The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-11-13
ID IrlAEeby she could, IL the need
should come, take her own life rather

NJ My " #s eHdt - lueie We're q, priest IN
this squalid place he would obey Ne
slerov, and humble some words per
fectly meaningless to her, but which
would give Neslerov power over her.
She walked the length of the apart.
ment like a Gagged lioness.
K Women turned into their huts and
came out again. She saw Neslerov
start back toward the car carrying a
wooden tray. She shuddered again.
r "God give me strength, courage,
calmness!" she murmured. "To lose
consciousness would be to, fall a vic.
tim to him." - Sz IS
She nerved herself to meet him as
his footsteps sounded on the platform.
The door opened, and he entered with
a bowl of cruel, some steaming pota-
toes, roast fowl. coffee and some coarse
bread
1T is not quite like our usual fare -
he said, "but it is better than being
hungry" 4
He set the dishes on a table he i'm
provised out of the back of seat. He
had a large travelling bag with him,
and from it he took bottle Of wine.
I'VE will pledge each other" he said,
with laugh.
Il do not wish any," said Frances.
Come, don't be churlish! Let us get
over the unpleasant part. Drink (.
toast to your future husband"
II will not. will not touch it!'
"Drink-drink my health!' he com.
manded.
II will not!''
81 will make your
He held the cup in his right hand.
With his left he grasped her by the
hair. He bent back her head.
open your mouth. Swallow the
wine. will choke your he cried.
With powerful effort she wrenched
herself free and to her feet, and the
wine went to the floor with smash.
Her eyes were glazing with despera-
ton. She clinched her fist and rained
blow upon blow upon his face.
Curses deep and terrible burst from
him. He clutched her round the waist
and struggled with her. She exerted
all her strength. She was like a fero-
cious tigress. Her nails scratched his
face and tore his hair. Her blows cut
his lips on his teeth. But he was a
powerful man and used his strength
against this captive woman. With a
gasp she succumbed and sank helpless
and exhausted almost in his arms.
Course your he spluttered between
his swollen lips. II have wasted nv
kindness on you! should have starry
ed you. But I will delay no longer.
I'll drag you to the priest, and in ten
minutes you will be the Princess Nesle-
rov-and my slave for life. I'll break
your heart, you devil!'
He closed his arms tightly about her
and dragged her from the car. The
villagers stared in establishment as
they saw him coming toward them
with his burden.
What means this strange happen
ing, little father?" asked a woman of
an older man Of the village. "Is the
man killing her?'' $3.50 Z. ~. = "a" -
LET bel! growled the man. "Use
your eyes in your house, but NEEDLE
not with others. The mans gold is
good. He will not hurt her. She is
probably his wife,"
Russian wives are accustomed to cru
city from their husbands A beating
Is but part Of their demonstrations Of
authority as head. of the house. The
women looked on with apathy. while
the men smiled.
He has married Tartar" they said
among themselves. -
Help! Save me from this manv'
gasped Frances as Neslerov half drag
ged, half carried her into the nearest
group.
where is your priest?" Neslerov de-
manded. "Get him at once. Not only
he, but all in the place. will receive
pay. Call the priest at oncev' /
"Save me! l am an American! Cor
don-the man who built-the road is
my fatherv' cried Frances, struggling
again.
A bent old man was seen shambline
toward them.
Come" said Neslerov roughly. "This
young woman ana l are to be married
Hurry. We have been left behind in
that car, and to save her good name
she must become my wife. Proceed!
mo! For PHYS sake, do not" cried
Frances. MY father will pay YOU
well! Do not compel me to marry him!
l hate himw
II command you to marry us"' shout
ed N1slerOV.
A tall man of about middle age STEP
ped from the crowd.
1T is wrong" he said. "Who you
are know not, but it is not the way to
win wife. Release the young woman.
Let us hear what she has to say"
what she has to say! Curse you!"
howled Neslerov. He did release her
for moment and sprang forward. His
list shot out against the mans face.
Without an effort in his own behalf he
fell.
II am Neslerov, governor of Tomskv'
shouted the prince, now perfectly fren-
Zied.- II command Won old dotard a+o