Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1879-10-29

chance had afforded me this opportunity of
becoming acclimated. Nevertheless as the
first two students, upon whom | called.
were not at home began to think chance
had done things too well. when | observed
that those whom passed looked at me with
a certain sOlicitude. but at the same time
without saying anything to me. Very soon
a gentleman. who seemed more communi-
cative than the others, said to me in passing
Moss" As knew not one word of the
Russian language. did not think it worth
while to stop for mOnosylable. and con-
tinued my walk. AT the corner Of Rue de
Pois | met an ''.IoStchichik." who was
bowed to the ground drawing his sledge,
but Notwithstanding the rapidity of his
strides. he felt obliged 10 speak To me in his
turn. and cried Moss" Finally on reach
ing the place of the Admiralty" | found
myself face Ia face with Russian peasant.
who said nothing at all; but gathering IA
handful of snow threw himself upon me.
and before | could divest myself Of my SUI
per-abundant apparel. began to wash my
face, and to rub, particularly my nose, with
all his force. did not enjoy the joke very
much. especially in such weather. and
drawing one of my haeds from my pocket |
gave him blow with my fist that sent him
reeling ten PAGES off. Unfortunately. or
fortunately for me. two peasants passing
just at this moment. after having looked at
me an instant, threw themselves upon me.
and in spite Of my resistance held my hands
whilst my enragcd assailant. the peasant.
gathered another handful of SNOW, and as if
he would not be thwarted. prccipitated
himself again upon me. This time profit
ing upon the impossibility of my defending
myself. he began his rubbing again. But
if my arms were pinioned my tongue was
free. Thinking was the victim of some
blunder or of wilful murder, called with
all my power for help. An officer ran 10
me and demanded in French. with whom i
was angry: '-llow sir" said |, making an
effort to free myself from the three men,
who. with the most tranquil air in the
world. pursued their path, one towards the
Perspective" the others towards the Eng
glish quay.
Did YOU not see how these scoundrels
were treating me-"
How were they treating yOu:'
why they were rubbing my face with
snow Do YOU consider that by any
means, a pleasant affair. especially in such
weather as this:" But sir, they have rem
dcred you great service, replied my in
terlocutor, looking me (as we Frenchmen
say in in the white of the eye" ''llow
is that:'
''Your nose would undoubtedly have
been frozen"
Mercy cried |, putting my hand to the
part threatened.
''Sir.' said a person passing. addressing
himself to the officer. Il warn You that
your nose is freezing
''Thanks sir" said the officer, as if the
offer was the most natural thing in the
world.
Bowing he gathered handful of snow
and rendered to himself the same service
that the poor peasant had rendered to me,
and for which kindness he was so brutally
recompensed by me. DO you mean to
say sir that if it had not been for this
man
''You would no longer have had nose"
replied the officer while rubbing his own.
Then sir. permit it'-And | started on "a
run after my peasant. who thinking | was
determined to murder him. commenced
running also. 50 that as fear is naturally
more nimbe than gratitude, | should prob
ably have never overtaken him if some per
sons who saw him fleeing and me pursuing.
had not taken him for thief and barred
the road 50 that he could 90 no further.
When reached him found him speaking
with great vulubility in order to convince
;hem, that he was not culpable but only too
philanthropic. Ten ruhlcs that gave him
soon explained the matter to his satisfaction
The peasant kissed my hand, and one of
my assistants who spoke French. advised
me 10 pay more attention hereafter to my
nose. The advice was needless, during all
the remainder Of my travels | never lost
sight Of IT,