Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-08-09
CHAPTER 1
Introducing Peter Nichols
TIHE British refugee ship Phrygia v

An"UuuChiS Z CtCT INhCIiolo
TNHE British refugee ship Phrygia was
l. about to sail for Constantinople,
where her unfortunate passengers were
to be transferred to other vessels sail.
ing for Liverpool and New York. After
some difficulties the refugee made his
way aboard her and announced his
identity to the captain. II he had ex-
pected to he received with the honor du.
to one Of his rank and station, he was
quickly undeceived, for Captain Blash"
ford, man Of rough manners, con
cealing n gentle heart. looked him over
critically, examined his credentials 0et-
tters he had happened to have about
him and then smiled grimly.
We've got room for one more
and that's about ALL"
II have no money" began the
refugee.
"Oh, that's all right" shrugged the
Captain, you're not the only one
we've cargo of twenty princes
thirty-two countesses to set up a new
nation somewhere. Your 'Ighness is
the only Duke that has reached us up
to the present speakin', and if there
are any others. they'll ave to be brisk
for we're sailin' in twenty minutes"
The matter Of fact tones with which
the Unconditional Britisher made this
announcement restored the lost sense Of
humor Of the Russian refugee, and he
broke into grim laugh.
An embarrassment of riches" re I.
marked the Grand Duke.
"Riches." grunted the Captain, "in
manner Of speakin', yes. Money is
not so plentiful. But jools Good God
There must be half ton of diamonds,
rubies and emeralds aboard. All they're
got. left, most of 'em. but complaints
and nervousness. Give me cargo of
wheat and I'm your man." growlei
the Captain. 1T stays put and doesn' /
COMPLAIN and then turning to Peter
I'1e're not expectin' any r'yal suite
aboard the Phrygia, are YEP"
No. A hammock for'rd will be
good enough for me-
That's the way I like to ear a man
talk. Good God! AS man to man. {
nrsk you-with Counts THROWN ciga
rette butts around an princesses cryin'
al over my clean white decks an all,
what's self-respectin' skipper to do
out ave my orders to fetch the odd
OF to Constantinople. an fetch EN- I
will. Oh! They're odd-ali right. Go
'eiow' sir, an ave look at EN-
But Peter Nicholaevitch shook his
lead. He had been doing deal of
Iuiet thinking in those starry nights
lpon, the Dnieper. and he had worke
ut his problem alone.
No. thanks" he said quietly. "if
'ou don't mind. I think I'd rather pre-
erve my incognito.
"lncosnito, is it? Oh. very we'll, suit
ourself; And what will I be calm
Peter, Nichols" said the Grand
ther." any
Right you are, Peter Nichols. Inv
p to my cabin"
so Peter Nichols went forward.
voiding the cargo aft, until within q
ay's run Of the Bosporus. when be
ound himself accosted by no less n
erSon than Prince Galitzin, who had
trollcd out to get the morning air. He
'ied to avoid the man, but Galitzin
lanted himself firmly in his path,
him eagerly.
1ou, too, Highness :" he said with
n accent of grieved surprise.
The Grand Duke regarded him in a
loment Of silence.
1t must be evident to you, Prince
alitzin, that I have some object in
unknown"
But, Your Highness, such n thing
unnecessary. Are we not ali ded;,
tied to the same misfortunes? Misery
ives company"
'Iou mean that it makes YOU less
iserablc tc discover that I share your
te?" ''
"Not precisely that. 1t is merely that
one holding your liberal views can.
IT escape the holocaust that has sud.
'nly fallen there is little hope for the
st of u.s."
NO." said the Grand Duke shortly.
There is no hope, none at all, for US
for Russia"
Where are you going?" /
"To America"
but, Your Highness, that Is i'm.
,ssible. We shall all have asylum in
ngland until conditions change. You
ould go there with u.s.. 1t will lend
fiuence to our mission"
"No."
"Why?"
Il am leaving Russia for the present
10 is outcaSt. For. not content with
traying, she has betrayed herself"
but what are you going to do?"
Peter Nicholaevitch smiled up at the
y, and the fussy, fat, bejeweied
cophant before him listened to him in
lazement.
prince Galitzin," said the Grand
ike amusedly. II am going to do that
lich may bring the blush of shame to
UT brow or the sneer of pity to your
IS. ! am going to fulfill the destiny
divided for every man with pair of
'ong hands, and n willing spirit
going to work.
The Prince stepped back n pace, his
Itery eyes swapping in incompre.
nsion.
''But your higher destiny-your
cat heritage rs Prince of the royal
,od of Holy Russia"