Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-12-31

dose OF liquor The wine was too weak
for him Ee needed something to
steady his shaken nerves. He drank
ii. In five minutes he was staring
blankly ut himself in n glass
"What is this-this fecling" he
muttcred. That she devil. am pol
soned! What trick is this? Help!
Guard. Lieutenant OF the guardr'
| The young officer heard, and ran to
him.
Your excellency called" he said.
"Yes-quick-l am poisoned-I a'a
drowsy-bring Princess Olga-quicl!'
The lieutenant, wild with apprehen-
sion, rushed to Olga's room.
ellis excellency the governor wants
your he painted. "He is poisoned"
HE is NOT poisoned" answered dig.
calmly. HE Is merely going to sleep.
want you to stay away from him.
and want you to keep quiet"
/ The officer stared
What do you mean? He is Ill! The
governor called me and sent for you"
81 am going to him. but you must
not"
But must. 1t is my dutyw
"Whom do you obey?"
"Neslerov, governor of Totnsk"
"Then from this moment you obey
me. Read this.'
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, and
he. like Dermsky, fell to his knees. II
obey-command mel" he exclaimed.
Remain quiet. l did not come to
! Tomsk for nothing. This night will
mean much to Russia. Work will be
done that will right terrible wrong.
All ypu need do is to remain quiet and
do not attempt to interfere"
| 81 dare not" he said. you have the
seal of the car! 1t commands all to
obey you! l obey!"
She left him, staring and wondering,
4 and went to Neslerov. The governor
was dropping. He opened his eyes as
she entered.
"You" he Missed as he tried to regain
his strength. He would have killed
her.
"Yes, 1" she answered quietly. "You
will sleep. 1t will not be long"
what will you do?" he asked, with
n curse.
MY work." she answered. 81 shall
release him-V Vladimir"
| He made tremendous effort to rise
and smite her, but fell with groan to
the floor. Quickly Olga, taking pistol
from her pocket, ran across the hall to
Itzig.
"Youw 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 Isl
~ know not" grumbled Itzig.
"That is false. heard them speak
of you to Unsgethop. Will you guide
me to his dungeon? Open the doorT'
81 cannot The key is with Jansky.
1t is never out of his hands,"
ooh, heavcnv' cried Olga. "Have l
made this terrible mistake?
1.-THE key is Jansky's," said Itzig.
mo one goes to the dungeon save by
his orders"
Break down the door"
| Impossible! 1t is heavy oak. l
have no AK"
She turned from him and fed to the
stairs.
"Lieutenantv'
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 moment, and
when he returned lie attacked the
screws that held the great iron hinges.
II will alarm the governor!" cried It.
zig, leaping upon him.
"Stand back! Keep your hands Off"
ordered Olga, aiming her revolver at
him. II have commanded. and will
be obeyedw
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 shlyering to
the floor.
''The seal of the car! Oh, princess,
l did not know! obey! Twill do any
thingw
Help open the door,"
The hinges were soon of and the
door was opened. The iron gate re-
sisted the united efforts of the two. but
they sawed out the lock.
"Take the lantern" commanded the
princess.
Trembling in every fiber, Itzlg light
ed lantern.
LEAD the way to the dungeon where
Vladimir is concealed"
81 obey"
"And will guard you, princess"
said the officer.
FUHN-- -