Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-20

! workshop. Suddenly he noticed that they
were dashing down a street which ended
at the river.
Il say" he cried TO the driver, you've
taken the wrong turning. This Is blind
street. There's neither quay nor bridge
down here Turn back"
II see that now" said the driver over his
shoulder. ''Tll turn round at the end, where
| 1t Is wider"
He did turn, but instead OF coming up the
street again dashed through an open arch
| way which led into the courtyard OF large
| building fronting the Neva- The moment
| the carriage was inside. the gates changed
| shut
Now. what in the name OF Saint Peter
| do you mean by this?' demanded the
| prince angrfly
The cabrnan made no reply. but from a
| door to the right stepped tall, uniformed
! officer. who said;
! Orders, your highness. orders. The
| isyoshtchik Is not to blame. May | beg of
your highness to accompany me inside?"
| "Who the devil are your demanded the
| annoyed nobleman.
81 am one who is called upon to perform
| a disagreeable duty, which your hlghness
| will make much easier by paying attention
| TO my requests.
! Am l under arrest?"
! II have rot said SO, Prince Ivan
| Then 1 demand that the gates be opened
| that l may return home, where more tmpor-
| tant business awaits me than talking to a
! stranger who refuses to reveal his Identity,
! nope YOU WIZ poltoIi AAAO' A4l[S
| montoff. I act, as the iSvoshtchii has
| acted, under compusion. My identity is not
| In question. l ask you for the second time
| to accompany me-
| Then. for the second time l inquire am
| under arrest? If SO, show me your war
rant, and then l will go with you, merely
protesting that whoever issued such war
| rant has exceeded his authority
| II have seen nothing of warrant. your
| highness, and l think you are confusing
your rights with those pertaining to indi-
| viduals residing in certain countries you
| have recently visited
You have no warrant them?
II have none. act on my superior $
word. and do not presume to question It,
| May l hope that you will follow me with
out further parley, which is embarrassing
| to me, and quite unhelpful to yourself.
have been instructed TO treat you with
every courtesy. but nevertheless force has
been placed at my disposal. l am even to
take your word OF honor that you are un-
armed. and your highness is we'll aware
that such leniency is seldom shown in st.
Petersburg.
We'll, sir. even If my word of honor
failed TO disarm me. your poiteness would.
l carry revolver. Do you wish it?"
IF your highness will condescend to give
it to me-
Tho prince held the weapon. butt for
ward to the officer, who received it with
a gracious salutation.
You know nothing of the reason for this
action?'
Nothing whatever. your highness.
Where are you going to take me?"
"A walk of less than three minutes will
acquaint your highness with the spot"
The prince laughed.
ooh. very we'll he said. May 1 write
note to a friend who Is waiting up for
me?"
81 regert, highness. that no communica-
lions whatever can be allowed"
The prince stepped down from the vehi-
Gle walked dlagonally across a very dim
ly lighted courtyard with his guide, enter
ed that section of the rectangular building
which faced the Neva, passed along hall
with one gas Jet burning, then outside
again, and immediately over a gang-plank
that brought him aboard q steamer. On
the lower deck passage ran down the CEN
ter of the ship, and along this the con-
ductor guided his prisoner. opened the door
of state room in which candles were burn
ing, and a comfortable bed turned down
for occupancy.
II think your highness will find every
thing here that you need. If nything fur
Their is required. the electric bell will sum
mon attendant. who will get it for
you"
Am 1 not to be confronted with who
ever is responsible for my arrest?'
II know nothing of that, your highness
My duty ends by escorting you here
| must ask If you have any other weapon
upon your"
mo, 1 have not"
''Will you give me your parole that you
will not attempt to escape?"
i shall escape If l can of course"
Thank you. excellency," replied the of
ficer. as suavely as If Lermontoff had given
his parole. Out Of the darkness he called
tall rough-looking soldier, who carried
musket with bayonet at the end of it.
The soldier took his stand beside the door
of the cabin.
Anything else?" asked the prince.
Nothing else your highness, except good
night"
ION. by the way, I forgot to pay my cab
man or course It isn't his fault that he
brought me here.
II shall have pleasure in sending him to
YOU. and again, goodnight