The Argosy — page 301: what you’re looking at

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

282 The Missing Rubtes. sea. My wrongs are as great, ay, greater than yours; but I will never take the work of vengeance into my own hands. Is it by a cowardly murder that a patriot should avenge himself on his country ? Stavieski, how often I have warned you against brooding over your in- juries! You have nursed them till you have become mad, and made Wouriski mad also. No sane men could have planned this dastardly assassination,”’ “Tt is you that are mad,” retorted Stavieski fiercely ‘“ You have forgotten Poland, and you would protect a murderess and a traitress. Her own father would scarcely bid us spare her; and she shall not be spared !” In an instant Vordenberg placed himself in an attitude of defence. His face was still calm, but it wore a look of stern determination. ‘“Come one step nearer, Michael,” he said, ‘‘ and, well as I have loved you, I will strike you down.” Wouriski started forward, and seized his companion by the arm. While Vordenberg had been speaking he had listened in silence, and the fury had slowly died out of his face. ‘* Be still, Michael,” he said authoritatively. ‘‘ You cannot lift your hand against your benefactor and mine. Remember what Casimir has been to us. If he demands that this woman shall live, her life is sacred. As for you and me, we shall have to answer for this night’s work.” “T would take care that you should answer for it,” replied Vordenberg, ‘‘if I thought there were any fear of your repeating it. You shall pledge yourselves never again to attempt to injure a hair of Madame Valerot’s head. And you shall leave this country.” Wouriski bowed his head in submission. ‘We have no country,” he said resignedly. ‘‘To us all lands are alike. We will depart. But think, if you can, sometimes, of those who cannot take their wrongs as placidly as you have taken yours. Remember that in our souls the sense of degradation and just wrath will burn until our dying day. You can trust us, Casimir. We are ready to give the pledge that you require; and we will go this very night.” “That is well,” said Vordenberg, still speaking coldly. “I will furnish you with necessary funds. ‘To-morrow I shall come here and pay the landlord. Here is money for your immediate wants, and you will write and tell me where I am to send more.” He laid some gold and notes on the table, and Wouriski received them in silence. Michael, standing in a corner of the room, had buried his face in his hands. ‘““Madame,” Vordenberg continued, turning to the trembling Pauline. ‘You will pardon your countrymen for this thing that they have done? Look back on your own youth—remember the old days in your dear country—and ask yourself whether they have not had ECORNIECLOOKS.E©