Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-27

circle OF tnlS small court IN the wilderness
There were good many women in residence,
the great castle like a world in little /,
but scarcely saw any of them, as l pre-
ferred to keep to the safe seclusion of the Of
hcers mess, when was not in my own room
and there was, of course no lack of bachelors
much more attractive than myself l gathered
from Grodwitz and Others that they managed
to enliven their exile with plenty of fiirtations
and squabbles.
This evening Countess Stravensky was hold
ing reception in her apartments with dancing
and music, and all my usual after-dinner COM
panions were attending it.
Better come. mon ami" urged Grodwitz
"You are not invited? Nonsense tell you
it is informal affair, and it is quite time you
were presented to the Countess"
I'D feel like fish out of water, protested
" m not used to smart society,"
Smart! Ma foil there is not much smart
your own way. You are as austere as our
Grand Duke himself--though you have not his
excuse he retorted, laughing.
What excuse!"
you have not heard1" he asked quizzically
and ratified out version of the gossip that was
rife concerning Anne and Loris.
The charitable declare that there is NOR
ganatic marriage" he asserted. They are
probably right; for give you my word he is
sentimental fool our good Loris. Voildl a bit
of treason for the ears of your friend Mlshka-
hefn?"
Il don't quite understand you, Colonel Grod-
witz,' l said quietly, looking at him very
straight IF you think I'm in the habit of
want here you're very much mistaken"
"A thousand pardons, my dear fellow! Twas
merely joking he assured me: but guessed
he had made one more attempt to draw me out
the last.
AS went up to my room heard the haunt
ing strains of a Hungarian dance from the
Stravensky suite, situated on the first floor in
the left wing leading from the great hall, while
the Dukes apartments were in the right wing
MISHKA entered Immediately after l had
~ locked the door. Get your money and
anything else you value and can carry on YOU
he grunted. You will not return here. And
get into this"
This was the uniform of cavalry officer,
and must say looked smart in it.
Mishka gathered up my discarded clothes
and slowed them in the wardrobe:
Unlock the door. Nicolai will come pres
entity and will think you still below" he
said And follow me! Have care! Pull the
door to-so."
closed the secret opening and went down
the narrow stairway steep almost ladder.
By the dim light of the small lantern Mishka
carried l saw the door leading to the Dukes
rooms. We did not enter there as expected,
but kept on till guessed we must about have
got down to the bowels of the earth. Then
came tremendously long and narrow passage.
damp and musty smelling, at the end of it
flight of steep steps leading up to what looked
like a solid stone wall. Mishka motioned me to
wait, extnguished the lantern, and heard him
feeling about in the pitch darkness for few
seconds Then, with scarcely a sound, the
masonry swung back and saw patch of dark
sky jeweled with stars and felt the keen night
wind on my face. l passed out, waited in
silence while he closed the exit again, and kept
beside him as he walked rapidly away. |
glanced back once, and saw beyond the great
wall the castle itself and the lights cleaning
from many windows, while from the farther
wing came still the sound of the music.
We appeared to be making for the road that
led to Pavloff's house, where | guessed we
might be going; but | asked no questions.
Mishka would speak when necessary. not other
wise. We passed through belt of pine trees
on to the rough road, and there, more heard
then seen in the darkness, we came two
horsemen, each with led horse.
That you, Wynn" said low voice, the
Dukes. "You are in good time. This is your
horse. Mount and let us get on
We started at steady pace, not by the road.
but across country. and for three versts or
more we rode in absolute silence, the Duke and
l in advance, Mishka and his father close be-
hind.
WELL, told you could get away when
W wished to" said Loris at last. And this
time shall not return. You are good disciplin
arian my friend! You have come without one
question. For the present are bound for
Zizcsky, where she probably awaits us. There
may be trouble there. We have word that a
pogrom is planned and may be in time to