The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-04-25
A Narrow Escape.
FROM THE FRENCH OF ALEXANDRA DUMAS

The death of the famous dog Suther-
land-thus named after the Englishman
who had made gift of it to the Empress
Catherine ii. of Russia-nearly caused
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 favorite 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 me" eX-
claimed the banker, as he leaped from
his bed, somewhat startled by this an
nouncement.
II 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-
nicated to you personality
"Show him in, said Mr.. Sutherland,
as he hastily donned his dressing gown.
The footman departed, and returned
some minutes afterwards with His Ex-
cellencv 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
rolice with his usual urbanity, presented
him with Il seat. His EXcelenCy, how
ever. remained standing, and in tone
the most dolorous which it was possible
TO assume, said;
..Mr. Sutherland, believe me 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 been
provoked by some great crime"
"Bv some great crime, your Excellen-
CIV exclaimed the banker. And who
then has committed this crime
"You, doubtless, sir, since it is upon
YOU that the punishment is to fall"
"Sir. swear to you that know not of
anv reproach with which to charge my
self as a subject of our sovereign, for
am a naturalzed 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 Excellency, what
is this orderT
"Oh, sir, never will have the strength
to make it known to you"
Have lost the good graces of Her
Majesty"
..Oh, if it were only that
II. it question to make me depart for
England
"Ob. no: even that must not be-.
mon Dieu! you ,errify me. / it
an order to SEND me To Siberia.
siberia. sir, is fine country, and
which people have illuminated. Besides,
people return from it,
Am condemned to PRISON.
The prison i nothing Prisoners
come out OF prison
s'Sir, sir!" cried the banker, more and
more frightened, IAN | destined to the
knoutW
"The knout i punishment very
grievous; but the knout does not Kill.
Miserable fate r. said Sutherland. ter
.rifiled. II see indeed that it l. 4 matter
of death"
and what death" exclaimed the
master of the police, while he solemnly
raised his eyes with an expression Of the
most profound pity.
How what death l. it not enough