Olga's eyes were veiled-they did
not betray her thoughts.
"There is much concerning this sys-
TEN that is new to me, and it will take
long for me to learn it all. I am al
ready weary with the little I have
DONE"
"Better leave it alone. 1t is busi-
ness for men, not princesses," said Me-
slerOv.
"The study has made me wakeful.
Bring me some wine.'
He opened a bottle.
ut has puzzled me why you do not
marry" he said, trying to hide his
fear Of her as he poured out a glass of
wine. ,-@%', -.4-s
why should II" she asked. II have
not vet found among the mobiles of
Russia the man would marry"
What sort Of man must he be to
please you, cousin -:
He was sparring for time. Any hour
might bring Jansky back with Denton.
Then he could play his part in safety.
But with Denton at liberty he dared
not act.
"Oh,'' said Olga, Ito please me a man
must be honorable, strong and WISE
He must not be bound by custom, nor
yet must he scorn it. There are ways
in the world we live in there are ways
of being great without being eccentric
and without following the lead Of 9TH
ers. A man whom love must be pa
tlent and must not use his strength
against the weak
A sarcastic smile crossed his lips
"You must look outside of Russia -
he said.
Perhaps" she answered. But you
have not pledged me- Must I drink
aloneT'
His eyes snapped with the remem-
brance that Jansky and Itzig had been
drugged- But she was so handsome. so
smiling, that no sign of evil intent was
in her face
From your hand, - he answered. With
a show Of sallantry.
She poured him q glass of wine, and
they drank For moment he waited.
as If half expecting to fall asleep But
the wine had NO ill effect, and they
chatted on But Neslerov grew more
impatient as the might wore on Why
did this girl persist in staying up and
talking to hime What was in her
nlinds Was there another plot? he
paced to and fro in the room as he
spoke. When his back was turned, she
made quick movement and dropped
something into the wine bottle,
but into the bottle Of liquor from which
Neslerov drank.
II think will retire." said the prin.
cess. 1t is late. and perhaps I can
sleep now"
II hope you will find rest he said.
She went out. Neslerov watched he1
with dark, saturnine face. What did
she mean? He poured out a liberal
dose Of liquor. The wine was too weak
for him. He needed something tC
steady his shaken nerves. He drank
it. In five inmates he was staring
blankly at himself in a glass.
"What is this-this feeling?" he
muttered. "That she devil! am poi.
soned! What trick is this? Help
Guard! Lieutenant Of the guard!'
The young officer heard, and ran to
him. -.
"Your >excellency called" he said.
''Yes-quick-I am poisoned-I am
drowsy-bring Princess Olga-quick"
The lieutenant, wild with apprehen
slOu, TuSueu u OISd TOOm.
His excellency the governor wants
your he painted. Gle is poisoned"
'.He is not poisoned" answered Olga
calmly. HE is merely going to sleep
l want you to stay away from him
and I want you to keep quiet" i"
The officer stared.
what do you mean? He is i'll! The
governor called me and sent for you"
II am going to him, but you must
not.'' .,.s ~, =.
But must, 1t is my dutyv'
"Whom do you obeyY
"Neslerov, governor of Tomsk.''
'Then from this moment you obey
me. Read this!" .>."... 50 !
She placed before him the same pa
per she had shown Dermsky, his fellow
officer. His eyes started from his head
''The seal Of the czar!' he cried, ani
he, like Dermsky, fell to his knees. 81
obey-command me!' he exclaimed.
e"'Remain quiet. did not come t.
| mn,