The Mission of Poubalov — page 179: what you’re looking at

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

POUBALOV’S REVOLUTION. 175 CHAPTER XXIT. POUBALOV’S REVOLUTION. Paul’s heart seemed to stand stillas he reflected on Pou. _balov’sact. The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobol and instigating his abduction, was as much a mys- tery as ever, but if was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov’s confessed relations with the gov- ernment with which Strobel had been in conflict. There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than com- plications. Poubaloyv in love—no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman. What hope could there now be that the spy, having some day accomplished the purpose for which he had crossed the ocean tu find Strobel, would set him free? In the very hopelessness of his passion would he not first murder Strobel, and then Clara herself? Paul felt sick with horror as the possibility of these tragedies occurred to his mind. They were more than possible. With Pouba- lov’s character in view, they seemed like certainties. What could be done toavert them? What would Clara say? How revolting, more than terrifying,.would be the revelation that this subtle, conscienceless foe had dared to love her! 3 At first blush Paul felt that he could not tell Clara what he had seen. If there were only something that he himself could do to solve the mystery of Ivan’s disappearance, for only Strobel’s presence in perfect health could serve to check the spy’s villainous course. He held absolute com- mand of the situation as long as he succeeded in keeping Strobel in hiding. As the sense of his helplessness grew GOMIGHOOKS (C@)