The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-29
{ CHAPTER I.

one day "a the Landlord, followed wis
army Of r~etqiners, passed Jemeljan's hut
which was the meanest on his domain. the
peasants young and beautiful wife came
out TO see tie Master. And the Lanclord,s
eyes fell upon her fresh and youthful face
What beatty" he cried. and ordered his
carriage stopped. He called the woman n
the door Of, the coach and asked: "vvbo
arr thou?'
"Jemeljan''. the peasants wife. to be
sure" she Answered.
"A miserable mujik's drudge. thou who
might be a srincess.' exclaimed the Land
lord; that's what I call beauty and the
beast. indeea."
Thanks sour Lordship. for your good
opinion" replied the girl with a courtesy.
"but I like my mujik very we'll"
After paying her some more compliments
The LandloIsl continued on his way. but
the thought OF the wOman's beauty lin
Eered in hi. mind and wouldn't let him
rest at night. Il must have the tenants
pretty partner he said, but to a k her
by force wouldn't do. Such proceedings
fashionable enough in bygone days. would
stir up far! too much trouble now when
the newspapers are making an elephant
out Of every mole hill"
In the morning he called together his
business managers. stewards and overseers
and laid the case before them. They
thought it Oyer and then said: your Lord
ship having g~raciously decided to abstain
from taking what's yours by signorial
right, there is but one thing to do. You
must attach Jemeljan 10 your personal
service and seek 10 ruin him by hard work.
disgrace and punishment. When he is brok-
en- in health and mind, he will die and you
can nave his widow"
The Landlord thought this excellent adj
vice and orlered the mujik to com TO the
palace at once. bringing his wife and furni-
ture. as heiceforth he would be permitted
10 live on tie royal domain.
Jemeljan obeyed, but came alone
where's your wife, asked the Marshal.
II possess a hut Of my own" replied
Jemeljan. and. with your permission. will
go home NIGHTS. My woman will not tramp
the country; with me-"
Not wishing TO arouse the peasants sus-
picions. thA Marshal let this pass. but
gave him }abors to perform that would
stagger two ordinary men. cautioning him
at the same. time that he must get through
by : in the evening. lest there be
trouble. Je:neljan almost despaired OF be-
ing able to finish the work in time, but go
ing ahead ,sith a will finished his work be-
fore dusk.
When he 'came home he found his place
in frst-cla3s order; the fire was lit and
supper waiting. while his good wife sat at
the window knitting. At the end of the
meal his wife asked Jemeljan how he liked
his new occupation.
Don't Ike it at ALL" answered the mu-
3ik: its more than I can stand; they will
kill me If key go on as they do
BE Of good cheer" replied the wife;
'never al anticipate not being able to do a
thing. Just pitch in and all will be we'll"
When Jeneljan appeared at the palace
next morning the Marshal set him to work
at a job requiring twice the amount of la
Dor asked :Of him the day before, but the
mujik. following his wife's advice, got
through even quicker than on the first day,
Then the Marshal decided that the peas
ants capacity for work was practically
iimitless end, accordingly, increased his
burden stiI more. adding 10 his duties ev-
cry morning. but without gaining his point
JemeIjan neither grumbled nor failed in
Performance. Thus a week went by.
when the Landlords administrator saw
that Jemetjan couldn't be killed by exces-
sive manual labor he ordered him TO under
take Jobs occurring certain technical knowl-
edge that no mujik possesses. He put hin
70 make furniture and to engage in mason
~ and builders work. Still Jemeljan was
equal 10 e:ery task, performing his duties
quickly anil with marked ability.