The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1894-11-29

| Emperor Nicholas led a very sim
| pie life His WorkrOom contained the
| commonest furniture. He slept on an
iron field bed, and had only one blanket
to cover himself with. His coats and uni
forms, although often well worn, were
always notable for their cleanliness.
| While he was most exacting in having
all ceremonies and festivities carried
out with the utmost pomp and display,
| he was, when it concerned his own per-
son, most Indifferent. For some DAYS
he had become impatient. He was
waiting for news from the Crimea, and
as the days wore on his Impotence
turned into anxiety, and vague fear
overcame him.
The couriers were instructed to OBJ
serve no ceremony. They had to re-
port themselves Immediately, in their
travel-stained garments, to the en-
perOrs adjutant. Should they arrive
during the night, the emperor mad to
be Weakened.
1t was noon when Apraxin arrived at
the palace.
He assembled the stairs leading to the
emperor's workroom and reported to
the ad iutant: "A courier from the field
of battle"
THANK Godr' exclaimed the ad-
jntant, that You are come at last The
emperor is beside himself for want of
news. What are thcy?"
Pad" replied Apraxin, scarcely
audibly.
The adjutant turned pale and stared
hard at the courier. He controlled him
self, however. and entered the en-
peror's room.
Your majesty" announced he, "a
courier from the field of battle"
Let him come in" said the emperor.
'Quicls! Where is hep
Count Apraxin entered: the colossal
figure of the emperor rose up.
''Quick!' said he, what news do YOU
bring? Where are you from?"
II come from the Alma, sent BY
Prince Mentshykoff.'
well, what have you to report?"
ga battle was fought, your majesty"
when and where?"
''On the Goth of September; the
Turks, French and English attacked
us at the river Alma The enemy was
considerably stronger"
WELL" interrupted the emperor.
why do you hesitate? Proceed What
matter IS it if they were stronger? How
did the battle end?''
''We were defeated" gasped Apraxin.
"We had to leave the way open to them
to Seyastopol and sink the feet in the
Sevastopol harbor."
The emperor stood as if struck by
lightning Hesgrasped the back of the
chair, and stood holding on to it. Then
he rushed towards the unfortunate
courier, and cried:
You lie, scoundrel You lie. Nv
troops never fly. Never.'
With his fist raised in the air. he
glared at the major.
II have told the truth, your maies-
ty," said Apraxin. Eve had to retreat
70 Balaclava; perhaps we will be able
to cover the south side of the fortress"
The tsar turned away and sank in
an armchair. He then buried his face
in his hands and sobbed audibly. At
last he moaned:
"Beatenl My soldiers flying! The
Russian army beaten.'
The emperor's body shook as if
seized with ague Dumb and notion
less stood the major at the door. Mich
olas seemed to be unaware of his nres-
ence. At last his eye fell upon him.
lie raised himself, pale as ashes. and.
tightly COMPRISING his lips, approached
ApraXln, and tore his epaulettes from
his shoulders
You are degraded henceforth." cried
he. ITO Siberia with you. | will
never look upon the man more who
brought me these tldings." He there
upon opened the door. and commanded
the adjutant: Away with this de-
graded man to Siberia, instantly!' Then
he reentered his room, and locked him
Self IN, without giving anyone admit
lance until the ensuing day. Not even
the members of his family dared dis
turb him. He took no nourishment:
they only heard him sobbing and moan
ing.
Greatly distressed, Apraxin entered
the chamber of the adjutant, who
pressed his hand, and then led him
away out of the reach of the angry