Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-11-12

rrime." she said, with sort of gasp.
Impossible! He was SO simple ana
honest! What crime?"
Conspiracy against his imperial
majesty the car"
''And where is he now?"
ION the way to Siberia"
siberia! Vladimir Paulpoff sent to |
Siberia And where are his parents?"
"One in a family taken red handed
condemns all. The old people are also
on their way to Siberia"
Frances swayed little. She had
studied Russian customs and Russian
Justice and shuddcred as she realized
the horrible torture in store for these
simple work people who had never. she
felt convinced, harbored an evil thought
against any man. To her they had al
ways spoken in terms Of loyalty and
praise of the car.
The face Of Neslerov was inscrutable
He held the picture loosely and care.
lessly, and the girl caught glimpse Of
the face.
"That is vladimir's pictureW she
cried. "What are you doing with tt"
ulu IL ~ Alll, WAS LIZ IL
ply of Neslerov. ut so happened that
had occasion to visit my chateau near
Graslov and rode by here at the time
the inspector of police was making the
arrest. remembered what you said to
me at Moscow and tried to do what I
could for the poor fellow. at first doubt
ing his guilt. But the inspector was
certain, and SO all that was left to me
was to ask Vladimir what favor 1
could perform for him. He asked me
to send him this picture. and have ar
ranged with the governor of Perm TO
permit 1T to be passed along to him."
sit is beautiful face" said Frances.
"Vladimir has the soul of great art
list in him. But in Siberia he
She shuddered and ended her SEN
tence abruptly.
~ have done more for him, for you"
continued Neslerov. '"There is another
picture-he painted from memory.
have arranged to purchase 1t for good
price, and he shall not lose the money
promised him. 1t was beginning to
certain steps had thought of to assist
! him."
my own face" cried Frances in as
constituent as Neslerov showed the
second picture.
"Yes and the remarkable part of 1t is
1t took him but short time. describ-
ed you, and he remembered you, and
between the two he managed very
creditable work. shall cherish this
picture while live.
"My picturew murmured the girl
again. looking at the sweet yet strong
| young face the blacksmith artist had
| placed upon the canvas. "And all from
memoryv'
Eyes, from memory and my descrip-
| tion." said Neslerov. "Your face is SO
indelibly imprinted upon my memory
that could describe each line, each
feature. with the utmost accuracy"
She looked at him in establishment.
| He had made frequent attempts to
make love to her, but she had always
skillfully repulsed him. That this could
be true-that this man whose life was
one round Of pleasure should have her
face SO impressed upon his mind seem
| ed to her incredible.
I Dul you Will SLG Sdlu,
without answering his remark. you
| are powerful in Russia. A large part
Of Siberia is under your control. You
can make the life Of the Paulpoffs
| pleasant there If you wish"
He bowed. and his eyes were hidden
from her.
Believe me. have already taken
steps to befriend them. In Tomsk there
is great need of such ironworkers now
that the railroad has gone beyond the
Obi. and have sent my petition to the
minister Of justice to have them sent
to Tomsk. They will not be treated as
convicts. but as honorable workers"
"What was the crimeT asked Fran
ces. She was very pale. but quite
calm.
"Why, it became known to Inspector
Jansky Of the police that n certain num-
Der of men congregated here and seem
ed to hold secret meetings. BE inyesti-
gated and discovered that this was the
headquarters Of circle of nihilists.
He arrested them all. but many es-
capped"
"And the proof?"
Letters from Vladimir found on
them"
Frances sighed and turned sadly
away.
"You are an American" continued Ne
slerov, land cannot understand how q
man who appeared to you to be simple
and contented with his lot should prove
to be an assassin. This same spirit
permeates our best society. 1t comes
to the surface even among the relatives
of our highest mobiles. My own cousin
was sent to Siberia. had no pity for
him, because he was rich, educated and
had no reason to complain. But the
Paulpoffs-now that know you are
Interested in them-I will protect them
from further HARM"
81 thank YOU" said Frances sadly.
Neslerov slipped coin into the hand
: of the drosky driver, and he immedi
ately had cause to go to his horses
, which were standing peacefully enough
where he left them.
~ wish to speak one word before we
leave here" said the prince, taking the
hand of Frances, which she, in her sur
prise permitted him to hold moment
II love you. l have loved you evel
since the day saw you first. We
, have beautiful women in Russia, but
none like you. am rich, powerful and
am not offering you an empty name
Will you be my wife, my princess"
"Prince Neslerov," said Frances gen
tly, but still in tone of reproof, 'yor
cannot mean, ! am sure, to take nd
: vantage of my situation, alone and Al
your mercy. You are gentleman
? Please leave such words for more at
ting occasion"
"All occasions are the same to a mar
: who loves as do" answered Neslerov
81 asked your father. He treated thu
!, matter us of no concern. To me 1t Il
g my life Make me happy, the world
y is yours. Refuse me, you plunge mt
$ into deep despair. do not care to liv'
without you"