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Standaad Bank at Canada. HEAD OFFICE, TORONTO. hteresc allowed on Savings Bank de- posits of $1 and upwards. Prompt attention and every facility aflorded customers 'iving at. a distance. A general Banking buwiness trans- ected. Drafts issued and collections nude on Lll points. Deposits re- ceived and interest allowed at our- Agencies in all principal points in On- tario. Quebec, Manitoba, United States and England. ”in. Am« CNDERTAKING PRICES CUT JAC Furniture . . . DURHA 1h school is equipped for full Junior Leaving .d Ma’riuulation work. under the following a of competent teachers for that department: m'nuAM ; . supm'i Mi: Fee: LE GRANITE ;"".‘.‘.‘.T.‘.:‘ JOH N CLARK, Jr. oi Cutters 3011M rigu FARM LABORBRS wishing employ- n‘n: m. be put in communication with good {armm‘s by enquiring of us. DURHAM SCHOOL. lm finding students ohomd enter at beginning 01 -. or as soon an: as possible. 1‘00». $1.00 per month. 7'. JOHNS“. Chirman. Capital Authorize Reserve Fund.. r,' P. SA UNDERS The Harnessmaker. P. REID. DURHAM AGENCY. '31 That. All... Principal. m ka. B A. Classics,and Modems. Latest nuizn in Marked. Headstonu and Monuments. of an kinds. Awricultural, Domestic av! Dairy Implements OB KRESS. ROBINSON CORBETT, :évment Agency Machine Oil, Hamss Oil, Axle Grease and Hoof Ointment, go to That h always THE SAVINGS BAN K. J . KELLY. Agent. STA FF ANDIEQUIPMEXT. { horses at reasonable 4 always at hand. PROPRIETURS DIEERING Incl lVEUfa large shipment. which we are bound to‘ prices. Call and see us ‘ is sure to please can s be purchased here. rent rates. rrautc urchased the stock 0! mrles McKinnon. and 'arerooms. we beg re- iu'xzuntc to the public} be» found at the 0147 full line of Farm Sup-3 WORKS. \NI) - MT. FOREST AGENT. laugh House Stables First Class Hearse conm-ction. Em slim'iaity. from European “radian Quarries 850.000 Orders MANAGER DU R H A M ONT. -ll taken “Jansky.” he said. “I know what. the oijct is if you do not. Listvn «are- fully nnw to wlmt I say. It is quite pnssihlv the Ann-rim“ has dismvvrml tln- («Kn-lice of the original of that pirturu pm: 800 tlwrv. It is :1. small nmhnllinn, prulmhly in :1 lm'kvt. It was lust scum.- yvzu's ago by a member of my family and h'm-s relatinn to a great mystvrywthu mystery of Gras- luv." CHAPTER X. JAXSKY, SUPERINTENDENT or POLICE. ESLEROV lay in his palace in Tomsk. slowly recovering. His heart was filled with rage. and he longed for vengeance. His closest confidant now was Jan- sky, w.ho owing to his meritorious conduct in theappteltension of so great a gang of conspirators as the Paul- puffs. \\ as promoted at the request of Neslerov to a post where he could as- sist his superior in his plans and ambi- tions. He had told Janskyjhe story of the ride from Moscow, and it was of course colored to suit his purpose. Jansky had received his commissionâ€"the first im- portant one since his arrival at Tomsk -to watch the American and find an opportunity to wreak vengeance. Xbout tWenty miles from the city or Tumsk was the village of Tivoloffsky, a Small mining town peopled by convicts. To this town the Paulpoffs had'been sent. Vladimir was useful in the mines. With his tremendous strength he could do the work of two. and in his simple obedience to the mandates of his superiors he never uttered a com- plaint. The old people did menial work. cooking for thc convicts who had no families or cleaning in the houses or the officers. This new life came hardest upon the old pvopiv. and it was their sut‘i‘vrings that made Vladimir curse under his brvath. One day Jausky entered tho room whore Neslerov sat 01' half recliuml. “Well. what is it? I see you have something to say.” said Ncslorov. “I have. your oxovlioucy.” repliod the supvrintcndvnt of pulice. “It concerns himâ€"your enemy.” “The Amerit-nn?" “Yes. I have uhvyml your cmmuumls -â€"â€"hv has been constantly watt-11ml. And It last we are in a pusitiun to strike." stloruv sat up straight. mat no. am: Hum rampart mm a mm: ¢_-mn'o-1's:uiun :Ihum :1 pit-turn." XQ'SIQ‘I'UY glam-m! alt :1 painting that hung nu tlw wall. It was tlu- painting; he had taken from the Paulpol’l's’ house at l'c'l'lu. "\Ylmt run he know about the pic- tm'v'f' :lskml thc- guvernur. "I do not kuuw. That is. as I said. not yvt rvvmlml.” “It is; object plnllin "'l‘lw “'l‘lu' Jansky bethhfld: “Juusky on your Statul?" 99 "I mulvrsmml Imthing. "'l‘lmt pivtlll‘v. if it is the one I mean, nmst he brought m nw. 'l‘llo Ameri- can. if he proves to be intmmstml in it. must knmv or Slxslwct smnmhing I do not wish him to know. Thm'c are ways wlm-o-hy (’Vt'n an Amvrivun could dis- amu M in Sibvriu. And. Junsky, Vladi- mir l'uulpuff is a must «mugvrous plot- tt'r own here. He ought to ho placed whvrv he can do In» more mischief.” “l lwgin to understand.” said Jansky Vis‘ité “l lu-gin to understand.” said Junsky grimly. IIc bowed and lvft the palace and rode toward Tivolofl'sky. Tm) days passed, during which Jan- sky watched and kept hingelf in readi- ness to act. Then, while Mamma Paul- poi‘f was alone in her but. she heard an iniptruti \e knm king at the door. Papa Paulpoff and \lzidimii had just gone to the mine. Iienton, the American. had left the hut but a short time be- fore. Momma i’auipoff had been through so much trouble of late that the slightest sound jarred upon her. She turned whiter still and stepped backward as she saw. the dark and forbidding face of Jansky. Behind Jansky were two of the Tomsk po- lice. - “You are Mamma Pauipoff,”,said ansky, slipping his foot in the door and working his way inside. “I am; you know me; I was at Perm,” {altered the trembling old wo- nan. “I am quite well aware that you were at Perm, old woman, and also that conspiring son of yours. It show- ed the mercy of the czar that you re- ceived no worse punishment. This is heaven compared to what you do- served.” “We had done nothing. your excel- lency.” “It is not so!” wailed the old woman, having visions of horrible punishments of which she had heard. “Don't tell me,” said Jansky, bran- dishing a whip be carried. The other two did the same. but their whips were heavier. “What! You still persist in that lie! You were all la the game. and you are still at lt, let me tell you." !:11t.? 'l‘1ll 1111-11t1111co” is nut wt ll'\(‘lllt 1| “I111ttl1em11n’s t is but he 11ml the ’1Wlls are 11:: again} 11' [‘1111111utl's'3" 1z-y 11ml llw '11 tlwm twlcv. no 111111 1'111111 ranumn mm a 10m: 11'sz1tint1 11lm1lt 11 pic-111w." Juruv L'lilllt‘t‘l'. at :1 painting t|111t It “'01.. flu: Inelilltllll‘ .\111v1'ir:1n. [10 has It “11>; ovu‘hm'ud ..II t Ill) \"u '! “My life! A11. helpless old wow For answer .1111 down 011 [101“ [1011 “Ilave mercy!” “Will you toll 1 ltml this Imuso?” “I know not!" “'l‘ukt- lu't': lit (H'Pl' H10 dour!" l ly. Com/right. 1901. by Charles B. Etherinatnn THE MYSTERY OF GRASLOV . your life and miuu (lt‘pOIld “-110" now. 1M) you under- lint his «yrs and sm‘mml to '7 H' :1! HHCO. wulml what thv man’s mm the rumpus an.» t! at :1 painting that It was tlu- painting 1 the I’aulpul'l‘s’ house the ‘rns mls \ml 79 | “I will tell you. Ho mum to conspire against the life of Soslorov. governor of Tomsk." “No. no! I swvar ho (lid not.” “Good! Thou if you Mum he did not. you must know why he did come lwro. Out with it, now, it"you value your life.” “My life! Ah. you \anlltl not harm a By AJhIey Towne “Don’t lie to me again,” thundered Jansky. “I have been watching you every day since you came to this place. I say you are still conspiring.” "It is not so! I swear it in the name of God!” cried Momma Paulpoff. “Let me tell you, it will be worse for you if you do not tell the truth. You are receiving a visitor who is suspect- ed." The old woman crouched against the wall. “Iâ€"a visitor! I know no one!” gasp- ed Mamma Paulpofl'. “01), do you not? But you were here when he came. Did he come to see you, your husband or your son?” “Whoâ€"of whom do you speak?” ask- ed the frightened old woman. “Of whom would I speak save that aeeursed American? He has twice made attempts upon the life of the gov- ernor of Tomsk. Yet the governor in the kindness of his heart has not mo- lested him. But he was warned it a third attempt was made it would go hard with him.” 1101‘ docs he display it?” “Oh, he cameâ€"ho came"â€" The old woman stumbled and floun- dcrcd. It had hccn borne in upon her understanding by Papa I'aulpoff that on no account must she breathe a word to any pct-son com-crning the visit of which Jansky spnku. "Conic, out with it!" stm'mcd Jansky. “IIc cantoâ€"I do not know why he came.” mut'murcd the old woman in do- spair. “Ah, it is Impossible! He is so goodâ€" so kind”â€" helplvss old woman!" 1’0 ' unswm' Junsky brought his whip down on hot" lmny shoulders. “Have nwroy!" (Tim! the unfortunate. “Will you tvll why the American vis- His twn gallant mun novded no fur- tlu-r bidding. The :Igvd \vuman was swim-cl. curds wvrv t'nswnml In her thumhs'. :lml slw was plum-«l standing in tlu- «Lmrxmv hlm'kv hm! imlimted “ill: lwr thumbs hung nhmv hm 111-le “'l‘vm Hu- lugs l'mm hm hm k." A man hum! turv away hm' gurnwnts A I'Hd‘ tn tlw w ...\."\'\'. ”Nuw. tlu-n. ()ltl hug." said .lzlusky. “mrf ~r-‘mml l lmw- mmv fur tlw Hull) and will mw- it. [1' 5'0" «In um. give it 1-» um. I will kill ynu. I will gm the truth from l'aulmall'. who has more $011.30 hush». “MW"! with :I grc-ut snip. "'l’lu- luslli" rmll'ml .lunsky. ()m- Hf his [uliu- swung his lwm'y . whip. and llu- lush (-z‘mu- (lnwu :irruss 1 tlw mlkml slmtllcli'l's. .-\ livid mark (will tlu- mmrsv. :uul .Mmmml l‘uulpufi' criml nut in aguny. “This must he knuwu!" said .luusky. "l'lillwr you or swim um.- lllllSl tvll. “'lult brought tlw .\lll(‘l'l('illl hurl"! “'11:; it muwruiug a [)ivtlli‘c'3" “l kunw not!" said the Woman. "Tim lash! Twin-I" ul‘dl'l'ml .lzlnsky. A white line and a red one markvd tho hlows of tho. whip. Mammu l'uul- puff S('l'('.‘llll(}d iu lwr uwl‘ul mrturo. Ilvr limbs grew weaker, and she hung by the cards tied to her thumbs. The thumhs wvrc black. _. ' .El’I’ilt‘l' llllll nl' mm lml‘ll It iii-r lun'l)‘ fum- :lml wvll s Insu :Iiuw- :l ('nllnl' 0f vl'lllil it \\‘:l.~ um winter. "Tn tlw [nllm'a' (if Nt'slt'l'u .uf 'l‘ulllsk." Slit: said to «lriwr. uml slw :zml lwr \\'1‘l'.'- Hnnll MI ”W way. Xi‘hlt‘l'UV was :It «linuvr w an! :luuuumwl thv l'riuwss "What about the l‘riuvvs: ‘ aslu-«l. ”'l‘lw priuvvss is heroâ€"sin to sm- your exm-llc-m-y." "liurv! Olga Noslvruv. h t'rnm thv table. 110 luul imp in tlu- last few days, and hi :1 ~ulm look that haul not sinw his uwetinz with Dem “Your arm is weak,” said the police officer who had done no whipping. “Let me try.” A smile of horrible cruelty crossed his face as he stepped by the side of the woman. His whip whistled in the air. It fell-onceâ€"twiceâ€"thrice, and with a scream, her head fell back. Her eyes glazed. “Yul! will learn!" said Jamsky. “The otfieers of the ezar must take these steps to protect his empire. With the lesson you have had. tell the truth. \Vlmt brought the American here?” "I knew nut!” answered the woman. "Hell‘s furies upon her!" said Jan- sky, almost beside himself. "The lash! Three times!” “Hold! Quick! Release her and re- store her to consciousness!" ordered Jansky. “She is unconscfious and can- not teel our punishment.” "I lilmw nm “in: :l gnu-It s ""‘i m- luslli' They cut her down, laid her on the floor and poured liquor down her throat. “God, take me from this awful pain!” she murmured. “She feels again!” said Jansky In savage glee. “String her up!” “Now, hag, tell me why the Ameri- caq came here? Was it to kill the governor or to kill the czar?” “No, I do not know." “You lie. The charge against him and Vladimir is that they are conspir- ing to kill both. The American and Vladimlryill be taken tq the prison at Again she was raised and the cords were fastened to her thumbs. “Good and kind, 011? In What man. Groans came from her as they work- man you. .\ 5" that 1mm v lwr thumbsâ€"more, lw «rummumlml savage- whislwrvd tlw wmutm. .Innsk hung :\¢ \Vll \VJS [[H' \lm'l it‘ll" Toms}: and shot. Tell the trutn. 1t ‘ will save them and you.” “I know nothing!” said the old wom- an. remembering her husband’s warn- “The lash, all; of you! Kill the old beast!” yelled Jansky. “It was but a pictureâ€"to take a pic~ tare!” cried Mamma Paulpoff ln tones that pierced the air. Her weakness had come too late. Both whips coiled round her shrunken breasts. The withered skin was cut as with a knife. One scream came from her writhing lips. and she was still. “Cut her down. Leave her." Was Jansky’s curt remark. He watched them lay the still form upon the floor and then led the way to their horses. That night Vladimir came home from the mine with Papa Paulpofl’. He was the first to step across the threshold. ’9 “It was a picture. he muttered. “Then Neslerov was right, and the American is on the trail. Both he and Vladimir must die!” “My God!” be said. “Who has been here?" Papa Paulpoff stood stupefled. look- ing at the upturned face of his wifeâ€" deadâ€"bruiscdâ€"ber breast covered with blood. will kill youâ€"and Vladimir’s gentle. placid face became distorted with leonine rage. He stoop- ed over the dead body of his mother. “The police!” walled the old man. wringing his hands pitifully. “They have killed Mamma Paulpofl! They ”if this is Noslvrov or the order of the «7,111. ’11e “111111101011 into the 0:113 111' 1110 1v11or suickvn old 1111111. “1 “ill 11-1111 11111111 311! From t'1is moment I “Sn will I tllis‘ thing'" tl1111 1101'1115 He brought his clinclwd fist down on u \mmlvu table and wrecked it com- plvtvly. The wit/urrml skin mm vut as mm a knife. touvhvd hor blood with the tips of his linuvrs and wiped them on his own brow. live fur \‘vngeancvl While he raged Papa l’aulpoff sank by the side of Man-mm Paulpotf and Wept. CHAPTER XI. THE PRINCESS OLGA. I”) train frmu Moscow came snorting and scrvznning into the Shllinll. and :mmng the pnssvngvrs. mostly “Him-rs and (-mn'ivts ul' mvn munvctvd will: the railway, 'wvn- two wumvn. (mo of th-sv was about fifty years of age. Ii~m :zm! sulnluml in :umvmnmw. and !H‘:' t'mw- lmz't‘ lilv marks ul' snmurvssml askml. "'l‘lw prim-was is lwroâ€"slw has uskvd to sm» your exm'llc-m-y.“ "Ih-l'v! Olga Xt-Slt'rov. ht'l'vi" rising from tho 1:11:10. 110 hm! inmrm‘ml mum in tlw last few days, and his fun.- wow a calm look that had not been there sinm- his nwcting with Danton. 11v fuuxul tho prinvoss in the hump- tinn mum. “I'rium-ss Olga!" he vxvluimml. kiss- ing hvr hand. "Fair musin. what hap- py virvmnsmm-e brought ynll hon"! And why have you come unannounced and unattmulml‘.’" The woman ('Olii'tesied and looked uncomfortable. but Neslerov paid 1101’ not the least attention. "\Vell, 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 had 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 my time out of Russia. andâ€"it happened twenty years ago.” "1 saw no reason to herald mv ap- proach.” she ans“ mod “and I am not unattended. This is mv attendant." “You refer to the unfortunate mys- tery of Grasiov,” he said soberly. “It was that, I fear. that ruptured the former friendships. Yet 1 have insist- ed and proved that our family was not to blame. It was either an accident or was done by our enemies. Pardon me! I was so glad to see you that I forgot that you must be weary after your journey. Let me have you shown your rooms, and I will order dinner for you when you wish." ‘Thank you. We are both hungry. I Nesl'erbv turnéd to the door and then stopped. 1M” and sulnluml in appunrmu-v. mm hm I'm-v lmn- [ha- marks «if suppl'vssml :mrgit-tjx. 'l’lu- min-r was smrrvly mure man :I girlrv‘lnw-un' :lt [HUM hut lwr enrmgv was Imhlv. and Iwr vntirv :11)- .vumm'v that of mm horn tn (-mummul. “('1' luwly fuw and wvll sham-d lmul :usv 'ume :1 collar uf vrminv. :Iltlmugh i: was nut willtt'l'. “To tlw palm? uf Xvslvruv. guvvrnm' O" (‘l‘llh‘ll tlwm who have done he cried. "80 will I smash me!” V" l'U\'. ghvvrnm' In :1 (Husky 'r cmnpuniun he E “Well. we are here.” said the min-i cess to her companion when they were ‘ alone. “Now. obi-y me; let me do the ‘ planning. Nesleruv must not suspect ' us. It would ruin all. and there is no telling what he might do. The govern- ; or of a province in Siberia is almost 3 supreme.” Iler attendant shuddered. “l 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 convictâ€"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 said. his face wreathed with smiles. “that it is at least three years since we met. Your face has not changed much. but you are now a woman and were then a little girl. You are one of the most beautiful women in Russia." “Thank you." “Ami. i might say. the richest." “.\'early so. But the Wealth bring! its responsibilities. It is diilicult in Russia to (in those things that are just and proper with our wealth.” 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 via- its to America and London have almost taken away the traces of our Russian habits." “Some of them could be well dispel).- ed with." she answered. In response to his summons a servant appeared and conducted the women to their rooms. “Now. what devilish lnol; could hate-1+ tery of Graslov! Will it ever h. brought her here at this time?" said: solved!" Neslerov to himself. “I must be can- ' «1 {mu- not." said Neslerov solemnly. tions. But it is so longâ€"she was not «1 did not know you had this pic- bornâ€"she can know nothing. But I? tare." said Olga, “It is much finer must he discreet.” 3 than any we have at home. It wu “Well, “'8 are hore." said the [)flfl- ; done by a master hwd." cess to her companion whvn they were ‘ “It was." assented Noslerov. alone. “Now. ohi'y me; lot 1110 do the a. The painting had saddvned Olga. and planning. Nesloruv must not suspect; she passed on. making no more of her us. It would win all. and there is no; laughing critivisms. “I nun-r found it so." said the gov- ernor. with a laugh. “Perhaps.” said Olga. “you are not inlorostvd in tho quvstion. To me It is a burning 0110. (bur nulvlvs have too muvh mum}: and our lmwr (-Iussvs have hm littlu nmmrmnity to I'isv. ll is not su in England. Franco «4‘ Ann-ri- to sow you. I (1mm. first. to l'illt' mum How railway; swuml. to study HH- mm. ditlons oxisting in this [mm of Hu- Hil- pire. and. third. to luuk into llnis Iww proposition of the 3231' to induce pens- ums m sown m W] 3:07.: mu m.» of 1110 I':I,I‘\":l_\'. H is: :6 \‘vry guml Mon. if ”no vulnzli'} will summx‘; H'Illl'ls.” ”It will muh 1' lu'oxn-r lu-lp from tho gowmmvm at tho SHIN.“ n-plim! .\'9~ slvrov. ”I am glzul you mum to mo. “'1- slmll ll:l\'l' :l lino timv making our invostigzniuus." ”I lmtivv 111:]! 3‘5" (In Hut sown in haw Ilu- t'rm- llsv of your arm." said Olga. "Have you [.0le ill or injurml'.” “Yul! had bvln'l' 10:1 \‘0 I! for nhlvr heads. miuvvss. mun: inmlvul wiIln tho :3 fun. yuu knuw. Yuu \vm was-n- ynm' lwnmy :2'2d l: She continued her inspection with in- terest and suddenly came to a stop he (are a painting. Neslerov’s face he. came a shade paler. ' “My cousin, whom I have never seen!" she exclaimed, clasplng her hands and gazing raptly at the picture Vladimir had painted. “Surely. Nicho- las, that must be Prince-I Alexandre. the untried xour eldu brother." nmltvrs. You Wt‘l't' burn to DU :HHUIFHI. to enjoy your \wultln." “I do vnjny my \wullh and do what gum] :1 girl ('zlll do with H. .\s m loving admin-d. I moot fvw from whum mimi- ruly llm's't’. “Ynu must. he mnro cautions. ll mm: “:le lu-vn a wild lwust. Yuu hau- Hu- nmm- ut’ lwing :m om-vllvm hm'svmnu." When their mull was finished. Hwy strollml mgvtlwr Ihmugh the roams 0f the palm-v. “Yes. in Siberia one gets accustomed to almost anything.” he answered. “l haw mvt suIIIv wlm Were." erlII- said laughing [DIWIHHHUC . '1 ion :Itv sluwly. chatting tlIv \x'hiiv. “You lulvv Hut (lllt'llt‘lit'd my lliil'Si for kIInwlmlge. ” said the gm'vI'IIor. "It I “('10 in St. l’t-tII-shurg and gum did 1111' the honor to ask mo to \isit 31m. it mmlcl I-vvu thou surprise me. But that you lmvo coma In 'l‘nmsk. time than half wuv norm-s Silwria. to visit me i~p to <3) the Mist. I:III:I'/.iIIg. “I :1!!! «min.» intvl'vsu-d in your [ml- aw." said tlw prim-ms. “It is mm the linvst l have soon. but it is vxwllem. ' 81w exclaimed. There are some lmrbarisms. but I pre- sume you get accustomed to them-tn Siberia." "()II. as fun] 1110 ( as grufl’ driwr." “My cousin. whom "You are as ('nm'vilml llulz'vlllnll l Inn'v mm. l to N't‘ _\'ull. l ('nmv. first. again The princess gnvv lu-I' ull St't l- t'rm- use of yum' :mn.“ sun Have ynu he”! i]: or injured?" Lrht injury. I full frum am un l mvvt l‘c-w from w ms tn (mm. with si tu tlmt. \uu (-annu' 'Ulll‘lit‘l'S at lu-nmy and outspnlu-u as l have never seen!" u! {alt-Ills in S“! n'n to [w :Hlmiw Ill \\'|l¢ ill sim mse quostiuns You will he- n'm'mm-m [no- '(I Hut IMF" to silvery lam: I! (lid l ('xpm' s court 8 dm I! it t to all “I think you are mlitaken."'u1d No- slerov. “You surely must have seen ‘ “Three lovers! She is fortunate-no. I Would say most unfortunate. With one true and honorable Inwr any wo~ man is fortunate, but with tln'oeâ€"and one like Noslerov! It is too much.” “You do not seem to suspect when | tlu- pit-lure came from.” “1m you moan tho oil painting of my Cuusin. the Princess Alvxumlm 1’" “1 11mm it. You say it hangs on the wall of .\'uslol‘0\"s room. It is undoubt- edly tlw mm painted by Vladimir." American girl are in low. Vladimir inlay have discowrml something and itold the girl. She may have told the . American. who may lint Iw a lover. hut :a friend. She may have enlistrd his lefiorts 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 5 Tivolon‘sky, a small village near here.” ‘ “By the orders of Xi-slvrov?” ; “It must he. Sim-e they are in the . dungetms of his palaee." “And that ifall you heard?” “Allâ€"everything." , “it is enough to place me upon the iright scent. You must not. however. I give way to these tits of nnconsclonr I ness. Be stronger. be brave." “It is all very well. princess; but If you had lived for twenty year: with lthehorrorotthuerlmovm‘ i “True. but you say Vladimir and the i l i from Ether portraits that 1‘ recon!” her. She was very beautiful. Oh. what a. terrible sorrow to her! To lone 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 my:- tery of Graslov! Will it ever be She soon returned to her rooma. where her attendant was awaiting her. The woman’s face was pale. and sh. 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. Prince” Alexandra. hangs in Neslerov's own “What!" gasped the woman. starting up. Then. as some strange terror over- came her. she shuddered. and with tho whispered cry “We are lost!" she fell to the floor unconscious. CHAPTER XII. PRINCESS OLGA BEGINS T0 ACT. “ OW. Therese, tell me whit you have learned. Why dld the fact that the picture at Alexandra hangs upon tho wall of Neslerov’s room make you faint? You have learned something. Tell me." “I do not know what !w thin! Amvricnn also is ht'l‘l' undvr a of conspiring against the cam." ““‘ho knows?” askml 'l‘hvrvso. “But how would he know anything about the mystury of Graslov '1" Therese was sitting in a chair. her face white and drawn. and in her eyes was a bewildered leek. ‘9 place. Therese shuddered again. “He isâ€"he is In the dungeons under this palace." she whislu-red in terror. A sudden change mune uver the prin- cess. She walked In ugitmiun to and fro across the room. “()li. then it lweumt-s clearer. These Americans are shrewd. This one. per- haps. in order to gratify his love at truth. has set himself the task of dis- covering the truth almttt ”rumor." “It was not so much what 1 hard. princess. as what I knew and suspect- ed.” she answered. “And when Vladimir and his parent! “‘01'0 HP!!! to Silwria Noslvruv took the painting?" "YPS. Vladimir is minute-«i. as you know-at lvast as I have {aid you.” “Tin-u Vladimir must lw "car this alum “I know what you know. I suspect what you suspect. Tell me what you hoard." she said sternly. ”it is believed among tlw servant. that Vladimir is also in lmw- with the .\llH'l‘l(‘:tll girl and that shu is in love with him. Aml‘ the Amorimmâ€"J don't know-hut he may be in low with her “It was in the serts' hall." she said In reply to the princess. “1 was eut- lng; no one seemed to ask who I wu. and ”my talked as servants do. Vladi- mir l‘aulpnfl’ is in danger of his life." Princess Olga gave a start. but re- covered her composure. “(:0 on." she said. "Tell me all.” “It seems there is an Ameriean-I do not remember what they called himâ€" but he is an American who build! bridges over the rivers for the new railway. He knows Vladimir I‘aulpoff. He is also a friend of that American girlâ€"you rememberâ€"we met at the air in Moscow?” “Frances Gordon? I remember her. She gave liberally to the charities. “It would seem from what I heard that the governor is in love with her. and that she rejected him. These things are well known among the serv- ants. It seems the Amerivan and Ne- slerov had a fight and Neslerov wu injured." . “Ila told me he fell from a home. Go on." 8110 g \\'v11 1’" “Yes. when a. mere infant. It In only charge