The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-03-16
CHAPTER XIV.


They were instantly introduced
into a room in which a dozen per
sons were playing cards.
Andrew Padlewsky came for
ward to meet them. He pressed
Wanda's hand.
81 bring you two fervent neo
phytes," she said.
Padlewsky started, as he rec
ognized Litzanoff and Nadege.
"What!' cried. he, this naughty
boy, this terrible skeptic. has he
found out the truth at last?"
Here is our TRUTH our beacon
light" answered Litzanoff, point
ing to Wanda.
There are about SO of us here
already" continued Padlewsky
but I think we shall have hun
dred tonight.
Where are your friends?'
asked Litzanoff. This room
fitted up with card tables does not
look much like a place for a pc
litical meeting"
This drawing room is only in
tended to foil the police. The meet
ing is not held in this house. it is
next door. You came in at No. II
which has two entrances; you could
also have entered No. Is, which has
two entrances: but the meeting is
at No. 10. All three houses belong
to us. We make the porters drunk
whenever we have meeting; they
do not suspect anything. Besides
we have friends who watch for us
stationed at all the DOORS"
Just then several persons enter
ed
Padlewsky touched a spring in
the wall. A secret door opened
leaving a space large enough for
one person to pass at time.
Through it they entered the Hall
of Assembly.
Narkileff was speaking.
Yesterday" he said in steady
quiet voice, Eve discussed, when
there were but few of us present
what sort Of vengeance should be
taken upon Trepoff. 1 wish to ap
peal to you as to what punishment
he deserves.
Retaliation" cried several
voices.
mo, DEATH"
Let those who wish him put tC
death stand up!" continued Narki
left
About half the number of those
present arose.
Listen to me-" continued Pad
lewsky; 81 do not wish to kill
Trepoff.
Loud objections drowned his
voice.
"You forget" he resumed. thai
the punishment which you intend
might bring very dangerous conse
quences, terrible reprisals upon us
it might shackle our movements
bring forth fresh growth of re
pressive measures. and increased
rigor against the prisoners and the
exiles."
These words raised storm In
the hail.
"Yes!''
mol"
DEATH"
publicly
Boldly"
do you wish me to do it," whis
pered I.itzanoff in Wanda's ear.
"Oh, no, MOI" cried Nadage. over,
hearing him and pressing close to
her husbands side.
How brave you are" said Lit
zanoff, laughing.
The meeting moved to adjourn
everyone arose and talked together
In groups.
Vera Zassoulitch was sitting by
herself on bench, listening to the
uproar.
IF they do not resolve upon
something definite tonight" she
said with much simplicity, Il shall
take the matter into my OWL
hands"
They were still discussing. bu,
had arrived at no conclusion, when
the same man who had opened the
door for Wanda and her friends
came suddenly into the room, and
whispered something to Padlewsky
my friends" exclaimed the
Pole. "the police are at the door
OF No. H."
There was dead silence. Ever,
face grew pale; they all saw them
selves on, the road to Tobolsk.
Nadege was trembling. almost
ready 10 faint. But OH Wanda s
Litzanofr's and Katia's face coult
be seen neither hesitation nor fear
You are as brave as an old con
spirator." said Wanda to Stenane
II assure you. have never beer