Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-10-30
could possibly do so, and this promise
1tnrt1

he had always religiously kept.
When Michael was twenty, it was de-
cided that he should enter the personal
service of the emperor of Russia, in the
CORDS of the couriers Of the czar. The
hardy, intelligent, Jealous, well con-
Quoted young Siberian first distinguish
ed himself especially in journey to
the Caucasus, through the midst Of q
difficult country, ravaged by some rest.
less successors Of Schamyl; then, later,
in an important mission to Petrepolow.
ski, in Kamchatka, the extreme limit
of Asiatic Russia. During these long
Journeys he displayed such marvellous
coolness, prudence and courage rs to
gain him the appreciation and protec'
ton of his chief, who rapidly advanced
him in his profession.
The furloughs 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 life
he had been so long absent from her.
Now, however, In few days he would
obtain his furlough, and he had ac-
cordingly 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 car. apparently satisfied with
his scrutiny. went to his bureau and,
motioning to the chief Of police to seat
himself, dictated in q low voice q letter
of not more than few lines. The let
ter penned, the car reread 1t attentive.
" and then signed it, preceding his
name with these words, "Byt po
semon," which. signifying 80 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 czar. rising, told Michael Stro'
goff to draw near.
Michael advanced q few steps and
then stood motionless, ready to an.
swer.
The car 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 cZar."
"Thou dost know Siberia"
II am a Siberian
"a native off, 4S---.. .-... ... .-.....
"Omsk, SIRE"
"Hast thou relations thereT
eyes, SIRE"
"What relations?"
"My old mother"
The czar suspended his questions for
moment, then, pointing to the letter
which he held in his hand, he said:
"Here Is q letter which charge thee,
Michael Strogoff. to deliver into the
hands of the grand duke and to no 9th
or but him."
II will deliver 1t, SIRE"
"The grand duke is at Irkutsk."
II will go to Irkutsk."
saThou wilt have to traverse rebel
nous country, invaded by Tartars,
whose interest 1t will be to intercept
this letter"
81 will traverse It."
"Above all, beware Of the traitor
Ivan Ogareff, who will perhaps meet
thee on the way"
81 will beware Of him."
"wilt thou pass through Omsk"
"Sire, that is my route"
"If thou dost see thy mother, there
will be the risk Of being recognized.
Thou must not see her"
Michael Strogoff hesitated moment.
81 will not see her." said he.
"Swear to me that nothing will make
thee acknowledge who thou crt nor
whittier thou art going"
81 swear it."
"Aiichael Strogoff," continued the czar,
giving the letter to the young courier,
"take this letter. On it depends the
safety of all Siberia and perhaps the
life of my brother, the grand duke"
"This letter shall be delivered to his
highness the grand duke"
"Thou wilt pass whatever happens?"
81 shall pass, or they shall kill me-"
81 want thee to live"
81 shall live, and I shall pass" an.
swered Michael Strogoff.
The car appeared satisfied with Stro-
goff's calm and simple answer.
"Go, then, Michael Strogoff," said he,
"go for God, for Russia, for my brother
and for myself"
The courier, having saluted his sov.
ereign, Immediately left the imperial
cabinet and in few minutes the New
palace.
"You made a good choice there, gen.
eral," said the car.
81 think SO, SIRE" replied General
Kissoff, land your majesty may lie
sure that Michael Strogoff will do all
that O man can do"
"He Is indeed q man." said the czar.
TO BE CONTINUED.
JAPANESE CAUTION.-Among the
obo N ,o NJ of the JanapaSa on