Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-11-11
By Order of the Gar
A Story of Russian Power
By MARCUS EASTLAKE
-O@
A Story of Russian Powe
WAR Gus EASTLAK

those Offices an experienced hand might
have done better, if less tenderly. Though
| he speaks not much, see that it soothes
and gratifes.
| l stay with him, tending him, changing
his congresses, administering the cooling
| draught [ have prescribed for him; and
| the hours I had dreaded to face flow on
almost UNDECIDED, and in perfect quietude
of mind. 1t is as if l had turned the
key ca it's Bluebeard chamber.
At length the fading light apprises
! me that the door of that chamber must
be approached again. I do so at first
with cempesure. Hope has rallied in this
still atmosphere. A servant knocks and
| brings in a lamp. I consult the gold re-
peater that rests in a pocket above my
patients head. He opens his eyes and
rouses.
What, going?" he asks.
Eyes; 1 have all engagement; but /
| will lock in again tonight and see you
before | go to bed. l am staying in the
Stein-Strasse, not FIVE minutes walk
from here"
The old mans countenance has fallen.
"Of course, you have engagements. You
must go to your friends. 1t is good Of
you to have stayed with me so long. 1t
must have been dull-miserable, sitting
III this gloomy room with stupid old
man, who hasn't a word to throw at a
dog. And, sir, / am grateful to you"
do not mention it. l had nothing
else to do. And now, since l am obliged
TO go, will send you a nurse"
"a nurse! Need lis it absolutely
necessary? Wouldn't one of the men of
the house do, Ell? | am not used to
having women about me-"
Locking down on Mr.. Coughs perturb-
ed countenance, I make a sudden resolve
If you will have me instead, and put
up with my clumsy ways, l have moth
!! ing to do"
would you, now? Well that's kind
Of you, my lad!' His face beams with
pleasure and relief, then as quickly falls
again, as he adds, mo, no. Go yeur
Ways and send the nurse cannot ac-
cept it. You want to enjoy yourself in
Beflin-ge to the theaters, and that sort
Of thing. Thank you all the same"
Il shall be back again." I explain,
just as il he had not spoken; Sin, let me
SEE 1 hesitate II cannot exactly
say how long I shall be gone. 1 have
must see Rosen, to explain; but you may
rely on me this evening, some time. If
she should not come" | stop short,
overwhelmed at once by the terrible sig
nifcance Of the words l utter. My self
possession deserts me.
Mr.. Cough lifts his head from the
pillow and regards me.
my dear boy, you said She Is it
your sister whose safety is threatened?
Perhaps she has got into trouble, like
yourselfW
at is my betrothed," I groan. "And
if she comes not by this train- =. :, :,
conclude that she is in Russian prison.
l seem to see her there, and sink down
beside the bed, hiding my face IN my
hands. / feel trembling hand on my
head, and hear broken voice, feeble and
piping, but exceedingly sympathetic,
E'Poor lad! Poor lad! And with all this
on your mind, you could yet think of the
trouble of a stranger! But, bless us all,
look up, my man! The case isn't lost yet.
The young woman may come. Never cry
out before you're hurt"
1 rise. Yes 1 say, bracing myself,
and drawing a long breath. You are
right. l cry before 1 am hurt; and
vet not quite. l expected her yester-
day. and the blows / have sustained
have been crushing ,anes. Methinks If
this one descend it viii send nae mad"
/ stand a few moments, striving to
calm my agitation ere l move toward the
door.
"Whatever it be it must be met" I say
at length. And 1 go.