The New York herald., 1879-12-29

THE GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW.
TALE OF
THE EMPIRE UNDER PETER THE GREAT.
THE 0uNMAKxR AND THE MONK.

CHAPTER I.
THE 0uNMAKxR AND THE MONK.
The time at which open our story IL mid-win-
ter and toward the close OF the seventeenth centurv
Russia had passed through tho long and bitter ordeal
till the very bones Of the nation CALLED; and
when this was thrown of civil dssensions and in
plundered the country and amid general tumult and
confusion some half dozen men were clamorinR for
sverSns dear On Se e.
freedom from this curse OF anarchy. and headed by
noble prince and humble. patriotic butcher. made
a bold stand to the country. Moscow was re-
taken. and Michael Romanof was chosen Czar and
this illustrious family still occupies the imperial
throne. And now the day OF Russian greatness
dawned; but the not fairly up-the broad
light opened not upon the Empire-untn Peter came
In the department Of the Sioboda-the suburbs of
Moscow-and very near the River Moskwa, stood An
humble cot. the exterior OF which betrayed neat
ness of arrangement and show Of taste that M ore
than made up for its smslness OF size. Nor II
very small in fact but only in contrast for
looking structures that overlooked the prim cot as
oeak mountains msy look down upon verdant
The two apartments in front-one Of which was only
used In winter-were not only furnished with neat
ness. but with fair show OF ornament and luxury.
and two small bedrooms. and back still from these
was artisans shop and other outbuildings. This
shop was devoted to the manufacture Of firearms
mostly. Some swords and other edged weapons
were made here upon special applications
The gunmaker now stood by his forge, Watching
the white smoke 1t curled up toward the throat Of
the chimney. He was young man. not over three
and-twenty. and possessed frame Of more than
He was not large not above medium size. but
single glance ut the swelling chest. the broad
arms told at that he master Of great
physical power. His features were regular. yet
strongly marked and eminently handsome; his
brow, which full and high was half covered by
tho light brown curls that waved It.; while his
eyes. which were of bright. brilliant. deep gray in
color, lent cast of genius to the intellect of tho
brow. His name was Ruric Newell. His father had
been killed In the then late with the Turks. aud
the son. leaving his mother with o suflicieney Of
sustenance, went to Spain after the bereave-
ment. There he found work in the most noted
armories; and now, we'll versed In the trade, he had
returned to his native city follow his calling and
support his mother.
Near by stood y boy-Paul pcepon-a bright in.
teiiipent lad. some fifteen years Of age. who had
bound himself to the gunmaker for the purpose of
learning the ant. His hair and his eyes were darker
than his masters, and II he possessed not 80 much
sound intellect he did surely possess an unwontcd
dcgrye of keen. quick wit and principle OF un-
The sun had been some time below the horizon.
ana the only light OF any consequence that made
o hs oo c the as
aud anon bore down upon the brake that moved the
bellows. suddenly Rurc started back from tho
forge his mind broke from the deep revere Into
which he had fallen. and having bade his boy to sec
that matters were all properly disposed foSth night
he turned toward the door, aud sdVn In the
Kitchen where his mother had supper oil prepared
Clsudia Newell was noble looking woman and tho
light OF her still handsome countenance was never
brighter than when gazing upon her boy. She had
seen the Of nifty winters and II they had left
some SILVER upon her head and somc age marks upon
her face the sunshine OF many summers had left
her with thankful. loving heart. and prayerfui.
hopeful soul.
lit is showing again. faster than ever" remarked
Paul, he took his seat at tho table.
"Ah," returned Rurc. resting his knife few mo.
ments while he bent his to listen to the voice OF
the storm. III had hoped 'twould snow no more for
the present. Tho snow Is deep enough now. And
how II blowsi"
"Never mind" spoke the dame In trustful. easy
tone, ''it must storm when 1t 1isteth and we can
only thank God that we have shelter and pray for
those who have none"
"Amenl" responded Ruric. ferventy.
After this the trio remained some minutes silent,
seeming be busy In listening to the storm notes
that came pealing about the cot. The wind high
and the snow now came dashing upon the windows
with dreary, melancholy sound. The meal was at