The Washington herald., 1909-03-14

Mr.. Featherstone moved a little uneasiIy in his
chair I VIII confess said he. that find t diff
cult 10 believe you such wretch. Indeed. YOU seem
young man OF unusual talents How did It happen
that you thus desperately have turned your hand
against your fellow man2~
The Russian purzed his Ups as II IN thought and
then putting the dagger away carefully the breast
Of his coat. his feet have said. only
one objection TO telling and that is the fact that
you would not believe me Yet IL would do harm.
and am fond Of conversation. However. this IS
TO he the last night Of my life. let .erse al
our ease, and II you viii far honor me. let ne
ofer YOU some slight refreshment."
So saying he disappeared into an inner apart
ment and after a moment returned 10 place the
table lighted samOvar. Fitting gracefully back
and forth, he followed this with tea service plate
Of those unsubsantia cOnfections known chocolate
ecairs and packet OF cgarets Then. reseatuE him
self, he made tea, poured and with an almost
feminine deIicacy Of manner brought a cup 10 Mr-
Featherstone and offered him OF the confections and
cigarets as we'll Returning 20 his chair he took
a leisurely sip from his cup, regarded Mr..
Featherstone narrowly for instant then the
most ducet tones imaginable addressed him
You have been good" said he, 10 eluc-
date the noble motive OF your attack upon me. For
that thank you. And it is only just that return
the favor. but alas mine IS strange and dark his
tory And yet a year ago. before the return Of my
father from the japanese war there a more
eontenteJ girl in ST Pet. You are III. M Feath-
erstone2"
The query not unnatural for Mr., Feather
had suddenly turned pale and apparently
astounded out Of his usual apomb. passed a bewild-
cred hand across his brow and stared open mouthed
at the person across the table
il possible" he blurted out that you are
a-that 1 have TO kill a wOman2~
The young Russian smiled sweetIy in assent
Yes" she said It Is difficult for a woman to car
~ business Of this sort and order 10 make
it a little easier put this -." She hesitated
glanced down herself. and then apparently over
with sudden confusion OF her apparel flushed
red and abruptly fed from the
Mr. Featherstone rose. mopped his forehead sat
down again. stared into vacancy for three min
utes and then abstractedy fell 10 nibbIing AZ his
chocolate eclar- lie was engaged on his fourth when
the door Of the inner chamber opened once more and
attired in a most becoming dress Of a dark crimson
color the young woman reappeared. She carried the
dagger in her hand Mr.. Featherstone noted and for
some reason the recollection oc the loness again
flashed across his mind He rose instantly TO his
feet, however and bowed deferentially
Ny dear madam" he said please believe that
when came here I had not the slightest idea that
You OF the tender Ny conduct has Of course
been-impossible Let me assure you that I viii not
molest you further and allow me most humbly 10
crave your indulgence for
Indeed" interrupted the girl You then pro
pose 10 allow to carry out the affair tomorrow
Mr. Featherstone again raised his hand to his
course" he stammered. ] cannot-if the police
He paused and the young woman. who had been
contemplating the dagger thoughtfully looked up at
him. Il should kill myself before the police touched
me-" she commented In tranquil tones "even II I