The Iola register., 1901-12-06

forms Of lcicles, the appearance OF the
small branches of trees, mists rising
far away on the horizon, vague sounds
in the air. distant reports, the flight Of
birds through the foggy atmosphere-a
thousand circumstances which are so
many words to those who can decipher
them. Moreover, tempered by snow
like a Damascus blade in the waters of
Syria. lie had n frame of iron, as Cen
eral Kissoff had said, and, what was
no less true, heart Of gold.
The only sentiment OF love felt by
Michael Strogoff was that which he en-
tertalncd for his mother the aged Mar
IA, who could never be induced to leave
the house of the Strogons at Omsk, on
the banks OF the Istish. where the old
huntsman and she had lived so long to-
gether. When her son left her. he
went away with full heart. but prom
Using to come and see her whenever he
could possibly do SO, and this promise
he had always religiously kept.
When Michael was twenty, it was de
cidcd that he should enter the personal
Cyl Wv VI AAiN 'lili'lOl Va iNuHHltis III NiiN
corps of the couriers Of the car. The
hardy, intelligent, Jealous, well con
Quoted young Siberian first dist nguish.
ed himself especially in n journey to
the Caucasus, through the midst of n
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 Aslatic Russia. During these long
journeys he displayed such marvellous
coolness, prudence and courage as to
gain him the appreciation and protec-
tion 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-
p!oyed in the south OF the empire, he
had not seen Old Maria for three years
three ages-the first slime 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 Strogoif was there
fore introduced into the cars presence
in complete ignorance OF what the en-
peror expected from him.
The czar apparently satisfied with
his scrutiny. went to his bureau and,
motIoning to the chief Of police to seat
himself. dictated in a low voice letter
OF not more than a few lines. The let
ter penned, the cZar reread it attentive
ly 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 a few steps and
then stood motionless. ready to an
swer.
The czar again looked him full in the
face, and their eyes met. Then In an
abrupt tone:
"Thy nameT he asked.
"Nlchael Strogoff, sire"
"Thy rankT
captain in the corps OF couriers OF
the czar"
"Thou dost know SIberlaY
II am n Siberian"
"A native Of
"Omsk. sire"
Hast thou relations there"
Eyes, sire"
"W'hat relationsT
"My old mother"
The czGr suspended his questions for
a moment, then, pointing to the letter
which he held in his hand, he said:
Here Is a letter which charge thee,
Michael Strogon, to deliver into the
hands of the grand duke and to no 9th
er but hm."
81 will deliver it, sire"
"The grand duke is at Irkutsk."
II will go to lrkutsk"
uOu VIII udNt " llANNA oN a ANbNA
lious country, invaded by Tartars,
whose interest it 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"
IL will beware OF him"
"Wllt thou pass through OmskT
"Slre, 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.
II win not see her." said he.
"Swear to me that nothing will make
thee acknowledge who thou art nor
whittier thou art going"
81 swear IT,"
"Michael Strogoff, CONTINUED the car,
giving the letter to the young courier,