The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1893-06-28

footsteps died in the distance. Then he
arose and dropped from the window by
which he had entered, hurried to the
castle and ratified the knocker vigorous
ly. A servant responded and inquired
what was wanted.
Your master" said PetrofT. Il must
see him Mt once"
"Return tomorrow" said the man.
THE comte's abed, fatigued by hunt
ing"
II must see him now, tell you," Pc
troif persisted. at is life or deathl Go,
as ] bid You"
Guessing from Norvitski's manner that
something serious did demand his mas
ter'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, fellowf' cried he
angrily as Petroff entered. What mean
You by disturbing me at this unseemly
hourg"
ITO secure your safety, sir, perhaps"
Petroff answered boldly, and in % 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-
dence! Once, some years ago, the Kroski
pass brigands caught me and made me
pay n round price for freedom, but who
would have dreamed of their venturing
to the castle to try the game againI
This time, If l know myself, we'll turn
the tables!"
And the comte jerked the bell. The
same man that had answered Petroff's
knocl; and wakened the comte answered
the summons and was told the details.
"There's no use rousing 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
lantern over which he had thrown
cloak to hide its rays. Taking their
stand in cautious silence, they feverishly
awaited events. AS the castle clock
struck l, as If it had been n signal, file
was heard swiftly and nearly noiselessly
cutting the iron grating. In a short time
section of grating was out, and wolf
like tread was heard in the darkness,
followed quickly by another. As the
muffied feet drew near the door leading
above the brigands found themselves
suddenly covered with light and the
yawning muzzles of three cavalry pis-
tolls. Resistance was useless. Three
men We're more than 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 comte,
you have saved my life possibly and
are u 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. Twen-
ty thousand rubles reward, of which
you, Norvitski, shall have every kopeck.
why, hlNi, WHuo are you crying hOOutl
"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. II
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 l never expected to see
again"
Exactly" said the comte, "and in
one of my finest sledges too"
The astonishmeut 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 a foot
man, got out-well, l 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 NorvitslSi is that one.--From
the Russian.