Manchester Democrat. [volume], December 03, 1902, Image 7

About Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930

Image provided by: State Historical Society of Iowa

                
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CHAPTER I.—Prmce Neslerov wants to mar
». ry Frances Gordon, the charming daughter of
an American is building the Traaislberlan
railroad. Prances Is lnt rested in tbe for
tunas of Vladimir Paulpoff, a stalwart Russian
blacksmith. She asks Neslerov to use his influ
/. ,.• en«»e fur VUdimlr. II,—-Neslerov goes to Vladl*
vi mlr's
1
hit
1
The woman courtesled and looked
uncomfortable, but Neslerov paid her
not the least attention.
"Well, since you are here, I am pleas
ed to see you," said the governor.
"Your branch of the Neslerov family
and mine have not been too friendly. 1
am glad that at last one of you has bad
the grace to begin a reconciliation."
Princess Olga smiled.
"Whatever feeling my branch of the
family may have for yours could scarce
ly be said to interest me," she said.
"Remember, I have spent much of uiy
time out of Russia, aud—it happened
twenty years ago."
Neslerov turned to the door and then
Btopped.
"You refer to the unfortunate mys
tery of Graslov," he said soberly. "It
was that, I fear, that ruptured the
former friendships. Yet I have insist*
ed and proved that our family was not
to blame. It was either an accident or
was done by our enemies. Pardon mel
*v£l was so glad to see you that I forgot
=$g*hat you must be weary after your
^journey. Let me have you shown your
•r^oorns, and I will order dinner for you
?l'
when you wish."
"Thank you. We are both hungry. I
will join you In ten minutes, and The*
rese will be ready to go to the servants'
dining room in that time."
"You have become a regular cosmo
politan," laughed Neslerov. "Your vis
Its to America and London have almost
~.. taken away the traces of our Russian
^habits."
"Some of them could be well dispens*
.ed with," she answered.
Iu response to his summons a servant
appeared and conducted the women to
their rooms.
"Now, what devilish luck could -have
brought her here at this time?" said
Neslerov to himself. "I must be cau
tious. But It Is so long—she was not
Jjorn—she can know nothing. But I
must be discreet."
"Well, we are here," said the prln-
If* cess to her companion when they were
alone. ."Now, obey me let me do the
planning. Neslerov must not suspect
us. It would ruin all, aud there Is no
telling what lie might do. The govern
or of a province In Siberia Is almost
supreme."
Her attendant shuddered.
"I lived In dread of Siberia for twen
ty years!" she said, with a shudder.
"And now you have brought me here."
"But not as a convict—as a friend, a
woman, like myself, resolved to right
A wrong."
The princess was soon ready and
Joined the governor In the dining room,
"I have just been thinking, Olga," he
«ald, bis face wreathed with smiles,
•"that It Is at least three years since we
met. Your face lias not changed much,
but vou are now a woman and were
then a little girl. You are one of the
most beautiful \vomen In Russia."
"Thank you."
"And, I uiijilit say, the richest."
"Nearly so. But the wealth brings
Its responsibilities. It is difficult In
£?'5~ Russia to do those things that are Just
and proper with our wealth."
"I never found It so," said tbe gov
ij (X*
ernor'
with a laugh.
•jl/ "Perhaps." said Olga, "you are not
if Interested
I11
«**\r
::s8i iii i::::::
the question. To me It Is
a burning one. Our nobles have too
.v-irr much wealth and our lower classes
Sgf' have too little opportunity to rise. It Is
not so In Englaud, France or Amerl
ca."
sails" "You had better leave those questions
for older heads, priucess. You will be
come involvixl with the government be
fore you know.. .You were not born to
wash' your bi-auty and talents In such
matters. .u were born to be admired,
to enjuy yo-ir wealth."
"I do tn.1 my wealth and do what
!i !o witli It As to being
ait.i.UHi. I aicet few from whom admi
ration seems to come with sincerity."
"Qb. asrtpjttm4. r.«ksaiuot eiesctja
w*-^v
ower. VII
t. -NegtHr.v.irutftj 1 ruwh b.i., y,
0
,t
aU
x4
THE MYSTERY
OF (iRASLOV
A
£Q Copyright, ltot, tv OharteM B. EUtertngUm
Bmsmttssstixisimtttm
ut. The blacksmith has talent and shows
:. Ne-lar-'V a picture he has painted. It is the
Slure.
trtralt of a woman of rank copied from a min
The prince is excited and asks for the
.: iriKinal. Vladimir's father says It has been lost
..To Vladimir oh* Pauipoff confesses that he Ued
to M'-slero? and still ta the miniature. III.—
Neslerov hM the Paulpoffs sent to Siberia as
'-illi kUV G'»rtlon goes to the forge
with bo ka for Vladimir. At the door of tbe
Joue hwt sh* OOuuutf rs Neslerov. The princu
Pre,8e«M8 suit violently, nod Prances stunt
mm wjtn a pis ol shut In the head, V.—Gordon
wishes wis daughier to marry .lack Denton, »u
mnman brldKe cnslnner. Frances demands
*a'!it,r ot rcede with the governor for
Vladmrr. The* start fo Obi. N-alerov bo»rds
-thHjj m'tral .which re'k* tw .n« «s
iHrov li a Knuices ..n« In
find the courtiers at beauty's court all
as grufF and outspoken aa a drosky
driver."
"1 have met some who were," she
said, laughing pleasantly.
They ate slowly, chatting the while.
"You have not quenched my thirst
for knowledge," said the governor. "If
I were In St. Petersburg and you did
me the honor to ask me to visit you. It
would even then surprise me. But that
you have come to Tomsk, more than
half way across Siberia, to visit me Is,
to say the least, amazing.
The princess gave her silvery laugh
again.
"You are as conceited at any other
nobleman I have met. 1 did not come
to see you. I came, first, to ride on the
new railway: second, to study the con
ditions existing in this part of the em
pire. and. third, to look Into this new
proposition of the czar to Induce peas
ants to settle in Siberia along the line
of the railway. It is a very good Idea,
If the country will support settlers."
"It will under proper help from' the
government at the start," replied Ne
slerov. "I am glad you came to me.
Wo shall have a fine time making our
investigations."
"I notice that you do not seem to
have the free use of your arm," said
Olga. "Have you been ill or injured?"
"A Blight injury. I fell from an un
ruly horse."
"You must be more cautious. It must
have been a wild beast. You have the
name of being an excellent horseman."
us
tt1® l» •"orm a marriage ceremony. Jack
i:ion O .I,IHH t«» th« rescue, \esl- r»»v Is beat
©DMfr Vil.-li 11011 nearly kills N'eklerovIn a
du
-s II -Jurk iruinl».eN Frtuues to SiVe
li .HCkHmih. IX.— Jack palrn a dlwabled
euuiueanti ii.uls carcontalniug the wonnded
prince aul Kranoes toward Obi On the road
they rae-t Gordon, returning with a special car
for nis dauffbt^r. Frances will not expose Nes
V, lerov's baseness. X.-V^slerov s-nds his crea
-ture Jannky, chief of police, to the Siberian
mines to recover the origin*! of Vladimir's pic
l,- turefrom the* Pn-ilpoffa ulso to put Denton out
of the way. secetly
CHAPTER XI.
TI1E PRINCESS OLOA T*
train from Moscow came
L\T~T1
snorting and scieaulng Into
tbe station, and among the
passengers, mostly officers and
convicts or men connected with the
railway, were two women. One of 1
.these was about fifty years of age,
tL.n and subdued in appearance, and
her fac* bore tbe marks of suppressed
anxiety. Tbe other was scarcely more
than a girl—twenty at most—but her
carriage was noble, and her entire ap
pearance that of one born to command.
Her lovely fuce and well shaped head
rose above a collar of ermine, although
It was not winter.
"To the palace of Keslcrov, governor
of Tomsk," she said to a drosky
driver, and she and her companion
were soon on the way.
Neslerov was at dinner when a serv
ant announced the Princess Olga.
"What about the Priucess Olga?" he
.asked.
"The princess is here—she has asked
to see your excellency."
"Here! Olga Neslerov, here!" rising
from the table. He had improved much
In the last few days, and his face wore
:.a calm look that had not been there
Blnce his meeting with Denton.
He found the princess in the recep*
tion room.
"Princess Olga!" he exclaimed, kiss'
lng her hand. "Fair cousin, what hap*
py circumstance brought you here?
And why have you come unannounced
.' and unattended?"
"1 saw no reason to herald my ap
proach," she answered, "and I am not
unattended. This is my attendant."
When their meal was finished, they
strolled together through the rooms of
the palace.
"I am quite Interested in your pal
ace," said the princess. "It Is not the
finest I have seen, but It is excellent.
"My cousin, whom I have never teenP'
she exclaimed.
There are some barbarisms, but I pre
sume you get accustomed to them—In
Siberia."
"Yes, In Siberia one gets accustomed
to almost anything," he answered.
She continued her inspection with In
terest aud suddenly came to a stop be
fore a painting. Neslerov's face be
came a shade paler.
"My cousin, whom I have never
seenl" she exclaimed, clasping her
hands and gazing raptly at the picture
Vladimir had painted. "Surely, Nicho
las, that must be Princess Alexandra,
who married your elder brother."
"I think you are mistaken," said Ne
slerov. "You surely must have seen
Alexandra."
"Yes, when or mere Infant. It IB only
from other portraits that I recognize
her. She was very beautiful. Oh,
what a terrible sorrow to herl To lose
her child, heir to a fine estate and
princely title, and then lose her own
life, so young, with the horrible mys
tery still unsolved as to whether she
died of grief and a broken heart or by
the hand of an enemy. Oh, that mys
tery of Oraslov! Will It ever be
solved!"
"I fear not," said Neslerov solemnly,
"I did not know you had this pic
ture," said Olga. "It is much finer
than any we have at home. It was
done by a master hand."
"It was," assented Neslerov.
The painting had saddened Olga, and
she passed on, making no more of her
laughing criticisms.
She soon returned to her rooms,
where her attendant was awaiting her.
The woman's fuce was pale, and she
seemed to be struggling with emotion.
Olga stood before her, with a peculiar
light In her eyes.
"Therese," she said, "an oil painting
of my unfortunate cousin, Princess
Alexandra, hangs in Neslerov's own
room.'
"What!" gasped the woman, starting
up. Then, as some strange terror over
I came her, she shuddered, and with the
whispered cry "We are lost!" she fell
to the floor unconscious.
I CHAPTER XII.
PRINCESS OLOA BEGINS TO ACT.
OW, Therese, tell me what
you have learned. Why did
the fact that the picture of
N
Alexandra hangs upon the
wall of Neslerov's room make you
faint? You have learned something.
Tell me."
Therese was sitting In a chair, her
face white and drawn, and in her eyes
was a bewildered look.
"It was not so much what I heard,
princess, as what 1 knew and suspect
ed," she answered.
"I know what you know. I suspect
what you suspect. Tell me what you
heard," she said sternly.
"It was iu the serfs' hall," she said
In reply to the princess. "I was eat
ing no one seemed to ask who I was,
and they talked as servants do. Vladi
mir Paulpoff is in danger of his life."
Princess Olga gave a start, but re
covered her composure.
"Go on," she said. "Tell me all.1
"It seems there Is an American—I do
not remember what they called him—
but he Is an American who builds
bridges over the rivers for the new
railway. He knows Vladimir Paulpoff.
He is also a friend of that American
girl—you remember—we met at the
fair in Moscow?"
"Frances Gordon? I remember her.
She gave liberally to the' charities,
Well?"
"It would seem from what I heard
that the governor Is In love with her,
and that she rejected htm, These
things are il known among the serv
ants. It seems the American and Ne-
T
5 -V
J~r
Xs^f
•T C*
(^"V^-v^
Injured."
'He told me be fell from a horse.
Go on."
"It Is believed among the servants
that Vladimir Is also In love with the
American girl and that she Is in love
with him. And the American—I don't
know—but he may be In love with her
alio."
"Three lovers! She is fortunate—no.
I would say most unfortunate. With
one true and honorable lover any wo
man Is fortunate, but with three—and
one like Neslerov! It Is too mtufti."
"You do not seem to suspect when
the picture came from."
"Do you mean the oil painting of my
cousin, the Princess Alexandra?"
"I mean It You say It hangs on the
wall of Neslerov'B room. It Is undoubt
edly the one painted by Vladimir."
"And when Vladimir and his parents
were sent to Siberia Neslerov took the
painting?"
"Yes. Vladimir Is talented, as yon
know—at least as I have told you."
'Then Vladimir must be near this
place."
Therese shuddered again.
"He Is—he Is in tbe dungeons under
this palace," she whispered In terror.
A sudden change came over the prin
cess. She walked In agitation to and
fro across the room.
Then Neslerov must suspect that
Vladimir holds the key to the mystery
of Graslov," Bhe said, stopping again
before Therese.
"I do not know what he thinks. The
American also is here under a charge
of conspiring against the czar."
Oh, then it becomes clearer. These
Americans are shrewd. This one, per
haps, In order to gratify his love of
truth, has set himself the task of dis
covering the truth about Oraslov."
'Who knows?" asked Therese. "But
how would he know anything about
the mystery of Graslov?"
True, but you say Vladimir and the
American girl are In love. Vladimir
may have discovered something and
told the girl. 8he may have told the
American, who may not be a lover, but
a friend. She may have enlisted his
efforts in the task of unraveling the
mystery."
"It Is possible."
"What else did you hear?"
"Nothing that Is all. The American
was arrested as he was about to leave
for Perm. Vladimir was brought from
Tlvoloffsky, a small village near here."
By the orders of Neslerov?"
It must be, since they are in the
dungeons of his palace."
"And that is all yon heard?'
"All—everything."
"It is enough to place me upon the
right scent. You must not, however,
give way to these fits of unconscious
ness. Be stronger, be brave."
'It Is all very well, princess but if
you had lived for twenty years with
the horror of that crime overshadow
ing you, with a constant fear of the Si
berian mines weighing upon you, you
would not be calm."
Poor woman! I appreciate your
feelings In the matter. But try to main
tain your composure, for one mistake
now, the slightest suspicion on the part
of Neslerov, may destroy the efforts we
have made during the last two years."
"Six months, princess."
"For you, since your husband died. 1
have been working upon this mystery
since I returned from Paris two years
ago. If God spares my life, 1 will
avenge the crime that was committed
against our branch of the Neslerovs."
That evening the princess met Nesle
rov In the dining room with no show of
emotion. Her smile was as winning
and her wit as sharp as ever.
lI
have not seen you during the aft
ernoon, fair cousin," said Neslerov.
'But I have not forgotten you. I have
been gathering the resources of Tomsk
to give you a fitting welcome to our
city. Tomorrow night there will be a
reception and fete here in your honor."
Tomorrow night? That is quickly
done."
'It does not take long to arrange such
a thing here. We have so few social
pleasures that when the opportunity
occurs we grasp It greedily. The offi
cers of the garrison and the head offi
cials, with their families, will attend.
You must not expect to see tbe grand
eur of a fete in St Petersburg or Par
is."
"It would weary me," said Olga.
The perfecting arrangements for the
fete made Neslerov hurry away, and
Olga was soon left to herself. She had
resolved upon certain plans, but the
activity of the palace in the prepara
tions for the coming festivities seemed
destined to balk her. She roamed
through the great rooms alone, scan
ning the faces of those she met, speak
ing to few, but watchful for the oppor
tunity she craved.
It was nearly midnight when she be
came discouraged and went to her
room. The servants of the palace were
still at work arranging the rooms for
the dance.
But the princess did not retire. She
sat down near a window and waited.
From the ballroom windows the glare
of lights spread out upon the surround
ing trees and buildings. From below
came voices of those who were making
ready for the reception.
Therese came In to prepare her mis
tress for bed.
Not yet, Therese," said the princess
wearily. "I shall not retire."
"You will make yourself 111," said
Therese nervously.
"Do not fear—I shall1, not be 111. But
I am not ready for bed. I must wait—
and act."
"You will learn nothing tonight."
"It is a night to learn. Leave me
alone."
Therese stood a moment watching
the princess with a wistful, loving
glance, and then she went to ber own
room.
The princess sat with scarcely a mo
tion for more than two hours. An ob
server might easily have supposed she
bad gone to sleep. But suddeuly the
glare of the lights from the ballroom
died away, and the princess rose to her
feet.
"It Is finished," she said, "and they
Ire weary. Tomorrow night will be a
severe one, and they will retire at
once. Some one must be on guard— I
and gold Is powerful. Tonight 1 must
Ion rn something."
Still she waited and soon all was
tflent in the palace.
"I wonder if Neslerov is asleep," she
said. "Neslerov! I could almost hate
the name, though it Is my own. How
so cruel and heartless a man became
a member of our family I cannot con
ceive. Even though the relationship
la remote, some couslnshlps removed,
I believe, yet I regret that auy should
exiBt. No—not now—I am glad for
were he not sufficient relation to war
rant my presence In his detestable
palace I could not have this oppor
tunity to learn the- truth. Oh, Ne
slerovl Vengeance will be mine—and
It will be sweet"
She had Incased her feet In light Pa
risian slippers, and In these she step
ped noiselessly from the room. The
great bare corridor was dimly lighted
I and no person could be seen,
•lerov- tod a flgbt and Neslerov wa» I wu Aat«ugi
1
not because Olga feared. She was too
powerful herself to fear injury In the
palace of Neslerov. If the governor
suspccted the purpose of her visit, she
would be no longer welcome, and the
solution «he had so long sought would
be delayed.
Silently she crept down the great
winding stairs Into the main hall. This
was a wide, high apartment, and from
it opened many doors Into other apart
ments. On one side were the offices of
the government of the province, on tbe
other tbe living rooms of the govern
or's household.
The doors upon the left, leading to
the reception room, the governor's
room, the great baUrocm and the din
ing room, were clc.: eil. Two of those
on the right WL: CY-'II. In one room
there was a light, and from it came
the subdued voices oi' nvo men and the
odor of tobacco. The other room was
dark.
The process remembered these
rootns. She had seen them In her In
spection of tlio palace. That from
which came the voices and In which a
light was burning was the office of the
superintendent of police. The one next
to it was a smaller room, connected
with the other by a door, which was
locked. This small room had been In
tended for an office, but was now used
for tbe purpose of storing books, rec
ords, police material and desks. It was
part of the suit allotted to tbe superin
tendent of police.
Olga stood in the hall and listened.
She beard the name of Paulpoff. With
a fluttering heart she darted Into the
darkened room and took up her posi
tion near the closed door between that
and the office.
The two speakers sat near that door,
with a round table between them, and
upon the table was a supply of liquor
and cigars.
The work of prepariug the palace for
the festivities on the following night
did not come under the supervision of
the police, but all connected with the
palace were Interested, and these two
were the last to retire.
The speakers In that other room were
Jansky, superintendent of police, and
Inspector Unsgethop.
"The whole thing is a complete mys
tery to me," said Unsgethop, speaking
somewhat thickly, having drunk con
siderable liquor. "It is a mystery.
First we receive one command, then
another, and we do not know what to
do. The governor is not wont to act
thus."
"You are not the first to have felt
the Influence of this great mystery,"
said Jansky. "The governor is dis
creet."
"Oh, I said a complete mystery. I
would not call it a great mystery. That
would bring It to the dignity of a cele
brated case."
"So It Is. It is one of the most cele
brated cases In all Russia."
"That Is too much! One of the most
celebrated cases in all Russia, and they
have not been in the dungeons more
than three days! The matter could
scarcely have gone beyond Tomsk."
"Nevertheless I spoke truly."
"Then there Is something about it I
do not know. When I reflect, It seems
of course that this must be the case.
Mfliilf
"It is a viy&tcry. First we rccclve one
command, then another."
Else why should we receive secret or
ders to capture—arrest, if you* like—an
American and a convict already punish
ed and—well, see that theybecome lost
to the world?"
Princess Olga gave a gasp as she
heard this.
"There is one thing about it," said
Fnsgethop. who was now getting drunk
enough to be independent and ludis
creet. "!f something is not done soon 1
shnll wash my hands of it. 1 don't
like the looks of It. Of course, one
might kill a blacksmith convict and no
inquiry would b? made, but that Amer
ican—that Is different."
"Keep quiet for a few days. Have
yon not seen that the governor has a
guest?"
"Yes, a beautiful one."
"That Is Princess Olga of the great
nnd powerful Neslerovs. She Is dls
tantlj related to the governor. And,
since you are Interested, I will tell you
the story as 1 know it."
"Oh, there is a story, then. I thought
so."
"There Is a story, and It Is one which
the governor would uot like to have
brought into prominence while the
priucess is here. The elder brother of
Neslerov married Alexandra, a cousin
of Priucess Olga. This was something
like twenty-three or twenty-four years
ago. No I think It must be twenty
five or six. Well, they were well mated,
those two. Prince Alexis was tbe heir
to the great estate of Graslov and his
hereditary title, besides being Prince
Neslerov, was Duke of Graslov. A
year or so after this happy marriage a
son was born to this couple. Ho was
named Alexis, after his father. He
was a line young fellow, so I have
heard, and grew sturdily. When he
was a year old, or perhaps two, Prince
Alexis died. Now, it so happened that
the old Duke of Graslov, who was still
living, had had a quarrel with Princess
Alexandra. Her branch of the family
was not friendly to his, and things did
not go right, and they quarreled. Just
what that had to do with the story I
do not know, but 1 am telling you what
everybody in Perm knew at that time.
"At that time Prince Nicholas, now
governor of Tomsk, was ftfteeu years
of age, aud was the favorite of his
father. It was commonly reported that
the duke preferred to see his younger
sou inherit the title aud estate rather
than have It go to the sou of the priu
cess. Anyway, one day, twenty years
ago, the young prince, then about three
years old, or perhaps less, was drowned
In the Kama. At least that is what
was said. The boy wandered away
from his nurse and walked to tho
river. Some of his gurments were
found on the river bank, aud it would
seem as though tbe little fellow had
Intended to follow the example of the
boys of the serfs he had seen and was
going to take a river bath. However,
the body was never found and the
poor princess was broken hearted. In
ff.tt.XA9 fi-yeur she. top, died, and at the time
her branch Of the Neslerovs charged
foul play. It was openly said they ac
cused the old duke and Prince Nicho
las of bavin.? murdered her. It was
not proved and was not tried. The two
branches remained at feud. The old
duke died and i'rinee Nicholas entered
into bis inheritance, but he has not
used tbe title, probably out of con
sideration for the feeliugs of bis rela
tives.
"Now we come down to the present
day. It was openly charged by some
of the other Neslerovs that the serv
ants of the house of Graslov were In
volved, and it was thought at one time
that certain others not of the house
hold knew something. Among these
was the family of an Ironworker,
Michael Paulpoff. consisting of himself,
his wife and a child. But the Paul
poffs disclaimed all knowledge, and
were so stupid and iunocent looking
that they were dropped from consid
eration. But it seems that an enmity
has long existed in their obscure minds
against the governor, and they have
been secretly working to fasten the
murder of Princess Alexandra upon
him. Whether they knew anything at
the time or whether some oue dying
told them, I do not kuow. Certain it
is that they have some knowledge they
will use agaiust our governor. They
were sent to Siberia aud were uuable
to work at the mystery. But this ac
cursed American came and was inter
ested. He swore he would fasten this
murder upon Neslerov because Ne
slerov had loved that American girl,
daughter of Gordon, the eugineer.
Now you see why the American, Den
ton, and the powerful young black
smith were arrested, aud why, even
though In the dungeons, nothing more
can be done until this princess leaves.
Neslerov declares he Is innocent, but
the power nnd influence of her family,
if joined with the efforts of the Ameri
can and the Paulpoffs, might destroy
him. Am I understood?"
"Yes, perfectly. Neslerov is ours, aud
we are his. We must be loyal. Let the
prisoners remain in the dungeons until
we are free to act. Then—well, oven
now we might forget to send them
food."
"That, Unsgethop, Is the very idea.
The princess will dance merrily upon
this floor while they starve to death*'
on tbe one below."
The two police officers chuckled, and
Olga, having learned enough,- crept
back to her room. She was passing
through the upper corridor when she
was startled by a shadow as of a man.
A youug officer in command of the
palace guard was making his rounds.
He stopped short when he saw the prin
cess then, discreet as all youug officers
about the palace were, he saluted and
was about to pass on. She stopped him.
"Lieutenant," she said, "this Is my
room. I wish to speak to you alone."
He hesitated. He knew that she was
the Princess Olga. He knew she would
not seek his presence for pleasure. He
feared the displeasure of Neslerov, but
the winuing beauty of Olga conquered,
nnd he slipped into her room.
"What Is your name?" she asked, her
manner turning at once to that of the
stern woman of business.
"Michael Dermsky, princess."
"Your positiouV"
"Lieutenant ot the guard."
"How would you like to be a major
of cavalry?"
"Major of cavalry! Such a promotion
at my age—from a lieutenant?"
"It is possible—even more is possible.
But you must obey me."
"You are the Princess Olga, but I
must obey the governor of Tomsk."
"Walt," she said, and from a secret
receptacle she took a folded p:iper upou
which were a few words and a great
seal. She held it for him to read. He
dropped to his knees.
"The seal of his majesty tho czar!"
he said in an awestriekeu voice. "1
obey—command me—I obey."
"Rise. When will you be relieved?"
"Soon."
"Come to me aud say uothing to any
one."
"I obey I will be dumb."
Quickly, though she was weary, Olga
sat down and wrote a letter. It was
scarcely more than finished when the
officer returned.
"Is there not a train to Tobolsk this
morning?"
"There Is. The train your highuess
came on returns today."
"Take this letter to Tobolsk. Give it
Into no other hand but that of Count
do Muloff, governor general of western
Siberia. Do you understand?"
"I do. And if the governor should"—
"Remain at Tobolsk. I have arrang
ed for that In the letter. You need never
fear the present governor of Tomsk."
He bowed, placed the letter in his
bosom and retired. With a sigh of
weariness and of relief the princess
threw herself upon her bed and was
Boon asleep.
(TO BB CONTINUED.]
IK* 12nrly Proiiilne.
"Does my boy," inquired the parent,
"seem to have a natural bent in any
one direct ion?"
"Yes, sir," said the teacher "he gives
every indication of being a captain of
industry some day. He gets the other
boys to do all his work for him."—Chi
cago Tribune.
Mrs. Bjones—Your husband, 1 hear,
is quite versatile.
Mrs. Urowu-Smythe— Versatile is no
name for it. Why, he eau actually
stay out late every night in the week
uud not give the same excuse twice.—
Philadelphia Record.
An Iiifallihlc Iti'Miilt.
Brlggs—My wife has had a wonder
ful cure. She has recovered her voice
after being unable to utter a word for
uearly six mouths.
Griggs—You don't moan it! How did
it come about?
Brlggs—In the most unexpected way.
We happened to call at a neighbor's
where they were playing cards. We
thought we might as well lake a Land.
What was the result? In less than live
minutes my wife was asking in a
strong, clear voice, "What's trumps?"
•-Boston Transcript.
lSternlty.
An unconventional preacher under
took to give his hearers a vivid con
ception of eternity. This is the way
he did it: "If a little sparrow were to
dip its bill iu the Atlantic ocean and
take one drop of water and then take
one hop a day across the country aud
put that drop in the Pacific ocean and
then hop back to the Atlantic, one hop
a day, until the Atlantic was dry as a
bone, It wouldn't be sun-up in hades."
Bnd Brfflnnlne Mnkcn Qnlrk Hiullnt
"So the engagement's oft":"
"Yes she advised him to practice
economy, and he started in by getting
her an imitation diamond."—Detroit
Free Press.
Russians who are religious do uot eat
pigeons because of the sanctity cou
1 ferred.oa the dfrccJu .the. Scriptures
Don't he Impoeed upon by taking
substitute oflVred for Foley's Honey
and Tar. Sold by Denton & W ard.
The newest lighthouse on the French
coast shows a visible at a dis
tance of 39 nau'tleal miles in clear
weather. It is situated on tho Isle
Vierge, oil the French coast, to the
northeast ot Ushant, tt'G lantern being
24.4 feet above sea
level.
Foley's lloney and Tar positively
cures all throat and lung diseases, lie
fuse substitutes. Sold by Denton &
Ward.
Better lose your argument than your
friend.—Ram's Horn.
Report from the Reform School.
J. U. Giuck, Superintendent, Prunty
town, \V Va., writes: "After trying all
other advertistd cough medicines we
have decidtd to use Foley's Honey aud
Tar exclusively in the West Virginia
Uelorm School. I find it the moBt ef
fective aud absolutely harmless." Sold
by Denton & Ward.
An indubtrial and agricultural school
for colored youths of Maryland was
opened last month near Laurel, in that
stute.
A Timely Topic.
At th stasen ol coughs and colds it
•swell to MIOW thut Foley"« Houey and
Tar is the greatest throat and lung re
uirdy. It cur« quickly aud prevents
nerinus results lrutn a cold. Sold by
Deuton & Ward,
A recent report shows that 2,o(M
Christians were murdered in 1001 by
the Turks. Iu only 01 cases were the
murderers puuished, and then with not
more than four years' imprisonment.
Coughs, Colds, and Constipation,
few people reatz« when takingcuugh
Qirillumen oilier linn Foley's llonej
arid Tar, t..attheyuoii'ui:) opiateu which
ate conulipating besides beiug unsafe,
particularly for children. Foley's lluney
and Tar coutaiiiB no opiates, is sale auu
sure and will not constipale. Sold Us
Denton & Ward.
A melon patch in a cornfield will
sometimes neutralize the work of the
local Sunday school.
Boy's Life Saved from jHembranoup
Croup.
C. W. Lynch,a prominent citizun id'
Winclwsler, lud urileB, "My little bo-,
had a severe attack of menibrauonV
croup, aud only got relief alter taking
Foley's Honey and Tar He got reiin
after line rinse and I feel that it saved
the life of my boy," Refuse substitute!'.
•Mtfd liy Denton Ward.
Meat originally meant any kind of
food.
A Cold Wavo
The fttreeaKt of sudden changes in the
member serves notiee that a hoatse
voiee and a heavv WHIRII may invade
'lie sanctity of health in vour own
home Cautious people have a bottle of
One Minute Cough uie always at
hat"i E il, V\ ise, Madison, writen
"1 am Indebted to t)::e Minute Cough
Cure for my present good health, and
nrol.ably my life. It rur-« Cough
Cold«. L-(iri|.p.-,Il'oncliitis, Pneumonia
nd all Tl'roat and Lm ir tr- nhles.
One innte Couch Cure cuts the
I'lileum, draws ou the ii ll-iumitic
heals mid .'oothp« the mi us rm-m
brmiMs and strengthens the lung'
-Mliith Hros.
The largest dotte in the world is that
•f the Lutheran church at Warsaw.
I's interior diameter is 200 feet. Ti at
of the Uritish museum library is 130
feet.
Kudol Dyspepsia Cure
Digests all clai-ses of food, tones ana
-trengtlieus the stomach and digestive
Tgans. Cures Dyspepsia, Indigestion,
Stomach Troubles, and makes rich red
blood, health and strength. Kod»i re
builds wornout tissues, puriiies.str'i'g'h
ens und sweetens the stomach. Gov.
W. Atkinson, of \V. Va., says: 1 have
a do a id
iV'- found it to iie a very t-ITective aud,
Indeed, a powerful remedy for stomach
ailments. I recommend it to mi
friends. Smith Hros.
Improvement of Corn.
"Uncle Henry" Wuiiuce.is devoting it
gond deal of space iu his paper Wal
laces' Farmer to the Improvenii-ni ol
iOA'aCoru lie calls attention to tlie
fact that while the Iowa Farmer hut
lieen improving hie live stock for twi-u
ty vears and more he has given ven
lit-le attention to the great Io'.\a
corn \moug the many urtlfles w11n•
have appeared in Wallace's Furiuer ui
this subject has been a serlas by 1'rol
ShamH, of Illinois, the com'expert,
and these are illustrated by a number
of photographs showing different va
rieties of corn, perlect aud Imperfect
ears, the most prolitable to raise, etc.
The average Iowa farmer thinks h.
knovvs as much about corn as auyhod
does but we mlSB our euess if he can
not learn lot from these articles ii
Wallaces' Farmtr.
In this connection we wish to Ba\
that Wallaces' Farmer is one of th
he«t HKricultural papers that comes to
this ollice. It Is handsomely printed on
paper of line quality, tilled with at
tractive illustrations, and ill addition
to its regular featureB, its editorials by
"Uncle Henry," its departments of
Dairying, Horticulture, the Hog and
l'oultry, Its Home Department, for the
women contains full reports of the
leading fairs, live stock shows, and
sales, agricultural meetings, etc. It is
published weekly at Des Moines, Iowa'
at S51.00 a yeur, all subscriptions pay
able in advance and the paper stop*
when the time is out. We can send
Wallaces' Farmer and the Democrat
both one year for only 2.25 and you gei
one of our nice premiums. Apply ai
the Democrat olllne.
What's a Name
Everything i9 In the name when it
comes to Witch Hazel Salve. K. C. De
Witt & Ho. of Chicago, difcovered,
some years ago, how to make a salve
from Witch Hazel that is a specific for
Files. For Piles, eczema, cuts, urns,
bruises and all skin diseases DBWitt's
Salve han no equal. This has given
rise to numerous worthless counterfeits.
Ask for De Witt's—the genuine, Smith
Bios.
•Mi
-S-js'iSaSj
,_w Cv-
«& V,
/I
frffi' ^"1
'P^M*'"
TiivvtM&ra
4
Much Reading for Little Money.
TheNew York World has got the
cost of printing down to a minimum,
Its latest offer of its monthly newspa
per-magazine is interesting if from no
other cause than it shows the acme of
'how much for how little," The Month
ly World is a 32 page magazine with
colored cover. Its pBges are about the
Bize of the pages of the Ladies Home
Journal, and it is copiously illustrated
in half-tone. The illustrations are the
results of the best artistic skill, aided
by all the latest printlng-presB appli
ances, making a magazine unrivalled in
the quality of its contents and its ap
pearances. Each issue contains stories
of romance, love, adventure, travel
stories of lictioa and fact stories of
thingB quaint and curious, gathered to
gether from all over the worffl the re
sults of scientific research, and editor
ial reviews. It numbers among its
contributors the leading literary men
and women of the day. A feature
each mouth is fiiil -page portrait of
the most fam man or woman of th
moment in the public eye. In collect
ing and preparing fur publication the
literary matter and art subjects for the
Monthly World no expense is spared.
The New Vork World will send six
numbers of this newspaper-magazine
on receipt of fifteen centB in stampB.
Address The World, l'ulitzer Building,
Xew York.
Farm For Sale.
A flu'4 Stock and Dairy farm of 200 acres 5
miles south of Mjinehcstor, mile from ntilroad
station mat creamery Cumfortabl'- houso,
L'Ond Ijorso ami cow ham, liotf house coru cribs
ami other out buildings, a line well of water
with wind mill attached, 10 acres of splendid
timber 3 miles ea-t of farm will be sold with
phimjif desired. For terms ii.qulro of
AnsKit
J,^tf
In France it is illegal to catch frogf
at night.
A kidney or bladdir trouble can u!
WUJB be cured by usiug Foley's Kidney
Cureiii time. tiulti by Dtinou & Wnr.i.
The records left by the l'iioeneciaus,
Assyrians and ancient l'ersians show
thut among all tbote nations the use ot
perfumes was very common.
A Tbousaod Dollar's Worth of aood.
A. II. Thurnes, a well known coal
operator ot liutl'alo, O writes, "I have
been afflicted with kidney awl bladder
trouble for yeirs, passing gravel ir
stones with excruciating pain. 1 got 110
relief irom nienictnes' until 1
t'lkiug Foley's Kidney Cure, then the
result was surprising. A few doses
•iturted the brick dust like line stones
and now I have no pain across m\
Kidneys and I feel like a new niaii
it has does rae a .31000 "ortli of good
Sold by Denton & Ward.
DUNHAM OH
O. A. DUNHAM,
Munchesti r, Iowa.
at present is that of
Goal
We have 011 hand
choice assortment of the most
desirable grades of soft coal
at the lowest prices consistent
with the market. All coal
promises,to be scarce later in
the season and prices will
rule higher.
HOLLISTER
5 LUMBER
COMPANY.
The Ei'trular anil Reliable Chi
•ago Specialist will lie at Jlan
•hoster, Clarence House,
Monday, Dec. 29,
one clay only nnd return once
every 28 days. Office hours 8 a.
m. to (i p. m.
dependence, Gedney Hotel, Tuesday,
Dee. 3D.
ww inumanentiy tne castas no unnertaKes
\v-\ sends io iiicnrablp aome without tukluc
.•uurom thorn. This Is why ho coutluues his
Mta year after r. wh.le other doctors have
'.lo a few* visits aud stopped. l)r. Shallonbcr
an eminently successful specialist In all
mule diseases, proven by tt-o many cures
H-o'ed iti ehroulc cases which TO baffled tho
ill of all other pliysiclaus. Ills hospital ox
•noueo and oxtensivo pr "co have made him
-i pi
otlclent that ho cau name and locate a die.
•:io In afo.-minutes.
.Treats all -able es of Catarrh, NTosc,
jiroat and tg
v.soases.
llyo ud L..r,
.tomach, Liver and Kl.«neys, Gravel, euma*
sin, Paralysis, JsVuroMa, Nervous and Heart
Msoasos. Blood S.»ln aises, Uepsy,
:rights Discaso Co* umptlon hi early
-Useases ftheliladUorandFcmal' Organs,
'.Wmoraiid Tobacco habit. Stammorln cured
ntl^uremethods to prevent its recurrence {riven.
A uoverkfaUliitf remedy Bis Neck.
PILES, lasTULA- an. UUPTUKE truaran*
vl cured without detention from business,
uttention Riven to all Surgical
jui«l oil diseases of tlio Eye, J£ar.
X«s«! umt Thront.
(iln.vHc.H iitt«-inm1 guiii-mitecd. Granulated
.!.!*,Catara«t, Cross liyes straightened without
•rtm.
NERVOUS DEBILITY.
Are you nervous and despondent: weak and
uclulitated tired morulas: no ambition—life
.vss memory poor easily latifnied excitable
.mil Irritable eyes sunken, red and blurred:
pimples on face dreams nnd night losses: rest
less, JinuKard looking: weak back deposit In
Mm* aud drains at stool: distrustful* want of
confidence: lack of energy nnd strength?
Private Diseases a Spec
ialty,
Iliood1 Poiron, Nervousness, Plzzlness, De*
octlve Memory and other Hilments which rulQ
body and inlnd positively cured.
WONDERFUL CURES
Perfected In old cases which have been ne*.
leoted or unsklllfully treated. No experiments
pr failures, ilo undertakes no incuraole oases,
but euro thousands given up to die.
Consultation Free and Confidential.
Address,
DR. WILBERT SHAI.LENBER6ER,
146 Oakwood Blvd., Chloaqo
Reference: Dvexel State Bank.
-VSM*»:r
M.FLEROYPrem. H. A. GRANGER Caahle
B. G. HE3NBR, Asst. Cashier
A. H. BLAKE. ut v. President.
H. o, Haeberle, and, V. Prattdontj
BANK.
MANCHESTER. IOWA.
CAPITAL. $50*000
General
Banking
FOB BENT.
prHHicrcRa.
R.R.RcWnB°n. H-JjUB.,,
H. A. rancor, 5®
H. O.Hfteberlti
CORRXSPONBEaTTS.
First National Bank, Dubuaue, Iowa.
Central National Bank New York City.
Commercial National Bank. Cfaloago, Ilia.
Compound Vapor and Sham
poo Baths.
Baths
SOLID STERLING SILVER FORKS,
TABLE, DESERT and TEA SPOONS,
NAPKIN RINGS, ETC., ETC., ETC
Also large line of Best Brands of—
SILVER PLATED SPOONS, FORKS,
KNIVES, TEA SETS, WATER SETS
CAKE BASKETS, BUTTER DISHES,
ETC., ETC.
CARVING KNIVES and FORKS, LADIES
GUARD CHAINS, GENTS VEST CHAINS,
EMBLEM RINGS, CHARMS, LOCK-
ETS, GOLD SPECTACLES, MAN
TEL CLOCKS, SILK UMBREL
LAS, GOLD PENS. ?,
Come and see the many things ratf
have not space to list. 3
BOYNTON & M'EWEN
Delaware County
Manchester, Iowa.
Capital and Surplus $90,000.
OFFICERS
WM, C. CAWLEY,
R. W. TIKKILL,
CHAS.J. SEEDS,
O. W. KEAGY,
wM^Cif£vv^Y'
'-M
"J ', 1 ^j,'
w&msm?,
siiiiliiiiiiliai
-if'
BllSinOSS Transacted.
Interest Paid on Time Deposits.
SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES
MoBt all dis
eases are caused
by poisonous sec
retlons, which:
olog the wheels'
of NATURE.
Vapor
and
Shampoo.
The name and'
the symptoms
may be different
but the cauBe of
disease can us
ually be traced:
to the imperiect action ol the millions
of poreB of the human body. A bath in
accordance with scientific require
ments is the best preventative and
remedy known. The methods employ
ed by me are the most scientific ever
invented or discoveied 'or dispelling
disease. Results tell tn« dtory. Give
me a trial. This is the Conant system
of baths. A competent lady attendant
In charge of the fadiesdepartment.
Office and bath roomB on Franklin
street, opposite Globe Hotel.
Q. D. QATC8.
gOYNTON M'EWEN
HAVE
Ladies and dents dold Watches
in all sizes kinds and styleB,
Ladles, dents and Chrildrens Rings
from DIAMONDS, OPALS, EMER­
ALDS, PEARLS,ETC., down to
PLAIN GOLD BANDS.
WEDDING RINGS.
vrtsi
J!1/®
1
President.
Vice President
Cashier.
Asi't. Cashier.
DIREOTORS
W-
TIRRILL.
W. G. KEN\ON. H. F. ARNOLD
M. H. WIU 18TON. GEO. W DUNBAM
E. P. SEEDS. O. W. KEAGY
CHAS. J. SEEDS.
A general banking business transacted In all
branches. Drafts sold, payable anywhere In the
United Mates, England, Ireland and Europe.
Interest paid on Time Deposits at
current rates, whielt can be made in
any sum from one dollar up.
Deposit Boxes for rent, tot the storage ot
valuable papers, etc., all guarded toy tlffixlocks.
Steamship Tickets for sale to and trom all
parts of Europe.
Private personal checking accounts received
from ladles.
r„n50.bi?n,?i5B
bu?lnea9
of the public Is respect-
fully solicited, und we assure all our customers
®very^aocomm°datiou consistent with good trail-
When you want
Fine Furniture
Ai*
Fair Prices
GO TO
Werkmeister's
AT
Earlville.
JUndertaking Solicited
F. WERKMEISTER,
Iowai
-m
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ri-Ji
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