The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1902-05-10

al where he could stay the night. AT
sunrise under his command, horse and
foot set out for Tomsk. where the emir
wished to receive them with all the
pomp and display of an Asiatc sover-
eign.
When the orders for a halt had been
given, the prisoners, worn out with a
three days journey, prey to the most
burning thirst, could at length quench
their thirst and take some repose.
The sun had already set, but the hori-
zon was still lighted up by the twilight,
when Nadia, supporting Maria Stro-
goff, reached the banks of the Tom.
The two had not been able so far to
penetrate the ranks of those who
thronged the high bank, and they came
to drink in their turn.
The old Siberian bent over the fresh
stream, and Nadia, having plunged her
hands into it, carried it to the lips Of
Maria. Then she refreshed herself in
her turn. The cold water of the pure
stream seemed to give back life to the
old woman and the young girl. Sud
denly Nadia, as she left the banks.
Strengthened HERSELF. All luNOluHldry
cry escaped her lips.
Michael Strogoff was there and only
sope PAGES from her! 1t was he
At the cry of Nadia Michael Strogoff
had started, but he had sufficient COM
mand of himself not to utter a word
which could compromise him.
And yet at the very moment that Ma
hoI b,I
nized his mother. Michael Strogoff at
this unexpected meeting, not feeling
himself to be any longer master of him
self, raised his hand to his eyes and i'm
mediately left the spot Nadia was in
stinctively Fastening forward to rejoin
him when the old Siberian whispered
these words in her ear:
"Stay, my daughterv'
1T is he!" answered Nadia in a voice
trembling with emotion. "He lives,
mother 1t is her'
at is my son." answered Maria Stro-
golf; sit is Michael Strogoff, and you
see that do not take one step toward
him. Follow my example"
Michael Strogoff had just experienced
v
it is ever given to man to feel His
mother and Nadia were there. Those
two prisoners, each of whom seemed to
hold the first place in his heart, were
there joined with him in one common
misfortune. Did Nadia know who he
was? No, for he had seen the gesture
of Maria Strogof holding her back at
the moment she was about to rush upon
him. Maria Strogoff had understood
all and kept her secret.
Michael Strogoff could then hope that
this fresh and unexpected meeting at
the camp of Zabedeiro would have no
injurious consequences neither for hi.
mother nor for himself, but he did
not know that certain particulars Of
that scene, rapidly as it had passed.
had been gained by Sangarre, the spy
Of Ivan Ogareff.
The gypsy was there, q few PAGES
from the bank, watching as ever the
old Siberian, without her suspecting it.
She had not been able to perceive Mi
ehael Strogoff, who had already dis
appeared when she turned roundy but
the gesture of the mother, withhold
ing Nadia, had not escaped her, and
light from Marfa's eyes told her every
thing.
There was no longer any doubt that
the son OF Maria Strogoff, the courier
Of the car. was now at Zabedeiro
among the prisoners of Ivan Ogareff.
Sangarre did not know him, but she
knOxu ha hor he !,
attempt to discover him, thing which
would have been impossible in the
midst Of this numerous crowd.
AS for again spying after Nadia and
Maria Strogoff, this was equally use
less. 1t was evident that these two wo-
men would be on their guard, and it
would be impossible to seize by sur
prise anything of nature to compro-
mise the courier of the car.
The gypsy had then only one thought
TO warn Ivan Ogareff. Wherefore she
Immediately left the camp
A quarter of an hour afterward she
arrived at Zabedeiro and was shown
into the house occupied by the lieuten-
ant of the emir.
Ivan Ogareff Immediately received the
gypsy.
what do you wish, Sangarre?" he
asked
"The son of Maria Strogoff is at the
camp" answered Sangarre.
"a prisoner"
"a prisoner"
"Ah," cried Ivan Ogareff, 81 knew
'You knew nothing, Ivan" said the
gypsy, 'for you do not even know
him."
But do you know him? You have
seen him, Sangarre?
81 have not seen him, but l saw his
mother betray herself by movement
which has told me everything"
do you not deceive yourselfr
II do not"
"You know the Importance l attach
to the arrest of this courier" said Ivan
Ogareff. IF the letter which was sent
to him from Moscow reaches Irkutsk
and it should be handed to the grand
duke, the grand duke would be on his
guard, and l should not be able %
catch him. l must have this letter at