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Show book from Romanoff's fingers, so that flew fluttering half-waacross the room. Hell and furies! exclaimed Romanoff. "Take that, you son of a and he struck Hardy dirty Jewess! violently in the face with the flat of his hand. The blow staggered the American and left a number of red welts, that contrasted strangely with the marble whiteness of his cheeks. This insult must be answered for elsewhere, he said in low, even tones. Lieut. Gortchakov, I am a comparative stranger here; will you do me the honor of seconding me in this affair?" "You want me to fight a duel with With you, you?" laughed Romanoff. a Jew storekeeper? Leave this house instantly, or I shall have you kicked into the street. "I am an American, Hardy explained to Gortchakov, and the gen SYNOPSIS. it Frederick Hardy, a fashionable Boston Society man, lost his wealth, was jilted y a girl and sent by a friend to take iharge of an American Trading Company (tore in Russia. On his journey through fapan he met Stapleton Neville, supposedly an Englishman. They agreed to fo together to Russia. Because of suspicious circumstances they were several times molested by the Japanese. Hardy was arrested and found upon his person were papers showing maps of Jap forts. Hardy was proven guiltless. On a train le met Alsome Sano, daughter of a Jap nerchant. In Neville's shoes Jap found pictures of forts, proving him to be aa Russian spy. Hardy departed for Rus-ion a steamer, which was wrecked hortly afterward. He was rescued byk t Russian steamer. On reaching he was well treated. He started lor Siberia, meeting Princess Romanovna pn the train. Hardy boarded a vessel for Amur. Hardy showed the princess his txpertness as a rifle shot. The steamer was stranded. The princess and her staid were attacked by Chinese. Hardy paved their lives. The- - princess thanked Manchurians Hardy for his heroism. Hred upon the craft. Hardy slew their thief. Burning arrows were hurled upon !he Pushkin's decks. An attempt was nade to board the vessel. The attacking Dhlnese were repulsed. Romanoff sneered the princess, it Hardy's solicitude for for help, was (tanka, a messenger sent sailed to a cross on the shore. To put an pnd to the awful torture Hardy himself his put Stanlca out of his misery, takingmenpwn life in his hands. Forest fires aced the vessel. Hardy volunteered to for help. Refused permission he umped overboard and started to sw'm Rowith the princess distress message. manoff was angry at Hardy for his brave wooed efforts to rescue the princess. He He said her in his own savage way. had made love openly to a JapHardy anese girl. Help came and the princess was rescued. Hardy journeyed on a raft. Arriving at his destination he took Vladi-rosto- of the trading company's busicharge ness. Hardy received a letter from a social leader in Boston and another from Aisome. Hardy took lessons in Russian of a Jew, thus connecting himself in a way with that race. Hardy received a letter from the princess, thanking him Tor his bravery. Hardys teacher was in of death. He employed Wang as langer a servant. Hardy went to Moscow, where he was Invited to call upon the princess. He started for the palace home of Princess Romanovna. Hardy aroused unaccountable jealousy of his Korean boy by announcing that he was going to call on the princess. He engaged a cabman who drove him to a large house on a poorly lighted street. After entering the house. Hardy discovered that it was a resort of nihilists who supposed he was Felix Hu-(icome 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 themselves. Hardy In order to protect in his overrevolver Finding an unloaded coat pocket, he pointed it at Hulins bomb, which lay on the table, and swore to 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 door. Hulin threw his bomb, killing several policemen, the nihilists fled and Baruch the Jew, suddenly appeared and led Baruch conducted Hardy to the cellar. passage through an underground Hardy to another house, from which he boldly hotel. to his and returned Hardy emerged visited the princess, contributed to the fund for the relief of the victims of the nihilists. y Gort-chakov- n, XXXIII. Continued. was puzzled for a He knew why this hand- CHAPTER The American moment. some daredevil Russian had subscribed so large an amount. That Boris Romanoff was touched by the Buffering 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 his fortune, and his salary and profits from commissions brought him a respectable income. He held his pen for a moment suspended, as he remarked, looking the princess quizzically in the eye: "Your cousin is very tender-hearted- . Is 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 hi3 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 mis- take here! He adjusted his gold pince-nez- , looked 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 pleasure in sending you a check in the morning. You have little idea of how this cause appeals to me. The princess 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 now, said the Romanovna; "but stay! I should like to introduce you to the lieutenant. He is a great admirer of Show the America and Americans. lieutenant in. Aleko. The lieutenant entered, tall, In his twenties, very slender and handsome. He was attired in the uniform of the Imperial Guards. See5"g the princess, he bowed very low, c! 9 ing his heels together. Then he walked rapidly to her, and, bending with exquisite grace and assurance, lifted her hand to his lips. After which he turned politely and inquiringly toward Hardy, who arose. said the prinLieut. Gortchakov, cess, this is Mr. Hardy, the brave American, of whom you have heard me speak. I desire you to be friends. urged, "a mere tradesman, who will lose his nerve when made to stand up and be shot at. Take my word for it, Koukolnik, his arm will tremble like a dogs tail when you pat it on the head. If it were I, Id raher snoot him down than dirty my sword on him, and I've no doubt in the world that Rommoff win feel the same. It we insist on it lupier, too, when this American is, as you know, the aggrieved party, we shall be casting a slur on our man's courage. No Russian nobleman Tears any adversary, with any weapon. By this time Koukolnik had taken so many potations of vodka that the bravado in this sentiment appealed to 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 arrangement and he hastened to Hardy's quarters in the hotel to tell him of the success of his negotiations. "All you have to do now, said the is to shoot dapper young Russian, 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 his evident delight at Romanoffs mortal peril. Don't 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. s There was a slight break in 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 If she loves him, it Gortchakov. would be saving her from a late worse than death to kill him. And think of the insult which he heaped on you! And I assure you that you can kill him with perfect safety. Hardy laid his hand on the younger man's shoulder. A gentleman does not think of the consequences to himself when he is vindicating his honor. I shall settle this score with Romanoff with a full realization of all the aggravating circumstances. Gortchakov seized the American's hand Impulsively. searchlngly on Hardy, who stood there, Pardon me, my friend, he said, white to the lips, 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. fectly distinct in the tense silence. 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 on the banks of the river. If grove you desire it, he said. you will permit me, I shall call for you My seconds will wait on you in the at half-pas- t seven with my sledge, and said Hardy. morning, "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 now, if you will take no offense, evening" and he walked from the I shall ask you to excuse me, as I , room. must get a good night's rest. There is no medicine like sleep, and plenty of CHAPTER XXXV. It, to make the hand steady and the eye clear. The Princess Entreats. The young Russian glanced at the In the preliminary arrangements admiringly. for the duel, Lieut. Gortchakov repre- other You have the nerve of a Russian! sented the American with zeal and fiOr of an American, replied Hardy, Romanoffs delity. seconds, fully You will find me ready at aware of Hardys reputation for skill smiling. with the pistol, objected to that 7:30, and don't fail to be on time. We must not be one second late at this weapon. rendezvous. bless soul! exclaimed my Why, Left to himself. Hardy sat for a Gen. Koukolnik, an exchange of bultime with his head in his hands, long lets would be nothing less than murthinking. none of as and us, der, Russians, could Of his ability to kill Romanoff at permit that. This American could the distance agreed on 30 paces he shoot his adversary through the heart or between the eyes without the least had not the slightest doubt. He was aware that he stood a chance trouble in the world, and his hatred also himself of being wounded, or of losing of him is so great that he will certainhis life. Romanoff enjoyed the repuly do it. We can't permit that upon tation of being a fair shot, though my soul, we cant! much this meant in Russia, Hardy For the time being, replied Gort- how had no means of judging. Probably with shall chakov, firmness, "I forget according to American that I am a Russian, and shall demand not much, but even a poor shot will standards; justice for the man who has asked sometimes hit the mark. me to represent him. man has My Was the princess in love with her little or no knowledge of the rapier. The more Hardy debated A combat a 1 outrance with sword3 cousin? would mean Just as surely his destruc- this possibility iff his mind, the more tion. He is, as you well know, the out- it took on the shape and tangibleness of probability. That she had comraged party, and the choice of weapons 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. over, Hardy had taken advantage of conFortunately for Gortchakovs own princely word to himself, and tention, the Baron poubelik, Koukol-nik- 's her claimed fulfiillm.ent of the prpnJse had believed repassociate, Hardys she had made to him that utation for skill greatly exaggerated. (TO S3 CONTINUED.) The fellow Is a plebeian, too, he I will pardon him," replied Hardy, "after he has fought me, according to the custom among gentlemen in this country. He has struck me aud he must give me satisfaction. What! cried the princess, a duel? It Is against the law. I shall not permit it." "This Jew, this shopkeeper, wants me to fight him," sneered Romanoff. "Your highness has been pleased to express gratitude for certain services which I have been fortunate enough to render you to express a hope that you might be able, in fact, to do something for me in return. I now demand a gentlemans satisfaction for this blow. It Is all that I shall ever ask from the Romanoff family. I shall also pay you for the blow, snarled Romanoff. The princess glanced indignantly at turned her eyes Romanoff, then He Became Infatuated with a Worn an of Disreputable Character. 'J 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 you, replied Hardy. way into high society simply because 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, said the lieutenant. "I have been vantage of my cousins good nature, 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. Better take my "I shall leave you two together," from his pocket. 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. exclaimed KouUpon my soul! Hardy by the Slaviansky Bazar? The lieutenant has a new pair of white kolnik. 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. She left the room, and Gortchakov that I have met thus far have all been 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 kov, whom he addressed as Alexieff," from the Japanese authorities. He beand to whom he introduced his com- came infatuated with a woman of disreputable character there, and he and panion. Gen. Koukolnik. He did not Introduce Koukolnik 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 imevil, insolent smile: Hello, Hardy, hows trade? But prisoned or put to death. This fellow remained in Japan with his paramour, these Americans are enterprising! he explained affably to the general. and he came on here afterward at his leisure. I have had him watched This fellow here is a store-keepesince by the police, and' it is certain is Russian the it seems, who, working nobility for all he is worth. Whats that he is an enemy of the governyour scheme now? Tell us, thats a ment, and perhaps a Japanese spy. good fellow! You shall have our in- It Is known that he consorts with 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. ' k y it be? CHAPTER XXXIV. The Princess Commands. Being only a merchant, replied the American, "I find it necessary to cultivate good manners to a certain extent. Were I a prince, I might also i be a boor. exclaimed Gen. Upon my soul! but this is a very pepKoukolnik, merchant! The pery generals cheeks and nose were adorned with a network of varicose veins, the result of innumerable deep potations of vodka. He was that anomalous combination, an excitable fat man, and he had a habit of jerking so fiercely at his long, pointed that he pulled down the puffy underlid of his eye, disclosing the red conjunctiva. Romanoff flushed with rage. Fellow, said he, I am not going to waste any words with you. 1 grant side-whiske- There must surely be some mistake here, said Gortschakov. I was introduced to Mr. Hardy by the princess, who recommended him to me as a possible friend. What have you to say to these accusations of the prince, Mr. Hardy? Nothing, replied the American, save that If we were not under the roof of a lady, I should tell Romanoff that I can not believe that he is mistaken You would have us think then ? suggested Gortchakov. that he is undoubtedly lying! Have a care! cried Romanoff, Do not presume raising his voice. too far on the protection of the princess! Once more and for the last time, I ask you, how much do you want? and he thrust the checkbook under Hardy's nose. You are positively growing tires some, said Hardy, and he flipped the tlemen of America earn their living by honest toil. 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 his 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 Roman-ovra- , 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 Koukolnik, it is the princess! Madame, I and clicking his humbly salute you 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 knocked my check book from my hand, and I very properly chastised his in solence 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, 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 uu der my roof! k |