, 1878-05-10
A Narrow Escape.
Mrs DENl>ON
FROM THE FRENCH OF ALEXANDRA DUMAS

FhOM 10 EhELNNii w H''i@'N'N'''''''' ''S-'''''
The death of the famous dog Suther-
land-thus named after the Englshman
who had made a gift Of it to the Empress
Catherine II of Russia--nea,ly caused a
tragic mistake, in so far as it nearly cost
the donor, celebrated banker, his life.
The occurrence took place at ST. Peters
burg.
One morning, at daybreak, Mr.. Suther-
land, the gentleman who had presented
the dog to the Empress and who was
consequently a tayorte with that august
personage-was suddenly awoke by his
man-servant.
"Sir," said the footman, "your house is
surrounded with guards, and the master
of the police demands to speak to YOU
"What does he wish with me2' eX-
claimed the banker, as he leaped from
his bed, somewhat startled by this an.
nouncement.
IL know not, sir" answered the foot.
man; "but it appears that it is matter
of the highest importance, and which,
from what he says, can only be commn-
nlCated 10 you personally.
"Show him in, said Mr.. Sutherland,
as he hastily donned his dressing gown.
The footman departed, and returned
some minutes afterwards with His Ex-
cellency Mr.. Reliew, upon whose face
the banker read at the first glance some
formidable intelligence. The worthy
banker, however, maintained his calm
ness, and welcoming the master of the
police with his usual urbanity, presented
him with q seat. His EXcelency, how
ever, remained standing, and in a tone
the most dolorous which it was possible
to assume, said:
"Mr Sutherland, believe NE when
assure you that | am truly grieved to
have been chosen by Her Majesty, my
very gracious sovereign, to accomplish
an order, the severity of which attlicts
me, but which has without doubt beea
provoked by some great crime
SPY some great crime, your Excellen-
cyr' exclaimed the banker. "And who
then has committed this crme1"
"You, doubtless, sir, since it is upon
YOU that the punishment is to fall"
"Sir, swear to you that ! know not of
any reproach with which to charge my
self as subject of our sovereign, for
am q naturalised Russian, as you must
know
"And it is precisely, sir, because you
are a naturalized Russian that your posi-
ton is terrible. If you had remained a
subject of his Britannia Majesty, you
would have been able to call in the aid
of the English consul, and escape thus
perhaps the rigor of the order which
am, to my very great regret, charged to
execute
"Tell me, then, Your ExcelIency, what
is this orderl"
"Oh, sir, never will have the strength
to make it known to YOU"
"Have l lost the good graces of Her
Majesty"
"Oh, if it we're only thatm
as it a question to make me depart for
England9"
"Oh, no; even that must not be-
"Mon Deu! YOU terrify me. Is it
an order to send me to Siberia!'
"Siberia, sir, is IL fine country, and
which people have illuminated. Besides
people return from it,"
Am condemned to prison}'
"The prison is nothing. Prisone r,
come out of prison
'Sir, sir" cried the banker, more anC
more frightened, "am | destined to tho
knoutm
"The knout is a punishment yer,
grieyous; but the knout does not kill
Miserable fate said Sutherland, ter
rifiled. II see indeed that it i, a mattc
of death"
"And whGta DEATH exclaimed tht
master of the police, while lie solemnly
raised his eyes With an expression Of lhC
most profound pity.
"How! what death l. it not enougt b