Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-12-09
CHAPTER XVI.
MAMMA PAULPOFF AVENGED.

palace Of the governor was still.
Jansky and UnsgethOp had ridden
away TO overtake Denton at Two
loffsky. Itzig was at his post In the
guardhoqse and the new lieutenant or
the paloce guard paced his measures
through lhe deserted corridors.
But Neslerov was L II asleep. Fever
ish and impatient, he sat in his room,
awaiting the return Of his police with
the American. whose liberty was
menace to the life Of Neslerov. He
drank deeply from time to time from a
bottle that stood on his table. If he
spoke, he did it with loud voice, but
no one was near. His thoughts were
spoken thus, as with a man half mad
with fear.
Heavens he said as he drank
again. IF he reaches Perm, and the
truth is known, l shall-what will be-
come of me?"
He started as light footstep sound.
ed on the hard floor, and his haggard
face grew paler as Princess Olga en-
tered.
"Why are you awake?" he asked
harshly. He was too excited to think
Of phrases.
81 could not sleep, and l knew you
were not in bed" she answered. II
came to talk"
He stared at her. In his eyes she
was as beautiful even as Frances Cor
don, but his danger made him think
her a tigress seeking to devour him.
Yet he dared not show It.
"Why are you alone?" asked Olga.
"You usually have Jansky, the super
intendent of police, with you"
"Jansky is away. A noted prisoner
has escaped and the superintendent
has gone to retake him."
81 heard a commotion. I supposed 1t
was something of that kind. Was 1t
q Russian"
"Yes-a nihilist."
IT hope they will capture him."
"They will! They must" said Ne
slerov fiercely.
Olga's eyes were veiled-they did
not betray her thoughts.
'There Is much concerning this sys-
TEN that is new 20 me, and 1t will take
long for me to learn 1t all. I am al
ready weary with the little l have
DONE"
Better leave it alone. 1t is busi-
ness for men, not princesses," said Ne
slerov.
"The study has made me wakeful.
Bring me some wine."
He opened bottle.
"It has puzzled me why you do not
marry" he said. trying to hide his
fear Of her as he poured out glass of
wine.
"Why should II" she asked. II have
not yet found among the mobiles OF
Russia the man l would marry"
What sort of man must he be to
please you. cousin?
He was sparring for time. Any hour
might bring Jansky back with Denton.
Then he could play his part in safety.
But with Denton at liberty he dared
not act.
"Oh," said Olga. "to please me man
must be honorable, strong and wise.
He must not be bound by custom. nor
vet must he scorn 1t. There are ways
in the world we live in there are ways
of being great without being eccentric
and without following the lead of 9TH
ers. A man whom love must be pa.
tient and must not use his strength
against the weak"
A sarcastic smile crossed his lips.
"You must look outside Of Russia"
he said.
Perhaps" she answered. "But you
have not pledged me. Must / drink
alone"
His eyes snapped with the remem-
brance that Jansky and Itzig had been
drugged. But she was SO handsome. 80
smiling, that no sign Of evil intent was
in her face.
"From your hand" be answered, with
a show of gallantry.
She poured him a glass Of wine, and
they drank. For moment he waited,
as If half expecting to fall asleep. But
the wine had no i'll effect. and they
chatted on. But Neslerov grew more
impatient as the night wore on. Why
did this girl persist in staying up and
talking to him? What was In her
mind? Was there another plot? He
paced to and fro in the room as he
spoke. When his back was turned. she
made a quick movement and dropped
something-not into the wine bottle,