The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1902-04-26
For the government


"For the government when they think
it proper for the public when they pay
1t is 10. copecks a word. l wait your
orders, sir"
Michael Strogoff was going to answer
that strange operator that he had no
dispatch to send; that he wanted onl-
a little bread and water, when sudden
ly the door of the house was abruptly
opened.
Michael Strogoff thought the office in
vaded by the Tartars and was about to
jump through the window when he no
ticed that two men only entered the
room and that they were far from be-
ing Tartar soldiers.
One of them held a dispatch written
in pencil, and, outrunning the other, he
was at the window of the stoical en-
ployee. In those two men Michael
Strogoff was astonished to discover two
persons he had thought never to see
again. They were the correspondents
Harry Blount and Alcide Jolivet, 10
more travelling companions, but rivals.
enemies, now that they were operating
on the battlefield.
They had left Ichim a few hours only
after the departure Of Michael Strogoff,
and if they arrived before him at Kaly
van in following the same route it was
because Michael Strogoff had lost three
days on the borders Of the Irish. And
now, after having witnessed the battle
between the Russians and the Tartars
in front Of the city, leaving the city
when the struggle was still going on in
the streets. they had to run to the sta
ton to send away their dispatches to
Europe. each seeking to rob the other
of priority in describing the stirring
events.
Michael Strogoff kept at distance in
the shadow, and without being seen he
could see all and hear all. He was
probably about to learn important news
and know if he ought to enter Kalyvan
or not.
Harry Blount, more alert than his
colleague, had possession of the win
dow and handed in his dispatch, while
Alcide Jolivet, contrary to his habits.
stopped impatiently.. "Ten copecks a
word" said the operator, taking the
dispatch.
Harry Blount placed pile of rubles
on the counter, his confrere looking at
him somewhat stupefied.
WELL said the employee. and with
undisturbed sang froid he commenced
to telegraph the following dispatch:
Daily Telegraph, London:
From Kalyvan, Government Of Omsk, Siberia.
Aug. enlargement of Russian troops with Tar
tars.
That reading being made aloud, Mi
chael Strogoff could hear all the Eng
lish correspondent addressed to his pa
per.
Russian troops repulsed with great losses. Tar.
tars enter Kalyvan this day.
These words ended the dispatcb
MY turn now" said Alcide Jolivet
VINO tried to pass his dispatch address,
ed TO his cousin of the Montmartre Fan
bourg..
but that did not suit the English re-
porter, who thought of remaining at
the window as long as he should have
news to transmit, as fast as fresb
events might occur, so he did not give
place to his confrere.
You are through?' cried Alcide Joli-
vet.
L am not through" simply answered
Harry Blount.
Ana he went on writing words ,which
NE passed to the operator, who read
very quietly:
In the beginning God created heaven and e,rtb
They were verses from the Bible Har.
~ Blount was telegraphing to gain
time and not give place to his rival
That would probably cost a few tbon.
SAND rubles to his paper, but his paper
would have the first information
France might wait.
Think Of the anger of Alcide Jolivet
VINO under any other circumstances
would have appreciated the Joke. He
even insisted that the operator should
take his dispatches in preference to
those Of his confrere.
Ihat is the right of the gentleman !"
said the employee coolly, pointing to
larry blount, smiling kindly to him.
And he continued to transmit IN Tho
Daiiy Telegraph the first book of the
hnlv xxyr;f - SAS