Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-07-21
CHAPTER x.

easily found, ana they stepped into II.
Prince Dellnikoff was dressed in
plain uniform he had worn as ieuten-
ant of cavalry. He wore over that q
long black cloak that concealed every
inch Of his apparel. In his arms he
carried his brilliant uniform OF inspect
or general Of prisons.
Alma laughed, called him good
prince and patted his cheek. She let
his arm rest about her waist as the
carriage hurried to Jurnicffs home.
Arriving, she led the prince by a pri-
vate way to Jurnieffs apartments. A
servant met them and was dismissed
with the curt remark that Colonel Jur-
nieff had sent them for something and
they needed no attendance.
She left Dclnikoff in the library and
took the bundle from him. She hurried
to her room. When she got there. she
knelt and prayed. Marie found her on
her knees and lifted her.
Marie, hush for your life! Swear
by all that you hold sacred you will
not breathe word Of what you see
tonight until tomorrow. Better yet, go;
see nothing"
Can you not trust me, mademoi.
selle?'
II cannot trust myself. Go! You
know nothing. came home from the
ball feeling ill"
The maid retired, and Alma dressed
herself in the uniform of the inspector
general Of prisons. In closet were a
pair of boots she had purchased. The
long cloak she had bought, as that
worn by Dellnikoff, covered her COM
pletely. With a pair of shears she cut
her beautiful tresses short. In her ex-
element she left them where they fell
upon the floor She went to the library
and threw aside the cloak.
Alma" cried the prince, rushing to
her, you are superb! The uniform be-
comes you better than it does me,
though it is a tri1c large. Where did
you get the boots:'
They We're left by a-by a soldier
who knows Marie, my maid. Oh. am
so nervous. can scarcely bring my
self to the lark now that I have won
you to it. But we have gone SO far, we
must go on. We will have some wine
before we go"
She left the room and returned with
two glasses filled.
Drink to the success Of our expedi.
ton"
He took the glass from her hands
and asked her to touch her lips to the
rim. She did 80 and gave him her
glass for the same salute.
ITO the success of the hnndsomest.
dashingest. daringest inspector Of pris-
ons the car Of Russia ever had!"
They both drank the toast.
Now come. I know the way" she
said. The papers-the commissioner
found them in the breast pocket"
"IoU will not need them II you make
your voice heavier"
Amazed, half conscious OF what he
was doing, the prince followed. She
led him down staircase to stone
corridor The captain of the prison
guard came to meet them. The visor
of her cap was pulled down. She stiff
ened up and addressed the guard with
dignity.
II am Prince Dellnikoff inspector
general OF prisons. Here is the seal 81
the czar. I am here to examine your
dungeons
Eyes, your excelency." stammered
the captain. There are but few OF
us here tonight. The governors hll'-
II know. just left there"
"But you need an escort through the
dungeons"
Il never have an escort. l wish tc
see for myself. My orderly is escor
enough"
Dellnikoff stood silent, marveling a
this splendid acting. Have | really
known the girl before:" he asked him
self.
What prisoners have you?"
"In the lower dungeons there are
but few. They are waiting for trans
portaton to Siberia"
"Do you keep all prisoners for Sibe
ria in the lower dungeons?"
Yes. excellency."
Alma knew the general plan Of TIT
| prison ana went Ut once 10 the lOWel
dungeons. She found the key that un
locked the iron door that led to tn,
corridor.
THAT wine-I drank too much.
shall not be fit for the toasts at tn,
supper" whispered the prince.
ut is the close atmosphere. W,
shall be out again soon. You will fee
better
They passed In, and she locked tn,
door behind them. The first cell the.
came to she unlocked. A dirty look in,
wretch was lying on his pallet o
straw.
He will be cleaner in Siberia" SAT-
Alma as she locked his cell.
The next cell was empty, and sh
did not reock the door. Each cell doc
in turn she opened and looked IN. The,
had almost completed the round Of tn
corridor when she heard the prime
breathing heavily. She turned ant
found him leaning against the wall
II am i'll" he whispered. my hea'
is splitting"
"Come out in the air." she said.
II c-can'tw
His head dropped. With a strength
born OF the exigencles of the momen
she thrust him into an empty cell ant
tore the long cloak from under him