The morning call., 1890-04-06


burg as with pail The gas-lamps had
not yet been lighted in the streets and on
the square adjoining the Blue Bridge the
semi-circle of lamps was still dark; only
here and there a faint ray OF light came
through the show-windOws Of the large
stores on the wharf, which were always
: lighted early
The long passages in the Ministry of the
Interior we're deserted. Here and there a
lamp suspended from the smoke-blackened
and vaulted ceiling gave little light and
much bad smell. On dirty bench, carved
by awkward. idle hands, humble official
snOred aloud.
1t might be o'clock. The offices on either
side of the passages. resembling cells, were
almost all closed. Only now and then ray
of light pierced the keyhole and showed a
belated occupant. At one place, where the
passage was wider, another bench contained
a second Waterman. an old soldier, who was
asleep. The whole vast building was silent
as the grave, for the office hours had just
come to an end and nearly all the officials
had gone home.
Suddenly the sleeping invalid started up;
ar unusual noise, coming from the broad
staircase, had frightened him out Of his
sleep The quick steps OF 4 man ap-
preached, spurs ratified and a sword
The soldier listened in surprise and the
walls Of the building seemed TO be similarly
impressed, for they echoed the noise in a
low, subdued tone, as if they meant to pro-
test and complain. The old guardsman was
not long left in doubt; he smoOthed his
slightly diSOrdered hair, Strengthened him.
self into the shape OF a lamp-nOst and in this
prescribed posture awaited the new conner.
Soon the dim light Of the lamp showed an
l1tA mn wi hq G VT an
now stood before the old soldier.
lie was man OF gigantic stature; his
features were hard and in his eyes resolute
courage shone brightly. His beard was Jet
black. The whole face produced an impress
sion Of stern severity. An ominous, iron
zeal smile played now and then around his
narrow, pale lips. In his whole carriage
insoience was reflected; IN every gesture
bOundleSs pride.
He saw the soldier in the uncertain light
and called out CURLY, IN tone Of COM
mand:
u must see the Minister"
Your EXcelency viii please walk down
the corridor. There is an officer down there
VINO viii take you to the Minister"
How they make US run about before we
can ind one of these buTeaGcratS," the Of
dcer growled angrily.
&c As he disappeared around a corner in the
passage the old soldier stretched himself out
again on his bench, saying:
That must be somebody-he has not 4
The officer soon reached the other bench.
but here also the sleeper had been reused,
hearing the ringing of spurs and the short
conversation with the watchman. As, how
ever, there was certain hatred existing at
that time between the military and the civil
services, he pretended to be still asleep
The Colonel made more mise as he ap-
preached and knocked with his sword
against the walls of the narrow passage;
the official seemed to hear nothing The
officer saw himself compelled to shake him
not very gently.
Sir!' he cried angrily. "You, sirr'
The official, thus stirred up, rose slowly.
g How can l serve you?"
fee"
The official shrugged his shoulders con-
temptuously.
The Minister'S? 1 crave your pardon!
a nice desired He is not here-for the
present moment. Those who have any
thing to do with him must demand an
audience"
The Colonel looked anything but pa
tient AS the official spoke to him in
somewhat bold tone of voice, and did not
ny any means crInge, as many did, his eye
OroWs tWltched very omluouSly. UufOr-
tunately the official smiled. This was
more than the officer could endure; he
seized the unfortunate man of the pen by
the ear and pulled him up violently.
H. can see the Minister at all times!
Do you hear?' he exclaimed furiously.
Fhe poor man yelled with pain.
Help! help! Save me?" he cried in de-
spair
'Hushp' broke in the officer. I am
Colonel Palkin, aid-de-camp of the head of
tile gendarmesr
The official was silent instantly. The
name OF the head OF the gendarmeS, per-
son who IN the reign of Emperor Nicholas
was omnipotent, was terror for everybody.
The unfortunate man of the pen turned
deadly pale and tried to suppress his groans,
although the Colonel still held his ear. A
whole long minute he continued this torture
and finally he let MIN go, saying:
y gu see, the Minister must always be at
home for me; make haste, therefore, and
announce ME and then you may nope that
shall forgive youp'
The man assumed humble and devoted
Your ExceHency." he said, almost cry
ing, Il told you the truth. At this hour the
Minister is never here"
Then send word to him that | am wait
ing for him.
= we do not know where to find him. But
if your Excellency have very urgent bust
ness, the head of the Division for Political
Affairs, the Ministers alter ego, has not yet
left
The Colonel interrupted him eagerly.
That is Schelnl is it not?'
''Ye s, your EXcellencv."
i am not an Excellency. You can show
me proper respect without giving me titles
that | do not own"
" cry well, your colonel"
And now announce me quickly TO
The official opened n door nearly opposite
the bench and showed the Colonel into n
large room, saying humbly:
Colonel condescend to wait moment
We'll! Make hastel have no time to
lose -0 ~
The aid Of the head of the gendarmes
walked up and down the vast apartment,
chewing his mHstache almost fereeIy'
Three minutes had passed; his impatience
was ylslbly growing and showing itself
very clearly when the door opened, and the
man Of the pen said
pray, ColOnel-P
= Behind table, covered with documents
ana papers OF all kinds, sat Mr.. Onophri
Senelm, head OF the Division of Political
AFFAIRS under his Excellency the Minister
OF the Interior, Count Perowski His study
was large and comfortable the furniture
covered with green velvet; thick curtains
ana porlieres at all the rooms and windows;
a -tAiek carpet covered the floor. Two enor-
NOUS paintings, represen ting Alexander |
aud Nicholas !, looked down upon desk
IN oak, standing in the center of the room.
a mysterious. dim light reigned in the
apartment; ahalf-eoyered lamp on the writ
Ing table and iiickering fire on the hearth
alone Int up these dark walls. out of which
tie stern figures of the Cars of all the Rus
slas seemed to step forth.
Mr.. Sehelm was still young; he could
hardly be more than So but his features
looked worn full of wrinkles and without
expression; his complexion was yellow, like
parchment. and his hair carefully oiled and
brushed, could not quite conceal prema-
ture badness. His small gray ewes Looked
Keen ana sharp around him. Herr Schelm.
heweyer, subdued his glances by wearing
large spectacles.
When the head of the division was alone
he frequently took off his glasses TO wipe
the perSpiration which continually shone
on his face. Then Mr.. Schelm looked posi
lively fearful; his eyes flashed lghtnings.
the red lids opened wide, as if they wished
to draw breath; the dark mark which the
speetacles made on his nose turned bright