The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1902-04-02

birds through the foggy atmosphere
thousand circumstances which are 70
many words to those who can declpner
them. Moreover, tempered by snow
like Damascus blade in the waters OF
Syria, he had a 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-
tertained for his mother, the aged Mar
ia, who could never be induced to leave
the house of the Strogoffs 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 n 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, 1t was de-
cided that he should enter the personal
service Of the emperor Of Russia, in the
corps Of the couriers Of the czar. The
hardy, intelligent, jealous, well con-
Quoted young Siberian first distinguish
ed himself especially In journey u
the Caucasus, through the midst OF
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 Asiatic Russia. During these long
journeys he displayed such marvellous
GOODNESS, prudence and courage as to
gain him the appreciation and protec-
ton 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-
ployed in the south Of the empire, he
had not seen old Maria for three years
three ages-the first time in his life
he had been so long absent from her.
Now. however, in a 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 &C.
CURED. Michael Strogoff 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 low voice a letter
of not more than a few lines. The let
ter penned, the car reread 1t attentive
ly and then signed it, preceding his
M
semon." which. signifying $50 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 car. rising, told Michael Stro-
gofr 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 name?" he asked.
Michael Strogon. sire"
Thy rank?"
Captain in the corps OF couriers Of
the car"
Thou dost know Siberian
II am Siberian"
"a native Of ~
"Omsk, SIRE" +%
Hast thou relations there7-
eyes, sire"
"What relationsf"
my old mother"
The car suspended his questions for
a moment, then, pointing to the letter
which he held In his hand he said
Here Is q letter which charge thee,
Michael Strogoff. to deliver into the
hands Of the grand duke and to no 9TH
er but him.
Il will deliver 1t, sire"
'The grand duke is at Irkutsk."
81 will 60 to Irkutsk-"
Thou wilt have to traverse a rebel
ious country. invaded by Tartars,
whose interest 1t will be to intercept
this letter"
II will traverse it,
above all, beware of the traitor
Ivan Ogarefr, who win perhaps meet
thee on the way"
Will beware OF nlm-
wilt thou pass through Omskp'
''Sire. that is my route"
eff thou dost see thy mother, there
will be the risk of being recognized.
Thou must not see herr
Michael Strogofr hesitated a moment.
Il will not see her," said he.
Swear to me that nothing will make
thee acknowledge who thou art nor
whittier thou art going"
II swear It."
Michael Strogofr," continued the car,
giving the letter to the young courier.
take this letter. On 1t depends the
safety of all Siberia and perhaps the
life of my brother, the grand duke"
This letter shall be delivered to his
highness the grand duke"
Thou wilt pass whatever happens p
81 shall pass, or they shall kill me-"
81 want thee to live"