The Ordway new era., 1905-10-06

| letter addressed to the countess. Inc
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 mere
spy? Shame upon you, oraminsky'
You shoald have known me better
YOU should have trusted me more'
Oramlnsky was silent
Among the others there was an
ominoss murmur. You should nave
told us-we knew nothing.
Ivan turned like a flash in the di'
rection in which the voice came. i
am leader: you should have faith in
your leader But enough. To-nishts
work ends my connection with you
forever Henceforth | am no longer
member OF the revolutionary body
TO which you give allegiance
You must satisfy MS that your
friend is not here TO betray us. We
run no risks said oramlnsky.
Il win answer for his honor. He Is
my fricnd-my brother"
our brother too?" asked somebody.
with sneer.
God forbid" said Alexis. Then
turning % Ivan: Let ms go.
Wait" The voice was that Of or
aminsky: the word was given in a
tone OF peremptory command. You
cannot leave here until you have
sworn secrecy"
That is right" came the simui-
taneous expressions OF oraminsky's
followers,
Ivan spoke: "onc moment! Hear
me. Colonel Nazimon is here as my
friend. am responsible FOR his ac-
tions with my life. II need be But
rs he is here. ! recognize that you
have q right to exact a promise from
him that he viii not reveal anything
OF what he has seen tonight You
will give that promise?" asked Ivan.
turning 20 Alexis
Since you desire it--yes. am
soldier OF Russia. owing allegiance to
our imperial master, the car
There was a murmur OF dissent,
Alexis continued. But am no
spy. and while | know what you are.
Il IS not my business 10 betray you.
will not dlvulge what have seen
tonight"
4 answer for his truth and honor"
said Ivan.
And too. II necessary" said llda
moving toward the door
1t Is not enough-he must he
sworn" The words came with omln.
Gus solemnity from the lips OF Ora.
minsky. and at a signal from him two 1
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 mott" 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
frfauS-ynftr hrofh.r ae ,.o,, ,ou H..
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 a trumpet
They must not leave here alive,r
said Hsrsy. 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 Mexis. draw
ing his sword
Ivan drew a pistol I will pu,
bullet through the brain Of the first
of you who advances a single step:,
and he ieyeled the weapon.
There was a pause. a painful 81
lence for second. The conspiraiors
we're evidently collecting their
strength and preparing for a rush.
Down with them all.- shouted or.
aminsky as he gathered himself for a
spring.
Down with the traitors, an.~ 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