The Washington times., 1903-04-12

-"s-s~s-s- -s's'-s-s-s-S~s-
I do. answered Donald fervently:
y am not Serge Maslof But ] viii tell
you all and you shall judge for your
self. 7 swear that DO false word shall
leave my lips.
He began the narrative in tremu-
lous voice for he knew that this was
the last chance for life and freedom
and the remembrance of what was at
stake almost took away his seIf-control:
but as he proceeded, he grew eloquent
ana passionate choosing the salient
points of the story. and omitting no link
in the chain of events that had caused
bis misfortune
His manner and words must have con
WINGED the most prejudiced heaFer, ami
Earia. startled and swayed though she
was. believed every word that he spoke
Donald could see the tears gljsteniug
/ in her eyes as she pressed her face close
( O the grating.
How you must have suffered. she
whispered. There is much injustice II
Russia bat never before heard Of
anything so shameful as this. I know
3
/ you o be free. I dare not say anything
20 my father-at least. not yet-but !
( have influential friends who viii listen
/ 20 me. and do what / ask. I will begin
/ this very night There is no time 10
/ lose. for this morning I heard my father
/ say that you would be sent on TO the
mines in three days
Donald uttered a startled cry. In
three days. So soon as that! Oh. pray
you aci al once. II am removed from
/ Irkutsk it viii be too late
+ Il VIII viii. continued the girl.
! I promise YOU Don't despair. You
shall ne saved. I remember the dispute
among the convicts over your identity
that night. but I was thinking too much
/ of escape to pay any attention 10 what
was going on-hush, hear a footstep.
The guard is coming back. I must go at
once Good-by. won't forget my prom
i ise
She was gone before Donald could
! answer. and he heard her light tread 60
echotng down the corridor in strong con
trast TO the jailer-
He listened until all was silent once
more and then. cropping across the cell
he threw himself on the bed The last
CLEAN OF light had faded from the win
dow but he paid no heed 10 the dark
ness. His heart was light as air. and he
repeated over and over 10 himself aloud
Z shall be free, / shall be free,"
It was the height OF the season" II
Irlutsk. and there was a bali that nigh
at the stately palace Of the governor
general Outside IN the moonlight we're
long lines OF carriages and sleighs
within. spectacle as magnificent as tht
most brilliant crush Of London sea
son could present
Tht. governor general was there viii
his party. and the headquarters stat
IofEcers. all in fuU uniform and hlazini
with orders and decorations: there wer'
beautiful women in all their pride o
birth and station. suave diplomats an,
pompoUs officials from distant provinces
a Chinese mandarin. an English duke
French marquis
The regimentaI band was stationed IL
the gallery Of the ballroom. and out il
the winter garden-which was beautiful
" Illuminated with quaint Chinese Ian
terns-an orchestra played sweet musi
beside the fountain.
Il was like being in dreamland u
wander through the exotic sbrubbeTies
1t was scene from Monte Carlo O
Nice transplanted to this cold Siberia
As Andre Dagmar was crossing b
polished floors of the ballroom in ques
of a partner. his arm was tapped lightly
and. turning around. he beheld Yaria.
I wish few words with you. Captain
Dagmar." she whispered. VIII yo
come to the southwest corner Of th
winter garden at II o'clock
Before he could reply she was lost j
the throng
/ Andre looked after her d moment an
then went his way. nos little mystihe
by her request.