Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-12-31
cuAnrrr XVI
MAMMA rAuLpoFF AVENGED.

1T was midnight In Tomsk, and the
palace of tie governor was still.
Jansky and Unssethop had ridden
away to overtake Denton at Two
loffsEy. Itxig was at his post in the
guardhouse and the new lieutenant of
the palace guard paced his measures
through the deserted corridors.
But Neslerov was not asleep. Fever
ish and impatient, he sat in his room,
awaiting the return of his police with
the American, whose liberty was n
menace to the life of Neslerov. He
drank deeply from time to time from n
bottle that stood on his table. If he
spoke, he did 1t with loud voice, but
no one was near. His thoughts were
spoken thus, us with n man half mad
with fear.
"Heavensw he said as he drank
again. IF he reaches Perm, and the
truth is known. shall--what will be-
come of me?"
He started MS n light footstcp sound
ed ion the hard floor, and his haggard
faca grew paler as Princess Olga en-
tereSl.--<-
why are you awaken he asked
harshly. He was too excited to think
of phrases.
81 could not sleep, and 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 tigress seeking to devour him.
Yet he dared not show it.
"Why are you aloncT' 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."
II heard a commotion. 1 supposed 1t
was something of that kind. Was 1t
q RussianY'
.Yes-a nihilist."
81 hope they will capture him."
4 "They will. They mustv' said Ne
y slerov fiarcely.
Olga's eyes were yeiled-they did
not betray her thoughts.
'srhere is much concerning this sys-
that is new to me. and it will take
- for me to learn 1t all l am al
aGaceady weary with the little 1 have
DONE"
Better leave 1t alone. 1t is bust.
ness for men, not princesses," said Ne
slerov.
"The study has made me wakeful
Bring me some wine."
He opened bottle.
at has puzzled me why you do moi
marry" he said, trying to hide his
fear of her US he poured out glass OF
wine.
"Why should I?'' she asked. II have
not yet found among the mobiles OF
Russia the man would marry"
.'What sort of man must he be tc
please you, cousin?"
He was sparring for time. Any houl
might bring Jansky back with Denton
Then he could play his part in safety
But with Denton ut liberty he dared
not act.
"Oh," said Olga, ito please me a mar
must be honorable, strong and wise
He must not be bound by custom, mol
yet must he scorn it. 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 70,
have not pledged me. Must drinl
= alone?
His eyes snapped with the remem
brance that Jansky ard Itzig had beer
drugged. But she was so handsome, 81
smiling, that no sign of evil intent wa!
in her face.
"From your hand" he answered, will
a,show of gallantry.
She poured him a glass of wine, ant
. they drank. For moment he waited
MS If half expecting to fall asleep. Blu
the wine had no i'll effect, and the,
chatted on. But Neslerov grew NOR,
impatient as the night wore on. VIII!
did this girl persist in staying up ant
talking to him? What was in he
mind? Was there another plota Il
paced to and fro in the room as h
spoke. When his back was turned, sh
made quick movement and dropped
something-not into the wine bottle
but into the bottle of liquor from whicl
Neslerov drank.
Il think will retire." said the prin
cess. ut is late, and perhaps cal
sleep now"
Il hope you will find rest" he said.
She went out. Neslerov watched he
with dark, saturnine face. What dit
she mean? He poured out a liberia