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Show 'N book from Romanoffs it flew fluttering half-wa- Ftederick Hardy, a fashionable Boston loclety man, lost bis wraith, was jilted y a girl and sent by a friend to take lharge of an American Trading Company On his journey through rtore InheRussia. met Stapleton Neville, supan posedly Englishman. They agreed to fo together to Russia. Because of sus- several Elclous circumstancesthe they were Hardy molested by Japanese. ras arrested and found upon his person showing maps of Jap forts. Sere papers was proven guiltless. On a train met te Alsome 6ano, daughter of a Jap nerchant. In Neville's shoes Jap found a pictures of forts, proving him to be Russian spy. Hardy departed for Kua-li- a wrecked on a steamer, which was He was rescued b Ihortly afterward. a Russian steamer. On reaching Vlrtdl rostok he was well treated. He started tor Siberia, meeting Princess Romanovna In the train. Hardy boarded a vessel for Amur. Hardy showed the princess his urpertness as a rifle shot. The steamer was stranded. The princess and hei aid were attacked by Chinese. Hardy aved their lives. The princess thanked Hardy for his heroism. Manchurians ired upon th craft. Hardy slew their ihlef. Burning arrows were hurled upon An attempt was Ike Pushkins decks. nade to board the vessel. The attacking Chinese were repulsed. Romanoff sneered at Hardys solicitude for the princess. help, was Banka, a messenger sent for To put an tailed to a cross on the shore. and to the awful torture Hardy himself put Stanka out of his misery, taking his pwn life in his hands. Forest fires menaced the vessel. Hardy volunteered to for help. Refused permission he lumped overboard and started to sw'm with the princess distress message. Romanoff was angry at Hardy for his brave efforts to rescue the princeea. He wooed He said her In his own savage wav. Hardy had made love openly to a Japcame the and anese girl. Help princess was rescued. Hardy Journeyed on a raft. he took Arriving at his destination charge of the trading companys a soHardy received a letter from cial leader In Boston and another from Alsome. Hardy took lessons In Russian pf a Jew, thus connecting himself in a way with that race. Hardy received a letter from the princess, tnaaklng him tor his bravery. Hardys teacher was in anger of death. He employed Wang as p servant. Hardy went to Moscow, where he was invited to call upon the princess. He started for th palace home of Prin-ses- s Romanovna. Hardy aroused unaccountable Jealousy of hls Korean boy by announcing that no wag going to call on the princess. He engaged a cabman who rove him to a large house on a poorly lighted street After entering the house, Hardv discovered that It was a resort of nihilists who supposed he was Felix Hull n, come to tell them of a powerful explosive he had discovered. The real Hulin arrived and denounced Hardy as an Impostor. The nihilists determined to kill Hardy In order to protect themselves. Finding an unloaded revolver In hls overcoat pocket he pointed It at Hulln's bomb, which lay on the table, and swore lo blow them all up together If they touched him. Holding the nihilists at bay, Hardy started to leave the room when the police were heard at the outer oor. Hulfn threw hls homb, killing several policemen, the nihilists fled and Baruch the Jew, suddenly appeared and led Hardy to the cellar. Baruch conducted Hardy through an underground passage to another house, from which he boidiy to his hotel. Hardy emerged and returned contributed to the rfsited the prin'-ess- , fund for the relief of the victims of the nihilists. fingers, so that across the s. CHAPTER XXXIIL Continued. The American was pawled for a moment. He knew why thla handsome daredevil Russian had subscribed so large an amount That Boris Romanoff was touched by the suffering of the poor was a thought to bring a smile to the face of any who chanced to know him. Hardy was not rich, as we know. He had saved a few thousands from hls fortune, and hls salary and profits from commissions brought him a respectable income. He held hls pen for a moment suspended, as he remarked, looking the princess quizzically In the eye: Your cousin Is very tender-hearteis he not quite charitably disposed? He has responded handsomely, has he not? she replied, carelessly, but there was an amused look In her eye. But he is rich and doesnt mind a little sum like this. Besides, he knows that I am anxious to make these poor people comfortable. Hardy scribbled hls name on the paper and handed it back carelessly to the princess. she gasped, "my But, monsieur! friend, I could not accept so much from you! You have made some mistake here! He adjusted hls gold pince-nelooked critically at the paper, and read sotto voce: 'Frederick Courtland Hardy, rubles 2,500.' No, that Is quite correct, your highness. I shall take great pleas ure in sending you a check In the morning. You have little idea of how this cause appeals to me. The princesB flushed and held the paper In her hand for some moments In silence, looking at It. The Americans are as generous as they are brave, she said at last. In a low voice. I shall accept this noble gift on behalf of my poor people, in whose name I thank you. At this moment a servant appeared at the door and announced: "Lieutenant Gortchakov! I regret that I must be leaving you but stay! now," said the Romanovna; I should like to introduce you to the lieutenant. He is a great admirer of America and Americans. Show the lieutenant in, Aleko. The lieutenant entered, tall, in his twenties, very slender and handsome. He was attired in the uniform of the Imperial Guards. See'g the princess, he bowed very low, cl 9 Ing his heels together. Then he walked rapidly to her, and, bending with exquisite grace and assurance, lifted her hand to his tips. After which he turned politely and inquiringly toward Hardy, who arose. Lieut. Gortchakov,' said the princess, this is Mr. Hardy, the brave American, of whom you have heard me speak. I desire you to be friends. z, 1 replied Hardy, Leave this house from the Romanoff family. I shall also pay you for the blow, instantly, or I shall have you kicked snarled Romanoff. into the street The princess glanced indignantly at I am an American," Hardy exthen turned her eyes plained to Gortchakov, and the gen- - Romanoff, a Jew storekeeper? n busi-aee- I will pardon him, urged, a mere tradesman, who win after he has fought me, according to lose his nerve when made to stand up room. the custom among gentlemen in this and be shot at. Take my word for it, Hell and furies! exclaimed Ro- country. He has struck me and he Koukolnlk, his arm will tremble like a dog's tall when you pat it on the manoff. Take that, you son of a must give me satisfaction. and he struck Hardy What! cried the princess, a duel? head. If it were I, Id rather snoot dirty Jewess! violently in the face with the flat of It is against the law. I shall not per- him down than dirty my sword on his hand. The blow staggered the mit it" him, and Ive no doubt In the world American and left a number of red This Jew, this shopkeeper, wants that Romanoff will feel the same. If we Insist on tka rapier, too, when thla welts, that contrasted strangely with me to fight him, sneered Romanoff. Your highness has been pleased to American is, as you know, the agthe marble whiteness of hls cheeks. "This insult must be answered for express gratitude for certain services grieved party, we shall be casting a elsewhere, he said In low, even tones. which I have been fortunate enough slur on our mans courage.. No RusLieut. Gortchakov, I am a compara- to render you to express a hope that sian nobleman fears any adversary, tive stranger here; will you do me the you might be able, in fact, to do some- with any weapon. honor of seconding me in this affair? By this time Koukolnlk had taken thing for me In return. I now demand You want me to fight a duel with a gentleman's satisfaction for this so many potations of vodka that the you? laughed Romanoff. With you, blow. It is all that I shall ever ask bravado in this sentiment appealed to y with a Worn an of Diareputabta Character. It gives me great pleasure to make you a certain degree of courage, consaid the lieuten- siderable shrewdness and any amount your acquaintance, of insolence. But you are making a ant, extending his hand. The pleasure Is mine, I assure sad mistake If you hope to force your way Into high society simply because you, replied Hardy. Gen. Catkoff has already told me you happened to kill a Chinaman 'or two on the Amur. You may take adof your heroic deeds on the Amur, I have been vantage of my cousin's good nature, said the lieutenant. hoping for some time that I 'might but you can not impose on the rest have the honor of meeting you. I had of us. The best thing for you to do is to accept a good, substantial check no Idea that you were in Moscow. Gortchakov was a frank. Ingenuous for your services to the family, and youth, to whom the American took an take yourself off. How much shall it be? and he pulled a check-booimmediate liking. from his pocket Better take my I shall leave you two together, said the princess, rising, while I go advice and accept it now, while we and get my wraps. Oh, by the way, are in the mood, and the offer is Alexieff, why can we not drive Mr. open. Upon my soul! exclaimed KouHardy by the Slavlanaky Bazar? The lieutenant has a new pair of white kolnlk. I suppose that I shall be offended Arabian horses, which he is anxious for me to see. I am sure that Mr. at this later, drawled Hardy, when I get to thinking over it At the presHardy can appreciate fine horses. I shall be most happy, replied the ent you are too interesting as a study lieutenant, "If Mr. Hardy will accept In ah zoology. I do not believe Oh, I am sure he will, laughed there is such another boor and ruffian If he Is sufficiently living In all Moscow as you. Certainthe princess, ly, the Russians of the better class urged." thus far have all been She left the room, and Gortchakov that I have met ' began to explain that he was driving gentlemen. I trust this doesnt bore you, her to a reception, and that the would be on the way. He had Alexieff, nor you, general, said Ronot been talking over a minute, when manoff, but I really must settle with Boris Romanoff entered, superbly this fellow once and for all, and have handsome in evening dress. An older It over with. I met him first in Japan, Romanoff where he played me a low trick, for man accompanied him. shook hands cordially with Gortcha- which he, no doubt, received money from the Japanese authorities. He bekov, whom he addressed am Alexieff, and to whom he Introduced his com- came infatuated with a woman of disreputable character there, and he and panion. Gen. Koukolnlk. He did not introduce Koukolnlk to the woman had me put on a boat, osI Hardy, but said to the latter with an tensibly sailing for Vladivostok. soon found out that I was to be evil, insolent smile: or put to death. This fellow Hello, Hardy, hows trade? But remained 'in Japan with his paramour, hese Americans are enterprising! he explained affably to the general. and he came on here afterward at his This fellow here is a store keeper, leisure. I have had him watched who, it seems, is working the Russian since by the police, and it is certain nobility for all he Is worth. What's that he is an enemy of the governyour scheme now? Tell us, thats a ment, and perhaps a Japanese spy. he consorts with good fellow! You shall have our In- It is known that fluence with the princess she ought Jews, and I strongly suspect that he to be an easy mark, under the cir- Is himself an American Jew. The Romanoff family Is, unfortunately, under cumstances eh, general? The American paled with rage, but certain obligations to him, for which he looked Romanoff full in the eyes, I am offering to pay him liberally. Come, now, my man, how much shall returning Insolence for Insolence. It be?" There must surely be some misCHAPTER XXXIV. take here, said Gortschakov. I was Introduced to Mr. Hardy by the prinThe Princess Commands. replied cess, who recommended him to me as Being only a merchant, the American, "I find it necessary to a possible friend. What have you to cultivate good manners to a certain say to these accusations of the prince, extent. Were I a prince, I might also Mr. Hardy? Nothing, replied the American, be a boor. "Upon my soul!" exclaimed Gen. save that if we were not under the Koukolnlk, but this is a very pep- roof of a lady, I should tell Romanoff merchant! The pery generals that I can not believe that he is mischeeks and nose were adorned with taken You would have us think then ? a network of varicose veins, the result of innumerable deep potations of suggested Gortchakov. that he is undoubtedly lying! vodka. He was that anomalous comHave a care! cried Romanoff, bination, an excitable fat man, and Do not presume he had a habit of jerking so fiercely raising his voice. that too far on the protection of the prinat his long, pointed he pulled down the puffy underlid of cess! Once more and for the Ust his eye, disclosing the red conjunc- time, I ask you, how much do you want? and he thrust the check book tiva. under Hardy's nose. Romanoff flushed with rage. You are positively growing tire Fellow, said he, I am not going to waste kny words with you. I grant some, said Hardy, and he flipped the He Became Infatuated . y Seconds tlemen of America earn their living by honest toll. Moreover, I am by birth and education a gentleman. Will you be my second? Gortchakov caught sight of a stately white figure standing in a distant door the figure of a tall woman, wearing a long white opera cloak, a coronet blazing with diamonds surmounting her regal brow. He extended hls hand to Hardy. I will be your second, he said. I Are you mad? said Romanoff. can not fight with this low fellow, this tradesman. I know Mr. Hardy through the Introduction of the Princess Romanovna, declared Alexieff; that is quite sufficient for me. You will either fight me or I will horsewhip you on the public streets, Insisted Hardy, not raising his voice. "I knew you to be a liar I did not suspect that you were also a coward. Gentlemen, for shame! cried the princess, advancing to the angry group, her eyes blazing with IndignaDo you forget that you are In tion. my house?" Bless my soul! exclaimed Koukolnlk, it Is the princess! Madame, 1 humbly salute you and clicking his heels together, he made a low bow. Ah, good evening, cousin, said Ro manoff; I beg' your pardon for this disturbance, but really, this fellow here Is to blame. I offered to pay him for the service which he has rendered to a member of the family. He from my hand, knocked my check-booand I very properly chastised his insolence by slapping his face. As the head of the family it Is my duty to protect you from low adventurers. I demand now most decidedly that you bid him begone! cried the princess Oh, Boris! more in sorrow than In anger, out of your own mouth I condemn you. If you offered this gentleman money, I am obliged to decide that he did a very spirited and proper thing in knocking from your hand. In your check-boothe name of the Romanoff family, Mr Hardy, I ask your pardon for this in suit that has been heaped on you un der my roof! k him. You are right! he cried, and pistols it shall be. Prince Romanoff shall shoot this tradesman down he shall not soil his rapier on him. Gortchakov was jubilant over this and he hastened to arrangement Hardy's quarters In the hotel to tell him of the success of his negotiations. All you have to do now, said the dapper young Russian, "Is to shoot the great bully through the heart, or between the eyes. at Gortchakovs Hardy glanced flushed face. He was struck by the eagerness of his manner; and hls evident delight at Romanoffs mortal peril. Dont wait till he shoots first, counseled the lieutenant; "for he has a sort of awkward skill with the pistol himself. Take aim and shoot just as you hear the word three. My associate and I will see that you do not get into serious trouble with the law. We shall testify to the grossness of the insult. The princess, too, will stand by you. Whatever her feelings for Romanoff, she is too much of a thoroughbred to see an Injustice done, and she has great influence with the czar. There was a slight break In Gortchakovs voice when he mentioned the name of the princess, an agitation in his manner that suggested a possible explanation of his hatred of Romanoff. Hardy remembered the adage: "All is fair in love and war. The princess beauty was of the sort that breeds murder in the hearts of men. If her highness loves her cousin, Hardy said, sadly, killing him will not make her love him the less, or or us the more. She is not the sort of woman who loves twice in a lifetime. "She does not, she can not, know what a worthless brute he is! cried Gortchakov. If she loves him, it would be saving her from a iate worse than death to kill him. And think of the insult which be heaped on you! And I assure you that you can kill him with perfect safety. Hardy laid his hand on the younger mans shoulder. A gentleman does not think of the consequences to himself when he la vindicating hls honor. I shall settle this score with Romanoff with a full realization of all the aggravating circumstances. Gortchakov seized the Americans Morning, Hardy. band impulsively. searchingly on Hardy, who stood there, Pardon me, my friend, he said, white to the Ups, rigid as a statue, "I intend no imputation on your courlooking scornfully at her cousin. age; but there are others besides myYou must fight him, Boris, she self who are tired of this great bully, said at last, in a voice low, yet per- Romanoff." tense in silence. distinct the fectly When is the meeting to take Romanoff bowed gracefully, with an place? asked Hardy. evil smile. morning at eight, in a I shall kill him with pleasure, since grove on the banks of the river. If you desire it, he said. will permit me, I shall call for you you "My seconds will wait on you In the at half-paseven with my sledge, and morning, said Hardy. "Madame, I shall drive you there. am your debtor and grateful servant. I shall be deeply indebted to you. I have the honor of wishing you good And will take no offense, now, if and he from walked the I shall ask you evening to excuse me, as 1 you room. must get a good nighta rest. There la no medicine like sleep, and plenty of CHAPTER XXXV. It, to make the hand steady and tha eye clear. The Princess Entreats. The young Russian glanced at the In the preliminary arrangements other admiringly. for the duel, Lieut Gortchakov repreYou have the nerve of a Russian I sented the American with zeal and fiOr of an American," replied Hardy, Romanoffs seconds, fully delity. You will find me ready at aware of Hardys reputation for skill smiling. and fall to be on time. We 7:30, dont with the pistol, objected to that must not be one second late at this weapon. rendezvous. exclaimed Why, bless my soul! Left to himself, Hardy sat for a Gen. Koukolnlk, an exchange of bultime with his head in hls hands, long murbe less would lets than nothing thinking. der, and none of us, as Russians, could Of his ability to kill Romanoff at permit that. This American could the distance agreed on 30 paces he shoot hls adversary through the heart or between the eyes without the least had not the slightest doubt. He was trouble In the world, and his hatred also aware that he stood a chance of him Is so great that he will certain- himself of being wounded, or of losing his life. Romanoff enjoyed the repuly do It. We can't permit that upom tation of being a fair shot, though my soul, we cant! For the time being, replied Gort- how much this meant in Russia, Hardy chakov, with firmness, I shall forget had no means of judging. Probably that I am a Russian, and shall demand not much, according to American justice for the man who has asked standards; but even a poor shot will me to represent him. My man has sometimes hit the mark. Was the princess In love with her little or no knowledge of the rapier. debated A combat a 1 outrance with swords cousin? The more Hardy this possibility In hls mind, the more would mean just as surely his destruction. He Is, as you well know, the out- it took on the shape and tangiblenesa That she had comraged party, and the choice of weap- of probability. ons should be his. Romanoff, more- manded the prince to fight was no She over, Is not unskillful with the pistol, proof against the supposition. and there Is no doubt as to the quality came of fighting blood, and the man she loved must be no coward. Moreof his nerve. Fortunately for Gortchakovs con- over, Hardy had taken advantage of tention, the Baron Koubelik, Koukol-ni- ks her own princely word to himself, and associate, believed Hardys rep- - had claimed fulflillmect of the promise utation for skill greatly exaggerated. that she had made to him The fellow Is a plebeian, too, he (TO B3 CUNTLNUEDJ |