Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1903-01-26
The Courier
of the Gar
BY jules Verne

On OgarefTs arrival In the camp they
had demanded 10 be conducted 10 his
presence. The soldiers had refused. In
consequence, a struggle, an attempt at
flight. shots fred which happily missed
the two correspondents, but their exc
cutlon would not have been long de-
layed II II had not been for the inter
vention OF the emir's lieutenant
The latter observed the prisoners for
some moments, they being absolutely
unknown TO him. They had been pres
ent ut the scene In the posthouse at
Ichim IN which Michael Strogoff had
been struck by Ogareff but the brutal
traveller paid no attention TO the per-
sons then collected In the common
room.
Blount and Jollvet. on the contrary,
recognized him at once. and the latter
said In n low voice: Hello! II seems
that Colonel Ogareff and the rude per-
sonage OF Ichlm are one!'
Then he added In his companions
ear:
Explain our affair. Blount. You will
do me n service. This Russian colonel
In the midst OF Tartar camp disgusts
me. and although, thanks TO him, my
head Is still on my shoulders, my eyes
would exhibit my feelings were | to
attempt TO look him in the face"
So saying. Alcide Jollvet assumed a
look OF complete and naughty indiffer-
ence.
Whether or not Ivan Ogareff perceiv-
ed that the prisoners attitude was in
sulting toward him. he did not let 1t
appear.
"who are you, gentlemen" he asked
in Russian In cold tone. but free from
It's rudeness.
1.-TWO correspondents Of English and
French newspapers" replied Blount la
conlcally.
you have doubtless papers which
will establish your IDENTIFY"
Here are letters which accredit US
in Russia from the English and French
chancellor's office"
Ivan Ogareff took the letters which
Blount held out to him and read them
attentively. Then said he:
"You ask the authorization to follow
our military operations in Siberian
I'VE ask TO be free; that Is ALL an
swered the English correspondent dry
ly.
"You are so, gentlemen" answered
Ogareff, land | shall be curious to read
your articles in The Daily Telegraph"
"Slr," replied Harry Blount, with the
most imperturbable GOODNESS, cit is six
pence n number, including postage"
And thereupon Blount returned to his
companion, who appeared to approve
completely OF his replies.
Ivan Ogareff, without frowning,
mounted his horse and, going to the
head of his escort, soon disappeared in
a cloud OF dust.
"Well, NJ. Jollvet, what do you think
OF Colonel Ivan Ogareff, general in
chief OF the Tartar troopsT' asked
Blount.
IL think. my dear friend" replied
Alcide, smiling. chat the housch-b egui
made n very graceful gesture when he
gave the order for our heads to be cut
on"
Whatever was the motive which led
Ogareff TO act thus in regard to the
could rove at their pleasure over the
scene OF war Their intention was not
90 leave Il. The sort OF antipathy
which formerly they had entertained
for each other had given place to n sin
cere friendship. Circumstances having
brought them together, they no longer
thought or separating. The petty ques
tons OF rivalry were forever eXtin
gulshed. Harry Blount could never
forget what he owed his companion
who. on the other hand, never tried t.
remind him OF II. This friendship, too
assisted the reporting operations anC
was thus to the advantage of thei
readers.
"And now" asked Blount, "wha
shall we do with our liberty?"
Take advantage of It. OF course.
replied Alcide, land go quietly to Tomsl
TO see what Is going on there"
Until the time-very near, l hope
when we may rejoin some Russian reg
iment."
AS you say, my dear Blount, it won
do 10 Tartarize ourselves too much
The best side Is that of the most civ
liZed army, and IL Is evident that tn
people OF central Asia will have every
thing to lose and absolutely nothing I
gain from this invasion, while the Ru:
slams will soon repulse them. 1t
only n matter OF time"
The arrival OF Ivan 0gareff, whic
had given Jolivet and Blount their lii
erty, was TO Michael Strogoff. on ii
contrary. a serious danger. Shout
chance bring the cars courier int
Ogaref's presence the latter could N
fail to recognize In him the travels
whom he had so brutally treated at Il
Ichim posthouse. and. although NJ
chael had not replied to the insult {
he would have done under any 9th
circumstances. attention would
drawn 10 him, and at once the accoI