The Argosy — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

324 . THE ARGOSY, once out of his path there was nothing between him and almost absolute rule. I watched him with an anxiety he little suspected, for my manner was studiously careless, indifferent, and reckless. ‘‘ Did you give this girl any particular task if she escaped?’’ he asked, stopping suddenly in his walk close to me. | ‘Certainly ; to find Rupert Balestier, tell him of my position, and get him to try and smooth away the difficulties. He took the answer as I gave it with perfect frankness, and it seemed to help his decision ; and he resumed his pacing backwards and forwards. Two or three Siete later he stopped on walk, and taking the permit he had written held it out tome. _ ‘Will you give me your word as an English gentleman that if I give you this, and allow the girl to leave Russia, you will make no attempt to escape, and will go on with the proposal we have discussed ?’? " No, I cannot,’’ I said, after a moment’s thought. ‘‘ An Englishman _ cannot lend himself out as an assassin, Prince Bilbassoff. I will do this, I will give you my word of honor not to attempt to leave Russia, and ifa meeting between the grand duke and myself can be arranged without dis- honor to me, I pledge myself to meet him. I will never take that word back unless you release me; but more I cannot do. 4 Let Olga Petrovitch go, and you shall do as you will with me.’’ ‘I take your word,’’ he said quietly. ‘‘ Your identity will remain un- known. Your sister will leave for the frontier under escort at midnight ; but when away she will make no effort to bring any kind of help to you. You can take the news to her, and she can leave with you to make her arrangements for departure. I hold you responsible for her; and you will explain only what is necessary to her. You remain a Russian.” I went out from the interview impregnated with the conviction that I was now indeed hopelessly baffled. I saw how completely the whole position had been changed. The very axis had shifted. And the knowledge that I had to make Olga understand it all before she left Russia was more unpalatable and depressing than I can describe. Up to the present moment there had indeed been the slight off chance that we should both escape, and the knowledge that if we could only do so we might find happiness in another country. But that hope was as dead as a coffin nail. I was bound to Moscow by a shackle more powerful than iron fetters. I had pledged myself not to attempt to go until the prince himself had given me permission ; and I knew that he would never think of doing this until the duel had been in some way arranged. On the other hand, the Nihilist attack on the emperor was to be made in two days’ time. If it suc- ceeded, an ignominious death at the hands of the law could be the only result for me; while if it failed, death was as certain at the hands of the Nihilists. Between the upper and nether millstones I was helpless; certain only of being crushed by one or the other. . Arthur W. Marchmont. (TO BE CONTINUED. ) Eomichook (Eo)