The Iola register., 1902-01-31
CHAPTER XIV.

~
AkSSWJl 'Is the road deserted"
he asked.
without O soul on It," replied Nadia.
"Do you not hear some noise be-
hindT'
"Truly."
"If these are the Tartars, we must
hide ourselves. Look we'll"
Listen, Michaelr' replied Nadia, as
cending the road, which diverged some
PAGES to the right.
Michael Strogoff stopped an instant
alone, stretching his ears to listen.
Nadia returned almost Immediately
and said:
at is a vehicle. A young man is lead
ing it."
"He is aloneT
"Alone."
Michael Strogoff hesitated for mo-
ment. Ought he to hide, or ought he,
on the contrary, try the chance of find
ing a place in his vehicle, If not for
himself at least for her? For himself,
he would be content to rest his hand
on it and would push when needed, for
his legs were far from failing him, but
he felt that Nadia, dragged on foot
since the passage of the Obi-namely,
for more that eight days-was at the
end Of her strength.
He waited. The vehicle arrived soon
at the turn OF the road.
1t was q very dilapidated vehicle,
able to hold at most three PERSONS
what is called in that country kibitka.
The kibitlla is usually drawn by three
| horses, but this one was drawn only by
one horse, with long hair and a long
tail, but its Mongollan blood affirmed
strength and courage.
A young man conducted 1t, having
near him dog.
Nadia at once saw that this young
man was a Russian. He had sweet
and phlegmatc appearance which In
spired confidence.
Moreover, he did not appear to be In
the least hurry. He walked with n
quiet step in order not to overdrive his
horse, and to see him one could never
have believed that he was following n
route which the Tartars might cut of
Mt any moment
Nadia, holding the hand of Michael
Strogoff, stood on one side.
The kibltka stopped, and the driver
looked at the young girl, at the same
time smiling.
"And where are you going in this
fashionT he asked her as he looked
pleasantly round.
At the sound of his voice Michael
Strogoff said to himself that he hat
heard it somewhere, and without doubt
1t was sufficient 70 cause him to rec
ognlze the driver or the kibltRa, FOR his
face at once became serene.
"Well, now, where are you goingT
repeated the young man, addressing
himself more directly to Michael Stro
gon.
"we were going to Irkutsk," answer
ed the latter.
"Oh, my good man, do you not know
then, that there are many, many verst
between this and IrkutskP
IL know It."
"And you are going on footT
"On foot"
"As for you, it's all right, but III
missp
: "She is my sister," said Michael Stro
! goff, who thought it more prudent t
give this name again to Nadia.
: "Yes, your sister, my good man. But
believe me, she will never be able +
1 reach Irkutsk."
, Friend" replied Michael Strogoff n
| he drew near. "the Tartars have rot
= bed us, and have not copeck to otfe
4 thee, but If you will take my siste
/. near you will follow the carriage o
e foot. | will run If 1t be necessary an
will not delay you one hour"
t Brother" cried Nadia, 81 do nc
e wish III | do not wish it! Sir, N
t brother Is blindw
3 "Blndw said the young man in
voice moved with emotion.
o "The Tartars have burned out HI
i eyesw answered Nadia, stretching oil
!, her hands as though to implore pity.
/. Burned your eyes? Oh, poor, dea
/ man! l am going to Nrasnoiarsl
i Well. now, why do you not mount wit
i your sister into the kibltka? In sittin
a IL lllllt CLOSET We Nllull uOlu ttlCll Olllt
: up. Besides, my dog viii not refuse
d go on foot. Only do not go fast in o
= der to spare my horse"
II "Friend, what do they call you
asked Michael StrogoGf.
- IL am called Nicholas Plgassof."
at is name that / shall never 70
n get" answered Michael Strogoif.
e "Well, then, mount, my good bllr
l. man. Your sister shall be near you {
s the back Of the car; in front to co
o duct. There are some good birch ban
/ and some barley straw on the bottoI
J. It's like a nest. Come, Serko, give I
l, room"
II The dog jumped off without muC
oeI,tpo . ,roo IN ,ir,ool of thn 9Th