The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-03-08
CHAPTER VII.
THE RED LETTER.

Toward / o'clock on the night of
the ball at the winter palace, just
as Wanda was leaving the ballroom
the emperor reentered his own pri-
vate apartments.
Alexis Verenine, in his capacity
as aid-de-camp, was on duty in the
antechamber.
The emperor dismissed everyone,
and desired to be left alone.
A large red envelope was lying
on his table.
He sat down. and laying his hand
upon this letter, seemed lost to
thought.
Bitter thoughts and utter weari-
ness held possession of that fine,
intelligent brain, where SO much
real goodness dwelt; his eyes were
sad, his whole body bent as though
dropping under some weight. Sud
denly he Strengthened himself up,
took up the red envelope, and ex-
tracing from 1t a letter, read, or
rather re-read. the singular threat
ening words:
1.-THE Revolutionary Committee
Of Petersburg.
ITO the Gear: Yes,
your people are weary Of your
weakness toward your courtiers--
weary, above all, Of your infamous
secret police, which arrests, judges
and condemns with closed doors
the most enlightened, the most
large-hearted men in your empire.
From the windows of your pal
ace you can hear the groans of
these heroes, whose chains are riv-
eted to those damp walls washed
by the icy food of the Neva.
To-day the avengers are awake.
the conspiracy Is everywhere, even
within your palace, among your
most trusted servants.
but there is yet way to escape
\ the frightful catastrophe. Make
the revolution yourself. Give land
TO the peasants; give constitution
j. to your people, and suppress the
secret police. Thus you will save
your country from the horrors of a
civil war.
shake off your torpor, put aside
your stupid courtiers, act according
to the impulses of your heart and
of Justice"
Alexander, lost in thought, lean.
ed upon the table, upon which lay
the red letter.
1t was the feeling Of his impo-
tence which so weighed upon him.
And yet this monarch reigned
over the greatest empire in the
world. One hundred millions, Of
people bowed beneath his yoke.
Does this revolutionary commit
tee really exist?" said the car to
himself perhaps they are mad
men-maniacs. However, they
speak the truth.
"And l could prevent this catas-
trophe. Some will resist but 9TH
ers will help me. II would"
Then, lifting his head, he said, in
loud voice:
81 will, and thus shall insure
the safety of my dynasty far better
than by my conquests. Yes, will
make this revolution in spite of
Gortschakoff, Schouvaloff and Ad-
lerberg. And yet, must break the
hearts of the faithful men who love
me, and who have devoted their
whole lives to my service--to my
glory? l emancipated the serfs be-
cause l did not wish to rule over
slaves; will make this revolution
because | do not wish to reign over
slaves; l will make this revolution
because I do not wish to reign over
ignorant starvelings. will do 1t,
were 1t to cost me my throne! My
throne!"
He made movement of disgust
and WEAKNESS.
They say there are conspirators
here, in my very palace!"
He rang the bell. Verentine en-
tered.
"My dear Alexis, the letter states
that there are here, among the
court officials, certain men who de-
sire the destruction of my author
ity. and perhaps of my life."
The young aid de camp became
livid.
"Have. you observed any signs OF
the kind?" continued Alexander.
HAS any one made any propositions
to your"
mo, sire." answered Verenine.
but in such broken. husky voice,
that the emperor fixed his eyes
upon him.
"You look very pale! Does any
thing all you, my child!"
mo, your majesty. but what you
have just said to me-"
IL know your devotion. your at
tachment to me. Do you suspect
any one? Think moment"
No one; there is not person In
the palace that you have not loaded
with benefits. DO you suspect
mo, Verenine. do not suspect
ycn. Your father was entirely de-