Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-03-03
A SOLDIER OF
COMMERCE
Blu JOHN ROE GORDON
Copyright r Toomts
CHAPTER VII.

WdkSttO Alexander Borge in the cor
ridor of the living rooms a few days
after the trial.
mo decision has been made public,
Mile. Jurnieff. There is much secrecy.
There is to be a squad Of prisoners sent
10 Siberia in a month / believe the
American is numbered among them"
siberia! They would not darel To
send an innocent American 10 Siberia
would bring on war"
Not II he died" said Alexander,
with a shrug. "Some who are number
ed for Siberia never start. They die
before the time comes. Hush! Here
comes Colonel Jurnieffw
He walked away without saluting
her, and her face was devoid of express
sion when her eyes met those OF her
uncle.
Il have news for you" he said, close
ly observing the girl. THE governor
is 10 give ball to Prince Dellnikoff.
The prince will arrive In a few days.
He will attend 10 his new official du-
ties while here. and the governor wish
es to entertain him"
There is no objection, is there?
What are the new duties OF the
princeT'
He has been appointed inspector
general OF prisons for Stavropol, Tifiis
and Astrakhan. Ii was probably
through the influence OF the general.
your father, that he obtained this i'm
portant post l received a letter from
La 10
read III"
81 will read It II you WISH" answered
Alma listlessly.
ut will save me the trouble OF re-
peating his wishes TO you. Take the
letter to your room and study ii. Con
slider well its contents. You will profit
by meeting your fathers wishes in this
matter You have been severely pun
ished, know, by your semi-imprison-
ment here. Hereafter / am going to
permit you 20 have your own way.
want you TO meet the prince at the
ball. 1t may be necessary for you TO
make purchases You are at liberty TO
use the carriage any day between 2
and f."
Thank you" said Alma. She bowed
and went 10 her room.
Some plot" she murmured as she
lhut her door. What deviltry is afoot
now? So am asked to read a letter
froa my father, the first OF his letters
that have been even spoken OF TO me-"
She sat down and read:
Ny Dear Brother-You will doubtless be
surprised to hear OF the appointment OF
Prince Dellnikoff TO the important post OF
inspector general OF prisons. II was a
happy thought OF mine to have him APP
pointed TO a position OF power and impor-
tance. sufficiently so to please him and
make his sojourn in your portion OF Rus
STA not unwelcome. II Will bring him
often TO Tihis and give you an opportunity
TO bring the prince and my obstinate
daughter together. 1t Is probable that the
governor will entertain the prince II 30.
that will be a good opportunity. We must
compel the girl TO obey some way or 9TH
er. IL is cherished idea OF mine TO see
the families OF Dellnikon and Jurnierr
united. The father OF Prince Alexis was
9 good friend OF mine, and we spoke fire.
Quently In other days OF the pleasure II
would give US to see our only children
united. Therefore do your utmost to bring
about this most desirable marriage.
Shall not receive my daughter again until
nixon
''What kind and loving fatherw ex-
claimed Alma as she crunched the let
Ter in her hand. This is a threat-a
threat that my uncle preferred to have
me read rather than to tell me himself.
Let them threaten! But | will attend
the ball and will assist in entertaining
Prince Dellnikoff, the most dissolute
prince in st. Petersburg"
''Have you received a letter at last,
mademoiselleT asked Marie as she en-
tered the room.
AT last, Marie, have been permit
ted to read letter. 1t is not, however,
addressed TO me. II is one that was
sent by my father TO my uncle with
some very interesting news. Prince
Dellnikoff is coming to Tiflis."
FHeavensl To be marriedT
81 presume that is the real object.
Openly he comes as the inspector gen
eral OF prisons"
inspector general! He will be a
proud one in that uniform"
why so, Marie? What distinguish.
Ing uniform does the inspector general
OF prisons weari"
''All gold lace, mademoiselle. II is
nne. / once knew the inspector gen
eral Of prisons for Perm. He was a
grand looking man in his uniform"
IL should like to see it." said Alma,
with a smile. II suppose will have
the opportunity soon"
II have a book with all the uniforms
Of Russia. Shall get itT'
mo. never mind. Well, get IL. II
will serve to pass away a few miser-
able moments"
Marie brought a little leather cover
ed book.
1T IL Alexander's, mademoiselle.
He hopes for promotion and is study
ing the fine uniform he will wear"
Alexander IL noble and faithful.
hope he will wsn his promotion and not
disgrace himself by assisting me-"
HE would die for you, mademoi
selle."
Alma turned the pages Of the book.
Many Of the brilliant uniforms she
0w pictured were familiar to her.