The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-11-13

1--WE had him turn out some iron for I
tnall bridges. Well?'
8 He is SO intelligent, and was So
anxious to learn, to improve, helped
him. I used to send him books, pa
pers, magazines, scientific works any
thing. I could get hold of that would
help him. He studied hard, poor fell
low! He grew to-I think he loved me
-he''- ..# " .H
& "Of course you returned his affec-
ton. You've done it SOL mean it
came quite easy" .. ~
Tears glistened in her eyes, and she
turned away her head. She had quar-
relied with this man and had said she
would never marry him, and their
friendship had been almost cut asun-
der. But he had saved her from Ne.
slerov. Now he was Gliding. her.
zone could not know Vladimir with
out admiring him." she said suddenly,
with great accession of spirit II fail
to see why should be put through this
catechism by YOU ~.
"You needn't be if you don't want
to-" he answered coldly. "This is a
nice, quiet village. Neslerov is lying
not far away, somewhat cut up now,
but he will get over that. l could 20
on my way and leave you if my ques- !
lions are distasteful. The thing is that
there must be an explanation to this
affair, and I'd like to know what it is
to be. 1t is no trifling matter to cut
the governor of Russian province to
pieces"
"Have you been fghting?" she asked
quickly. ,.
NO." he replied, with a tinge of sar-
casm. "Neslerov and I INDUCED in a
few pleasantries. He doesn't feel as
gay over them as do; that's ALL
"Oh, see your hand is bandaged-I
never noticed it. Oh, Jack, forgive mev'
1--WE were following a course of in
qulry," he said, putting the bandaged
hand behind him. ''This Vladimir
you met-there was an attachment-so
far, so good. Now, how did that lead
to this AFFAIR.""
Il wanted to see Vladimir and went
by train from Moscow to Perm.
found drosky at the station and was
driven to the shops. Shops, house-all
were deserted. I found NeslerOv there
with painting under his arm. He was
taking it away. 1t was beautiful pic
ture, beautiful face l asked the
prince where Vladimir was. He said
that all the Paulpoffs- father, mother
and Vladimir-had been sent to Sibe
ria"
"sent to Siberia! That big simple
hearted fellow! For what?"
"Conspiring with others to kill the
car. We were alone; the drosky driv-
er went out, and Neslerov tried to kiss
me. l fought him; shot him.
"You shot Neslerov?"
Yes, l shot him. l would again.
then returned to Moscow, but did not
tell my father anything about the mat
ter, save that Vladimir was sent to
Siberia. We soon after started for the
Obi and stopped, lat Perm. We saw the
governor, and he promised that if he
discovered that Vladimir was innocent
he would help him.
He might as well have said that if
he discovered the moon was cheese he'd
give it to you for lunch. Things like
that are rarely corrected in Russia
when we left Perm, Neslerov was
on the train. Of course, as papa did
not know anything about the shooting
in the house of the Paulpoffs he greet
ed Neslerov as friend. Everything
went we'll till we had crossed the bor-
der and come into Neslerov's own PROV
ince. At this place-1 had been Sleep
ing-1 woke up. The car had become
detached from the train. was alone
with Neslerov. He took my revolver
from me and dragged me here and Or
dered the priest to marry us. Then
you came"
eyes, I think 1 came just in time,"
said Denton.
Then a stern look came again upon
his face.
Frances" he said, II do not know,
of course, how this matter will end If
NeslerOv wishes, he can destroy me. If
he finds it advisable to keep silent,
then I may find way to assist this
Vladimir. I think we shall soon be on
the way to the Obi"
With these words he left the hut and
was met at the door by an angry,
threatening mob Of villagers.
"There he isv' growled an old man,
evidently the leader. "He tried to kill
his excellency. Kill him!''
'Kill himv said another. 1T is the
governors command. He put the iron
road, the bridge, the devil wagons,
through our country. The car does
not wish it, and we must avenge the
wrong. Kill him!'
CHAPTER TX