Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-11-19
everybody In Perm knew at that time

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 hls
father. It was commonly reported that
the duke preferred to see his younger
son inherit the title and estate rather
than have it go to the son of the prin'
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 1t would
seem as though the little fellow had
intended to follow the example CT the
boys Of the serfs he had seen and was
going to take a river bath. However,
the body was never found and the
Door princess was broken hearted. In
a year she, too, died, and at the time
her branch of the Neslerovs charged
foul play. It was openly said they &C.
cused the old duke and Prince Nlcho.
las of having murdered her. 1t 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 rela.
tives.
"Now we come down to the present
day. 1t was openly charged by some
of the other Neslerovs that the serv-
ants Of the house Of Graslov were In
volved, and 1t was thought at one time
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 a child. But the Paul
poffs disclaimed all knowledge, and
were so stupid and innocent looking
that they were dropped from consid'
Grafton. But 1t seems that an enmity
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 ,hether 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
slerov had loved that American girl,
daughter Of Gordon, the engineer.
Now you see 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.
Neslerov 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 l understood"
Eyes, 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-well, even
now we might forget to send them
food"
"That, Unsgethop, Is the very idea.
The princess will dance merrily upon
this floor while they starve to death
on the one below"
The two police officers chuckled, and
Olga, having learned enough, crept
back to her room. She was passing
through the upper corridor when she
was startled by shadow as OF a man.
A young officer in command OF the
palace guard was making his rounds.
He stopped short when he saw the prin'
cess; then. discreet as all young officers
about the palace were, he saluted and
was about to pass on. She stopped him.
Lieutenant" she said. "thls Is my
room. wish to speak to you alone.'
He hesitated. lie knew that she was
the Princess Olga. He knew she would
not seek his presence for pleasure. He
feared the displeasure Of NesleroV, but
the winning beauty Of Olga conquered
and he slipped into her room.
What Is your name" she asked. her
manner turning at once to that OF the
stern woman Of business.
"Michael Dermsky, princess"
"Your positions?
Lieutenant Of the guard"
"How would you like to be q major
of cavalry"
major Of cavalry! Such promotion
at my age from a lieutenant?"
1T 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 a secret
receptacle she took folded paper upon
which were a few words and a great
seal. She held 1t for him to read. He
dropped to his knees.
"The seal of his majesty the czar!'
he said In IN aWeStrlcken voice. !
obey-command mel obey"
"Rise. When will you be relieved"
"Soon."
"Come to me and say nothing to any
one"
II obey; will be dumb"
Quickly. though she was weary, Olga
sat down and wrote a letter. 1t was
scarcely more than finished when the
officer returned.
rs there not a train to Tobolsk this
ntOrning?"
"There is. The train your highness
came on returns today"
"Take this letter to Tobolsk. Give 1t
into M otbar hand hl,t that of Count