Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-10-23

Michael Paulpoff, consisting of himself,
lis wife and a child. But the Paul
T., rs disclaimed all knowledge, and
were so stupid and innocent looking
that they were dropped from consd-
Grafton. But 1t seems that an ennity
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, 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 Neslerov because Ne
slcrov had loved that American girl,
daughter of Gordon, the engineer.
Now YOU sec 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.
Ncslcrov 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 | understood"
YES 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-wcll, even
now we might forget to send them
food"
THAT. Tnsgcthop, Is the very idea.
The princess will dance merrlly upon
this floor while they siarve to death
on the one below"
The two police officers chucliled, and
Olya. 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
lie stopped short when lie saw the prin
cess: then, discreet as all young officers
about the palace were. he salutcd and
was about to pass on. She stopped him.
Lieutenant" she said. this is my
room. wish to speak to you alone
He hcsitated. He knew that she was
the Princess Olga. He knew she would
not seek his presence for pleasure. He
feared the displcasure of Neslerov. but
TIE winning beauty Of Olga conquered
and he slipped into her room.
What is your nameY she asked. hel
manner turning ut once to that of the
stern woman of business.
"Michacl Dermsky, princess"
"Your position"
Lieutenant of the guard"
How would you like to be a major
Of cavalry"
Major Of cavalry. Such promotion
at my age-frOm lieutenant"
at is possiblc-cven more is possible
But you must obey me-"
you are the Princess Olga. but
must obey the governor of Tomsk."
/ "Wait.' she said. and from secrc
receptacle she took a folded paper upol
which were Il few words and grea
dropped to his knees.
"1'he seal of his majesty the czar.'
he said in an awestricken voice. g
Obey-command mel obey"
"Rise. When will you be relieved 2"
"Soon."
"Come to me and say nothing to an.
enc"
II obey: will he dumb"
Quickly. though she was weary. dig,
sat down and wrote a letter 1t Wa
scarcely more than finished when III,
officer returned.
us there not IA train to Tobolsk thi
morning:'
"There is. Tho train your highnes
came on returns today"
Take this letter to Tobolsk. Give
into no other hand but that of Coun
de Muloff, governor general of western
Siberia Do YOU underestimate"
Il do And if the governor should"-
"Remain at Tobolsk. have arranc
ed for that in the letter You need neve
fear the present governor of Tomsk."
He bowed. placed the letter in hi
bosom and retired. With sigh 0
WEAKNESS and of relief the princes
threw herself upon her bed and wa
soon asleep.