Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-20

>;vaSively. What is this new word! 1t is
necessary that should learn it, | added, as
Il will tell you its meaning only" he an
swered, watching me closely 1T means in
life and in death but those are not the words. /"
Then know them. A la vie ct d la mort; is
it not so?' | asked, remembering the moment
he spoke the names by which Anne was known
to Others besides members of the League; for
the police officer who had superintendent the
searching of my rooms at Petersburg, and later
young Mirakoff. had both mentioned one Of
them.
had hit on the right words first time, and
Yossof, evidently relieved, nodded and
peated them after me- giving queer infection
to the French.
And where is she. the gracious lady her
self" l asked. 1t was with an effort that l
forced myself to speak quietly: for my heart
was humping against my ribs and my throat
felt dry as bone dust. What could, or would,
this weird creature tell me of Annes present
movements, and could, or would, he tell me the
secret of Cassavettis murder? Through all
these weeks had chung to the hope, the belief.
that he himself struck the blow and now as he
stood before me, he appeared more capable
physically of such deed than he had then.
But yet could scarcely believe it.
He met my question with another. as Mishka
SO often did. How is it you do not know"
Il have told you have but now come to
Russia"
He spread his hands with deprecatory ges-
IuIe as III 10 soften his reply, WHICH, however,
was spoken decisvely enough. Then cannot
tell you. Remember, Excellency, though you
seem to be one of US. | have little knowledge of
you. In any matter touching myself should
trust you: but in this dare not"
He was right in way. Such knowledge as |
had of the accursed League was gained by trick
cry. and to question him further would arouse
his suspicion of that fact and l should then
learn nothing at all.
n ca,d cir a,,d
You may trust me to the death in all mat
tiers that concern her whom you call your
gracious lady. | was beside her. with her
father and one other. when the Five condemned
her-would have murdered her if we had not
defended her. She escaped. God be thanked
But that learned only of late. l was taken.
thrown into prison. taken thence back to Eng
land to prison again. accused of the murder of
Vladimir Selinski-of which shall hav some
what more to say to you soon. When | was
freed for am innocent of that crime, as you
well know. ] set out to seek her, to aid her if
that might be- and. if she was beyond my aid.
at least to avenge her. | was about to start
alone. when | heard that she was no longer
deed, once more at the head of it. but failed
to learn where | might find her. Therefore /
go to JOIN one who is her good friend, in the
hope that | may through him be yet able to
serve her. For the League care nothing; all
my care is for her. And therefore, as have
said. you may trust me.
He watched me fixedly as | spoke; but his
gaunt face remained expressonless. though his
next words showed that he had understood me
well enough.
Il can tell you nothing Excellency. You
say you care for her and not for the League.
That is impossible: for she is its life: her life is
bound up in it. she would wish your service for
it-never for herselfl This l will do If she
does not hear otherwise that you are at Zostrov.
as you will be tomorrow, though it is unlikely
that she will not have heard already,-I shall
see that she has word. That is all can do
That must serve. You will not even say
if she is near at hand?"
WHO knows? She comes and goes. One
day she is at Warsaw: the next at Wilma:
at Grodno again even here. Yes, she has been
here no longer than week since, though she is
not here now"
So had missed her by one week!
Il do not know where she is to-day nor where
she will be to-1norrow,-in this verify speak
the truth, Excellency" he continued
though | shall perchance see her when my
present business is done. Be patient. You
How do you know l am going there?"
Does not all the countryside know that a
foreigner rides with Mishka Pavloff? God be
with you Excellencyl" He made one of his
quaint genuhections and backed rapidly to the
door.
Here. stop!' commanded, striding after
him. " There is more. much more to say. Why
did you not keep your promise and return to
me in London9 What do you know of Selnski's
murder9 Speak, man! You have nothing to