Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-06
CHAPTER XXXIV.

One of those beautifully clear and silen
| nights which iorms one of the charms o
Siberia had gradually sunk the forest int
deep darkness. The highroad which the eye
could follow for miles and miles across the
vast level plain, was deserted. At dis
tance only now and then was heard the
tinkling of little bell, the forerunner of a
vehicle, of which as yet nothing could be
seen. It was ScheIm on his return tc
Siberia.
Schelm entered the room in which few
weeks ago his power had made such
lamentable shipwreck. The walls still bore
witness of the fight that had taken place
here, and near the window, where Caroline
had tried to set the house on fire, a pool had
formed, over which beetles were busily
swarming to and fro. AT the sight of the
room Schelm could not help comparing his
former greatness with his actual position.
He sat down on a chair that stood near the
open window and looked down upon the
quiet, peaceful waters of the Angara
II still have my freedom and my fortune;
but they want me to close my lie in strict
retirement. The fools! A man such as 1 am
never leaves his post, least OF all after de-
feat. They will hear from me yet, war;
rant! General Lanin has evidently exceeded
his authority; he has let this band OF rob-
bers escape unpunished, although they had
manliestly rebelled against the Cur; and
ne has pardoned their leader, who publicly
lnsulted the name of the Gar. That is quite
enough to give me a standing point for nv
future meaSuresp'
AT that moment a stranger seized his arm
"Schelm! Do you fancy 1 have forgiven
you aud felt pity for you, as the others seem
to have done?"
Seheim was dumfounded; he recognized
Miller with terror. He was going to call
Ior help, but he was not given time for it
Two men had, in the meantime, Jumped
through the window into the room, and in a
moment he was fettered. Miller looked at
hlm and laughed aloud. Before the door
the positions also were heard laughing, as
they harnessed the horses
Miller gave sign, and instantly the
bound man was lifted up, passed through
the open window, and received on the out
side by two other men stationed there.
Miller, with his two companions. followed
him in the same way. and quickly all of
them hurried down to the bed OF the Angara,
Here on the river bank, they found sad
died horse. The exiles tied Schelm securely
70 the saddle, without removing the hand
kerchief with which they had gagged him.
Miller again silently watched the proceed
were ready he leaped ON his horse and said:
"Goodby, my iriendsp'
The exiles spurred their horses, climbed
the rocks and were soon out OF sight. Miller
alone pushed his horse into the river. The
moon was peacefully siivering the waters
of the quiet river; all around silence
reigned, and only Miller's horse, bravelv
breasting the waves, snorted and splash I'd
the waters in an uncanny, grue-
some way. Schelm's pale ace, marked
with the still blood-red marks of his punish
ment, were turned 10 heaven as his back
touched the-water. His eye met the glance
Of his adversary and he closed il.
II almost think, dear Schelm," said
Miller, that since our schooldays you and
have never been quite SO near to each
other. What fate do you think is awaiting
you? You must bear in mind, dear col
league, that l have much to complain OF in
which you are concerned. You have in
lured many men, but they were weak or
good-natured men, who forgave you or dis
dalned to avenge themselves. When 1
heard that they were sending you home un- |
punished, and that these people, intoxi- |
Gated with the effect of their regained hap |