Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-03-11
THE GUNMAKER OFMOsCOW:
A Talsoi the Empire under Peter The Great.
CHAPTER ].

the seventeenth century. Russia Is the +
scene.
In the suburbs Of Moscow, and very
near the river Moskwa, stood an hum
bic cot, which betrayed a neatness Of ar
rangement and show Of taste that more
than made up Tor his smallness Of size.
Back of the cot was an artisans shop,
and other out-buildiuss. This shop was
devoted to the manufacture Of firearms,
mostly. Some swords, and other edged
weapons, we're made here upon special
application.
The master Of this tenement was the
hero Of our tale, Ruric Newell. We find
him standing by his forge, watching the
white smoke as it curled up towards the
throat Of the chimney. He was a Young
man, not over three-and-iweuty, and pos
sessed frame Of more than ordinary
symmetry and muscular Development
He was not large-Got above medium
size but a Single glance at the swelling
chest. the broad shoulders, and the sin
envy ridges of the bare arms. told at once
that he was master Of great physical
power His father had been killed in
the then late war with the Turks, and the
son, leaving his mother with sulicien.
CIV Of sustenauce, went to Spain SCOT
after the bereavement. There he found
work in the most noted armories; ant
now, well versed in the trade, be had re
turned to his native city to follow hi
calling, and support his mother.
Near by stood boy-Paul Peepo1-
alright, intelligent lad, some fifteen year
Of age, who had bound himself to th
gunmaker for the purpose Of learning th
art.
Claudia Nevel, Ruric's mother, was
noble looking woman, and the light {
her still handsome countenance was ne'
er brighter than when gazing upon he
boy. She had thankful, loving hear
and prayertul, hopeful soul.
Its showing again, faster than eyeI
remarked Paul, as he took his seat atti
supper-,able, in company with the OF
ers.
All, returned Ruric, resting his kni
a few moments while he bent his e
10 listen to the voice of the storm.
had hoped 'twould snow no more for Il
present. The snow is deep enough no
And how i. blows
Never mind spoke the dame, in
trustiul, easy tone, it must storm VIII
it lis,eth, and we can only thank God Il
we have shelter, and pray for those W
have none.
Amen " responded Ruric, fsrvently
The meal was at length eaten. and
table set back, and shortly afterwat
Paul retired to his bed.
Ruric drew bis chair close up to
fireplace, and leaning against the
he bowed his head in absorbing thous
This bad become a habit with him OF /
His mother having observed these fit
abstraction, became uneasy and pres
Ruric to tell her what IL was over wi
he was so constantly and SO moo
broodinz. Being thus urged, Rlric (
fessed that it was Of Rosalind Va
Ohe orphan daughter Of a noJleman,
now tue ward OF Olga, the powerful
naughty Duke of Tula) he was ihink
Ruric's father, and the father of r
lind. had been comrades in arms in
youth, aud their children had been T
mates. But when the elder Newell
slain in battle. Ruric was yet a boy,
the widow and her son remained
and obscure while Valdai, more
nate, had risen to a high rank, and j.
left Rosalinda title aud a fortune.
The young people, however, had
forgotten each other. Ruric loved l
lind with ell the fervor Of his being
be felt assured that Rosalind reiu
his love. As he and his mother sal
batting the matter on that stormy ni2
loud knock upon the outer door STA
them.
Is there any one here P the
maker asked, as he upened the
bowling bis head and shielding his
from the driving snow with one ha
Yes returned a voice from the
gian darkness. In Gods name /
in, or shall perish
Then follow quickly said Ru
Here-give me your hand. TIL
now come
The youth found the thickly-g
hand-slovei with the softest fur
having led the invisible applicar
the hall he closed the door, aud thl
the way to the kitchen. Without
ing, Ruric turned q gazed upon the