The Mission of Poubalov — page 149: what you’re looking at

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

THE KEY TO IVAN’S PRISON. 145 ter? tHe had made the release possible. Miss Hilman would ever give him credit for it, and that was enough, as undoubtedly she would tell Strobel how it came to pass. His plan of operation was fully formed when he reached Washington Street. He boarded the first Chelsea ferry car that camealong, and set himself to thinking of it. When the conductor touched his shoulder to remind him of his fare, he started violently as if the avenging hand of law had been laid upon him. There was a recurrence of the dreadful fear that had momentarily possessed him, and again he shook as if with an ague. He felt an almost irre- sistible impulse to jump from the car and run; and when at last he left it, near the far end of Hanover Street, he had not yet recovered. With great difficulty he dragged his steps through the crowded streets of the North End until he came to the house where Vargovitch lived. As he climbed the stairs, he felt his courage return; and when Vargovitch bade him enter, he was again the somber, depressed figure with which all his Acquaintances were fa- ‘miliar. ‘‘Vargovitch,’’ he said directly but with averted eyes, “T leave the country to-morrow, never to return. Do not askmewhy. You will know soon enough after I have gone. See, I have so much money,’’ and he emptied the contents of his purse upon the table. ‘‘It is enough for the ‘present, perhaps, but 7 shall some day need more, and I leave behind me accounts and stock, to say nothing of ‘business good will, that are of value. I want you to help ‘me realize upon them.”’ _ Vargovitch looked sternly at his friend. _ “That mad head of yours,’’ he responded, ‘‘has led you at last to difficulty from which there is no exit. I will ask ‘no questions, Litizki, but I will not be concerned in your _ air. You should not have come here.”’ Litizki was sufficiently master of himself to repress the tremor that threatened him. ‘tired ull eyes apathetically on his comrade. Conniclaooks (CO in | ‘ ‘Do you desert me, Vargovitch?’’ he asked, turning his