Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-10-02

AioelO wv ACo, Ii you KNEW WHO am, you
would regret your words. might cause you
great deal Of trouble"
''Well, who are you?" said the Cossack.
why styled himself Ardalion
who am II" answered Yernac And
without further hesitation, resolved to re-
call the Cossacks to their duty at any price
he added, in tone Of authority: Il am the
chief of police of Yakoutskln
''Ah! that is very goodI" cried Ardalion
giving Yermac a rough tap on the shoulder.
''He don't wish US to drink! Heavens. and
earth - said the other Cossack. Il am a
son of a gun if he himself has not already
left his reason at the bottom of his cup!"
Il will make you repent of your inso-
lencc!" cried the chief Of police
He has wicked vodlzi in him!n observed
Nicolai
THE devil is at his shoulderl" said Ardal-
ion
''Let Us speak no more Of him" resumed
NicOlai: 1--WE can get no good out of him."
''Will you allow them, Monsieur Semenof
Monsieur Toumanof, should say-to in
suit ne in your presence?"
Great heavens, Monsieur! an used nv
self TO suffering so many thingsl"
"Come, let US have peace :" cried the dane,
ing-master; and let us all drink CUP as a
token of sincere reconciliation"
The Cossacks, very willing to obey. were
already extending their wooden goblets.
Nicolai even said to NJ La1eur: Precisely
SO, your Highnessr' AS for Ardalion he
made this proverbial remark: 'tOne does
not get the headache when one drinks at the
expense of others"
II. Lafeur first filled the chief of police's
cup. Yermac, furious at the role they were
making him play, hurled the liquor into the
fire which was warming and smo,zing the
yOlrte, and blue fame shot up suddenly
from it.
''DUt can you not sec" said ne to the SOL
diers, ''that they wish to make you drunk tc
play trick upon you?"
The Cossachs looked at each other One
scrat@Aed the nape of his neck and the other
his back.
at is true! Why do not they them
selves drinks" asked Ardalion of his COM
rade
M. Lafsur, who had just poured out vodki
for the two Yakoutes, kept in reserve by
him until then to be brought forward at the
proper time, turned them loose upon the
COsSacks. The latter then, ceasing to be
suspicious, demanded more liquor, impa-
patiently striking their cups against the
huge stone which served as table.
Before so much noise, Nadege fed with
Ladislas to the extremity of the yourte.
Yermac made last effort.
my friends" said he to the Coss aclhs,
summon up all your remaining GOODNESS
and try to understand me-"
The dominican of Samogitia is going to
teach us the catechism," said Ardalion.
HE is like the thirsty fy-~no way to get
rid OF him." added Nicolai.
''As true as l exist, your lives are, per
haps, at stake resumed Yermac.
But the two COssaclls were no longer in
condition TO understand him. They be
gan to uttera sorts of pleasantrics. Final
ly, drunk with noise, excitement and liquor,
they retired to lie down in corner of the
yourte.
''You have carried your point!" said the
chief of police, addressing Yegor.
"Perhaps!' said the latter in a low tone.
He seemed to be afraid of awakening the
two soldiers. At sign he gave M. Laf1eur,
Nadege and Ladislas, each of them noise
lessly made some arrangements to sleep;
but Yegor and NJ Lafeur slept with one eye
element, he walked back and forth across
the yOurte.
At length, being able to control himself
no longer he went towards the Cossacks to
arouse them; but one of them-Ardalion-
somewhat refreshed by his short nap, open
ed his eyes and shook his companion, to
whom he spoke in a whisper.
They arose and the chief of police thought
he might possibly make them understand
him
Nicolai made him mysterious sign, as
he went with the tread Of wolf, followed
by his companion, towards the entrance of
the yourte. It was an invitation to accom-
pany them.
Yermac obeyed, despite the terrible cold
which reigned without.
I'm which marta do they keep the supply
Of vodka" NicOlai asked him. 1--WE must
have another little drink while the rest
sleep"
But you have already drunk too much !"
cried the chief Of police. Take care as to
what you are about to do! You will bring
ruin down upon your heads!"
''You are beginning againl We will find
1t well enough without you," said Nicolai,
Struggling his shoulders.
Meanwhile, the other Cossacl1 was search
ing in one OF the nartas. He was in luck,
and speedily found the object of their de-
sires-a huge bottle of liquor. He seized it,
uttering a cry of JOY, and returned to the
yourte with his companion. Yermac walk
ed behind them, determined TO try once
more.
Listen" said he; "you have committed
robbery"
mot so loudl" said Ardalion; ''you will
awaken themm
''But let the robbery gol" resumed Yer
mac eff you will heed me, you will not
drink further, and will not put yourselves
in such state as to unfit you for the per-
Torrance Of your duty, your service"
81 believe he is going to begin to teach US
over again!" observed Nicolai.
And adroitly uncorking the bottle, he lift
ed its neck to his mouth and greedily took
several swallows.
ct is my turn !" cried the comrade snatch
ing the bottle from him without ceremony.
Don't guzzle all of it," exclaimed Nico-
lai, as Ardalion drank without taking
breath.
''Here-take it! make you present Of
the rest" said the latter; giving vent to
deep sigh.
And, with an uncertain step, he went to-
wards the spot where. few moments be-
fore he had been lying,
Termac strove to seize the bottle which
| the other Cossack, doubtless, was about to
empty.
"Do you want drink" suffered the lat
ter, offering it to him.
''No: do not want drink, wretch!"
said Yermac II want to save you from
ILL i'll for. ~