Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1902-11-20

Sky, who, OWING TO MS merltOflOuS
conduct in the apprehension of so great
a gang of conspirators as the Paul
poffS, was promoted at the request of
NeSleroy to n post where he could as
sist his superior in his plans and ambi-
tionS.
He had told JanSky the story Of the
ride from Moscow, and it was of course
colored to suit his purpose. Jansky had
received hi.; commisSion-the first i'm
portant one since his arrival at TOmsk
to watch the American and find an
opportunity to wreak vengeance.
About twenty miles from the city Of
TOmsk was the village of Tivololfslly, Il
small mining town peopled by convicts.
To this town the Paulpoffs had been
sent Vladimir was useful in the
mines. With his tremendous strength
he could do the work of two, and in his
simple obedience to the mandates of
his supcriors he never uttered a com
plaint The old people did mcnial work,
cooking for the convicts who had no
families or cleaning in the houses Of
the officers.
This new life came hardest upon the
old people, and it was their sufferings
that made Vladimir curse under his
breath.
One day JanSky entered the room
where Neslerov sat or half reclined.
"WelI, what is it? | see you have
something to say" said Neslerov.
Il have, your eXcellency,' replied the
superintendent of police. 1T concerns
him-your enemy"
"The Americana
Eyes | have obeyed your commands
he has been constantly watched. And
at last we are in position TO strike"
Nesleroy sat up straight.
"What? Tell me ut once"
1T is not yet revealed what the mans
object is, but he and the Paulpofrs are
plotting again
"The PaulpoffsY
'"They and the American. He has
visited them twice. 1t was overheard
that he and Papa Paulpoff had long
conversation about picture"
Neslerov glanced at a painting that
hung on the wall. 1t was the painting
he had taken from the Paulpolfs' house
at Perm.
"What cal he know about the pic
ture?" asked the governor.
81 do not know. That is, as l 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 a small
medallion, probably in a lOcket. 1t
was lost some years ago by a member
of my family and bears relation to a
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
standF
Il understand nothing"
''That picture, if it is the one mean,
must be brought to me. The Ameri-
can, if he proves to he interested in it,
must know or suspect something l do
not wish him TO know There are ways
whereby even an American could dis
appear in Siberia. And, JansBy, Vladi-
mir Paulpoff is a most dangerous plot
ter even here He ought to be placed
where he can do no more mischief"
81 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 readt-
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 n short time be-
fore. Mamma PaulpOff had been
through so much trouble of late that
the slightest sound Jared upon her
She turned whittier still and stepped
backward as she saw the dark and
forbidding face of Jansky. Behind
Jansky were two of the Tomsk po-
lice.
You are Mamma Paulpoff," said
Jansky, slipping his foot in the door
and working his way inside.
Il am; you know me; I was at
Perm" faltered the trembling old Wo-
nan.
II am quite well aware that you
were at Perm, old woman, and also
that conspiring son of yours. 1t show
a1 20 q 1,, la
ceivcd no worse punishment. This is
heaven compared to what you de-
served"
I'VE had done nothing, your excel
lency."
"What! You stiIl persist in that lie!
You were all in tho game. and you are
still at It, let me tell you"
'It is not sol" walled the old woman,
having visions of horrible punishments
of which she had heard
"Don't tell me-" said Jansky, bran
dlshing a whip he carried The other
two did the same, but their whips were
heavier.
The old woman crouched against the
wall
Don't lie to me again." thundered
Jansky. Il have been watching you
every day since you came to this place.
say you are still conspiring.'
'It is not so! / swear it in the name
of Godr' cried Mamma Paulpoff.
Let me telI~,ou, it will be worse for
you if you do not tell the truth. You
ere receiving a visitor who is suspect
II"
IA visitor! | know no onen' gasp
ed Mamma Paulpoff
ooh, do you not? But you were her,
when he came. Did he come to see you
your husband or your sonT
'Who-of whom do you speak?' ask
ed the frightened Old woman
"Of whom would | speak save tina
accursed American? lie 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