Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-12-02
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: =By Ashley Towne
oou,r.oa., 1901, BY Charles B. Ethsrsn0son

"And the sentiment sent me to Slpe'
rim. but not under sentence. nave
come partly to visit the governor VINO
,s a relative. and. more than that, 10
study the convict system as workeu
ont under his rule in Tomsk."
"You will find plenty to study" ne
answered, "but l fancy you will not
proceed rapidly. Our system-well' II
is tie same. suppose. as that in vogue
at Tobolsk."
"Perhaps it will prove so. am &C.
quainted with Count de Muloh, govern
or general, and I know that while he
Is 4 stern man, he is just. When he
can be merciful without lending an
apparent aid to the unworthy. he does
not hesitate to show leniency. l hope
shall find the same spirit prevailing
here"
The colonel smiled grimly.
"Shall you, then, write book upon
the penal system?"
81 may do so. although that Is not
yet one Of my plans. l may tell you IN
confidence, however. that l have the
entire confidence of the czar and that
! he is interested in the outcome Of my
studies"
I'm my youthful days we did not hear
of such things" said the colonel. "a
young woman who at your age and
with your wealth and position took
upon herself so great task would be
sent forthwith to a lonely castle and
kept semiprisoner."
81 fear that some Of that same spirit
dominates our society today"
81 think it will prevail for a time"
"Where would you advise me to 60 to
study the convict system at its worst?
ats worst? Do you not wish to see
1t at its best"
81 understand 1t at Its best"
"Well, it is a serious matter to ad-
wise, yet II you are working under the
protection of the czar we must help
you. should say Tivoloffsky."
81 shall 90 there. Where are your
prisons?"
The colonel rubbed his grizzled mus
tache.
I'VE have guardhouses in all settle
ments."
Dungeons"
"Not many dungeons. There are
dungeons under this very palace, but
they are obsolete. do not think they
have been used in years"
"Then they could be inspected"
81 see no reason why they should not
But that would be fer the governor tc
say. Shall l ask him"
"No; since they are under his palase
shall have an opportunity later.
suppose they are entered by way OF
secret door,"
There was door at the end of the
police Offices" replied the colonel. "ol
course, being soldier, know scarcel!
anything about them. They are wholly
in charge Of the police"
"But you formerly had no police II
Siberia save :he Cossack guards
"True, but was not at Tomsk then
came here from Tobolsk."
Olga spoke then TO the colonels wife
and the subject Of the dungeons die
not recur.
Neslerov came and presented young
officer, q member of noble family, ant
be asked Olga for waltz. She thank
ed the colonel. and they did not meet
again. The dancing continued till
very late hour after which there wa:
a supper served with the true Russian
prodigality. Olga was becoming weary
but she maintained her usual spirits
She chanced to pass near the governor
and heard a young officer speaking.
Lieutenant Dermsky is not present
Whom will you name as the lieutenan
of the palace guard"
None will be necessary" answered
Neslerov. "Itzig will be at his post
As it is nearly morning. no more viii
be necessary. Dismiss the guard. tak'
them to the banquet hall and give then
supper"
Soon after that Olga found occasion
to cross the hall to the offices Of police
People were passing to and fro, and N
one could think 1t strange that tn
princess went where she pleased. Sh
found at the end Of the suit Of room
devoted to police affairs small apart
ment, the door of which was closed
Turning, to see that Neslerov was no
Ia the hall-she did not care for tn
guests-she entered. Sitting there II
lonely state was a man. He was no
particularly agreeable looking ant
seemed to be of a stupid order.
"Are you not being feasted with tn
others" asked the princess.
mo; they forget poor Itzig." was tn
reply.
"What Is your duty here"
ITO guard the door to the passag
yonder. Stupid! No one could enter
The key never leaves the pocket Of tn
superintendent Of police"
Jansky had been constant in his al
tendance at the bottle and alread
showed the effect Of his heavy pota
tons.
you shall not be overlooked" sal
Olga. II will send you some refresh
ments."
She first went to her room and return
ed to the banquet hall. She ordered on
Of the servants to open q fresh bottl
of wine, which was done. Then ira
, was prepared, and she ordered 1t take
. to Itzig. Quickly, without q second
delay, a small vial in her hand wa
emptied into the wine.
"Take this also" she said.
When she returned to the throng, tn
guests were leaving. They came 4
throngs to bid her adieu. and she say
the last one leave. Jansky. Neslero
and the servants were left.
81 am exhausted" said Ne,ierov.
feel completely worn out. And 20
cousin, must be weary ALSO"
: 81 am" she answered. II shall NJ