Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-11-26

InlS new Ire came narueSt upon tpe
old people, and 1t was their sufferings
that made Vladimir curse under his
breath.
One day Jansky entered the room
where Neslerov sat or half reclined.
"Well. what is It? ! see you have
something to say" said Neslerov.
II have. your excellency," replied the
superintendent of police. at concerns
him-your enemy"
1.-THE American"
yes. have obeyed your commands
he has been constantly watched. And
at last we are in a position to strike
Neslerov sat up straight.
"What? Tell me at once"
sit is not yet revealed what the mans
object is, but he and the Paulpoffs are
plotting again."
'The Paulpoffs"
''They and the American. He has
visited them twice. 1t was overheard
conversation about n picture"
Neslerov glanced at painting that
hung on the wall. 1t was the painting
he had taken from the Paulpoffs' house
at Perm.
"What can he know about the pic
ture?" asked the governor.
81 do not know. That is, as I said,
not yet revealed"
"Jansky." he said, 81 know what the
object is If you do not. Listen care
fully now to what say. 1t is quite
possible the American has discovered
the existence of the original Of that
picture you see there. 1t is small
medallion, probably in locket. 1t
was lost some years ago by member
of my family and bears relation to q
great mystery-the mystery of Gras-
low"
Jansky shut his eyes and seemed to
be thinking.
"Jansky, your life and mine depend
on your action now. Do you under
standP'
81 understand nothing"
'"That picture, If 1t is the one l mean,
must be brought to me. The Ameri-
can, II he proves to be interested in 1t,
i
not wish him to know. There are ways
whereby even an American could dis
appear in Siberia. And, Jansky, yladi-
mir Paulpoff is most dangerous plot
ter even here. He ought to be placed
where he can do no more mischief"
~ begin to understand" said Jansky
grimly.
He bowed and left the palace and
rode toward Tivoloffsky.
Two days passed, during which jan
sky watched and kept himself In readi-
ness to act. Then, while Mamma Paul
poff was alone in her hut. she heard an
imperative knocking at the door. Papa
Paulpoff and Vladimir had just gone
to the mine. Denton, the American,
had left the hut but short time be-
fore. Mamma Paulpoff had been
through SO much trouble Of late that
the slightest sound Jared upon her.
She turned winter still and stepped
backward as she saw the dark and
forbidding face of Jansky. Behind
Jansky were two of the Tomsk pc.
lice.
you are Mamma Paulpoff," said
Jensky. slipping his foot in the door
and working his way inside.
II am; you know me; was al
PERM" faltered the trembling old wo.
man.
II am quite well aware that you
were at Perm, old woman, and also
that conspiring son of yours. 1t show.
ed the mercy of the czar that you re-
ceived no worse punishment. This is
heaven compared to what you de.
served"
1--WE had done nothing, your excel
lency."
What! You still persist in that lie
You were all in the game, and you are
still at 1t, let me tell you"
at is not soy walled the old woman
having visions of horrible punishments
of which she had heard.
Don't tell me-" said Jansky, bran
dlshing whip he carried. The othel
two did the same, but their whips were
heavier.
The old woman crouched against thu
wall.
Don't lie to me again." thunderet
Jansky. II have been watching 70,
every day since you came to this place
say you are still conspiring."
ut is not SO! swear it in the nam,
Of God" cried Mamma Paulpoff.
Let me tell you, 1t will be worse 70
you If you do not tell the truth. 70,
are receiving visitor who is suspect
ed"
ia visitor! l know no one!" gasp
ed Mamma Paulpoff.
ooh, do you not? But you We're her
when he came. Did lie come to see you
your husband or your SOM"
"Who-of whom do you speak" ask
ed the frightened old woman.
"Of whom would speak save tina
accused American? He has twic,
made attempts upon the life of the gov
ernor Of Tomsk. Yet the governor Il
the kindness of his heart has not mo
Tested him. But he was warned If
third attempt was made it would 6
hard with him."
"Ah, it is impossible! He is so good
SO kind
Good and kind, Ell? In what mar
ner does he display itl"
"Oh, he came-he came
The old woman stumbled and flour
dered. 1t had been borne in upon he
understanding by Papa Paulpoff tina
on no account must she breathe wor,
to any person concerning the visit Q
which Jansky spoke.
"Come, out with it!' stormed Jansk,
"He camel do not know why b
came" murmured the old woman In dt
spair.
81 will tell you. He came to conspir
against the life of Nesleroy, goyerno
Of Tomsk."
mo. no! swear he did not"
Good! Then If you know he did no
you must know why he did come her,
Out with 1t, now, If you value you
life"
"My life! All. you would not harm
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