Year: 1860




For by this knot thou shalt so surely tie


Thy now INSURED assurance to the crown"


In one of the upper chambers of the
Palace de Rosenburg was seated Alexander
and Count Waukoff, one of his most init.
mate friends, whom We have not before in,
troduced to the reader. Both were anx,
iously awaiting the appearance Of some one,
as was evident from the many anxious CLAN
ces which ever and anon they cast toward
the door. The count was a noble specimen
of Russian soldier. Tall, stout aud vel
formed, his martial person was we'll set of
by the uniform of colonel of the imperla
guard which he wore; and which looked
none the worse by being decorated with 0
cross, the emblem of some order, and which
had been given him by Catharine herself
some three years before. His dark hail
and beard, both of which he wore of ar
unusual length, gave a more savage appear
ance to a face which was marked here anc
there with scars received in many fierce
conflict while fighting the battles of his i'm
perial mistress. And yet his voice wher
he addressed his companion was soft auc
low as a woman's; and when he gazed upor
him it was with loving expression, which
few would think those iron features capa
BILE of assuming. Alexander it would be
needless for US to describe. He was very
young, not more than eighteen, if so old
and his features ever wore an expression oi
undecision and doubt, such indeed as is
frequently seen on the faces of the young
the old never At length the latter, as
though tired of waiting, rose from his chair
and stretching out his arms, yawned several
times, as men are apt to do when weary Of
sitting and glanciug at the clock, remark
ed to his companion


Il am afraid, Waukof, that he will moi
come after all. What do you think abouti it !?


90! he will be here yet, think was
the reply. by the way, my lord, he added.
sif be is as wise as you believe he is, may
he not know that am here, and refuse tc
come until I have gomez


1T may be so,' answered the duke thought
fully. 1T is very strange that we never
thought of it BEFORE


may, it was in my mind all along re
piled the count. TO tell you the truth,
be added. 4 am almost afraid to have yor
meet him alone. If harm should come tt
you, and l absent, it would be the death o
me-


Fear not for me, my faithful friend sale
the young man, patting him gently on th'
back as boy would a huge dog. i an
afraid of nothing since you taught me how
to WELD a sword and fire a gun. As to tn,
pistol-Lord! 1 can hit hair nine time
out of ten


sYou have practiced some lately then
said the other inquiringly.


oh yes, every day. But Waukoff, yo'
had better leave me for a short time, so tha
this mouptebank may have no further caus
for delay


Anything to oollge you, my ioro, SAL
the Count, rising. Should he come an
offer to harm you in any way, discharg
this pistol. I shall not be far off,


Thanks y said Alexander and he seate'
himself. But scarcely had the other lef
the room, when long lank face peere'
cautiously through the window, and on see
ing that the Duke was alone, immediatel,
disappeared. In few moments footstep
were heard approaching the room ant
Alexander had scarce time to compose him
self, when the door opened, and Saint Pier
re entered.


sS'death, sir" exclaimed the Duke, o.
seeing him, 'but you have kept me wait!n
at least two hours after the appointed time
And pointing to chair, he moved the ligh