The Argosy, January 1907 — page 67: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BY THE SECRET DOOR. is no plea on earth to save him, poor, foolish boy!” “There is the Czar,’ gested. She threw out her hands with a gesture of despair. “’Lhe poor Czar!” she murmured. ‘There was a stir in the room behind them, and again she looked over — her shoulder. "There is one of the grand dukes now, and [ am the hostess. What a bitter farce life is!” “It will be more bitter if you marry that man,” he said harshly; “ there is no sense or reason in it!” Her face was ineffably sad. ‘There is this reason in it,’’ she re- plied; “I should feel myself a mur- derer ; he would give my brother up.” “You believe that he has him in his hands?” Crenyon asked quickly. ‘“[ believe that he has*him power,” she replied. “He tells you that to threaten you,” Crenyon said angrily. “I will not per- mit such a thing; I will find a way, Xenia!” He caught her hand and drew her gently toward him. ‘Xenia,’ he whispered, “do you re- member that day in Venice?” She shook her head. ‘T must remember nothing,’ and then softly: “ Forgive me For a moment they looked into each other’s eyes; then some one spoke from the window, and she turned and left him. Crenyon stood a while on the terrace watching her; she had never looked more beautiful, and then, when he saw Rodit- chey approaching, he left the terrace, and going through the garden, got the gate open and went into Moritzsky’s house, determined to escape the ordeal of watching Roditchev receive congratula- tions. ? Crenyon sug- in his ’ she said, 7) IV. [tr was three weeks after this before Crenyon got his letter of introduction to Roditchev. His old friend Beauchamps, of the British embassy, gave it with a laughing warning that Roditchev was a devil, with the smoothest tongue in St. Petersburg. | It was six o’clock when the American 249 reached the general’s house, and a scar- let-coated lackey admitted him, showing him into a small room to the right of the door. | Left to his own devices, Crenyon made a study of the room. It had two doors, one into the hall and a low one behind the mantel. Satisfied that he was alone, he took out his revolver and examined it carefully, putting it back into his pocket when he heard the servant returning. The man informed him that General Roditchev had gone out without his knowledge. As he spoke, Crenyon discovered that he was no stranger, but the same fellow who had been valet to Moritzsky three years before. ‘Ah, Lodtz,” he said, in French, ‘“ you have changed masters? ”’ The fellow was evidently discomfited by the recognition. ‘““T was sorry to leave the count, mov- steur,” he replied, “but I couldn’t go with him to Paris last year, and he filled my place.” Crenyon had not budged from his chair, and he saw Lodtz glance uneasily toward the door. “ You find the general’s service lucra- tive?”’ he suggested easily. ‘His excellency is liberal, monsteur,” the man replied. ‘A most interesting man, I’m told,” Crenyon said. Lodtz shot a quick look at him. monsicur.” Crenyon leaned forward. “ Lodtz,” he said, “in which room is he keeping Prince Basil Ivanoff? ”’ The man started violently and stood staring. His attitude and expression at once assured Crenyon that he was right in his supposition. He rose, and with a swift movement shut the door into the hall and locked it. “ Now, -Lodtz,” he went on sharply, pointing to the chimney door, “ you will take me through that door into Prince Ivanoft’s prison.”’ Lodtz started back. “TY dare not, monsteur!’ pered. The American whipped out his pistol and covered him. “No!” he said, “you are not going without me.” Yes, * he whim- Gomichook (E@)