The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-02-18

tears, and humble submission to the
Almighty will. Then he hurried away
to the morrow's duty after expressing
his wishes as to the disposal of the re-
mains Of his SON"
An exceedingly interesting chapter is
the reproduction OF a speech that
Brown delivered to several AIissourians
held as prisoners
The men who knew and acted with
John Brown are fast passing away and
the only regret upon reading DR..
not make 1t more comprehensive in
detail.
The volume is wen printed and
substantially bound in cloth. There is
an introduction by f. B. Sanborn, the
well known authority on John Brown
1t is made to sell for SIS cents. The
James H West company OF Boston are
the publishers
1.-The Mysterious Mr.. Sabln" is the
title of Mr.. f. Philips Oppenheim's
new novel, just published by Little,
Brown & Co. of Boston. Mr.. Open
helm is a master of intrigue as ap-
piled to the novel, He is a specialist
few readers who are not pleased with
the mysterious in literature, who do
not enjoy an hour or two in the con-
temptation and study of a well con-
structed plot which has to do with the
ingenuity of the human mind. That
is why Mr.. Oppenheim's books are al
ways popular and that is why THE
Mysterious Mr.. Sabin" will please the
majority of readers.
Mr. Sabin is a Frenchman of title,
who has always been involved in
diplomatic intrigue, in which he usual
ly has been successful. His last ven
ture-and about this the interest OF
this novel centerS-is in arranging a
conflict between Germany and Eng
land by which IL is hoped tht the en-
tire English navy will be annihilated
through the use OF an Invention OF
which Mr.. Sabin is the author. As a
reward for his services he asks as a
fee the conquest of France by Ger
many, and the restoration to power OF
a branch of the royal family of which
his niece is a member. and whose
marriage to another member OF the
royalty seems to be a possible means
of reuniting France in monarchlcal
government.
With this plan Mr. Sabin visits Eng
land, accompanied by his niece. the
Princess Helene Frances de Bourbon,
and enters into negotiations with both
the powers of Germany and Russia.
He finally determines that Germany is
the best tool for the furtherance of
his plans, and attempts to deceive
Russia concerning his purpose In
the course of his residence IN England
he is compelled to show some recog-
milton to Lord Wolfenden, who de-
tends him from an assault from a
political enemy. The Introduction OF
Lord Wolfenden to Helene is the first
obstacle to the plans of Mr.. Sabin, for
the young Englishman is captivated
by the charms of the princess and
frankly states that in spite of the OBJ
jections OF Mr.. Sabin, he intends to
win her. The princess is not entirely
insensible to the attentions of Lord
Wolfenden, but her engagement from
patriotic motives to a member of the
royalty of France cannot be easily for
gotten.
In the meanwhile Mr.. Sabin pursues
his course of intrigue in a manner
Ia1nS OF romance or stage life, and in
the development of this widespread
intrigue, the author has shown won
derful imaginative powers. Unfortu-
nately, however, Mr.. Sabin had at one
time Joined a society of nihilists, and
the Russian powers. finding that he is
treating with Germany, join hands
with the nihilists, who demand the
destruction of all his plans. writings. |
and models, and the abandOnm ent of
his alliance with Germany. Reluctant |
~ Mr.. Sabin withdraws from the COM |
pact with Germany, and the plan to
secure for his niece the throne of |
France is defeated.
The Princess Helene, finding that
her marriage to the Prince of Ortrens [
Will not benefit the political condition |
OF France. promptly renOunceS her /
bethrothal, and announces her en- |
gagement to Lord WOlfenden. Mr. /
Sabin is at last compelled to. counten-
ance this new arrangement, and hav- |
ing raised by his plots ennbarrass-
ing conditions between Germany and |
England. is forced to seek an asylum /
in the United States.
The less said about illustrations in |
the book the better.
BOOK NOTES,