The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-11-06
Impossible! He was SO simple and
honest! What crimeY' r.

AMpOSSAOAc: ne Was 80 SlIuQ4e dQO
honest! What crime?'' r s.
Conspiracy against his imperial
majesty the car" - ~
"And where is he now" ~
ION the way to Siberia"
''Siberia! Vladimir Paulpof sent to
Siberia! And where are his parents o.
~one il a family taken red handed
condemns all. The old people are also
on their way to Siberc" ~
Frances swayed title. She haL
studied Russian customs and Russian
justice and shuddered as she realized
the horrible torture in store for these
simple work people who had never, she
felt convinced, halbored 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 a glimpse of
the face.
"That is Vladimir's picturer she
cried. "What are you doing with it,"
Il am sending it to him." was the re-
ply of Neslerov. 1T so happened that
l 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 I have ar
ranged with the governor, of Perm to
permit it to be passed along to him."
1T is beautiful face" said Frances.
vladimir has the soul of a great art
list in him. But in Siberia he"-
She shuddered and ended her SEN
tence abruptly.
II have done more for him, for you,"
continued Neslerov. "There is another
picture-he painted from memory. 1
have arranged to purchase it for a good
price, and he shall not lose the money
promised him. 1t was beginning to
certain steps I had thought of to assist
him."
my own facev' cried Frances in as
constituent as Neslerov showed the
second picture.
Eyes, and the remarkable part of it is
it took him but short time. I describ-
ed you, and he remembered you, and
between the two he managed a very
creditable work. shall cherish this
picture while live.
my picture!' murmured the girl
again, looking at the sweet yet strong
young face the blacksmith artist had
placed upon the canvas. "And all from
memory
"Yes, from memory and my descrip-
tion,". said Neslerov. "Your face is so
indelibly imprinted upon my memory
that I 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.
"But you will befriend him." she said,
| 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.
81 1u ko1
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 crime?' asked Fran
ces She was very pale. but quite
calm.
"Why, it became known to Inspector
Jansky of the police that a certain num-
Der Of men congregated here and seem
ed to hold secret meetings. He investi-
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, "and cannot understand how a
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. l had no pity for
him, because he was rich, educated and
had no reason to complain. But the
Paulpofs-now that I know you are
interested in them-I will protect them
from further HARM"
~ 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.