The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1909-03-02
CHAPTER XIV.


Descent of the Police.
They were instantly introduced
into 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 nea-
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 Pad
lewsky. but I think we shall
have hundred tonight.
Where are your friends?"
asked Litzanoff "This room
fitted up with card tables does
not look much like a place for a
political meeting"
This drawing room is only in
tended to foil the police. The
meeting is not held in this house
it is next door. You came in al
No. IL, which has two entrances
you could also have entered No
ID, which has two entrances; but
the meeting is at No. Is. All
three houses belong to us. We
make the porters drunk whenever
we have a meeting; they do not
suspect anything. Besides, we
have friends who watch for Us,
stationed at all the DOORS"
Just then several persons en-.
tered.
Padlewsky touched a spring in
the wall. A secret door opened
leaving a space large enough fol-
one person to pass at a time.
Through it they entered the
Hall of Assembly.
Narkileff was speaking.
Yesterday" he said in g
steady, quiet voice, 1--WE discuss.
ed, when there were but few OF
lis present, what sort of ven.
geance should be taken upon
Trepoff. l wish to appeal to you
as to what punishment he de.
serves"
Retaliation" cried severa
voices.
"No, DEATH"
"Let those who wish him put
to death stand up!" continued
Narkileff.
About half the number of those
present arose.
Listen to me-" continued Pad
lewsky; 81 do not wish to Kill
Trepoff.
Loud objections drowned hi.
voice.
"You forget" he resumed
that the punishment which yor
intend might bring very danger.
GUS consequences, terrible repris.
ais upon us; it might shackle oul
movements, bring forth fresh
growth of repressive measures
and increased rigor against the
prisoners and the exiles."
These words raised a storm in
the hall.
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Death!"
Publicity
"Boldly!"
who will do it?"
do you wish me to do it?"
whispered Litzanoff in Wanda
ear.
"Oh, no, mol" cried Nadege
overhearing 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 togeth-
|er 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, 81 shall
take the matter into my own
hands,"
They were still discussing, but
had arrived at no conclusion, when
the same man who had opened
ehC uOOT lOT WduQa and mel
friends, came suddenly into the
room, and whispered something
to Padlewsky.
my friends" exclaimed the
Pole. "the police at are at the door
of No. H."
There was dead silence. Every
face grew.pale; they all saw them
|selves on the road to Tobolsk.
Nadege was trembling, almost
READY to faint. But on Wanda's,
Litzanoff's and Katia's face could
be seen neither hesitation nor
fear.
you are as brave as an old
conspirator." said Wanda to Ste
pane.
II assure you, I have never
been 30 much amused In my life
These are genuine emotions. This
morning / wanted to kill myself;
I am glad that / waited" he whis-
lpered In Wanda's ear.
She fixed her beautiful eyes