The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-12-21
the berlin.

i1hh r1AE's
The postmaster gave the order to
put 70.
AS the two correspondents intended
to stop at Ichim. they had not to trou-
BILE themselves to find means Of trans
port and therefore had their carriage
put away,
In ten minutes Michael was told that
his tarautass was ready to start
Good" said he.
Then. turning 10 the two reporters,
he said;
well gentlemen. since you remain
at lchim, wish you success in the
prosecution OF your mission
what Mr.. Korpanon," said Alclde
Jolivct. shall you not stop even for an
hour at lchlmY
"No. Sir. and also wish 10 leave the
posthouse before the arrival Of berlin
which I distanced"
Are you afraid that the traveller will
dispute The horses with your
Il particularly wish 10 avoid any diff
hcnlty."
"st IS possible that We SHAH meet you
again ia few days at Omsk added
8lount
1T Is possible" answered Michael.
Since I am going straight there
well. ! wish YOU safe journey, Mr..
Korpanon'," said Alcide
Almost Immediately the sound Of a
carriage was heard outside the door
was flung open ana man appeared.
II was the traveller OF the berlin, n
military looking man. apparently about
forty years OF age tail, robust in tig-
urc broad shoudertd. with a strongly
SCI mead ami thick mustache meeting
red whiskers lie wore plain uni
form 4 cavalry saber hung al his
side, and IN his hand be held a short
handled whip.
Horses" he demanded with the air
OF man accustomed TO command.
II have no more disposable horses"
answered the postmaster, bowling.
IL must have some this moment"
1T Is impossible"
what are those horses which have
just been harnessed to the tarantass |
saw at the door,"
"They belong to this traveller" an
swercd the postmaster, pointing to Mi
chael Strogoff
'Take them outr' said the traveller
in tone which admitted Of no reply.
Michael then advanced.
These horses are engaged by me-"
he said.
what docs that matter? | must
have them. Come, be quick; have no
time TO lose"
II have no time 10 lose either re-
piled Michael endcayorng TO be- calm,
but restraining himself with difficulty.
Nadia was near him, calm also, bus
secretly uneasy az q scene which u
would have been hotter to.avoid.
"Enoughw said tie traveller
Then, going up 60 the postmaster:
Let the horses DC taken 0ut Of tie
tarantass and lat nto my BERLIN he
exclaimed, WIFI threatening gesture.
The postmaster much embarrassed,
did not know whom to obey anu looked
AT Michael, evidently had tile right
TO resist the unjust demands OF the
Traveller.
Michael hesitatpd an instant lie did
not wish ye make use Of bis podorojna,
which would have drawn attention 10
him. ald he wa most unwilling either
10y giving up l horses % delay his
journey. aud ycl q was important not
10 engage in u ,,pggle which might
compromise his mission.
The ESQ reporters looked ~ him,
ready 90 support him should lac appeal
TO thgm
my horses VIII remain ~ my ear
riage," said Michael but without rails.
Ing DOS tone moro than would De suit
abb for plain Ussk merchant
Tae traveller gEanced toward Mi
chaci aud laid his hand heavily Oh his
shoulder.
is e SOP he said IN rough voice
lyon VIII not give MP your horses q
mey
NO" answe- Sichacl
every well. ,.oa ,..ey shall belong t.
whichever Of MS is able 10 start. pe
fend yourself for | shall not spare
your
~ 81 th@ AhN AAtA ' WI Wv y hAa 'faFf a.
from its sheath, and Nadia threw her.
self before Michael
Blount and Alcide Joliyet advanced
toward him.
Il snail not fight said Michael quiet
ly, folding his arms across his chest
'You will not fighty'
mo"
"Not even after thlsT exclaimed the
traveller. and before any one could pre-
vent him he struck Michael's shoulder
with the handle of the whip. AT this
Insult Michael turned deadly pale. His
hands moved convulsIvely, as II he
would have knocked the brute down.
But by tremendous effort he master.
cd himself. A duell IL was more than
a delay; IL was perhaps the failure Of
his mission. 1t would be better TO
lose some hours. Yes, but to swallow
this affrontl
"Will you fight now, cowardr' re-
pcatcd the traveller adding coarseness