The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1909-08-07

what might De imminent Qedln. III
that brief instant Vladimir knew that
he was, in his heart, a traitor to his
cause. To do evil that good might
come would bring justice to hui
manity. 1t was no sane creed to which
he had pinned his faith. 4 would
give it up--I viii give il up he said
to his soul; IF l am to live, ! will
mete out tenderness to the oppressed,
rather than violence to the powerful"
Suddenly be knew what he must do
he must create an excitement to make
her fy to him. He could see her 50
plainly, and she was looking at him
through racing glasses. To fire in the
afr would leave her frightened and
stunned-to aim among the crowd
might iniure others, but to-he thrust
her note into his pocket-there was a
CLINT Of steel in his hand. He turned
the weapon upon himself and fired.
The revolver shot came like a boom
in the silence. Women shrieked in the
uncertainty Of what had happened, but
one woman knew and with agonized,
hurrying footsteps, dashed for the
aisle. Keep your seats!" shouted the
c~oolheaded, and there was frightened
obedience from the crowd, but she
plunged on. Women who saw her face
made way for her; men, feeling her
plight. helped her where they could,
but she did not feel their guiding
hands.
Suddenly, like an awful roar Of thun-
der, came that other sound Vladimir,
bleeding. barely conscious, heard it.
Thank God-I-did-not-see- His
surging brain trailed into t%hrobbing in
the dimness of the thought, and then
he was in darkness.
There was a panic, but there was no
stampede. The frightened horses had
been led back-there would be no race,
Women tainted or sobbed and the few
injured groaned. The cry ran through
the crowd; AN attempt had been
made upon the grand dukes life"
The terrorist had given himself up
and was led off by the police, though
angry hands would have seized him.
His hand had played him false. An
unknown man had chosen the wrong
moment to commit suicide and the
shot had unnerved him. The grand
duke was not even injured and was
able to assist the wounded about his
box. And Paul had-failed.
She knelt beside the unconscious
man. The doctor was bending over
him. He was a large man with grave,
earnest eyes, and he loked in her love
ly, agonized face with a gaze Of keen
scrutiny. They were in one of the Of
icer's boxes, whittier they had carried
Vladimir after the excitement had
somewhat abated.
"A terrorist who knew of the plot"
some said. HE is not" the girl said,
with quiet indignation, but a steady
voice. HE knew nothing of the out
rage. He is M. Vladimir Valinoh, my
betrothed!"
Just then those nea her spoke an
other name and she went white, The
doctor saw the food Of emotions sweep
her face-knowledge, love, agony,
fear. He caught her gaze, steadying
her with a look, and she did not speak
Bending over the injured mar the doc
tor slipped something white from q
pocket into one of his own. A~lexandris
alone saw the covert act. With profes
sional deftness he worked on at the
bandages,
The ambulance is waiting" one OF
the officials said, and the doctor rose
to his feet to lead Alexandria to the
door.
win he ~recover?" she said, plead
ingly.
The doctors hand closed over hers
for an instant. There is a chance, a
faint chance" he said kindly.
Then, as they passed the little knot
Of listeners he stood aside, formally,
for the girl to pass out OF the door.
She felt the conjecture, she felt the
suspicion. She almost thought she
could hear them asking: Why did he
shoot himself II he was not one Of
them?
She drew herself upright in gentle
dignity and her lip trembled. Her eyes.
in proud confidence, sought the doc
tors alone, but her words we're not low
We've had quarreled," she said,
humbly. Please help him to live"
In the doctors face was a look OF ad,
miration and understanding; in hers
quick fash Of answering gratitude.
You may depend upon me to do all
In my power, mademoiselle," he said
with grave courtesy, land I wish Ia
thank you for so speedily identifying
the injured man. There we're no pa
pers Of any sort on his person"
The tide had turned. The little
group at the door stepped back in un,
spoken sympathy.