Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-11-11
"Never! would prefer to be torn

you the folly Of your refusal. Think
Of this. I shall go out now and obtain
some food. We may remain here a
week. Who knows? Before ! leave
you l wish to say that until you con-
sent to have the priest Of that village
make you my wife you shall not be per-
mitted to leave this car. much pre-
fer, as would any man, willing bride;
but, denied this, l will compel you to
obey. 1t will be the worse for you. l
offered love-an affectionate embrace.
You refused. Now l command! Think
this matter settled only when we are
married"
"Never! You have my revolver and,
I suppose, one Of your own. Shoot me
If you will will not marry you!"
"It will not be you shoot. What do
you think your father will do when he
finds you are left behind?"
without doubt he will obtain a spe.
cial train and come here after me.
Then, Prince Neslerov, bewarew
He smiled like wolf and showed his
teeth.
THAT Is what | wanted you to say.
If when your father comes here you are
not my wife. will shoot him dead"
"You dare not" she gasped.
81 dare anything. No report Of mine
would be discredited at st. Petersburg.
l could prove that your father was a
conspirator against the government
and was shot while fighting my SOL
diers."
"There Is government Of the United
States Of American
"True. but at distance. do not
fear it. But consider what have said.
| will return with food"
He left the car. securing the doors
to prevent her escape. When she saw
him striding toward the village, she
leaned against the window and studied
the rude people.
81 am helpless-absolutely helpless"
she moaned. "Oh. II he had not taken
my revolver l could have shot him
or myself"
She looked about her for some meth.
cd whereby she could, II the need
should come, take her own life rather
than submit to his demands. She
knew that II there were a priest in
this sQualid place he would obey Ne
slerov, and humble some words per
fectly meaningless to her, but which
would give Neslerov power over her.
She walked the length Of the apart
ment like Gagged loneSs.
Women turned into their huts and
came out again. She saw Neslerov
start back toward the car carrying a
wooden tray. She shuddered again:
God give me strength. courage,
calmnessw she murmured. ITO lose
consciousness would be to fall vic
tim to him."
She nerved herself to meet him as
his footsteps sounded on the platform.
The door opened, and he entered with
a bowl Of cruel, some steaming pota-
toes, roast fowl, coffee and some coarse
bread.
1T is not quite like our usual fare"
he said, 'but it Is better than being
hungry"
He set the dishes on table he i'm
provised ont of the back of seat. He
had large travelling bag with him.
and from 1t he took bottle Of wine.
I'VE will pledge each other" he said,
with a laugh.
81 do not wish any," said Frances.
"Come, don't be churlish. Let us get
over the unpleasant part. Drink a
toast to your future husband"
81 will not will not touch it,
"Drink-drink my health" he com
manded.
II will not!'
81 will make you.'
He held the cup in his right hand.
With his left he grasped her by the
hair. He bent back her head.
"Open your mouth. Swallow the
wine. will choke you" he cried.
With a powerful effort she wrenched
herself free and to her feet, and the
wine went to the floor with smash.
Her eyes were glaring with despera
ton. She clinched her fist and rained
blow upon blow upon his face.
Curses deep and terrible burst from
him. He clutched her round the waist
and struggled with her. She eXertcd
all her strength. She was like fero
cious tigress. Her nails scratched his
face and tore his hair. Her blows cut
his lips on his teeth. But he was Il
powerful man and used his strength
against this captive woman. With a
gasp she succuhbed and sank helpless
and exhausted almost in his arms.
Curse you" he spluttered between
his swollen lips. 81 have wasted my
kindness on you! should have starv-
ed you. But l will delay no longer.
III drag you to the priest, and in ten
minutes you will be the Princess Nesle-
rov-and my slave for life. I'll break
your heart you devil"
He closed his arms tightly about her
and dragged her from the car. The
villagers stared in astonishment as
they saw him coming toward them
with his burden.
"What means this strange happen
ing, little father?" asked woman Of
an older man Of the village. "Is the
man killing her?'
LET bew growled the man. use
your eyes in your house. but meddle
not with others. The mans gold Is
good. He will not hurt her. She is
probably his wife"
city from their husbands. A beating
is but part of their demonstrations of
authority as head Of the house. The
women looked on with apathy, while
the men smiled.
"He has married Tartar" they said
among themselves.
"Help! Save me from this mani"
gasped Frances as Neslerov half drag
ged half carried her into the nearest
group.
"Where is your priest?" Neslerov de-
manded. "Get him at once. Not only
he, but all in the place, will receive
pay. Call the priest at once"
"Save me! am an American! Cor
don-the man who built-the roads
my fatherw cried Frances. struggling
again.
A bent old man was seen shambling
toward them.
"Come." said Neslerov roughly. This