Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-10-09

aid the governor, with a grim smile.
Were I, 1 would begin an open inves-
hgation at once. But, you understand,
he accuser was a prince and the gov
.rnor of Tomsk, and the minister Of
Justice has set the seal of his approval
IN the thing. 1t Is a delicate matter
Tor me to reopen. But I promise you
his: I will guardedly look into the
hing, and IL I see any chance for doubt
FOR your sake I will do what 1 can 20
help the Paulpoffs."
"Thank you. That is an we can ask"
,aid Mr.. Gordon. 1--WE may SEQ them
It Tomsk. I may say 10 them that
-FOUR excellency Is working to know the
truth"
"You may"
The interview ended, and Mr.. Gordon
and Frances continued their journey.
The first person they saw when they
entered the train was NeSlerov. The
mark made by Frances bullet was
still there. but he had not, to all ap-
pearances, been seriously injured. He
looked curious1y at the two travellers,
Is If wondering when the outbreak of
wrath from Gordon would come. But
hat gentleman walked up to him and
aeld out his hand.
How do you do, your exceilency"
he said. ave are going to Tomsk to-
yether, 1t seems"
Neslerov was almost stunned, but he
.ook the hand. Was it possible that
Frances had not told her father Of the
Iceno in P~aulpoff's cottage?
1t was so, and Frances had her w
,easons. She loved the liberty she had
Tor years been permitted to enjoy. But
she knew that II dangers and narrow
escapes came to her fathers ears her
liberty would soon come to an end.
1t was a long journey, and a weary
,ne as well. Day after day they passed
through the same scenes, crossed riv-
FRS on bridges that had been built by
Jack Denton, Frances old playmate,
and the strong structures perhaps caus-
ed her to think Of the hardworking
young man who built them and was
now planning a very large and excel
lent bridge across the Obi. But what
sver was in Frances mind did not find
expression through her lips, for her ia
her and Neslerov smoked n chatted
Ind played cards with two officers go
, ng to garrisons on the border.
Frances said nothing more about the
prince, for in the place to which they
were going he was supreme, n to in
yolve her father with him in a quarrel
would have been to invite q disaster
I similar to that which had overtaken
the Paulpoffs.
Day after day Frances leaned her
head against the glass window and
watched the fitting scenes. At last
they reached the Irish and crossed the
border into that province, which was al
U most as much Neslerov's own as though
be were O king.
I There were but few passengers by
! that time, for the road had not been
finished, and the train must stop at the
! Obi. Frances, half dreaming. lay back,
: looking at the great expanse Of tundra,
; the new villages s%pringing up, the old
u huts that were now deserted and the
u waste Of railway supplies along the
u track.
u The prince had asked her father to GO
into another car and smoke. This left
her alone, and she closed her eyes and
doZed.
" She woke up with a start. A hand
was on her shoulder. She saw Nesle'
pov bending over her. A smile Of tri
u umph was on his face. Frightened
g she glanced out Of the window. The
car was still. She locked for~ward-the
rest Of the train had one on.
u what has happened?" she cried
leaping to her feet. "Where is the
l train? Where is my father?'
speeding toward the Obi, my dear
said Neslerov. Unfortunately, at thi.
point the couplings between this cal
and the next were broken, and the 9th
II eers of the train, not missing you OF
me-for had just come In with a cup
n IF coffee for you-left us and went On
We are in q wild place, surrounded by
various tribes of the remarkable col
ection of savages over whom l am
Governor. But | am governor, n IL
y you will obey me l promise that you
n will reach Tonsk in safety"
r. Frances leaned back weakly and
t. stared.
MY father gomez she cried, and as
she looked out at the savage faces that
IS passed and looked at the car In wonder
II she shuddered.
II unfortunately, your father was in g
# forward car. II was with his consent
n | came to you with coffee. Fear moth
ing. however, for, though We are in
b wild region, l am governor and will
protect you. l love you, and no harm
=. shall come to you-if you obey me-"
TO BE CONTINUED.