appeal to the American Minister at St. Petersburg?"

"I was not permitted to do so, sir, but was thrown into a dungeon."

"Did you know Zobriskie was a Nihilist?"

"I did not. He accosted me when on the eve of sailing, and asked me as a
favor to hand the letter to Prince Mastowix. I did so without suspecting
that I was in any danger."

"But it appears that you were in danger, and as I learn from St.
Petersburg, that letter by some means or other got into the hands of the
authorities, he was arrested, brought before the tribunal, proven to be
a Nihilist in disguise, and executed. It is very strange," he added.

"But I am not to blame, and why should I suffer for the faults of
others?"

"Well, you should not."

"Then send me back to St. Petersburg," said Barnwell, eagerly.

"That I cannot do without an imperial order. But I will forward the
particulars of your case to the authorities, and then, if they see fit
to act favorably towards you, I will send you back again with pleasure,"
replied the governor, who was not altogether bad at heart.

"How long will it take?"

"That I cannot say."

"And what of the money that was taken from me, and my passport, and not
returned?"

"Well, sir, if you succeed in establishing your innocence, they will be
restored to you. Was your passport franked by the American Minister?"

"Yes; and that should enable him to establish both my identity and my
innocence."

"But it might take him a long time to show the Imperial Government that
you are not an enemy to Russia."

"But it can be shown."

"We shall see."

"And in the meantime must I remain in that dungeon?"

"No, I will remand you to the guard-house until I can find employment
for you."

"Thank you for this much, governor. I have lately inherited a fortune,
and had just set out on a tour around the world, when this unexpected
occurrence stopped me. I am also engaged to be married to a lovely girl,
who knows nothing of me since I parted with her in London for the sole
purpose of delivering this unfortunate letter, and if you can forward
matters any, you will not only win a substantial reward, but the
gratitude of loving hearts."

"I will see what can be done," said he, waving him away.

"Please do."

"Take him to the guard-house and treat him as a prisoner of the second
class until you hear from me again," said the governor to the guard,
speaking in Russian.

And William Barnwell was marched away by them with a