Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1892-09-15
FATHER AND SON.

-lO>uhu AS u HldtteT ol lttct, IL
was the outcome OF the panic that had
seized the officials, and which every now
and again breaks out like an epidemic in
Russia. Sc sensitive is the official mind to
the mcrcSt whisper oftreason or plot, that
wholesale arrests and bnnishmen,s are the
result In this case, however, the Chief OF
the Police, Peter Alexietf, urged on by his
patron and supporter, Count Nicholas
Suvorof needed but the tlinsiest excuse to
swoop down on the Jews. against whom
the spies and hirclings pointed as engaged
i'll plot and having once got them III his
power, it was the easiest thing imaginable
to manufacture evidence against them. 1t
But, though Ivan had not brought
about his rivals fall he rejoiced
thereat, for Fate was favorins him,
SO he thought, and his hope of VIM
ming Rachel would yet become truition.
He allowed three or tour weeks to pass. how
ever, before he made any attempt to see
her; and then he went to Aramas house
Now, Arama being aware OF what had
taken place between his daughter and Ivan
on the night of the ball, and how Moslka
had intcriered, and how angry and fiery
words and dark threats had been uttered
by Ivan, very naturally suspected that Ivan
might have had some handin bringing about
MoShkas imprisonment He therefore re-
ceivcd him with studied dignity and cold
ness SAYING
You rendered me service once, and the
hospitality of my house shall not be de-
ried you; and yet do lear that you cross my
threshold as al enemy and not as Il friend"
Wherefore you think SOP asked Ivan,
with a certain sharpness OF manner. as
though he were annoyed by the mere Sus-
picon.
Ivan Alexief," answered Arama, as he
stoo with his hands crossed be ore him,
and his eyes upturned, lit lies not in me to
do any man wrong, and if | wrong you
by word or deed, my sin will not be wilful
deed, and it can find no lasting record in
Heaven. But my thought is this. that
it is through you that we have lost Imam
ski, and that Rachel mourns as for one
that is dead. and refuses to be comtorted.'
''By my honor, you do wrong ME" cx-
claimed Ivan with strength OF emphasis
belief II say again and again you wrong
me-" continued tIvan with increased
warmth; land i'll speak not the truth, may
my tongue be palsied'
II dare not doubt you now. Give me
your hand" said Arama, with a cordiality
of expression that left no doubt othis
Stay" responded Ivan and he dew
back q pace or two. LET us understand
each other. l strike no man in the dark
nor behind his back; and no one neither
Jew nor Gentle, shall say that Ivan
Alexieff is coward. In no way, either
directly or Indirectly have been instru-
skis fall. But | rejoice at it. Nay. scowl
not at me so. He was my rival being my
rival, he was mine enemy; and being mine
enemy, l am filled with JOY that he can no
more come between ME and the objec; of
my devotion"
This is strange and unjustifable Ian
"Wherefore unjustifiableo Does not the
justification lie in your daughter?'
But her love is given to Moshka; where
fore seek that which it is impossible to
gain?" said Aaron sternly.
II deny that l seek the impossible
Moshka Umanski is condemned to hard
labor in the island of SakhalIn. Few men
who 60 to Sakhain ever come back. There
fore Moshka is dead to Rachel y woman
may nurse dead love for time, but in
the end her heart warns into life again. I
would WOO her. Give ME leave, and l will
strive to win her fairly; but failing 1 will
honestly confess my, defeat, and you shall
hear Of me no more
Aaron was evidently deeply moved and
troubled. He could not lail to be i'm.
pressed by VANS sincerity. but he
loved Moshka. and yet he knew
that Ivan had spoken terrible truth
when he said that but few men came b. k
from the living grave OF Sakhaln. IT Mosh-
ka had not been II Jew it might not have
been impossible by means of heavy brides
to get his sentence reduced if not reversed
altogether; but the law having fastened it
grip on a Jew chung with the tenacity OF
the deviltish, and nothing could make its
release its hold. Aaron knew all this, and.
knowing it, te.t that it were worse than
follv to hope that Rachel and Moshka
couldnow ever be united. Presently he
spoke in answer to Ivan, and these were
lis words:---
l am Rachels father, and my child's
wealth; and I would not have her love
cling to q, dead thing. But though in the
fulness of time she may wall no more for
Moshka, there is a gulf between you and
her.
How mean you?' asked Ivan quick
"You are Christian, she is a Jew
"But there is no law, either human or
divine, which prevents q Christian and a
Jewess from marrying"
"True, true" nut cred Aaron, in an
absorbed way; and pacing the room for a
while. he seemed much troubled. II am
is old too, and soon we shall be called up
ON to lay down the burden oflite. But
before the end comes I would do much to
insure my child's happiness. And yet how
is that to be done? Alas. know not, for
the heart OF man is tase. Moshka was
true, though; aye true as the pole-star 10
the north, but he is dead to us now, dead
deadw
The old Jew was much affected; his
voice had grown unsteady, and he pressed
his handkerchief to his eyes.
Yes" Moshka is dead to you." remark
ed Ivan, land I would take his place
give me leave to WOO your daughter
MY daughter shall speak Tor herself"
cried Aaron II will fetch her, and out of
her own lips shall you know her
mind"
He hurried from the room, returning
shortly with Rachel leaning ON his arm.
Her face wore look Of ineffable sorrow
and her eyes were filled with an expression
OF yearning sadness. As she came into the
room and beheld Ivan. she shuddered and
dung closer to her father, who had not
told her that Ivan was there.
ssYou see that she shoulders in your pres
cnce and shrinks from you'll" said Aaron.
..Why is 1t SO, Rachel?' asked Ivan.
'.Whereiore do you ask ME? Let yonr
49,, nnn aci anco Ansue.O