Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-11-25

not go right, and they quarreled. Jus,
what that had to do with the story
do not know, but am telling you what
everybody in Perm knew at that time
"At that time Prince Nicholas, now
governor Of Tomsk, was fifteen years
of age, and was the favorite of his
father. 1t was commonly reported that
the duke preferred TO see his younger
son inherit the title and estate rather
than have ii 20 TO the son Of the pr!n
cess. Anyway. one day. twenty years
ago, the young prince, then about three
years old, or perhaps less. was drowned
In the Kama. At least that is what
was said. The boy wandered away
from his nurse and walked TO the
river. Some of his garments were
found on the river bank. and ii would
seem as though the little fellow had
intended to follow the example Of the
bows of the serfs lie had seen and was
going TO take river bath. However
the body was never found and the
poor princess was broken hearted. In
a year she. too died. and at the time
her branch of the NeSlerovs charged
foul play. 1t was openly said they ac'
cused the old duke and Prince N.cho'
las Of having murdered her. II was
not proved and was not tried. The two
branches remained at feud. The old
duke died and Prince Nicholas entered
into his Inheritance. but he has not
used the title, probably out of con
sideration for the feelings OF his rcla'
tives.
"Now we come down to the present
day. 1t was openly charged by some
of the other Neslerovs that the Se:y'
ants Of the house of Graslov were IN
volyed and it was thought at one tl.At
that certain others not of the house
hold knew something. Among these
was the family of an ironworker
Michael Paulpoff, consisting Of himself
his wife and child. Bat the Paul
poffs disclaimed all knowledge, and
were :, stupid and innocent looking
that they were dropped from conSId
Grafton. But it seems that an enmity
has long existed in their obscure nlAd'
against the governor, and they Lav'
been secretly working TO fasten the
murder Of Princess Alexandra upo,
him. Whether they knew anything a
the time or whether some one dying
told them, l do not know. Certain II
is that they have some knowledge TIE!
will use against our governor. lAel
were sent to Siberia and We're u..a IL
TO work at the mystery. Eat thi' nc
cursed American came and was iAt'r
ested. He swore he would fasten this
murder upon Neslerov because Ae
sleroy had loved that American grl
daughter of Gordon, the engineer
Now you see why the American, Zen
ton, and the powerful young black
smith were arrested. and why. eyer
though in the dungeons. nothing more
can be done until this princess leAyeS
Neslerov declares he is innocent. bu'
the power and influence of her family
If ioined with the efforts of the Ameri
can and the Paulpoffs. might deStro!
him. Am | underStOod:
"Yes. perfectly. Neslerov is ours, enc
we are his. We must be loyal. Let th'
prisoners remain in the dungeons unit
we are free to act Then-well, ever
now We might forget to send then
food"
That. Unsgethop. is the very idea
The princess will dance merrily upoi
this floor while they starve TO dealt
on the one below"
The two police officers chuckled' an'
Olga, having learned enough. crepl
back to her room. She WAS passing
through the upper corridor when sl'
was startled by Il shadow rs Of man
a young officer in command of th'
palace guard was making his rounds
He stopped short when lie saw tie pr!n
cess: then. discreet Is all young officers
about the palace were. he SaiiItcd ah'
was about to pass on. She stopped HIM
Lieutenant" she said this is III!
room. | wish to speak 10 you alone.
He hesitated. He knew that she wa:
the Princess Olga. He knew she would
not seek his presence for pleasure. II,
feared the displeasure of Neslerov. but
the winning beauty Of Olga conquered
and he slipped into her room.
What is your name?" she asked. hel
manner turning 1T once TO that OF the
stern woman of business.
"Alichael Dermsky. princess"
"Your position:'
Lieutenant Of the guard
"How would you like to be major
Of cavalry?'
major Of cavalry. Such a promotion
at my age-from a lieutenant!'
'Tt Is possible--even 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 n secre'
receptacle she took folded paper upon
which were Il few words and great
seal. She held it for him to read. Ht
dropped to his knees.
"The seal of his majesty the czar"
he said in an awestrici"n voice. ~
obey-command mel obey"
"Rise. when will you be relieved"
"Soon."
"Come to ME and say nothing to an.
one"
81 obey; will be dumb"
Quickly, though she was weary, Olg'
sat down and wrote a letter. 1t wa
scarcely more than finished when TIT
officer returned.
"Is there not train to Tobolsk thi
morning."
"There Is. The 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 understand"
81 do. And if the governor should'-
"Remaln at Tobolsk. i have arrang
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 a sigh o
WEAKNESS and of relief the princes
threw herself upon her bed and wa
soon asleep.
(To BE CONTINUED
easy Diagnosis.
Mrs Fondma Sorry to disturb 20
M m