The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1913-02-14

the charge would be altered to nihil-
ism. and then-Siberia. 1t was not
pleasant for the caretaker OF a nihil-
list club to be at the mercy OF black
bearded spy lounging on the step out
side. ct was that which drove me to
the brandy" said poor Greatman,
alias Knoll.
About the end of August there be-
gan. he continued, a duel of wits be-
tween the two men; Amaroff and
Nicolin, the reasons and causes of
which did not, if he might be per-
mitted to say, concern us Nicolin's
career was dependent on his success.
For him, failure spelt permanent dis
grace Yet it was Amaroff who was
playing with his opponent as a cat
with a mouse, confusing and surpris-
ing him at every turn, driving him,
indeed, when time grew pressing, into
desperate measures. At the last he
formed plan, did Nicolin, a scheme
worthy Of his most cunning brain.
This, then, he did," ended the poor
caretaker. "He came to mel who
had so great love and honor for Amar-
off, my friend, l whom he had turned
from crime and aided to earn a wage
in honesty-he came to me and he
says: 'Kroll, in my pocket is war
rant that will send you back to the
snow places in the East; do you fear
me, my good Kroll?' And l feared him.
See, now,' he said, we desire to see
your friend Amaroff for a little talk
We cannot harm him here in this
him into your private room behind the
bar. Give us the key of the yard door
that we may come secretly to him
and afterwards you will hear no more
of Siberia from me. Do you consent?
Gentlemen, l believed him, also
having fear of the snow places; and
consented.
$50 Amaroff answered my call, and
with some excuse l left him in this
room. 1t was at a time when few
members were in the club-abOut
seven of the clock. And that, as
live, is all have to tell 1 waited at
my seat behind the bar / saw moth
ing, heard nothing-and at last when
l went to my room, behold it was
empty! tried to suspect no wrong
but | did not sleep that night. In the
morning l saw in the papers that
Amaroff. my friend, was dead, and
how he died l could not tell"
so Nicolin won the game" sug-
gested Peace, softly. "And there will
be no regrettable incident when the
Car enters Paris the day after to-
morrow"
"Of that have no knowledge" said
Greatman; but l saw a sudden resolu-
ton shine in his face that seemed to
put new heart into the man.
well, Mr.. Phillips" said the in
spector turning upon me with a warn
Ing culver of the left eyelid, at is
to meet Nicolin at the studio by seven
tomorrow morning. We must get to
bed early"
Certainly" said. was rather out
OF my depth, but l take myself this
credit that 1 did not show it.
Then do you search the studio to-
morrow" asked Greatman.
"Yes-it has been arranged"
"But will you not first arrest this
Nicolin, this murderer"
my dear Mr.. Greatman," said the
inspector, you have told us your
story, and l thank you for your con-
fidence. But l advise you now to leave
things alone. will see justice done
don't be afraid about that. For the
rest, please to keep silent tongue in
your head-it will be safer. There is
still Siberia for Ivan Knoll just as
there may be dangers from your
friends in the club yonder for julius
Greatman, who arranged so indiscreet
a meeting in his private room. Good
night to you"
The caretaker did not reply, but
opening the door, bowed us into the
passage that led to the big room. We
had not taken half a dozen steps when
l looked back over my shoulder, ex-
pecting to see him behind u.s. But
he had vanished.