The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1885-01-30
CHAPTER MI.
THE NAME OF THE MAN.


He looked at me with an expression
in his eyes which passed at once from
hopelessness to bewilderment. He
seemed to be uncertain whether it was
a phantom or man he was looking at.
He rose to his feet in a dazcd. stupciied
way, and stood face to face with me,
whilst his wretched fellow-prisoners
pressed curiously around us.
MIR Vaughan Here! In Siberia
he said, as one not believing his own
senses.
Il came from England to see you.
This is the prisoner l am looking for, E"
l said, turning to the officer who stood
at my side, mitigating to some extent
the nervousness of the atmosphere by
the cigarette he pulled vigorously.
Il am glad you have found him." he
said politely Now the sooner we
get outside the better; the air here is
unhealthy"
Unhealthy! 1t was fetid! 1 was
filed with wonder. as / looked ut the
bland French-speaking Captain at my
side, at the state of mind to which a
man must bring himself before he
could calmly stand in the midst of hi,
fellow-creatures and see such misery
unconcernedly-couid even think he
was but doing his duty. Perhaps he
was. 1t may be the crimes of the
prisoners forbade sympathy. But. oh!
to stand there in the midst of those
poor wretches. turned for the time into
little more than animals! l may be
wrong. but it seems to me that the
iailer must have harder heart than
the worst of his captives!
Il can see him-talk to him alone?'
l asked.
Certainly; so You are authorized
to do. am soldier: YOU in this mat.
ter are nv superior officer
May take him to the inn?'
Il think not. l will find Jon room
here. Please follow me. Phew! that
is relief.
We were now outside of the prison
door and breathing fresh air once more.
The Captain led me to kind of office,
dirty and furnished barely enough,
but paradise compared to the scene
we had just quilted.
..Wait here: will send the prisoner
to YOU
As he turned to leave me, thought
of the miserable, detected appearance
Ceueri had presented Let him be the
greatest villain in the world. could
not keep from wishing to do some little
thing to benefit him.
Il may give him food and drink"
asked.
The Captain shrugged his shoulders
and laughed good-temperedly.
He ought not to be hungry. He has
the rationS which Government says are
sufficient. But then YOU may be
hungry and thirsty. If so, i do not
see how l can stop you sending foI
wine and food-of course for yourself. -
j thanked him and forthwith dis
patched my guide in quest of the best
wine and meat he could get. Wine
when ordered by gentleman, means
in Russia but one thing-champagne
At an inn of any standing champagne,
or at least its substitute. wine of the
Don. NAV be procured. Nv mes =cnger
soon returned with bottle OF the real
beverage and n good supply of cold
meat and white bread. As soon as il
was placed on the rough table. a tai
soldier le in my expected guest.
l placed my chair for Ceneri. into
which he sank YEARLY. As he did SC
| Eeard the jingle of the irons on his
legs. Then | told my interpreter &c
leave Us. The soldier, who no doubt
had received his orders, saluted me
gravely and followed his example.
He had somewhat recovered from his
stupcfaction, and rs he looked at me,
l saw an eager, wistful expression OF
his face. Drowning as he was, no
doubt he caught at the straw of my
unexpected appearance. thinking il
might assist him to freedom. Perhaps
it was to enjoy moment or two
frightened by the faintest or wildes.
CLEAN of hope, made him pause before
he spoke to me.
81 have come long, long wsy to Sea
you DIR. Ceneri," l began.
IF the way seemed hong 20 you.
what has it been to me? You can re-
turn when you like to frsedom and
happiness.
Crn mn 1