Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-12-03

ut is believed among the servants
that Vladimir is also in love with the
American girl and that she is in love
with him. And the Americana don't
know-but he may be in love with her
also"
Three lovers! She is fortunate-no,
I would say most unfortunate. With
one true and honorable lover any wo-
man is fortunate. but with three-and
one like Neslerovl It is too much"
you do not seem to suspect where
the picture came FROM"
DO you mean the oil painting Of my
cousin. the Princess AlexandraY
II mean 1t. You say it hangs on the
wall Of Neslerov's room. 1t Is undoubt-
edly the one painted by Vladimir"
"And when Vladimir and his parents
were sent to Siberia Neslerov took the
painting"
Eyes. vladimir is talented, as you
know-at least as have told you"
"Then Vladimir must be near this
place."
Therese shuddered again.
HE is-he is in the dungeons under
this palace" she whispered in terror.
A sudden change came over the prin-
cess. She walked in agitation to and
FRO across the room.
Then Neslerov must suspect that
Vladimir holds the key to the mystery
of Graslov," she said. stopping again
before Therese.
Il do not know what he thinks. The
American also is here under charge
OF conspiring against the car"
"Oh, then 1t becomes clearer. These
Americans are shrewd. This one, per-
haps, IN order to crafty his love of
truth, has set himself the task Of dis
covering the truth about Graslov."
"Who knowsT asked Therese. "But
how would he know anything about
the mystery Of Graslov?"
True but you say Vladimir and the
American girl are in love. Vladimir
may have discovered something and
told the girl. She may have told the
American, who may not be lover, but
friend. She may have enlisted his
enorts IN the task Of unraveling the
mystery"
ut is possible"
'What else did you hear7"
Nothing; that is all. The American
was arrested as he was about to leave
for Perm. vladimir was brought from
Tivoloffsky, a small village near here. /"
"By the orders of NesleroyY
''It must be, since thew are in the
dungeons of his palace"
"And that is all you heardY'
"All-everythine."
at is enough to place me unon the
| right scent. You mn.t mt bowaver
give way to these fits Of unconscious.
ness. Be stronger. be brave"
ut is all very well. princess. hut II
you had lived for twenty yeara With
the horror of that crime oyershadow.
ing you, with a constant fear of the 81.
berian mines waioh;na NOV non e Wv,
would not be calm"
Poor woman! appreciate your
feelings in the matter. But try to main.
tain your composure, for one mistake
now, the slightest suspicion on the part
of Neslerov, NAV DESTROY the efforts we
have made during the last two years"
ask months. princess"
| "For Won s,nca vnur b,,ehona d,oa
have been working upon this mystery
since returned from Paris two years
ago. II God spares my life, will
avenge the crime that was committed
against our branch Of the Neslerovs."
That evening the princess met Nesle
rov In the dining room with no show OF
emotion. Her smile was as winning
and her wit as sharp as ever.
Il have not seen you during the aft.
srnoon, fair cousin" said Neslerov
But have not forgotten you. have
been gathering the resources Of Tomsk
to give you a fitting welcome to our
city. Tomorrow night there will be q
reception and fete here in your honor
Tomorrow night? That Is quickly
done"
1t does not take long to arrange such
thing here. We have SO few socia
pleasures that when the opportunity
occurs we grasp it greedily. The Off
GERS Of the garrison and the head Off
Gals, with their families, will attend
You must not expect to see the grand
Il
eur Of fete in st. Petersburg or Par
is"
ut would weary me-" said Olga.
The perfecting arrangements for the
fete made Neslerov hurry away, and
Olga was soon left to herself. She had
resolved upon certain plans. but the
activity Of the palace in the prepare
lions for the coming festivities seemed
destined to oalk her. She roameo
through the great rooms alone, scan
ning the races OF those she met speak
.ns 70 rev. Out watchtul LOT tne oppor
tunity sne craVeo.
II was nearly mionlgnt "nen sue Ne
san u msS anu wen, ~ nei
a.", :. -, &c. ..s y. .ns pa.ase "e g..
H. aano "oA 'ne AooA'' ~
d.. ~ ~, 81.
Da. Tue princess uiu no. leeire, ON
sa rs uow -, near = ~lnooM anu Mal.e ' :.
, ,on .ne pal,room WINDOWS tne slal.
mo A sraas pnd ,,, us me R.s st Sa,a..