The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-12-12
A Rescue
Story of an Ameri-
cans Adventure
In Russia.
By ALAN HINSDALE

Of $4,000 a year and was a globe trot-
ter. He was also an amateur sports
man-yachtsman and everything else
that affords amusement out of doors.
One winter Champlin was in St. Pc
tersburg (now Petrogra0. Russia was
then at peace with all Of the world
except herself. Revolution was brew
ing. The government knew 1t was
brewing, and the Russian secret police
was keeping an eye on all suspected
citizens. Revolutions are generally up
heavals of the lowest classes. The
late Russian movement was participat
ed in by persons of first grade, includ'
ing the mobiles, or at least members OF
noble families. Champlin was not
aware of what was going On-for
everything was done secretly-till one
night when he attended ball given al
the Winter palace.
The American minister had secured
him his invitation and had warned him
to exercise the utmost care In avoiding
being drawn into dangerous position
toward the government.
The advice was lost on Champlin
who proposed to associate with whom
he pleased. Being free American
citizen he demurred at being told by
any government who should not be his
friend. However, he went to the ball
not dreaming that he would fall into
the trap such as he had been warned
against.
He was dancing with girl. tho
daughter Of general in the Russian
army. Her right hand was in his LEFT
and held high. He felt something droI
into his coat sleeve. The girl brought
the dance to close, at the same time
looking meaningly at the sleeve. Low
ering his arm, Champlin caught some
thing in his hand. He put 1t in his
coat pocket without looking at 1t, but
as soon as he could do so unobserved
he examined 1t, finding powder wrap
ped in bit Of paper, as medicines arc
put up by druggists.
As Champlin was leaving for his no
tel he saw the girl he had danced with
passing out. Two men, one on eact
side, escorted her. They were evi
IDENTIFY not guests. The girl gave
Champlin a look which he could not
understand, but he inferred that II
was an appeal for something. He pass
ed out Of the palace behind the two
men and the girl and saw them enter
a carriage. Jumping into his own con
veyance, he directed his cOachman tt
follow the one Just driving away.
Champlin saw the two men and the
girl alight in front Of a police station
and go inside. There he lost her. He
thought of following her in, but feared
to compromise her by doing SO. Il
was well he did not, for the powder
remained in his coat pocket, and If he
had been searched deadly poison
would have been found on him. This
he discovered later on.
1t was evident to him that this young
lady had been suspected. Doubtless
spies were watching her when she slip.
ped the powder into his sleeve. Hi
theory was that she had prepared to
poison some one during the ball
Whether. she had succeeded or failed,
she had taken advantage Of dancing
with Champlin to get rid of the Grim.
mating substance.
Champlin had an overpowering de
sire to learn what had become Of the
girl. He made inquiries, but learned
nothing. Persons may disappear in
Russia and never again be heard of.
Perhaps their immediate friends or
families know where they are, but few
inquiries are made. and the responses
are not apt to be definite. At the
same time, there are breaking hearts.
Champlin believed, Notwithstanding
the girl had got rid Of the evidence
against her, that she was doomed. To
be suspected in Russia is to be pro-
nounced guilty, especially at time
when the government is in danger.
One morning when Champlin was
about to open his bedroom door to go
down to breakfast he found note on
the floor which had been slipped be-
tween the door and the sill. Opening
1t, he read:
Pardon my daughter for having used
you to save herself. She failed. She was
seen to drop the package in your sleeve
You are being watched. Leave Russia,
secretly II you can.
There was no address, no signature
Champlin knew the name Of the girl
he had danced with, and instead of at
once leaving Russia he waited until
an inquiry had appraised him that she
had been sent to Siberia Then, in
stead Of leaving secretly, he departed
openly. arguing that he was doubtless
known to the police as an American
who had no interest in the revolution
and II he tried to get away secretly
he would render himself liable to sus-
picion.
There was something in this transi-
ton from the festivities of the Winter
palace to the dreadful Kara prison,
with its desperate hunger strikes, that
affected Champlin deeply. What NOV.
ed him most was that appealing look
Lisa Dmitrievna gave him when being
marched away from the hall between
two officials. He had supposed It to
meal, IF you are questioned do not
give me away" but as the episode
rather the tragedy-continued to i'm
press itself upon his soul he could not
hahn foolfpu fhok a. ~,~nrk ser~