Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-06-25
A Bid
for a Throne
copyright. 1918. by W. G. Chapman
An Audacious Hazard Of Nkola Independent Agent, as
Related by His Lieutenant, Summers
BY H. M. EGBERT


the other for it's hated enemy. They
would fall upon one another and
mutually annihilate each other. Then
the downtrodden would be masters of
the situation; the Russians and Rou.
manians would both be at their mercy!
And since the civil and the military
governors of Kishineff were at logger
heads, his purpose could be more
readily attained.
1t was useless to attempt to oppose
Nikolais imperious will. AS he grew
cooler, he became more resolute. And
on the following afternoon / yielded
to his proposals. That evening. wear
ing the uniform of member of the
Committee on Internal Affairs at st.
Petersburg, and passing under the
name of Captain Linovieff, Nikolai en-
tered the grounds of the civil gov
ernor's palace, being in attendance
as his orderly, and sent up his card to
that official
After an endless time he came out
from the dinner table. A party was
being held, and l heard the laughter
of ladies and the mirthful voices Of
officers within. The governor was in
clned to be curt, but glance at
Nikolais uniform reduced him to
condition of Difference He sat down
a little heavily, as though he had been
drinking, and motioned to Nikolai to
be seated also. | stood at attention
behind my master
What can l do for your excel
lency?" the governor asked. before
you join our party?"
MY task accomplished | must re-
turn to St. Petersburg at once" said
Nikolai harshly. Governor, how
long are you going to let this brood
OF vipers hatch out their plots be.
meath the windows Of your palace"
The governor waved his hands In
depreciation. Had my way, would
smoke out the rabble," he murmured.
But you know, excellency. how our
monarch is abused by the press of
England and America. We must be
cautious!"
II shall communicate your refusal
to his majesty" said Nikolai with a
bow, making as If to withdraw
Wait! Watt" screamed the gov.
ernor. "Your excellency did not deign
to tell me that this was his majesty's
command"
The Little Father has no need to
command" said Nikolai coldly. His
willing servants wait upon his nod and
read his thoughts before they reach
his lips
1T shall be done" cried the gov
ernor in panic We shall make
more thorough job of it this time. II
only the soldiers leave the police to
finish"
The police will do nothing" re.
sponded Nikolai. You will pass the
word to the Greek bishop of the Rus.
sian community. He will see to it.
He has his orders And your task
will be to see that the police are pas
sive and do not restrain the rioters
And above all, say nothing to General
Baratoff, the military governor, for he
is under suspicion of being lukewarm
where the cars interests are con.
cerned.'
Rely on me" replied the governor,
winking He will go mad with jeal-
ousy when he learns the truth. When
is it to be-"
Five nights hence. when the moon
io Lot ,ci OF tha rnh hh1a arriva
at midnight, all armed, at the south
corner of the great square"
1T shall be DONE" cried the COVER
nor, rubbing his hands. And now,
captain, you will take glass of wine
with the ladies?"
81 regret that | cannot" Nikolai an
swered Il must leave for the capital
at once. My droschky waits to con-
vey me to the station. Farewell; see
that you do not disappoint the car, or
your place will be endangered"
And he withdrew, while | marched
after him looking neither to the right
nor the left until we reached the
street below the palace. Then burst
into laughter. But Nikolai was in no
mood for laughter
Now for the military governor" he
said And we set off for his head
quarters on the opposite edge of the
town.
General Baratoff had retired to bed
by the time we arrived and came
down blinking like an OWL His mill
tary service had been performed in
st. Petersburg; he was a favorite of
the royal family and had never seen
real service in his life. His sole ex-
ploits had been against his fellow
countrymen.
General Baratoff," said Nikolai,
five nights hence, at midnight, before
the moon comes up, the sheep will fall
upon the wolves and make an end Of
them"
General Baratoff was wide awake
upon the instant. He understood the
allusion perfectly. Such parallels
were common everywhere during
those days
1T is the czar's command" said
Nikolai.
Good" said the general, grinding
his teeth. Very good My little sol
diers are yearning for taste of
blood"
Your little soldiers will stay with
in their barracks, and armed sentries
will be posted at the gates" retorted
Nikolai. "Those cursed English and
american newspapers must not bs