Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1912-12-12
ned as the traitor. But, heavens, how
longed for Orloffi


force which might come upon us as to
our real character There were sew
eral scientific men in our midst, and
certain instruments and books used by
them were kept on hand to be pro-
duced in case of emergency to prove
that we were society intended for
the advancement of science. These de-
vices were brought out and all incrim-
mating documents burned.
We had barely got things in order
when there was a sound of footsteps
without, and man wearing heavy
beard that concealed his mouth and
chin and with his hat drawn down
over his eyes entered.
you are my prisonersy' he said.
"Why so?" asked our president.
you have been accused of plotting
the assassination of a minister"
1--WE are men of science met for its
advancement"
you cannot deceive the government
by any such trick"
Surely we will be given an opportu-
nifty to prove what we are"
''You will be given an opportunity to
prove nothing. You will be marched
from this room to Siberia"
The man who arrested us, backed by
force whom we could hear moving
about in the hall, ordered US to stand
up in line preparatory to being
marched away. 1t seemed to me that
the only thing for me to do was to de-
clare myself a spy for the govern
ment. l beckoned to our captor and
whispered in his ear that had given
the information upon which he acted
and asked to be taken to the minister.
Immediately great change came
over every one present.
Enough exclaimed the president.
"Our ruse has been successful" Look
ing at his watch he added, 1--WE still
have an hour to get away, and before
we 60 it behooves us to make way
with the traitor Then addressing
me: "Vronsky, who has been pretend
ing to be a government spy. learned
this morning that some one of our
number had betrayed us, and we were
to be arrested tonight at half past II
O'clock Since he did not learn the
name of the informer we adopted
ruse to discover him. This man who
has made the arrest is Schierlieff, one
of our number, and those in the hall
are other members of our circle"
Schierlieff pulled off false beard,
and / recognized him at once.
Comrades" continued the president,
st is necessary to put the traitor out
of the way at once, for we must leave
this place within very short time.
We will draw lots as to which one of
us shall stab him to the heart,
method of execution that will be with
out noise and attract no attention"
But one person could interpose be-
tween me and death-that was Orloff.
Why he was not at the meeting | knew
not. l had charged him to be there,
but had not told him why it was es-
sential. / hurriedly told the circle ey-
cry circumstance that had led me into
my present position, but not one of
them believed a word | said.
IF this is true" cried one of them,
"you are at least a fool not to have
made some arrangement by which you
could prove your case. And fool
among us is as much to be feared as
a traitor
"Orloff's my confederate" l said,
"and he is not here. Send for him."
1--WE have not time. Before he could
reach us the hounds you have set upon
us would be here
Some" said the president, prepare
the LOTS
The secretary hurriedly scratched
the name of every man present on
separate piece Of paper and they were
placed in a hat. Then was required
to draw the name of my eXecutioner.
! put my hand in automatically, for
it seemed that the currents of my feel
ings neutralized one another. and drew
out one of the slips. The president
seized it and read out name, but I
was too overcome to hear what it was.
l saw my executioner take off his coat
and roll up his shirt sleeves. Then
one of the circle handed him long
dagger. l was seized by two others,
led to one end Of the room and turned
about. / saw as if in haze my ex-
ecutioner standing at the other end,
looking pale and sick at heart at the
work he was about to do. Then, at
word from the president. he advanced
toward me.
There was a sound of footsteps with
out, the door was opened and Michael
Orlof strolled in leisurely. Seeing me
standing where | was and one of the
circle advancing toward me holding
knife in his hand while the others
looked on, some vengeful, others
shrinkingly, Orloff's face took on an
expression of surprise.
"Orloff.' / cried, "save mer'
"Holdw said the president to the ex-
ecutioner. Then to Orloff, Are you a
depository for a secret concerning this
manY'
Yes
what is it?''
"shall | tell?" Orlof asked of me.