The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1907-09-07
: BY %. c. Murray


Aeno arose slowly and as if unconsciously
from his seat.
This" said Frost, who knew not
"nat TO make of Zeno's airs, and was
newly frightened by them-"this is Mr.
Dooroski." He was vainly casting about
IN MS mind for Zeno's alias, when Zeno
himself relieved him.
L knew it." cried the spy, in English,
and then with sudden forward rush he
threw himself at Dobroski's feet, and
selzing one of his ankles in both hands,
kissed his boot again and again, with
wild, gurgling calculations which meant
nothing to Frost's ears, but stood in
Polish for Angel! Preserver! Patriot
Father! and a variety of expressions of
worship and affection. Dobroski tried to
withdraw his foot from this unexpected
worshiper's grasp, but Zeno held on tight
ly, and the old man submitted after a
while, but looked round on Frost with a
questioning air which set that traitorous
parsonage at his wits end.
Come" said Frost, stooping to seize
Zeno. as the best way of hiding his en-
barrassment. Don't you think you've
done about enough of that2 It's no lux
ury for Mr.. Dobroski to have you licking
his boots like a dog"
Zeno went on kissing and gurgling for
a second or two, and then allowed Frost
to drag him to his feet. The old man
had walked by muddy ways, and his wor-
| shippers countenance bore signs of con-
tact With the boot. To Frost's utter
amazement, tears were coursing down the
spy's fat, white cheeks.
Il declared" said the Irish American,
in bewilderment, as he shook Zeno by
the shoulders, whats the matter with
the MANI"
What is the matter?" demanded Zeno,
turning upon him with smeared and tear
full face and tragic gesture. Behold the
preserver of my life, my fathers preserv-
er, my mothers, the patriot, the chief,
the idol, the god, of my unhappy coun-
tryw
With this he fell into a chair near the
table, and dropping both arms across the
table and his head upon his arms gave
himself up to convulsive sobbing.
Il do not recall your friend" said Dob
roski, looking toward Frost.
NO" cried Zeno, raising his head to
his fellow scoundrel's intense relief. II
am of Warsaw. My name is Wroblews-
koff. Marco. 1t is thirty years ago.
I was but lad"
He spoke in Polish, and Dobroskis
look of inquiry gave way to one Of pleas
ure and welcome.
II remember" he said-"I remember"
He stretched out hand to Zeno and the
rascal took it and kissed it.
"My mother blessed you with her dy-
ing BREATH" he said. my father died
in exile. blessing you. My sisters chill
dren cherish your memory and pray for
you nightly"
The bewildered Frost asked himself
repeatedly whether the thing were true or
false. Dobroski released himself from
the spy's grasp and walked to the window,
and looked out on the rainy night. Then
Zeno, turning upon Frost, began in Eng
lish q story of the utmost circumstance,
which he related with 50 natural an emo
ton and SO complete an air of veracity
that it was hard to disbelieve him, though
the listener was certain he was lying.
Once or twice, at the mention of a name,
Dobroski turned and asked after the his
tory of its owner.
Frost was eager and yet afraid to be
alone with Dobroski. He had been horri-
bly, frightened all along. When Zeno
had seemed to stand on the edge of a
fatal blunder in respect to his wife's ma
tionality, his blood had suddenly run cold,
and he had eyed Dobroski in an agony of
apprehension.
Perhaps you don't know" said Frost
addressing his fellow rascal, what sort
Of a muss you've got your features into.
You'd better take one Of them candles
into the next room and get a wash there"
Zeno glanced at himself In the dis
colored glass above the mantelpiece, and
feigning to be surprised by what he saw
there took up candle and retired. As
he entered the bedchamber he stumbled
against a chair, and In putting 1t out Of
the way propped the door open with It.
Frost approached Dobroski.
81 don't quite make out this news of
yours, SIR" he said, half Whispering
"You say Zeno Is In London. Who mas
seen himT
ale was seen and recognized at Char
ing Cross station by two of the breth-
ren," returned Dobroski. "Unhappily he
was missed and lost in the crowd They
saw him take q cab, but in the confusion
they followed the wrong vehicle"
Frost, standing with his back to the
light, dared to look into Dobroski's eyes,
which were illuminated by the flame Of
the solitary candle. He could read there
no sign Of suspicion, but he asked him
self what would have happened If Zeno
had been tracked to his residence-what
would happen If he really had been track
ed there, and II Dobroski were only play
Ing with him. The fancy turned him
cold.
"You have been looking at this por-
| traitT said the old man, striding past
Frost, and taking up the photograph,
which still lay upon the table. HE win
be troublesome to US, most likely, but
we are forewarned against him, and fore
warned is forearmed in the proverbs Of
many nations"