Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1898-12-08
CHAPTER 1.
The white Fox.


cliff-like walls aud lofty turrets of the
castle, ~portending a storm. But Ii was
NOT until the sun went down. and the
early winter twilight was changing In
to night that the snowiakes began to
fall.
l went to the window to watch them.
Though Ii was almost dark. the u
white of the desolate plain, for weeks
past shrouded in snow, was visible for
miles.
AS | stood there. | saw a sledge come
out from the belt Of pines to the west
ward. and approach the castle. 1t was
a shabby vehicle, drawn by a pair OF
wretched. tired horses; but IL was evil
dent that the visitor considered him
self n person OF some importance, for
be drove straight up to the principal
entrance.
The coming of a stranger was an
event at Ia eCastle of Loyna, where
weeks would often pass without the
advent of a visitor; and so tired was
of my own company, that although 1t
was none OF my business, | left my
warm room and went down 70 the hall
to see what sort of a person it was
who had braved the discOmforts OF a
sledge Journey i'm such weather, and
learn what he had come for.
When | entered the hall I found ii
empty, except for two figures. One
was the lord of the castle, Prince kro-
penski; the other was the stranger.
They were standing opposite to each
other, ii few feet apart.
Beside the tall, commanding figure
Of the Prince. the strangers person
seemed slight, almost insignificant.
Judging from his slim. well made limbs
ard spare frame, anyone would have
taken him for a man under thirty; ana
was surprised TO see that his hair was
perfectly white. Yet his face, so far
as I could see ii In the firclight, was
moi that sf aR old man.
.Herr yon Mitschka." the Prince WAS
saying, with a sarcastic accent on the
''von,'' Il have not the honor OF your
acquaintance. TO what 60 | 1--WE the
pleasure OF this yisit!'
I was crossing the hall as this was
said; and. to my surprise, the Prince,
as he observed me, made me a sign
tnat I should remain. The stranger
took no notice Of me whatever.
~ have come a long way, Prince"
said he, with dignity; and my object
Is TO pay a debt"
what do yen say"
"a debt cde from my father TO the
late Prince. gouf father"
Prince Kropenski broke into n laugh.
'"Ihis is something quite unusual,
be exclaimed. but II that is your OBJ
fect, | am sure you are very welcome
Come, Herr Won Mitschka, aud let US
lave some tea. or course. You Will
stay the nIght-in fact, If | ann not mis-
taken. the weather viii collstliin you
10 be our guest forSsome days
sPerhaps you had better hear what
have TO say. Prince. before you otter
me your hospitality.
"Well. business first, as you say.
Heath" said the Prince. g~lancing at
me. How much is this debit
"Wouid 1t not be better that we
should be ~alonegr suggested Won
Mltschka.
ION the contrary, | prefer that this
gentleman, who is, for the TIME being,
q member of my household, Should be
present." and l noticed that 4 suspi-
cious look crossed the bold features OF
the Prince. ms If ne were not quite size
of his visitors real Intentions.
'If you wish 1t, let it he so" said
Won Mitscnka; and, turning half
round. he made a stiff bow, which
returned.
.-The debt ! have come to pay he
resumed, lis not n money debt"
Il thought SCI in erected he Prince,
under his breath
"But one OF much greater import
ance."
.Indeedg.
@It Is as | have SAID. The Prince.
your father. departed TT Il uJle 50
far from his usual habit as 10 lay my
father. though a Gerflar, aLu q cfedit-
or, under an obligation. TWAS hnt an
act of simple justice on the part Of the
Prince. yet in the result, IL saved my
fathers life. III return, my father held
the large debt which the Prince owed
him as cancelled. iGa. IN addition. be
laid IT upon me that. ii ever | should
have the opportunity. / should perform
for YOU a service similar 10 that which
had been rendered him. The opportt-
nifty has come. and ] am here 10 dfs-
charge the obligation"
"AIl this Is very fine and romantic,
broke In the Prince. with a sheer,
s.but / don't see that | am likely 70 be
n single kopec the richer for II. and so
| have the less interest in the matter"
and he haughtily turned aside, as If he
rad already given this lAan more the
than his affairs deserved.
zone moment. Prince. VIII not AK
your patience long. You Inay not have
heard that you have been appointed,
or are aoout to be appointed. to the
post of military governor of the PROV
ince of yoletzka."
ssWhat?' screamed the Prince. turn
ing upon him in a moment. with a
strange mixture OF emotions glowing
In his face. There was pleasure. salts
faction. delight. triumph. and, above
and beyond these, a surprise. an amaze
ment that amounted to "
what did you sayy" he said In a
calmer voice.
Won Mitschaka repeated his state
meEt.
"You have Just been appointed to
the governorship OF yeiotzka. II the
imperial mandate has not been signed
to-day 1t Will be signed tomorrow. and
you may expect a messenger, bearing
the Czar's commands, In a few days
time.
And y0n wIEhed to be the first To
k~xr~ -. a. ~x~wuS yvcfI nm oblfoot