The Grit-advocate., 1905-10-06

man departed. and the door was
again fastened. Then Ivan spoke in
low, earnest tones: DO you think
he said. that |, who have done so
much for the cause of Russia, could
stoop SO low as to bring here a
spy? Shame upon you, Oraminsky.
You sho1ld have known me better;
you should have trusted me more!"
Oraminsky was silent.
Among the others there was an
ominoss murmur. You should have
told us-we knew nothing"
Ivan turned like fash in the di-
rection in which the voice came. Il
am leader; you should have faith in
your leader. But enough. To-night's
work ends my connection with you
forever. Henceforth ! am no longer
member of the revolutionary body
TO which you give allegiance"
You must satisfy us that your
friend is not here to betray us. We
Irn no risks" said Oraminsky.
Il will answer for his honor He is
my fricnd-my brother"
Our brother too?" asked somebody,
with sneer.
God forbid,' said Alexis Then
turning 20 Ivan: Let us CO.
Watt The voice was that of Or
aminsky; the word was given in
tone Of peremptory command. "You
cannot leave here until you have
sworn secrecy"
That is right" came the stimuli
taneous expressions of Oraminsky's
followers.
Ivan spoke: Zone moment. Hear
me! Colonel NaZimoff is here as my
friend. am responsible for his ac-
tions with my life, if need be. But
as he is here, recognize that you
have a right to exact a promise from
him that he will not reveal anything
of what he has seen tonight. You
will give that promise?" asked Ivan,
turning 10 Alexis.
Since you desire it-yes. am a
soldier of Russia, owing allegiance to
our imperial master, the car
There was a murmur of dissent.
Alexis continued: But i am no
spy, and while know what you are,
it is not my business to betray you.
| will not divuge what | have seen
tonight"
Il answer for his truth and honor"
said Ivan.
And | too, if necessary" said Ida,
moving toward the door.
1T is not enough-he must be
sworn!" The words came with omin-
GUS solemnity from the lips of Ora
minsky, and at a signal from him two
or three Of the conspirators placed
themselves near the foot of the stairs.
You have his word-he is a soldier
of Russia-he wears the uniform of
the fatherland-he need not be
sworn" said Ivan.
He wears the livery of the tyrant!"
said another.
Come" interrupted Ivan, giving his
arm to Olga. who stood pale and
trembling, throughout the scene
Come, we have had enough of this!"
Then turning to Alexis, who had
thrown one arm protectingly around
Ida, he added: Come, we have fin
ished!"
Oraminsky stepped before Ivan.
But we have not!" he said. There
was an unmistakable menace in the
tone. You have brought strangers
here-here within a place sacred to
our cause, known only to ourselves
We know them not. All else here are
sworn members of our order-all else
here are of us, and with us. Your
friend-your brother, as you call him.
has refused to take the oath of Sc
crecy. Very well! He must do more
than that; our safety demands it. He
must become a member-a sworn
member of our brotherhood-and So"
pointing to Olga, "and so must She"
Never! by Heaven, never!" 1t was
the voice of Alexis. and it rang out
like the notes of q trumpet.
"They must not leave here allve!"
said Hersy. Let us have their
blood!"
The word again wrought up the CON
spirators to frenzy.
Blood" and the word ran through
their ranks.
Stand together" said Alexis, draw.
ing his sword.
Ivan drew pistol. Il will put a
bullet through the brain of the first
of you who advances a single STEP
and he leveled the weapon.
There was a pause. painful ST.
lence for second. The conspirators
were evidently collecting their
strength and preparing for rush.
Down with them ALL" shouted Or.
aminsky as he gathered himself for a
| spring.
Down with the traitors, ALL" and
| the words rang out
Ivan had the pistol leveled finger
on trigger.
| Alexis had his sword drawn.
Suddenly there was a tremendous
crash. The door burst open by a
blow from a sledge hammer, stood