The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-11-20
CHAPTER X-Continued

poff was alone in her hut, she Heard an
imperative knocking at the door. Papa
Paulpoff and Vladimir had just gone
to the mine. Denton, the American,
had left the hut but a short time be-
fore. Mamma Paulpoh had been
through so much trouble of late that
the slightest sound Jared upon her.
She turned whittier still and stepped
backward as she saw the dark and
forbidding face of Jansky. Behind
Jansl1y were two of the Tomsk po-
lice.
''You are Mamma Pauipoff,'' said
Jansky, slipping his foot in the door
and working his way inside
II am; you know me; l was at
PERM faltered the trembling old wo-
man.
Il am quite we'll aware that YOU
were at Perm, old woman. and also
that conspiring son of yours. It show
ed the mercy of the car that you re-
ceived no worse punishment This is
heaven compared to what you de-
served.''
1--WE had done nothing. your excel
lency."
"What! You still persist in that lie!
You were all in the game, and you are
still at it, let me tell you.''
ut is not SOL" walled the old woman.
having visions of horrible punishments
of which she had heard.
"Don't tell me-" said Jansky, bran
dishing whip he carried. The other
two did the same, but their whips were
heavier.
The old woman crouched against the
wall.
'Don't lie to me again." Numbered
Jansky. II have been watching you
every day since you came to this place.
say you are still conspiring."
1T is not so! I swear it in the name
Of God!' cried Mamma Paulpoff.
"Let me tell you, it will be worse for
you if you do not tell the truth. You
are receiving visitor who is suspect
ed.'
"a visitor! 1 know no onev' gasp
ed Mamma Paulpoff.
"Oh, do you not? But you were here
when he came. Did he come to see you,
your husband or your son?'
"Who-of whom do you speak?' ask
ed the frightened old woman.
"Of whom would speak save that
accused American? He has twice
made attempts upon the life of the gov.
ernor Of Tomsk. Yet the governor in
the kindness Of his heart has not mo.
Tested him. But he was warned if a
third attempt was made it would 20
hard with him."
"Ah, it is impossible! He is so good
so kind'-
"Good and kind, eh? In what man.
ner does he display it?''
"Oh, he came-he came''-
The old woman stumbled and floun-
dered. 1t had been borne in upon he1
understanding by Papa Paulpoff that
on no account must she breathe a word
to any person concerning the visit of
which Jansly spoke.
"Come, out with itv' stormed Jansky.
HE camel do not know why he
came" murmured the old woman in de-
spair.
II will tell you. He came to conspire
against the life of Neslerov, governor
Of Tomsk.'
mo, no! l swear he did not'
Good! Then if you know he did not,
you must know why he did come here
Out with it, now, if you value your
life.'
MY life! All, you would not harm a
helpless old womanr'
For answer Jansky brought his whip
down on her bony shoulders
"Have mercyw cried the unfortunate.
"Will you tell why the American WIS.,
tied this house?'
II know not!''
Take her; tie her thumbs - there,
over the doorr' he commanded savage
ly.
His two gallant men needed no fur
Their bidding. The aged woman was
seized, cords were fastened to her
thumbs, and she was placed standing
IN the doorway Jansky had indicated,
with her thumbs hung above her head
'Tear the rags from her back!"
A rude hand tore away her garments
to the waist.
"Now, then, old hag," said Jansky,
understand I have come for the truth
and will have it. If you do not give
it to me, I will kill you. I will get the
truth from Paulpoff. who has more
sense than you. Now, what was the
business that brought the American
hereY
II know not" whispered tile woman.
with great sob.
'"The LASH" roared Jansky.
One of his police swung his heavy
whip, and the lash came down across
the naked shoulders. A livid mark
told the course, and Mamma Paulpoff
cried out in agony.
'"This must be Known said Jansky,
'SEither you or some one must tell.
What brought the American here? Was
it concerning picture?
II know not!' said the woman. -
1.-THE lash! Twicey' ordered Jansky.
A white line and a red one marked