Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1889-10-12

Oua&sd abcut Gfteen minutes when the
door suddenly opened and Ofncer Dura-
kolf entered. His appearance was sum-
ciently fierce 10 make the stoutest heart
quail he was . tall, powerful man.
who wore his 90 years lightly. His mus
tache, iron gray. was heavy and nerce
looking. Added to this he had dark,
piercing eyes, which seemed to search
the depths Of your inmost soul. He was
dressed IN full captains uniform,
which well became his tall, handsome
form. Such was Van Dimitrievitch
Durakofi, the man I 20 much feared and
Of whom I had heard such frightful
things.
His appearance did not at all reassure
me, and believed him capable Of all he
had been accused Of. He met me in q
very cool, dignified manner. I explained
my position to him, and begged that he
would cause me no delay, but permit me
to continue my journey as had been
doing. told him had some money
with me sufficient to pay for another
horse. I told him, 40 had his wife,
that Il was absolutely necessary for me
to be In Petersburg at the earliest posi-
ble moment. I had scarcely finished
speaking when he shouted, in voice Of
thunder: "Oh. no; that Is against the
law. You will have to remain hero un-
til your party arrives. which will be some
days yet"
At this juncture the black grouse en-
tered slowly from another room, seem.
ingly as II aware Of my danger, and, IL
possible, to assist me. Looking at the
bird in astonishment, DurakoR ex-
claimed: "What IL thatT' explained
that brought IL q present to his wife.
"Ohr' he said, taking my hand and
shaking IL, my wife is SO fond Of birds,
and she has never before had In her pos
session live black grouse. A thousand
rubles could not make her as happy rs
the presentation Of this bird" Dura-
koff's whole manner had changed; 80
there was. after all, soft side 10 his
character. This man, 30 cruel TO others,
had at least tender regard for tho part
ner OF his Joys. With q smile he turned
10 me and said: II think I can arrange
everything In satisfactory manner for
your departure. will see that you have
fresh horses and all you require until
you reach your next resting place"
He then ordered cigars and vodka to
be brought, with the remark that he kept
none but tho best liquors. The daughter
came bearing the refreshments. and at
the same time to look after tho bird. AT
my request she seated herself at the
piano and played and sang some Russian
songs. The bird, surprised at the un-
usual sound, remained perfectly motion.
less for somo minutes, Its attitude sug-
gcstive OF listening, which gave 1t very
wise look and caused much amusement.
Dinner was soon served; II was good,
and being hungry I did ample justice to
the tempting viands, washed down by
copious draughts Of vodka. Indeed. 90
much vodka did mine host force upon
me that soon found myself In scarcely
. fit condition to continue my journey.
When ready to start / caused the officers
wife much merrimcnt by my clumsiness
in getting into the tarantas
On parting with Officer Durakof he
handed me letter to the next etape
officer, and In this wise passed from
station to station. The presentation Of
the black grouse saved me forty days
on my journey and the discomfort Of
etapc prison travel. When crossing
lake Ladoga fell in with some Of my