The Iola register., 1902-03-07

ments, leaving n good number of dead
under the ramparts.
Among the dead was the gypsy San
garre, who had tried in vain to rejoin
Ivan Ogareff.
For two days the besiegers attempt
ed no new assault. They were dlscour-
aged by the death of Ivan Ogareff.
That man was the soul of the invasion,
and he alone, by his long continued
plots, had sufficient influence over the
khans and their hordes to be able to
lead them to the conquest of Asiatic
Russia.
Meanwhile the defenders of Irkutsk
had held themselves on their guard,
and the investment continued, but on
the Tth of October from the first streaks
of day the boom of cannon resounded
on the heights around Irkutsk. 1t was
the relieving army which had arrived
under the orders of General Kissely,
who thus signaled his presence to the
grand duke.
The Tartars did not stay any longer.
They did not wish to risk n battle un-
der the walls of Irkutsk. The camp of
the Angara was Immediately raised.
Irkutsk was Mt last delivered.
With the first Russian soldiers two
friends of Michael Strogoff had entered
the town. They were the inseparable
Blount and Jolvet BY gaining the
right bank of the Angara along the
barrier of ice they and the other fugi-
tives had been able to escape before
the flames of the Angara had reached
the raft. This had been put down by
Alcide Jollvet in his notebooK and in
this manner, "Was near ending like a
lemon in n bowl of punch!'
Their joy was great to once more find
Nadia and Michael StrogOf safe and
sound, especially when they learned
that their brave companion was not
blind, a statement which led Harry
Blount TO jot down this observation:
"a redhot iron is perhaps insufficient
to destroy the sensibility of the optic
nerve. To be modified"
Afterward the two correspondents,
well installed in Irkutsk, occupied
themselves in putting in order the inn
presslons of their journey. From thence
two interesting chronicles of the Tartar
invasion were sent to London and Par
is, which, strange to say, only contra
dictcd each other on points of less mo-
ment.
For the rest the campaign was bad
for the emir and his allies. That inva-
sion. useless. as are all those that at
tack colossal Russia, was most fatal to
them. They soon found themselves cut
off by the troops of the cZar, who re-
took successfully all the conquered
towns. Besides, the winter was terri
BILE, and of those hordes, decimated by
the cold, only a small number returned
TO the steppes of Tartary. The route
from Irkutsk to the Ural mountains
was free.
The grand duke was in haste to re-
turn to Moscow, but he delayed his
journey in order to assist at touching
ceremony which took place some days
after the entry Of the Russian troops.
Michael Strogoff had sought out Ma
dfa and in the presence of her father
had said to her, nadia, my sister still,
had you no other regret but that Of
leaving behind you your mother"
NO" replied Nadia; none what
ever"
$50 that no part of your heart has
remained down there"
"None, brother"
"Then, Nadia" said Michael Strogoff,
81 do not believe but that God in bring
ing us together, in allowing us to pass
through these great trials together, has
wished us to be united forever"
"Ahw said Nadia as she fell into the
arms of Michael Strogoff, and, turning
toward Wassili Feodor, "My father"
she said, blushing deeply.
Nadia" said Wassill Feodor. my
joy will be to call you both my chill
drenw
The marriage ceremony took place in
the cathedral of Irkutsk. 1t was very
simple in its preparations, but very
beautiful in the concourse of the mill
tary and civil population, which thus
wished to show its gratitude to the
young couple, whose strange journey
had now become legendary.
Alcide Jolivet and Harry Blount Of
COURSE dSSlslSu Ut lue lndTTldSe, Oh
which they wished to give an account
to their readers.
"And does it not make you envious to
initiate themT asked Alcide Jolivet to
his companion.
"Pshawr' exclaimed Harry Blount
"If, like you, had n cousin!'
"My cousin Is not any longer mar.
siageable," laughingly answered Alcide
Jolivet.
"All the better" added Harry Blount,
''for they speak of difficulties which
are about to arise between London and
Peking"
would you not like to see what is
passing thereW
"Why, my dear Blount," cried Alcide
Jolivet, Il was about to propose it to