The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1905-04-06

"Your name is Karl Steinmetz," she
said gravely.
THAT is the name by which I am
known to a large staff Of creditors.''
replied he
IF you will go to No. Passage
Kazan, at the back of the cathedral,
second floor back room on the left at
the top Of the stairs, and go straight in
to the room you will find friend who
wishes to see you," she said as one re-
peating lesson by rote.
"And who are you, my dear young
lady?'
'1-I am no one. am only paid
agent"
"Ah" -.
'Will you go?" asked the girl.
probably. l am curious and not
nervous. Did he-or is it she, my
fatal beauty-did it not name an
hour?'
Between now and O'clock"
'Thank you"
"God be with your said the girl,
suddenly wheeling round and walking
away.
Without looking after her Steinmetz
walked on, gradually increasing his
pace. In few minutes he reached the
large house standing within iron gates
at the upper end Of the English quay,
the house Of Prince Pavlo Howard
Alexis.
He found Paul alone in his study. In
a few words he explained the situa-
tion
"What do you think it means?' ask
ed the prince.
"Heaven only knows"
"And you will go?'
"Of course" replied Steinmetz. Il
love a mystery, especially in st. Pc
tersburg.''
II had better go with you," said
Paul.
scott! No" exclaimed Steinmetz. II
must go alone.'
"Back in time for dinnerw said Paul.
II hope so. have had such mystic
rious appointments thrust upon me be-
fore. 1t is probably friend who wants
a hundred ruble note until next Mon
day"
The cathedral clock struck as Karl
Steinmetz turned out Of the Nevski
Prospekt into the large square before
the sacred ediflce. He soon found the
Kazan passage-a very nest Of toy
shops-and, following the directions
given, he mounted a narrow staircase.
He knocked at the door on the left
hand at the top Of the stairs
"Come in'' said voice which caus-
ed him to start.
He pushed open the door. The room
was small one, brilliantly lighted by
a paraffin lamp. At the table sat an
old man with broad, benevolent face,
high forehead, thin hair and that smile
which savOrs Of the milk of human
kindness.
"You" calculated Steinmetz este
PAM"
eyes. Come in and close the door,"
He laid aside his pen, extended his
hand, and, rising, kissed Karl Stein
metz on both cheeks after the manner
of Russians.
eyes, my dear Karl It seems that
the good God has still 4 little work for
Stepan Lanovitch to do. 1 got away
quite easily in the usual way, through
paid evasion agency. I have been
forwarded from pillar to post, like a
prize fowl, and reached st. Petersburg
last night. I have not long to stay. I
am going south. I may be able to do
some good yet. hear that Paul is
working wonders in Tver"
"What about money! asked Stein
metz, who was always practical.
"Catrina sent it, the dear child!
That is one Of the conditions made by
the agency-a hard one 1 am to see
no relations. My wife-well, bon Dieu,
1t does not matter much. She is oc-
cupied in keeping herself warm, no
doubt. But Catrina! That is diff
ferent matter. Tell mellow is she?
That is the first thing want to know"
"She is WE'LL" answered Steinmetz.
II saw her yesterday"
"And happy?" The broad faced man
looked into Steinmetz's face with con-
siderable keenness.
Eyes"
1t was moment for mental reserva-
TONS One wonders whether such are
taken account Of in heaven.
''And Paul?" asked the Count Ste-
pan Lanovitch at once "Tell me about
him.
@'He is married." answered Stein
metz
The Count Lanovitch was looking at
the lamp. He continued to look at it
as if interested in the mechanism Of
the burner. Then he turned his eyes
to the face Of his companion.
II wonder, my FRIEND" he said slow
ly, chow much you know?"
Nothing" answered Steinmetz.
The count looked at him inquiringly,
heaved a sharp sigh and abandoned
the subject
"Well," he said, ''let us get to bust
ness. I have much to ask and to tell
you. I want you to see Catrina and
to tell her that am safe and we'll,
but she must not attempt to see me
or cOrreSDOn6 with mo fo,. Soma voaro