The Washington times., 1905-01-29
CHAPTER IL
The Nihilist Spy.

The hackneyed simiie of the cat AID
the mouse seemed 10 me to be espe-
ciaIly applicable in the present in
stance. In one breath [ was tod that
there would be many interviews of the
kind I was then enjoying CD, and in
the next that my destination was ST.
IBERIA. 1t was certainly paradoxical, and
somewhat threatening, but I still re-
Trained from asking questions.
Presently. as I made no further COM
ment. the Emperor resumed the con-
verSation.
what brought you to Russian he
demanded, but in a tone that was not
unkind.
The desire to obtain an interview
with YOU 1 replied, remembering his
caution for me to ignore his rank
"For what purpose
.sTo enter your service
I'm what capacity"
! most fitted
my replies suited the humor he was in.
knew that 1 had made an impression
that was not detrimental to me in his
eyes, and thought that I began 20 see
through the puzzle The succeeding few
moments convinced me that 1 was not
mistaken.
Whose was the suggestion that de-
termined your visit to Russian he con-
tinued.
1.-The suggestion came TO ne a long
time ago-more than a year." re-
sponded. "Since then it has been con-
stantly in my mind, and at last 1 de-
cided to act upon It,
on
| Mr.. Darlington
1.-The idea first came to me through an
old friend: one whom I used to know
here, in this country: one who afforded
me very great assistance when 1 was
here three years ago. on secret mis-
sion for my government"
| What is his name2'
81 have forgotten it,
You are troubled with a poor mem
| DRY, SIR
Yes; concerning the names of friends
who have assisted me when they have
been compelled 20 place their own inter
ests in jeopardy in order to do So
| DO yol. know Alexis Saberevski?''
| II do"
| Can you tell me where he is now?'
I'm New York, I think
| Did you not have a definite PROPOSE
ton TO make to me, in case you were
successful in securing an audience?"
/ II did,
Very well, you have secured the audi
ence. l will hear the proposition
Il believe that I can orgs nize and
maintain a secret service bureau in you:
than all of the present police force put
together In order to do so. L must
have my own way entirely, must be
absolute master of the situation, as fal
as my men are concerned, and can have
no superior officer-not even the Car
| himself. My plans are all formulated
with care, and 1 can go into minute de
| tails whenever l am directed to do so"
''Modesty is not one of your accom-
plishments, Mr.. Darlington
Possibly not; but thorough familiar.
| ity with the work I would do is one
| Interference with my duties by any
one, no matter how high in place. woulC
render my efforts impotent. ana 1 should
] decline, under such circumstances. Il
undertake the task I have set for my.
self"
What is that task?''
THE utter ACKNOWLEDGMENT and de
| struction of an organization of anarch
/ ISIS kIlD"ll dS against WnOn
l have already been twice pitted, anC
both times successfully"
The Car arose from his chair ant
crossed the room to the window, wher,
he stood for some time, peering out int
the darkness, in the interim drummin,
ceaselessly on the pane with the tip.
OF his fingers. During that time Their.
| was not a word spoken.
| Presently he turned and came bacl
to the chair where L was seated, tower
ing over me like a veritable giant, tn
most me- gniflcent specimen OF mascu
line humanity / have ever seen, AM
according to his lights. as good as b
was great IN stature.
When. ultimately. the Nihllists sue
ceeded in destroying him, they kilie,
the best frienC that Russia ever had o.
the throne. They did not, could no
know 1t; but l do
Mr. Darlington" he said, speaking
with great elaboration. as though h
weighed each word uttered. we VII