Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1908-01-17

what to make of Zeno's airs, and wa,
newly frightened by them-"this is Mr.
| DoDroski." He was vainly casting about
in his mind for Zeno's alias, when Zenc
himself relieved him.
| i knew it," cried the spy, in English
and then with sudden forward rush he
threw himself at Dobroskis feet and
seizing 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
bather: 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, stopping to seize
Aeno, as the best way of hiding his en-
barrassment. Don't you think you've
done about enough OF that? It's no lux
ury for Mr.. Dobroski to have you licking
his boots like a dog"
Aeno went on kissing and gurgling for
second or two, and then allowed Frost
to drag him to his feet. The old man
had walked by muddy ways, and his wor-
shipers countenance bore, signs of con-
tact With the boot. To Frost's utter
anazement, tears we're coursing down the
spy's fat, white cheeks.
declare" said the Irish American,
IN Dewllderment, as he shook Zeno by
the shoulders, what's the matter with
the man?"
What is the matterT' demanded Zeno,
turning upon him with smeared and tear
full face and tragic gesture. Behold the
preserver of my life, my fathers presery-
er, my mothers, the patriot, the chief,
the idol, the god, of my unhappy coun-
tryW
With this he fell into chair near the
table, and dropping both arms across the
table and his head upon his arms gave
himself up to convulsive sobbing.
i 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.
| was but lad"
He spoke in Polish, and Dobroski's
look of inquiry gave way to one of pleas
ure and welcome.
Il remember" he said-"I remember"
He stretched out hand to Zeno and the
rascal took 1t 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. Dobrosh 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
fish story of the utmost circumstance,
which he related with so 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 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 bunder in respect to his wife's ma
tionality, his blood had suddenly run cold,
and he had eyed Dobroski in an agony of
Perhaps you don't know" said Frost.
addressing his fellow rascal, what sort
Of muss you've got your features into.
You'd better take one of them candles
into the next room and get a wash there"
nl0 of 10 ~.
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 chair, and in putting it out Of
the way propped the door open with it.
Frost approached Dobroski.
II don't quite make out this news of
yours, SIR" he said, half whispering,
You say Zeno is in London. Who has
seen him?"
"He was seen and recognized at Char |
ng Cross station by two Of the bretb-
EN-" returned Dobroski. "Unhappily he |
vas missed and lost in the crowd They
Jaw him take cab, but in the confusion |
hey followed the wrong vehicle"
Frost, standing with his back to the
light, dared to look into Dobroski's eyes
which were Illuminated by the fame of
he solitary candle. He could read there
10 sign Of suspicion, but he asked him
elf what would have happened If Zeno
lad been tracked to his residence-what
would happen il he really had been track.
ID there, and II Dobroski were only play
ng with him. The fancy turned him
old.
You have been looking at this Dor
RAFT" said the old man, striding past
Frost, and taking up the photograph,
which still lay upon the table. HE will
% troublesome to US, most likely, but
We are forewarned against him, and fore
warned Is torearmed in the proverbs Of
many nations"
MY candle has gone out" said Mr..
,eno, presenting himself at the bedroom
oor with the candlestick In one hand
nd towel In the other. Dobroski threw
photograph on the table, and ZenO, as
70 reIit his candle at the other, glanced
( It. do you know this man, friend
Trost1" he demanded, laying a finger on
lie own portrait. "He Is not a friend of
ours, HOPPER
why notr asked friend Frost, husk-
y.
He Is scoundrel," returned Zeno,
lacidly, looking as If he noticed nothing,
l. L.. Al. |