The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-07-20

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said, at the same time wiping the
blood away, which was flowing free-
ly,
''But why not probe the wound
now" suggested Che monk. Now
is the best time, for the place is not
yet innamed, and while he is thus in-
sensible he viii be free from pain"
The surgeon at once saw the
truth and propriety Of this, and he
proceeded to act upon the sugges-
ton. Having selected a probe which,
appeared applicable, he examined
the wound. Ruric watched him ea-
gerly and with a painful expression.
81 do not think this wound Isl
mortal" the surgeon reported as he
carefully felt his way along the
course the steel had taken. cit has
passed below the right lung and on
ly severed some Of the smaller blood
vessels. | think, with proper care.
he may recover" II
"Thank Godw fervently ejaculat-
ed Ruric, with his hands clasped.
"But why so anxious ?" asked Ur-
zen. "You were ready enough toi
accept his challenge"
cave, else YOU would have called
me coward" returned the gunmak-
or, with a flashing eve. clad l re-
fused to III at him that fatal word
would have met me at every turn. Il
knew that such man as he was no
cope for me at any game where
strength Of arm and sleight Of hand
were required So / meant to dis
arm him and then give him up his
life, believing that such move
would end the combat. You know,
how | labored to spare him. But Il
could not. Yet | would not have the
life of fellow being, countrymans
upon my hands in such a quarrel
Ny father died fighting for his conn
try, and so would / die if my death
must come from the hand Of man
But to die thus would be curse
upon my name, and to inAict suck
death upon another would be a curse
in my memory"
81 believe you, my son." the monk
said "0nly if the count dies YOU
should not allow such feelings as
you mention to overcome you. In
no way are you to blame for this"
"True. father. You speak truly
added the surgeon. "The young
man has acted most nobly, and no
blame can be attached TO him"
Ruric seemed somewhat relieved
by these assurances, and, having
seen the counts wound dressed and
assisted in bearing the inscnsible
form to the sledge, he took Alaric's
proifered arm and proceeded to his
own team.
"Who is that monk" asked the
lieutenant as they entered their
sledge
81 only know that he is called
Vladimir" returned Ruric 81 have
only seen him once before. Have
you ever seen him ere this 2"
"Ycs; several times about our bar
racks. He has been there when
some Of our poor fellows have been
sick and dying. He seems to be a
good hearted man and, ! Judge,
quite intelligent
Il agree with You there" orr hero
said. 81 think he is a good man. but
there is nevertheless mystery
about him which ! cannot solve
Ills countenancc is familiar TO me-
and vet cannot tell where nor when
j have seen linn.
ave added Alaric quickly and
eagerly, chat is precisely lie case
with me. lam very sure that have
seen that man under different cir
cumstances. And others of our com
pany have thought the same"
The two men watched the move
mcnts Of the monk while they thus
spoke, and they noticed that he en-
tered his slcdge and drove off to-
ward Borodino
"Ruric," said the lieutenant after.
they had ridden some little distance
and at the same time gazing won
deringly into his companions face
"you handle the sword like a magi-
clan. BY my soul, I'd give all | own'
at this present moment. my commits
sion and all, il | could handle the
sword as you can"
81 do understand the weapon
passing WE'LL" returned the YOUTH
modestly. "but I have worked hard
to gain the science
"Ah, It's not all science" the Off
Ger added. "That wondrous strength
Of yours is host in itself"
"And yet, aid Buric. ~ have
seen weaker men than myself who
would overcome me easily or, at
least, who might overcome me-"
"But they were not in this city,"