The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-12-07

many words 10 those who can decipher
th-sn. Moreover. tempered by snow
like Damascus blade Ia the waters of
Syria. he had a frame OF iron. as Gen
eral Kissoff had said. and. what was
no less true, a heart Of gold.
The only sentiment Of love felt by
Michael Strogoff was that which he en-
tertained for his mother. the aged Mar
IA. who could never be induced to leave
the house OF the strogons at Omsk, on
the banks of the Istish. where the old
huntsman and she had lived 50 long To-
gether. When her son left her. he
went away with full heart. but prom
Using 70 come and see her whenever he
could possibly do so. and this promise
he had always religiously kept.
When Michael was twenty. Il was de-
cided that he should enter the personal
service of the emperor Of Russia, In the
corps of the couriers Of the car. The
hardy, intelligent. jealous, well con.
Quoted young Siberian first distinguish
ed himself especially In a journey 70
the Caucasus, through the midst of a
difficult country, ravaged by some rest
less successors q Schamyl; then. later
in an important mission 70 Petrepolow-
ski, In Kamchatka, the extreme limit
OF Asiatic Russia. During these long
journeys he displayed such marvellous
GOODNESS, prudence and courage as 10
gain him the appreciation and protec
ton of his chief. who rapidly advanced
him in his profession.
The Burroughs which were his due
after these distant missions. although
he might be separated from her by
thousands of versts and winter had
rendered the roads almost impossible
he had never failed TO devote TO his
old mother. Having been much EN-
ployed in the south OF the empire, he
had not seen old Maria for three years
three ages-the first time IN his lie
he had been so long absent from her
Now. however, in few days he would
obtain his Nfurlough, and he had ne.
cordlngly already made preparations
for departure for Omsk when the
events which have been related oc-
Cured. Michael Strogoff was there
fore introduced into the cars presence
in complete ignorance Of what the en-
peror expected from him.
The ear, apparently satisfied with
his scrutiny. went 10 his bureau and.
motioning TO the chief of police to seat
himself. dictated in a low voice a letter
of not more than few lines. The let
ter penned. the ear reread IL attentive
ly and then signed II, preceding his
name with these words. "Byt 20
semon," (which. signifying $50 be IT,"
constitutes the decisive formula of the
Russian emperors.
The letter was placed in an envelope.
which was sealed with the imperial
arms.
The car. rising. told Michael Stro.
goff to draw near
Michael advanced a few steps and
then stood motionless. ready TO an
swer.
The ear again looked him full in the
face, and their eyes met Then In an
abrupt tone:
"Thy name?" he asked.
michael Strogoff. sire"
"Thy rank?'
Captain in the corps Of couriers of
the ear"
"Thou doSt know Siberian
81 am q Siberian
"a native Of
"Omsk, SIRE"
Hast thou relations thereT'
Eyes. sire"
"What re!ationsY'
my old mother
The ear suspended his questions for
a moment. then. pointing TO the letter
which he held in his hand, he said
"Ilegc Is letter which charge thee
Michael Strogoa. TO deliver into the
hands of the grand duke and to no 9th
or but him"
IL will deliver 70. SIRE"
THE grand duke is at Irkutsk."
81 VIII go to Irkutsk."
"Thou wilt have 10 traverse rebel
lious country, invaded by Tartars.
whose interest 1t will be to intercept
this letter."
81 will traverse II"
above all, beware Of the traitor
Ivan Ogareff, who will perhaps meet
thee on the way"
IL will beware OF him"
"Wilt thou pass through OmskT
"Sire, that Is my route"
"If thou dost see thy mother, there
will be the risk of being recognized.
Thou must not sec herw
Michael Strogon hesitated moment.
IL will not see her" said he.
swear TO me that nothing will make
thee acknowledge who thou art nor
whittier thou art going"
IL swear IT,"
michael Strogoff." continued the car.
giving the letter to the young courier.
"take this letter On II depends the
safety OF all Siberia and perhaps the
life OF my brother the grand duke
"This letter shall be delivered TO bis
highness the grand duke"
Thou wilt pass whatever happensT
II shall pass. or they shall kin me"
II want thee 10 live"