Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-12-03

her branch OF the Neslerovs charged
foul play. 1t was openly said they ac-
cused the old duke and Prince Nicho-
las of having murdered her. 1t was
not proved and vas not tried. The two
branches remained at feud. The old
duke died and Prince Nicholas entered
into his Inheritance, but he has not
used the title, probably out of con-
sideration for the feelings of his rela-
tives.
Now we come down to the present
day. 1t was openly charged by some
of the other Ncslerovs that the serv-
ants of the house of Graslov were in
volved, and it was thought at one time
that certain others not of the house
hold knew something. Among these
was the family of an ironworker,
Michael PauipoiI, consisting Of himself,
his wife and child. But the Paul
poffs disclaimed all knowledge, and
We're so stupid and innocent looking
that they were dropped from consid-
Grafton. But it seems that an enmity
has long existed in their obscure minds
against the governor, and they have
been secretly working to fasten the
murder of Princess Alexandra upon
him. Whether they knew anything at
the time or whether some one dying
told them, l do not know. Certain 1t
is that they have some knowledge they
will use against our governor. They
were sent to Siberia and were unable
to work at the mystery. But this ac-
cursed American came and was inter-
ested. He swore he would fasten this
murder upon Nesleroy because Ne
sleroy had loved that American girl,
Now you see why the American, Den
ton, and the powerful young black
smith were arrested, and why, even
though in the dungeons, nothing more
can be done until this princess leaves.
Neslerov declares he is innocent, but
the power and influence of her family,
If Joined with the efforts Of the Ameri-
can and the Paulpoffs, might destroy
him. Am l understood?"
Eyes, perfectly. Neslerov is ours, and
we are his. We must be loyal. Let the
prisoners remain in the dungeons until
we are free to act. Then-well, even
now we might forget to send them
food"
"That, Unsgethop, is the very idea.
The princess will dance merrily upon
this floor while they starve to death
on the one below"
Tho two nolioa offioars obuoI-lod on1
Olga, having learned enough. crept
back to her room. She was passing
through the upper corridor when she
was startled by shadow as of man
A young officer in command of the
palace guard was making his rounds
He stopped short when he saw the prin-
cess; then, discreet rs all young officers
about the palace We're, he saluted and
was about to pass on. She stopped him.
: Lieutenant" she said, this is my
room. wish to speak to you alone"
lie hesitated. He knew that she was
the Princess Olga. He knew she would
not seek his presence for pleasure. He
feared the displeasure Of Neslerov, but
the winning beauty of Olga conquered,
and he slipped into her room.
"What is your name| she asked, her
manner turning Mt once to that Of the
stern woman of business.
michael Dermsky, princess"
"Your position?"
"Lieutenant Of the guard"
"How would you like to be major
of cavalry|'
"Major of cavalry! Such n promotion
at my age-from a lieutenant?"
ct is possible-even more is possible.
But you must obey me-
you are the Princess Olga, but l
must obey the governor of Tomsk."
"Wait," she said, and from secret
receptacle she took a folded paper upon
which were few words and a great
seal. She held it for him to read. He
dropped to his knees.
Hrhe seal of his majesty the earl"
he said in an awestricken voice. 81
obey-command mel obey"
"Rise. When will you be relieved?"
"Soon."
Come to me and say nothing to any
one"
II obey; I will be dumb"
Quickly, though she was weary, Olga
sat down and wrote letter. 1t was
scarcely more than finished when the
officer returned.
as there not train to Tobolsk this
morning?"
"There is. The train your highness
came on returns today"
"Take this letter to Tobolsk. Give it
into no other hand but that of Count
de Muloff, governor general of western
Siberia. Do you understand"
Il do. And if the governor should"-
REMAIN at Tobolsk. have arrang-
ed for that in the letter. You need never
fear the present governor of Tolnsk."
He bowed, placed the letter in his
bosom and retired. With sigh of
WEAKNESS and of relief the princess
threw herself upon her bed and was
soon asleep.