The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-12-28
'AeCourier
IF theCzar
~ JULES VERNE

0~ceooc>c>c@cc>cec>o~oeCe3
his companion Lad been Just following.
AT the head OF the detachment, com
posed OF twenty horsenen, was an OIL
Ger dressed IN a very simple uniform.
Although be glanced rapidly from one
side 10 the other, he conld not have
seen Michael strogof owing to his pre-
aus retreat
detachment went az fun trot into
' narrow street. Neither TIE ofiecr
e-or his escort concerned themselves
about the Inhabitants Several unlnclsy
ones had scarcely time TO make way
for their passage. There were. there
fore, a few half stined cries. 70 WHICH
the thrusts Of the lance gave an instant
reply and the street was Immediately
cleared.
When the escort had disappeared
WHO Is that ofiicerfY asked Michael
Strogo6, returning toward the muJik.
And while putting the question his face
was pale as that OF a corpse
IL IS Ivan Ogareff, replied the Sibe-
RAN, but ia q deep voice which breath
cd hatred.
I Her cried Michael strogon. from
whom the word escaped with an accent
\Pf fury which be could not conquer.
H2d Just recognized In this officer
paveIer who had struck him at the
4ng house of Ichim, and, although
fe1iad only caught glimpse Of him, it
burst upon his mind at the same time
that this traveller was the old Zingar
Ne ~ lf. t.I In. 4
market place OF Mini Noygorod
The mujlz and Michael resumed their
way and arrived at the posting house.
To leave Omsk by one of the breaches
would not be difficult after ulghtfall.
AS for purchasing a carriage TO replace
the tnrantass, that was impossible.
There was none to be let or sold. But
what want had Michael Strogon now
for cnrriage2 Was he not alone, alasI
A horse would suffice him, and, very
fortunately, horse could he had. IL
was an animal Of mettle, capable OF
enduring much fatigue, and Michael
Strogo1f. accomplished horseman as he
was, could make good use OF il.
The horse cost high price, and a
few moments later Michael was ready
TO start. Il was then o'clock In the
afternoon.
Michael Strogoff. compelled to wait
M nightfall In order TO pass the forti-
ficatlons, but not desiring to show him.
self Ia the streets Of Omsk, remained IN
the posting house and there partook OF
ood
There was great crowd In the pub
lie room, IL being the resort OF numbers
of the anxious Inhabitants, who at this
pntful period collected there TO OBJ
hews They were talking OF the
I'D arrival OF a corps Of Musco-
~ bpf not at 0msk, but at Tomsk,
AviTkended to recapture that town
Nme Tartars OF TeofarKahn.
Nhael strogoff lent an attentive ear
<ah that was said, but took no part
n the conversation.
Suddenly a CRY made him tremble,
Try which penetrated to the depths of
bis soul and these two words, so TO
peak. rushed into his ear:
ri'AIy SON.
gds mother, the old woman Maria,
WAS before him! Trembling, she smil-
ia upon him. She stretched forth her
arms to him. Michael Strogof arose.
Ie was about to throw himself
The thought of duty, the serious dan
err for his mother and himself in this
Unfortunate meeting. suddenly stopped
I'm, aud such was his command over
imself that not n muscle of his face
moved.
There Were twenty people i'm the pub
room. Among them were perhaps
~. a. In fls..
bwn that the son of Maria Strogon
eIonged to the corps Of the couriers OF
be czar2
Michael Strogof did not move.
"Michaelw cried his mother
"who are you. my good lady?" Mi
pacl Strogoff stammered. unable TO
peak In his usual firm tone.
FsNho am I, thou askest? Dost thou
longer know thy motherT'
.'You are mistaken" coldly replied
,tael Strogoff. "a resemblance de-
Is you.v
~ Maria went up to him and
ralght into his eyes, said;
ho1'art not the son of Peter and
Ma St~ogoff2'
)chaol Strogoff would have given
life 10 have locked his mother in his
ls, but II he yielded II was all over
Ii him, with her. with his mission.
kh his oath Completely master Of
nsclf. he closed his eyes in order not
see the inexpressble anguish which |
hated the revered countenance OF his
her He drew back his hands in
cr not 20 touch those trembling |
Dis which sought him.
do not know, In truth, what IL Is
say. my good woman" he replied, |
,niDV bnck