The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1903-02-24

father has time to return from the
Obi"
Never. | would prefer to be torn
apart by your villagers
You believe that now while you are
in the heat of anger, but short period
of rest and contemplation will show
you the folly Of your refusal. Think
of this. l shall go out now and obtain
some food. We may remain here a
week. Who knows? Before l leave
you l wish to say that until you con-
sent to have the priest of that village
make you my wife you shall not be per-
mitted to leave this car. l much pre-
fer, as would any man, a willing bride;
but denied this, will compel you to
obey. 1t will be the worse for you. l
offered love-an affectionate embrace.
You refused. Now l command! Think
this matter settled only when we are
married"
Never! You have my revolver and,
l suppose, one Of your own. Shoot me
If you will. will not marry your
1T will not be you shoot. What do
you luluh your ldluGT VIII uO WuGu ue
finds you are left behind?''
Without doubt he will obtain spe-
cial train and come here after ne.
Then. Prince Neslerov, beware!o
He smiled like wolf and showed his
teeth.
THAT is what l wanted you to say.
Ii when your father comes here you are
not my wife, will shoot him dead"
You dare notn' she gasped.
II dare anything. No report of mine
would be discredited at St Petersburg.
could prove that your father was a
conspirator against the government
and was shot while fighting my sol
dersn
There is a government of the United
States of American
True, but at 3 distance do not
fear it But consider what have said.
| will return with food'
He left the car, securing the doors
to prevent her escape When she saw
him striding toward the village. she
leaned against the window and studied
the rule people.
81 am helpIess-absolutely helpless!'
abe moaned ''Oh. if he had not taken
ny revolver 1 could have shot him
>r myself
She looked about her for some meth
Cd whereby she could. if the need
should come, take her own life rather
man submit to his demands. She
knew that if there We're 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 q Gagged lioness.
Women turned into their huts and
came out again. She saw Neslerov
start back toward the car carrying a
wooden tray. She shuddered again
God give me strength, courage,
calmness!' she murmured. ITO lose
consciousness would be to fall vic
tim to him.
She neived herself to meet him as
his footsteps sounded Oh the platform.
The door opened, and he entered with
a bowl of Cruel, some steaming pota-
toes, roast fowl, coffee and some coarse
bread
ut is not quite like our usual fare"
he said, "but it is better than being
hungry"
He set the dishes on table he i'm
provised out of the back of seat He
had 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 a
toast to your future husband"
81 will not. l will not touch it!'
"Drnk-drink my healthv' he COM
manded.
Il will not!"
81 will make you!"
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
VINE. will choke your he cried.
With a powerful effort she wrenched
herself free and to her feet, and the
wine went to the floor with smash.
Her eyes We're glaring with despera.
tion. 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.
Curse you!" he spluttered between
his swollen lips. Il have wasted my
kindness on you! l should have starv-
ed you. But ! will delay no longer.
III 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"