Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-06-29
all the particulars. But come, let us

all the particulars. But come, let us
60 in"
Ruric found the officers, three of
them, in the kitchen, and he asked
them if they sought him.
eve seek Ruric Nevel, the gun
maker" replied the leader.
81 am the man, sir. May ] know
what is wanted?"
"Cannot you guess"
"Why, yes. | suppose it must be
on account of the duel which was
fought this morning"
Exactly"
"And who wants me"
"Who should want you but the
EMPEROR"
"Oh, they will not take my noble
boy from mel" cried Claudia, catch
ing the officer by the arm. "Tell
our good emperor that Russia has
taken my husband from me; that he
fell in his country's cause. Tell him
my boy was not to blame"-
"Hush, mother" interposed Ru-
ric. 'Fear not yet"
"Come," said the leader. 'lt is
growing late, and Peter will not
brook delay"
'But they will not harm himp'
the mother frantically cried, cling
ing now to her son.
"No, no, my mother. Rest you
easy here until l return" And then,
turning to the guard, he added
"Lead on, and will follow"
"Now rest you easy, my dear
mother" And with these words
Ruric gently set her back into her
chair and then hastened out after
the officers. In the entry he put on
his bonnet and pelisse and then fol-
lowed his conductors out to the
street, where stood a double sledge,
with two horses attached.
"You seem to look upon the kill
ing of a Russian noblemen as a very
small affair."" said one of the officers
after they had started on their way:
els he dead, then?" Ruric quick
ly asked.
"The doctors think his case crit
ical one. But that is not the thing.
You would have killed him if you
could"
"No, no. By heavens, tits not so!
All who were present will swear that
l tried to spare him."
every WE'LL" returned the officer.
owe shall see about that when we
come to the palace. Perhaps you
may 60 clear; but, upon my soul, |
would not willingly occupy your
place."
Ruric cared not to argue the point
with those who knew nothing about
the circumstances, so he remained
silent during the rest of the ride. 1t
was near sundown when they reach
ed the imperial palace, and Rurlc
was conducted ut once into the en-
peror's presence.
The Emperor Peter was in one OF
the smaller audience chambers, sit
ting at large table covered with
purple velvet heavily wrought with
gold, and upon either hand stood
some of his private attendants. He
was a young man, not yet so cid as
Ruric by some three years, but his
face already wore a mature look.
His frame was solid, but not large,
being rather slight than otherwise
in physical bulk. His dress betrayed
negligence and carelessness and was
in marked contrast with the rich
garbs OF his attendants. Such was
Peter of Russia, yet a youth, small
in frame and careless of those graces
which go to make up the sum of
court life, but still able to bear the
affairs of a great nation upon his
shoulders. Within that head work
ed a mighty brain, and in that bos-
ON beat heart thirsting more for
the good of Russia than for self or
kindred.
Ruric saw Stephen Urzen and the
surgeon there, and he also saw the
Duke of Tula there. He met the
dukes eye, and a peculiar sensation
of fear ran through his mind as he
saw the stern, threatening express
sion that rested upon Olga's face.
"Sire," spoke the leader of those
who had conducted the prisoner
thither, "Ruric Nevel stands before
you"
"Ah," uttered Peter, casting his
eagle eye over the forms before him.
"Nevel, advance"
With a bold yet modest step Ruric
advanced to the table, and, with a
low bow, he awaited the emperor's
pleasure. There was IA shudder per-
ceptible in the frames of those who
wished the prisoner well, for well
they knew their mighty rulers iron
will and sternness of legal purpose.
TO BE CONTINUED.