Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1901-11-26

But all his endeav0rs were IN vain,
and he at length almost despaired Of
finding her again.
1t was now II o'clock, and Michael,
though under any other circumstances
It would have been useless, thought Of
presenting his podorojna at the office
Of the head Of police. The proclama.
ton evidently did not concern him.
since the emergency had been foreseen
for him, but he wished to make sure
that nothing would hinder his depar-
ture from the town.
Michael then returned to the other
side of the volga, to the quarter IN
which was the Office Of the head Of po-
lice.
Every one was In q hurry, for the
means Of transport would be much
sought after among this crowd OF BAN
ished people, and those who did not set
about 1t soon ran q great risk Of not
being able to leave the town In the
prescribed time, which would expose
them to some brutal treatment from
the governors agents.
Owing to the strength Of his elbows,
Michael Strogcff was able to cross the
court. But to get into the office and
up to the clerks little window was
much more difficult business. How
ever, q word into an inspectors ear and
few judiciously given rubles were
powerful enough to gain him passage.
The man, after taking him into the
waiting room, went to call the proper
clerk.
Michael Strogoff would not be long
| In making everything right with the
police and being free in his movements.
While waiting he looked about him,
and what did he see? There. fallen
rather than seated on bench, was q
girl, a prey to silent despair, although
her face could scarcely be seen. the
profile alone being visible against the
| wall.
Michael Strogoff could not be mistak-
en-. He instantly recognized the young
Livonian.
Not knowing the governors orders,
she had come to the police office to get
her pass signed. They had refused to
sign it. No doubt she was authorized
to 20 to Irkutsk, but the order was per-
emptory; It annulled all previous au-
thorizations, and the routes to Siberia
were closed to her. Michael, delighted
Mt having found her again, approached
| the girl.
She looked up for moment, and her
face frightened on recognizing her trav-
cling companion. She instinctively
rose, and. like drowning man who
clutches at a spar, she was about to
ask his help. At that moment the
agent touched Michael on the shoulder.
1.-THE head of police will see you," he
said.
"Goodw returned Michael, and with
out saying n word to her for whom he
had been searching all day, without re-
assuring her by even a gesture which
might compromise either her or HIM
self, he followed the man through the
| crowd.
The young Livonian, seeing the only
being to whom she could look for help
disappear. fell back again on her bench.
Three minutes had not passed before
Michael Strogoff reappeared. accompa-
MED by the agent. In his hand he held
his podoroJna, which threw open the
roads to Siberia for him. He again ap-
preached the young Livonian, and,
holding out his hand, SISTER" said he.
She understood. She rose as II some
sudden inspiration prevented her from
hesitating moment.
SISTER" repeated Michael Strogoff,
1--WE are authorized to continue our
Journey to Irkutsk. Will you come"
II will follow you, BROTHER" replied
the girl, putting her hand into that OF
Michael Strogoff, and together they left
the police station.
Michael Strogoff and the young L.
yonian had taken passage on board
the Caucasus. Their embarkation was
made without any difficulty. AS Is
known, the podorojna, drawn up In the
name Of Nicholas Korpanoff, authorized
this merchant to be accompanied on his
journey to Siberia. They appeared,
kherefore, to be q brother and sister
travelling under the protection or the
imperial police. Both, seated together
at the stern, gazed ut the receding
town SO disturbed by the governors
order. Michael had as yet said moth
Ing to the girl. He had not even ques-
toned her. He waited until she should
speak to him whenever that was nec'
essary. She had been anxious to leave
that town, in which but for the provi.
Dental intervention Of this unexpected
protector she would have remained I'M
prisoned. She said nothing, but her
looks spoke her thanks.
The Caucasus had been steamlng Oh
for about two hours when the young