The Washington times., 1903-04-05
CHAPTER XXxIV.
SHATTERED HOPES.

lAAs& = = ~ &ANA -
Donald had passed the day in a stats
OF feverish impotence. having arisen
at any early hour Of the morning: and.
when Colonel sudekin entered the guard
house. ne instantly OWNED The object
of his visit
The COIoneis greeting was curt and
MS manner severe and martial as be
delivered the governors message, but
Donald accepted this as matter OF
course. and signiaed his willingness 70
start ~ once
Not 2 shadow Of doubt was in his
mind: he looked forward eagerly to the
interview with the governor feeling sure
that his story would be believed and in
vestigated, and that he would speedily
be free man.
He crossed the post yard in the gath
ering dark.1e escorted by four Cos
sacks, and WIS conducted straight 70
the inner room Of the post h0use-a
small. square apartment with one VIM
dow near the ceiling. The Cossacks left
him al he door. and be was alone with
the governor. who sat a. a table with
a lighted lamp before him.
Donald bowed respectfully and remain
ed standing in the center OF the floor.
For full minute the governor did not
speak; he was crUmpling little roll Of
paper in one hand, and with the ether
vas nervousIy twisting his musiache
and beard.
Donald miscoDstrued This silence.
Shall I begin. your gxeeileney?'' he
ven3ured % ask.
The governor Strengthened himself up.
No. he replied, coidIy. you need
not begin. The fact is that eircum-
stances have occurred which make i
/ Impossible for ne 10 keep my promise
1 am not insensibIe to the services you
/ have rendered, but assure you ny
hands are tied and much as regret II
I can co nothing"
/ "But you will certainly listen to nay
story" pleaded Donald. turning white
10 the lips.
The governor frowned and shook hiz
head
| L have here important dispatches
/ from Petersburg. he resumed, glanciEg
| at he papers in his hand, and I viii
acquaint you with their import. I an
/ instructed TO make every effort 10 re-
/ capture the famous Whilst. Serge Mas
/ foff. who escaped from the exile gang
/ several weeks ago and in case SIC
| coed 7 have strict orders 10 send him on
to Irkutsk at once. to keep him there in
solitary confinement until such time as
/ it rIeases the authorities to forward
/ him 10 the mines, and 10 allow him no
/
/ I have here a description Of Serge Mas
/ Ion. and ! am convinced that you are
ice nan:
I an not. cried Donald. taking
step forward in his excitement; Il an
rot Serge MasgoH! 7 am an American
/ 7 am entirely innocent Of any crime
/ The governor held up his hand warn
ingIy. Stop! / can't listen 10 you I
warn yon TO be silent: I viii give you
/ once chance
| He raped on the table, and the four
Cossacks quickly entered the room.
Let two OF you remain here" com
mauded the governor, and let the
lothe9s bring Feodor Baranok to me az
once
The latter instantly departed on their
/ eTTand. and for ten minutes the room
WAS as silent as the grave.
/ The governor fixed his eyes on the
table, and kept them there. Donald
/ looked the picture of abject misery,
/ as he stood with a Cosssck on each
/ side of him. His hopes had been shat
! tered, and the dreaded mines OF Kara
/ once more yawned before him
/ Presently footsteps and a cIiBhing OF
chains were heard and an instant later
/ Feodor Baranok was led into the room.
/ In spite of the heavy manacles on his
wrists and ankles. he walked proudly
and deasntIy, and met Jbe governors
scrutiny with a glance Of deadly hatred.
/ He did not even look toward Donald
= have sent for you, said the gov
ernor. to ask you a question"
You can ask me a thousand replied
Baranok haUghtily. but they will Tot be
answered.
Take care cried the governor
/ sternly, you forget where YOU are
think You will make up your mind to
/ give the information I want Who Is
| that man"
ITO BE CONTINUED NEXT SENBAYJ