The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1901-11-21
A year and a half after her husbands

"A year ana u uatI dIIeT Qef uuSUduu b
departure Nine. Fedor died in the arms
of her daughter, who was thus left
alone and almost penniless. Nadia Fee
dor then asked and easily obtained
from the Russian government an au-
thorization to join her father at IT.
kutsk. She wrote and told him she
was starting. She had barely enough
money for this long journey, and yet
she did not hesitate to undertake it.
She would do what she could. God
would do the rest.
The next day, the 10th Of July, the
Caucasus reached Perm, the last place
at which she touched on the Kama.
The government Of which Perm Is
the capital is one of the largest in the
Russian empire and, extending over the
Ural mountains, encroaches on Sibe-
rian territory. Marble quarries, mines
Of salt, platinum, gold and coal are
worked here on large scale. Although
Perm by it's situation has become an
important town, it is by no means at
tractive, being extremely muddy and
dirty and possessing no resources. This
want of comfort is of no consequence
to those going from Russia to Siberia,
for they come from the more civilized
districts and are supplied with all nee
essaries, but to those arriving from the
countries of central Asia, after long
and fatiguing journey, it would no
doubt be more satisfactory if the first
European town Of the EMPIRE situated
on the Asiatic frontier, were better sup
piled with stores.
At Perm the travellers sell their vehi-
Giles, more or less damaged by the long
journey across the plains of Siberia.
There, too, those passing from Europe
to Asia purchase carriages during the
summer and sleighs in the winter sea-
son before starting for a several
months journey through the steppes.
Michael Strogof had already sketch
ed out his programme, so now he had
only to execute it.
A vehicle carrying the mail usually
runs across the Ural mountains, but
at the present time this, of course, was
discontinued. Even if it had not been
so, Michael Strogoff would not have
taken it, as he wished to travel as fast
as possible without depending on any
one. He wisely preferred to buy a car
riage and journey by stages, stimulat-
ing the zeal of the positions by tips.
Unfortunately, in consequence Of the
measures taken against foreigners Of
Asiatic origin, large number of trav-
elers had already left Perm, and there
fore conveyances were extremely rare
Michael was obliged to content himself
with what had been rejected by others.
AS to horses, as long as the cars cOu-
rier was not in Siberia he could exhibit
his podorojna without danger, and the
postmasters would give him the prefer
ence. But once out of European Rus
STA, he had to depend alone on the pow
er Of his rubles.
But to what sort Of vehicle should
he harness his horses?
Michael Strogoff was lucky enough to
discover tarantass.
1t is to be hoped that the invention Of
Russian coachbuilders will devise
some improvement in this last named
vehicle. Springs are wanting in it, so
it is very uncomfortable. In the alb
sence of iron. wood is not spared, but
it's four wheels, with eight or nine feet
between them, assure certain equilib-
rum over the jolting, rough roads. A
splash board protects the travellers from
the mud, and strong leather hood,
which may be pulled quite over the &C.
cupiers, shelters them from the great
heat and violent storms of the summer.
1t was not without careful search
that Michael managed to discover this
tarantass, and there was probably not
a second to be found in all the town Of
Perm. Notwithstanding that, he hag-
gled long about the price, for forms
sake. to act up to his part as Nicholas
Korpanoff, a plain merchant Of Ir-
kutsk.
Nadia had followed her companions in
his search after a suitable vehicle. Al
though the object of each was differ
ent, both were equally anxious to ar
rive and consequently to start. One
would have said the same will Animal
ed them both. |
! SISTER" said Michael, II wish :. I
could have found a more comfortable
conveyance for you" /
/ "Do. you. say that to me. brother,