Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1919-05-11

CIV
there. Yes, he would promise to direct this
man; he would promise anything to get homo
without delay, and he would carry out that
promise Of it could smooth the way for
Princess Sabina, and in no other circum.
stances.
One day out, after Halam and Nieff had
spent hours together discussing Grodnia, a
topic on which the young correspondent was
nimbly posted, the truth began to seep
through the porous texture Of mystery which
Nieff held about his identity and plans. The
man could not refrain from sounding Hallam,
who had been within the torn country for
days after the revolution, for news and opin-
ions on the frame Of mind possessing the
people. Several times he frankly inquired
whether any open evidences had yet broken
through of regret upon the overthrow of the
king; whether any counter sentiment had
reared its head against the flaming mastery
of the bolsheyiki.
do you suppose" asked Nieff, that a
strong movement, finding its inception out
side Grodnia aimed to wrest the control
from these maniacs and seat Queen Sabina
her lawful throne, would be met by any
formidable support from Within"
"Why do you ask" parted Hallam.
30. merely a citizens warm interest in the
feelings and probable future of his people,"
I'm afraid that isn't why" said Hallam,
straightforwardly. "If you want to gossip,
I'll slip along with you But If you ask me
six-cylinder questions, I must know why
the truth-before 1 answer"
IL can't understand" said Nieff You are
an American. What interest could you posi-
bly, have in my motives, and what difference
could 1t make to you? Much depends, for me.
naturally, on what is to become of Grodnia.
You probably will never see 1t again. have
vital interests and equities there. OF course
1 have motive. In any country every
native has personal IL not selfish, policies
which he would advance"
quite So" agreed Hallam, But in my
brief stay in your country I made some
friendships and many enmlties. I preju-
diced grant you. Not that have any axes
to grind myself. 1 agree with neither the
present rulers, who are savage blockheads
and incompetent fourfiushers, nor with the
royal partisans who are trying to nurse back
to life system which is not sicll-it is dead.
II l had my way OF it Grodnia would become
a republic, built on the lines OF the United
States. But that is probably long way off.
In the meantime there are plots and inter
plots, and 1 want to know whom 1 am serving
before I jump"
Nieff sat for u long time in thought. He
seemed to want to do something, but he had
difficulty convincing himself that 1t was right
or safe.
Presently he looked up and searched tho
face OF Hallam. 1t was fine face boyish,
honest, guileless, yet strong and courageous.
The smile upon 1t no smirk of egotism,
nor was it the hard spokesman of irony.
1t was a face to make trusting painless
and hazard promising.
"Hallam," said Nief "you are a gentle
man and man of honor"
"I have never knowingly done a man or
woman an injury in my life," said the Amer.
lean 81 have fought many and licked
few but always for what thought was hon.
orable. Shoot"
II believe you. I am tempted to unbosom
to you a great confidence. have no guilt
burning in my breast that 1 must confess.
But 1 have responsibility so vast that, seven
were I to tell you everything. you could not
probably realize its magnitude. If I make
you partner in my secrets 1t will be because
/ believe you may help me. More than that,
you may help the cause which / represent.
and that is a million times weightier than
what happens to me, though the outcome
will mean to me the difference between
the highest peak Of a mans earthly possibili-
tics ard the lowest depths OF mans misery.
IT know YOU will not wantonly betray
ne. J iuew. that yln NIL nj ai,lcls syn.