The herald., 1893-06-29

II must sec him now, tell you," Pc
trof persisted. ut is life or DEATH Go,
rs bid you"
Guessing from Norvitslzi's manner that
something serious did demand his mas
tar's attention, the servant obeyed, and
Petroff five minutes later was entering
the room where the comte, in dressing
gown and slippers, sat upon the edge Of
his bed sleepily rubbing his eyes and
considerably exasperated at his inter
rupted nap.
What do you want, fellow" cried he
nngrily as Petrof entered. what mean
yon by disturbing me at this unseem1y
hourY
ITO secure your safety, sir. perhaps"
Petroff answered boldly, and in a few
words told his story. The comte, when
Petroff finished, was no longer yawning,
but angry and alert.
WELL" said he, ''if that isn't impu-
dencel Once, some years ago, the Krosli
pass brigands caught me and made me
pay round price for freedom, but who
would have dreamed of their venturing
to the castle to try the gamo again?
This time, if know myself, we'll turn
the tables!"
And the comte ierked the bell. The
same man that had answered Petroff's
knock and Weakened the comte answered
the summons and was told the details.
There's no use fousing the house.
master" said he, ''unless you order it.
We three can manage them. They can
get in only by the scullery windows, and
we'll have them when they enter the
house."
Aplan arranged, they noiselessly start
ed below stairs, the comte carrying a
lantern over which he had thrown
cloak to hide it's rays. Taking their
stand in cautious silence, they feverishly
awaited events. AS the castle clock
struck /, as If it had been signal, file
was heard swiftly and nearly noiselessly
cutting the iron grating. In short time
a section of grating was out, and wolf
like tread was heard in the darkness
followed quickly by another. AS the
muffled feet drew near the door leading
above the brigands found themselves
suddenly covered with light and the
yawning inuzzles of three cavalry PTS
tolls. Resistance was useless. Three
men were more than a match for two
They helplessly suffered themselves to be
bound, disarmed and thrown like bun
die of fagots in the corner to await the
arrival Of the officers the next morning
"Norvitski, my friend" said the cointe,
you have saved my life possibly and
are rich man besides. Twenty, thou
sand rubles reward has been offered for
the capture of these men, dead or alive,
two of the most desperate brigands and
wretches that ever cursed Russia. TWEEN
ty thousand rubles reward, Of which
you, Norvitski, shall have every kopeclz
Why, man, what are you crying about"
For joy, my lord, Petroff responded
and breathlessly told his sad story.
II could not see them starve, my wife
and babies, good comte," he cried Il
was going to the iron works, but now,
thanks to the Blessed Virgin, can re-
turn to my home. to Katrina. to the
children, whom | never expected to see
again"
Exactly said the conte, "and in
one of my finest sledges too"
The establishment Of the villagers
when this splendid equipage with furs,
footmen, outriders and jingling bells
drew up to Norvitski's humble hut, and
Norvitski himself assisted by foot
man, got out-well, | leave you to
imagine it, as well as Kartinas joy,
who did not dream where her husband
had gone.
The brigands were promptly exiled to
Siberia, the reward paid in full, and to-
day If a happy man exists in Russia
Petroff Norvitsli is that one.-From
the Russian.