The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1903-02-03
CHAPTER H.

~ N a road leading from the city
of Perm toward the forest on
~ the south there stood rude
cluster Of buildings, all of
them old and in poor state of repair.
This collection Of huts was the home
and forge of the Paulpoffs, ironwork-
ers.
Here worked old Michael Paulpoff
and his son Vladimir, and it had been
to this uninviting place that Frances
Gordon had come to make the chance
acquaintance of the young giant.
The huts and the surroundings were
rapidly growing even less inviting, for
nothing was being done now to keep
anything in repair.
A collection Of household goods, over
which old Mamma Paulpoff watched
carefully, gave evidence that the fam
| lily were about to remove themselves
and their belongings to another place.
But still the old man and the young
one We're at work. The blows that
Vladimir struck We're tremendous. The
iron under his hammer bent and fat
tened as the sparks shot like fireworks
| to the far corners of the place. There
was a gay laugh on his handsome face
"a face that was almost childlike In
Its simplicity and guilelessness.
"Oh, that will be a happy day, Papa
Paulpoff" the young man said glee.
fully. piunging his tongs into the white
fire and withdrawing bar Of iron.
What willy" asked the old man,
looking sidewise at his son, but cQntin-
ulng bis work. ----ss:sssAas'.-
''The day can take you and the lit
tie mother te 9 better home.
1--WE have been happy here" replied
old Papa Paulpoff, looking round at the
dingy Interior. ~.ilgeszssrzs r.
Yes, We have been happy-we shall
always be happy, for we are simple
Ind require little. But with greater
comfort apd more money greater hap
oiness ought to come. 1t is fine to feel
yourself growing to be somebody in the
world-to feel yourself expand, broad
en-. 1t IS study that does it, and work.
think the knowledge gives me more
pleasure than the wealth. But we also
need the wealth." :
The old man sighed.
Yes, that is good, that knowledge.
But you will grow away from us. You
viii perhaps marry that American girl,
and she would not like our simple
ways"
The hammer in Vladimir's hand
came down with redoubled force
What is that you say-our Vladimir
talking of marrying?" asked the trem-
uious voice of Mrs. Paulpoff II came
to say that the meal is ready, and l
find-what do find?'
"Oh, Papa Paulpotf is dreaming one
Of his Dreams" said Vladimir, with
gay laugh.
But is it not so, old woman?" asked
Papa Paulpoff. IS it not quite posi-
bic that our Vladimir may marry that
handsome American girl?"
II have seen it So answered the old
woman. ut seems that no young wom-
an would take this interest if she did
not love-
"Oh. nonsense" cried Vladimir. I'VE
are friends. She is good. admire.
Why. | could almost worship her. but
! am peasant. She is
There came the sound of cursing out.
side and the fall of a horses hoofs. A
shout took the old man to the door.
Curses upon this beastv' came an
angry voice as man about thirty-five
clad in neat riding suit, entered the
room striking his high boottops with
his whip. Il have just been thrown
In some mysterious manner my horse.
who never stumbles. caught his foot in
something, tore loose his shoe and hurl
ed me to the ground. The horse is un-
injured, but he has lost the shoe. | |
heard the sound of smithy and came
to you for assistance must reach
Graslov tonight. and the delay is seri-
ous."
1T is long since we were mere horse.
shoers," said the old man. THE rail-
road''-
But surely you can make shoe and
put 1T on. | must go forward, and do |
not wish to lame this valuable horse"
Certainly, we will shoe the horse,'' /
put in Vladimir, whose kind heart |
could never refuse any request that
was reasonable and proper. II will at
tend to it at once"
"But the meal Is waiting" said the
old woman.
"rhe meal is but short distance,
and Graslov is far. said Vladimir. 81