The Iola register., 1901-12-27

two sportsmen, after all, hunting on
the same grounds, In the same pre-
serve. That which one missed might
be advantageously secured by the 9th
er, and 1t was to their interest to meet
and converse together.
From these two correspondents Mi
chael learned that the town itself was
mcnaced by the Tartar vanguard, and
two days before the authorities had
been obliged to retreat TO Tobolsk.
There was not an officer nor soldier
left in Ichim.
On arriving at the relay Michael Stro-
gof Immediately asked for horses.
He had been fortunate in distancing
the berlin.
Only three horses were in a fit state
to be Immediately harnessed. The 9th
ers had just come in worn out from a
long stage.
The postmaster gave The order to
put to.
AS the two correspondents intended
to stop at Ichim, they had not to trou-
BILE themselves to find means of trans
port and therefore had their carriage
put away.
In ten minutes Michael was told that
his tarantass was ready to start.
"Good," said he.
Then, turning to the two reporters,
he said:
"Wcll, gentlemen, since you remain
at Ichim, wish you success in the
prosecution of your mission"
what, Mr.. Korpanoff," said Alcide
Jolvet, "shall you not stop even for an
hour at Ichim"
mo, sir, and l also wish to leave the
posthouse before the arrival Of n berlin
which distanced."
Are you afraid that the traveller will
dispute the horses with your
81 particularly wish to avoid any diff
ficulty."
1T is possible that we shall meet you
again in a few days at Omsk," added
Blopnt-
TT is possible" answered Michael.
'since am going straight there"
"Well, wish you n safe journey, Mr..
Korpanofr," said Alclde.
Almost Immediately the sound of a
carriage was heard outside, the door
was flung open and man appeared.
1t was the traveller of the berlin, n
military looking man. apparently about
forty years of age, tall, robust in fig
ure, broad shouldered, with a strongly
set head and thick mustache meeting
red whiskers. He wore n plain uni
form. A cavalry saber hung at his
side, and in his hand he held short
handled whip.
Horses" he demanded, with the air
of n man accustomed to command.
81 have no more disposable horses
answered the postmaster, bowling.
81 must have some this moment"
''It is impossible"
"What are those horses which have
just been harnessed to the tarantass l
saw at the door?"
"They belong to this traveller" an
swered the postmaster, pointing to Mi
chael Strogoff.
'Take them outw said the traveller
in tone which admitted of no reply.
Michael then advanced.
"These horses are engaged by me-"
he said.
"What docs that matter? l must
have them. Come, be quick; have nc
time to lose"
II have no time to lose either" re-
piled Michael, endeavoring to be calm,
but restraining himself with difficulty
Nadia was near him, calm also, but
secretly uneasy at a scene which II
would have been better to avoid.
Enough said the traveller.
Then, going up to the postmaster:
Let the horses be taken out of the
tarantass and put into my BERLIN" he
exclaimed, with threatening gesture.
The postmaster, much embarrassed
did not know whom to obey and looked
at Michael, who evidently had the right
to resist the unjust demands OF the
traveller.
Michael hesltated an instant He did
not wish to make use of his podorojna
which would have drawn attention to
him, and he was most unwilling either
by giving up his horses to delay his
journey, and yet 1t was important not
to engage in struggle which might
compromise his mission
The two reporters looked at him.
ready to support him should he appeal
to them.
'My horses will remain in my car.
riage," said Michael, but without rails
ing his tone more than would be suit.
able for plain Irkutsk merchant.
The traveller advanced toward MI.
chael and laid his hand heavily on his
shoulder.
"Is 1t sof" he said in a rough voice
"You will not give up your horses to
meT
NO" answered Michael.
every well, then they shall belong to
whichever Of us is able to start De-
fend yourself, for shall not spare
your
So saying the traveller drew his sabeI
from its sheath, and Nadia threw her
self before Michael.
nlount on1 Alfalfa ToIiuat odyo pnad