The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-12-27
THE DAILY STAR
THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW.
ATALE OF
THE EMPIRE UNDER PETER THE GREAT
CHAPTER l.
THE GUNMAKER AND THE MONK.

of national Night. The Tartar yoke
had been worn till the very bones of the
nation were CALLED; and when this was
thrown off civil dissensions and insur-
rections commenced. The Poles and
Swedes plundered the country, and amid
general tumult and confusion some half
dozen men were clamoring for the
throne. At length few patriotic citi-
zens, pledging everything they held dear
on earth to the cause of freedom from
this curse of anarchy, and headed by a
noble prince and an humble, patriotic
butcher, made a bold stand to save the
country. Moscow was retaken, and
Michael Romanof was chosen Gar; and
this illustrious family still occupies
the imperial throne. And now the day
of Russian greatness dawned; but the
sun was not fairly up-the broad light
opened not upon the empire-until Peter
came 10 the throne.
In the department of the Sloboda-the
suburbs of Moscow-and very near the
river Moskwa, stood an humble cot, the
exterior of which betrayed neatness of
arrangement and show of taste that more
than made up for its smallness of size.
Nor was it so very small in fact, but only
in contrast; for near at hand about it
stood many large shabby, dirty-looking
structures that overlooked the prim cot,
as bleak mountains may look down upon
a verdant hill. And within, this cot
was as neat as without. The two apart
ments in front, one of which was only
used in winter, were furnished not only
with neatness, but with a fair show of
ornament and luxury. Back Of these
were large cooking and dining-room.
and two small bedrooms; and back still
from these was an artisans shop, and
other out-buildings. This shop was de-
voted to the manufacture of firearms,
mostly. Some words, and other edged
weapons, were made here upon special
application.
The gunmaker now stood by his forge,
watching the white smoke as it curled
up toward the throat of the chimney. He
was young man, not over three and
twenty, and possessed frame of more
than ordinary symmetry and muscular
development. He was not large-not
above medium size-but single glance
at the swelling chest, the broad shoul-
ders and the sinewy ridges of the bare
arms, told at once that he was master of
great physical power. His features were
regular yet strongly marked, and emf
nently handsome; his brow, which was
full and high, was half covered by the
light brown curls that waved over it.
while his eyes, which were of bright
brilliant, deep gray in color, lent cast
of genius to the intellect of the brow.
His name was Ruric Nevel. His fathel
had been killed in the then late wal
with the Turks, and the son, leaving hi
mother with sufficiency of sustenance
went to Spain soon after the bereave
ment. There he found work in th'
most noted armories; and now, wei
yersed in the trade, he had returned t.
his native city to follow his calling ant
support his mother. .s"
Near by stood boy-Paul Peepon-
bright, intelligent lad, some fiftee
years of age, who had bound himself t.
the gunmaker for the purpose of learr
ing the art. His hair and his eyes wer
darker than his masters, and if he POI
sessed not so much sound intellect, he di
surely possess an unwonted --degree {
keen, quick wit, and a principle of Ill
swerving integrity.
The sun had been some time below th
horizon, and the only light of any cons
quence that made things partially visibl
within the shop came from the dull bla;
of the Goals on the forge, as Paul ev'
and anon bore down upon the brake tn,
moved the bellows. Suddenly Rur
started back from the forge as his mir
broke from the deep reverie into whit
he had fallen, and having bade his be
to see that matters were all properly di
posed for the night, he turned towar'
the door, and was soon in the ktche
where his mother had supper all pr
pared and set out.
Claudia Newell was a noble-Iookir
woman, and the light of her still ham
some countenance was never bright,
than when gazing upon her boy. ST
had seen the SHOWS of fifty winters, al
if they had left some silver upon HI
head, and some age-marks upon her fac
the sunshine of as many summers hs
left her with thankful, loving hear
and prayerful, hopeful soul.
at is showing again, faster than ever
remarked Paul, as he took his seat
the table.
"Ah," returned Ruric, resting h
knife a few moments while he bent h
ear to listen to the voice of the storr
II had hoped 'twould snow no more ft
the present. The snow is deep enous
now. And how it blows"
"Never mind" spoke the dame, in
trustful, easy tone, "it must storm whe
1t listeth, and we can only thank Gt
that we have shelter, and pray for tho
who have none"
"Amenp responded Ruric ferventl
After this the trio remained some mi
utes silent, seeming to be busy in liste
ing to the storm-notes that came pealil
about the cot. The wind was high, al
the snow now came dashing upon t
windows with a dreary, melancho
sound. The meal was at length cate
and the table set back, and shortly aftt