Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 151: what you’re looking at

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

‘“No—no—no! For God’s sake, no! Leave me bound! Tie me more tightly! Do not let me go! Kill me if you will, but do nothing to injure her. Oh, are you telling me the truth? ” “The whole truth, Ivan. I will leave you as you are until I return. Ido not think that you will escape; I do not think that you will try todo so. But you must understand one thing: This night forever ends your connection with Nihilism. That is the sacrifice you must make to save your sister. Will you make it?”’ “ Tf it will save her, I will make it. But will it?” “Tf I find you here when J return, and if you are still in the same mood, I will take you to her, and she shall reply to that question for herself.” I left him then, and having altered my appearance sufficiently so that I would not be recognized in the darkness, and being assured that the orders that I had given respecting the work of my men for that night would be car- ried out, I hastened to the palace. I knew that I had a difficulty to face, for although I had unlimited confi- dence in the chivalry and generosity of Prince Michael, I also knew that he had an ungovernable temper, and I began to fear that my delay in following him might have led him to say something to the emperor, which would en- compass me with puzzling conditions. _ As soon as I arrived at the palace I was told that the prince was awaiting me in his apartments, and | hurried to him. He rose as I entered the room, and, bowing stiffly, without extending his hand, as was his invariable habit, said coldly: “You are late, Mr. Derrington. I expected you an hour earlier, at least.” “T am very sorry, prince,” I replied, “ more sorry than I can say, to have kept you waiting, but I have been unavoidably detained.” - “May I ask if it was at my house?” “T was at my own apartments.” 66 Ah! 39 It was evident that he did not believe me, and that he meant me to under- stand that he did not, but I resolved that I would not quarrel with Lim. There- fore, I remained silent. ‘May I venture to ask an explanation of the extraordinary proceedings of the evening?” he asked icily. “Yes; I think I owe you that much. But would it not be better if I first offer my respects to the Czar? Then I can return here, and we can enjoy a long chat together.” ‘His majesty knows that you were to come to me first. After I have heard you, we will go to him together.” ‘Am I to understand, prince, that you have told his majesty anything of the occurrences of tonight? ”’ “ You are to understand exactly that. I have told him all; at least all that I could tell.” | “Indeed! In that case, we will go to him together. Such explanation as I have to make will be made in his presence. Whatever explanations there are to make are entirely in the princess’ behalf, and I regret that I took you at GOH GoOOO ‘SS (GO) an |