Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 August 1904 — A SOLDIER OF COMMERCE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A SOLDIER OF COMMERCE

By JOHN ROE GORDON

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. Chapter I—Harvey Irons, a commeeclal agent in Russia for a firm of American manufacturers, has been expelled fromtheesar’s dominions. The czar has just prohibited the traffic in Georgia women. Hafiz Effendi, a Turk, and Mizik. agent for the ameer of Bokhara, are in Tiflis seeking a bride for Prince Davonca. ll—Hafiz points out to Mizik the bride he has selected, a beautiful Georgian. Koura, daughter of a rich merchant in Tiflis. Hafiz agrees to deliver the girl to a boat captain on the Caspian recommended by Mizik. Captain Orskoff of the czar’s army has the Turk under surveillence. Ill—Hafiz and one Hassan, a greedy captain on Eur river, lure the merchant and his daughter on board of Hassan's boat at midnight. Hafiz kills the merchant, and Hassan saTls away with Koura looked in a cabin, Koura has pledged her hand to Captain Orskoff. IV—While beating about the eastern waters trying to reach Novgorod Irons boards Hassan's boat against the will of the captain, who, however, takes a bribe to carry the American to Astrakan. A Russian gunboat overhauls the craft. Hassan tails a fdausible story about the presence of Koura, mplicating Irons, who is arrested for abduction of one of the czar’s subjects. V —lrons is taken to Tiflis. In the family apartments of the prison where he is confined nis sweetheart. Mile. Alma Jurnieff, niece of the governor, Colonel Jurnieff, is kept in seclusion. Her father and uncle had caused the banishment of the American to separate the lovers. Alma hears of Irons’ plight and vows to save him. Vl—Colonel Jurnieff is conspiring to crush Irons. Hassan appears in court as witness against the American, who. he says, was abducting Koura. CHAPTER VII. A YOUNG LADY BGYB A LOAD OF HAY.

IAS the magistrate given his decision yet?” asked Alma Jurnieff as she met Orderly I Alexander Borge in the cor-

rldor of the living rooms a few days after the trial. “No decision has been made public, Mile. Jurnieff. There is much secrecy. There is to be a squad of prisoners sent to Siberia in a month. I believe the American Is numbered among them.” “Siberia! They would not dare! To •and an innocent American to Siberia .would bring on war.” “Not if be died,” said Alexander, with a shrug. “Some who are numbered for Siberia never start. They die before the time comes. Hush! Here comes Colonel Jurnieff!” He walked away without saluting her, and her face was devoid of expression when her eyes met those of her uncle. “I have news for you,” he said, closely observing the girl. "The governor is to give a ball to Prince Dellnlltoff. The prince will arrive in a few days. He will attend to his new official duties while here, and the governor wishes to entertain him.” “There is .no nobjection, is there? What are the new duties of the prince?” “He has been appointed inspector general of prisons for Stavropol, Tiflis and Astrakhan. It was probably through the influence of the general, your father, that he obtained this important post I received a letter from your father today. Would you like to read it?” “I will read it if you wish,” answered Alma listlessly. “It will save me the trouble of repeating his wishes to you. Take the letter to your room and study it. Consider well its contents. You will profit by meeting your father’s wishes in this matter. You have been severely punished, I know, by your semi-imprison-ment here. Hereafter I am going to permit you to have your own way. I want you to meet the prince at the ball. It may be necessary for you to make purchases. You are at liberty to use the carriage any day between 2 and 4.” “Thank you,” said Alma. She bowed and went to her room. “Some plot,” she murmured as she shat her door. “What deviltry Is afoot now? So I am asked to read a letter from my father, the first of his letters that have been even spoken of to me.” She sat down and read: My Dear Brother—You will doubtless be surprised to hear of the appointment of Prince Dellnlkoff to the important post of inspector general of prisons. It was a happy thought of mine to have him appointed to a position of power Vnd importance, sufficiently so to please him and make his sojourn in your portion of Russia not unwelcome. It will bring him often to Tiflis and give you an opportunity to bring the prince and fny obstinate daughter together. It Is probable that ths governor will entertain the prince. If so, that will be a good opportunity. We must compel the girl to obey some way or other. It is a cherished Idea of mine to see the families of Dellnlkoff and Jurnieff united. The father of Prince Alexis wag a good friend of mine, and we spoke frequently In other days of the pleasure it would give us to see our only children united. Therefore do your utmost to bring about this most desirable marriage. I shall not receive my daughter again until ■he comes to me as the Princess Dellnlkoff. "What a kind and loving father!” exclaimed Alma as she crunched the letter in her hand. “This is a threat— a threat that my uncle preferred to have me read rather than to tell me himself. Let them threaten! But I will attend the ball and will assist In entertaining Prince Dellnlkoff, the most dissolute prince in St. Petersburg.” “Have you received a letter at last, mademoiselle?” asked Marie as she entered the room. “At last, Marie, I have been permitted to read a letter. It la not, however, addressed to me. It is one that was sent by my father to my uncle with some very Interesting news. Prince Dellnlkoff is coming to Tiflis.” “Heavens! To be married?” “I presume that is the real object Openly he comes as the Inspector gen- ( eral of prisons.” I “Inspectin' general! He will be a proud one In that uniform.”

“Why so, Marie? What distinguishing uniform does the Inspector general of prisons wear?” “All gold lace, mademoiselle. It Is fine. I once knew the inspector general of prisons for Perm. He was a grand looking man In his uniform.” “I should like to see it,” said Alma, with a smile. “I suppose I will have the opportunity soon." • “I have a book with all the uniforms of Russia. Shall I get it?” “No, never mind. Well, get it. It will serve to pass away a few miserable moments.” Marie brought a little leather covered book. “It is Alexander’s, mademoiselle. He hopes for promotion and is studying the fine uniform he will wear.” “Alexander is noble and faithful. I hope be will win his promotion and not disgrace himself by assisting me.” “He would die for you, mademoiselle.” Alma turned the pages of the book. Many of the brilliant uniforms she saw pictured were familiar to her. The uniform prescribed for the inspector general of prisons was a gorgeous affair, all gold lace, shiny boots, a cap and a medal that hung from the golden sash. She closed the book and sank back in the chair with her eyes closed. Instead of returning the book Alma rose from her chair and placed it In a drawer. .*<:• “I like to look at them, Marie,” she said. “I will keep the book awhile.” The approach of the governor’s ball In honor of the new Inspector general of prisons roused great interest. A governor’s ball* was always a grand affair, but this one, coming at the close of the fair, with so many notables from all parts of the east in Tiflis, was certain to surpass in splendor any of its predecessors. The bazaars brought out their best goods and displayed them to the best advantage. Women of all nations began feverish shopping and preparing. Officers of the garrison, Persian grandees, Chinese princes, Turkish pashas, vied with one another in their efforts to do credit to this great occasion. Alma seemed imbued with the same spirit of rivalry. One day as she and Marie were going out Jurnieff stopped Marie. “Marie,” he said, “what has brought the great change over your mistress? Heretofore she has been morose and sad; now she is smiling and cheerful. What has caused it? She acts like one who knew that her lover had come to see her.” Marie started. Did he know that Alma was aware of the presence of Irons in the prison? “It is not that, I think, Colonel Jurnieff, but that perhaps one is coming.” “Do you mean—you cannot mean the prince?” “It may be, though Mile. Alma says little to me. Is he not a great officer?” “He has a high and honorable position. He is inspector general of prisons.” “Ah! That enlightens me, your excellency. I know what she wanted it for now.” “Wanted what for?” “The book—the pictures of uniforms. I saw her studying the uniform of the inspector general of prisons. She seemed pleased after that.” Jurnieff turned away. “What was there In the general’s letter to produce this change?” be asked himself. “It is remarkable. I can now write to him that he is in a fair way to have his dearest wish gratified. I ought to be promoted myself if that comes off.” “What did my uncle ask you, Marie?” inquired Alma as the carriage was being driven off. “He had noticed that you were gay and smiling of late. He asked me the cause. I said I believed it was because the prince was coming. I told him you had studied the uniforms of the inspector general of prisons and had seemed pleased.” “I must be cautious.” Arriving at one of the largest basaars, Alma left Marie in tbe carriage and proceeded to do her shopping alone. She was attired becomingly, her gown setting off her form to advantage. Among the things she purchased was a long cloak, reaching almost to the ground, having a hood for covering the head in winter. "Permit me, lady, to carry your purchases to your carriage,” said the merchant "You may, but not yet. I shall need some more things. I am going to a case for lunch and shall wear my new hood and cloak. These Persians and Turks stare at one so. When I return, I shall make more purchases.” “I will swsit your return with impatience, lady, and your goods Will remain In my charge.” Not even Marie noticed the cloaked figure that came from the basaar. A drosky was standing near, and Alma stepped into it “Take me to the hay wharfs,” she said. The lvoshtshik stared, but the money that was put into his hand was many times the regular charge, and be did not hesitate. The hay wharfs on the Kur were in themselves part of the show. Boats of ail descriptions crowded against one another, for the suppljr of hay needed

during the fair for the horses and camels was very great The shouts of Circassians, Georgians and Turks and Persians were deafening. Alma sat in her drosky and looked about at the busy scene. These hayboats were mostly from the towns along the upper Kur and the Volga. They were of all kinds, sixes and degrees of safety. Those from the Volga were the largest, for they needed stability to travel on the Caspian. Near one of these, with an Astrakhan owner and crew, she halted. No subjects of the czar hate the Muscovite rule more than the Astrakhans.. It was only after a prolonged war that Astrakhan was subdued, and her fealty has never been more than

11 Are you not from the lower valley of the Volga f” nominal. Every little while some new mollah rises to preach a holy war, and a new crusade against the Muscovite begins. The Astrakhan, seated upon the prow of his boat, was tall, dark and picturesque. He was smoking a pipe, regardless of the proximity of several tons of hay belonging to himself. As he looked around he saw a small white finger beckoning him. He sauntered to where Alma sat. She got down from her seat and spoke in whispers. “Are you not from the lower valley of the Volga?” “I am, sweet lady. I have come from Astrakhan with hay to sell.” “Is It sold?” “Alas, not yet. The fair Is breaking up, and there Is less demand for hay.” “Will you sell it at a good price and deliver it where I command?” “If the price be sufficient, sweet lady, I will carry it to Moscow.” “What Is the price you get for your hay at this wharf?” “This load will bring me 300 rubles.” “If you will take a passenger, keep your tongue still and deliver the hay where I bid you, I will give you 2,000 rubles.’’ “It is a fortune, sweet lady! Where shall I deliver the hay?” “At the port of Astrabad, Persia.” “I agree. But the. passenger?” “Is a man. Remain at this spot until he is ready.” “Under the cover of my hay he will be safe. Sweet lady, you may rely upon me. I am Charka of the town of Ashkar. Ask for me when you want me. I am at your feet.” “Return to the bazaar from which I came,” said Alma to the lvoshtshik. “I am growing reckless,” she mused. “Two weeks ago I shivered if I had to look my uncle in the face. I dared not go a step beyond the limits set. But now! The blood of the Jurnieffs is aroused.” Arriving at the bazaar, she made another purchase, walked to the carriage, answered Marie’s question as to what kept her so long and in half an hour was back in her apartments. As Colonel Jurnieff passed her door he stopped, a look of astonishment on his face. “What next?” he said. “She Is actually singing a love song. Evidently my brother has not managed this affair well. Why, the girl is already happy as well as conquered. Really my brother’s influence must get me promoted. I am too great a diplomat to be governor of a prison. I should be in St Petersburg.” As his footsteps died away the love song came to an abrupt end. CHAPTER VIII. THE OOVESNOB’S BALL.

SHE ball of the governor of Tiflis wag the success he wished It to be. The new palace was ablaze with light.

Carriages dashed to the entrance, deposited their occupants and dashed away again. Officers on foot, with their cloaks covering their uniforms, walked in the obscurity of the streets to mingle on equal terms in the brilliant ballroom with princes and pashas. The gay world of the Caucasus was made gayer by the addition of the swarms from the orient. Bands blared their military music. Gowns that came from Paris swept the ballroom floor as the stately dames who wore them walked with Persians and Turks of high degree. Laughter, conversation, Introductions and presentations made a perfectly harmonious bedlam. 1 But there was one at the ball who listened to the words of welcome be received, while his eyes noted the appearance of one he sought “Will she never come?" he asked himself. “Or does she bate me so that she will brave her uncle’s wrath rather than meet me?" . ..

“Colonel Jurnieff and lilld. Alma,** he beard some one say. He turned t» look. He stood spellbound. He bad not imagined, although he knew her well, that such a being could exist as entered the door at that moment By tbe side of the grim faced colonel walked l vision from some other land, it seeined. Never had anything like it been seen at a governor’s ball in Tiflis. Alma’s costume was a combination of Paris and the Caucasus—the daintiest lace and tbe costliest silks. Pearls adorned her snowy neck. Her little feet were clad in dainty shoes of white doeskin. Her white arms were round and full, her shoulders perfect ’fhe white fan she carried seemed to waft a mystic thrall upon all she passed. Her voice was silvery in its musicMlhA was the gayest of them all. “Can it be that that lovely creature has at last consented to be my wife?” said the prince to himself. “Prince Dellnlkoff, you know my niece, Alma Jurnieff?” The prince bowed low. Alma extended her hand graciously. “I know the prince very well,” she said, “but since I have been enjoying my visit at Tiflis he has been quite a stranger.” “I did not—l did not know”— “I congratulate you, prince, upon your appointment. My father wrote about it” “What woman is this?” asked the colonel as he moved away, leaving her with Dellnlkoff. “She is a riddle. I cannot solve her. But she loves him. I can see love in her very eyes.” She placed her hand on the prince’s arm, and they Joined the throng. Turkish pashas saw her and blinked their eyes as they thought of their own faded beauties in their harems; Persian princes sought presentation; Chinese mandarins almost forgot their names when she spoke to them. She had come to conquer, and 6he conquered. She was the queen of the ball, and Dellnikoff was the envied of princes. (TO BE CONTINUED.)