The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-13

ticed in all directions, with the result that
the counts immense fortune soon began to
decrease with alarming rapdity.
THE CRASH CAME.
Within three years from the date of his
succession to the family estates the crash
came and almost before he had any idea
that he was In pecuniary difficulties the
count found himself ruined man. The es-
tates had to be sold to cover the endless
list of debts which he had contracted in all
directions. In many cases the count had
been ruthlessly plundered by tradesmen and
other creditors, who took advantage OF his
childlike ignorance of money matters, but
they had only FASTENED the catastrophe
which Count Savin's spendthrift habits
would inevitably have caused sooner or
later. When accounts came to be balanced
up Count Savin found that there were in
sufficient funds left to pay his debts of
honor. so that he was quickly branded as
an outcast by his former comrades of the
regiment OF cavalry guards. Count Savin
threw up his commission in the army, went
abroad and drifted to Paris, the mecca of
all Russian travellers.
In Paris began that career which raised
Count Savin to an unenviable notoriety.
He soon got into touch with card-pIaying
circles. and In the great, gay city he ac-
quired a practical knowledge of money
making and other necessary accessories TO
luxurious life without private means. His
marvellous linguistic talents were of great
service TO him, for he could converse flu
emily in English, French. German. Italian
and half dozen Slavic tongues, including
Polish and Czechish, besides his native
Russian. His title procured for him the
entree OF the most exclusive circles of
Partisan society, for the story OF his mis-
fortunes in Russia had not then reached
the French capital while his personal man.
ners, which were distinguished as they
were amiable and fascinating made him a
favorite in the fashionable salons OF Paris.
WON FROM FUTURE KING.
Not long after he had settled in Paris
Count Savin rented q magnificent apart
ment on the Boulevard des Italiens and
began housekeeping on princely scale OF
credit. One firm furnished the apartment
at a cost OF $4,000 without receiving a cent
In cash: another business house supplied
the count with quantities of wine: third
catered for choicest provisions. and so forth
In all branches Of life. The hard cash re-
quired to pay for the immediate necessities
of existence was easily earned at card play
ing. and by means OF loans obtained from
aristocratic friends.
Count Savin was an expert In the art of
getting money from women in society. He
first fascinated them. made love to them,
made conquest OF them compromised
them In some way or other. and then drew
on them for funds. which were given either
for love or him or TO escape the exposure
with which he guardedly threatened them
IL other means failed. Men. too. lent him
money freely, for he had wonderful knack
OF inspiring them with the utmost conf
dence In his power 10 repay loans OF any
magnitude French noblemen. wealthy
manufacturers, financiers. politicians, act
ors and writer's all fell into the trap, and
supplied money which they never saw
again
But Count Savin's victims were not linn
tied to French circles. On several occasions
he joined the circles OF the favored few
who associated with the Prince of Wales.
now King Edward VII Of England, during
that royal personage's visits TO Paris, and
each time the Russian succeeded In win
ming considerable sums OF money from the
heir TO the English throne. The last time
he met IA Prince Of Wales he asked him