Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1905-06-08

Paul nodded and allowed himself to
be embraced a second time. He had
long known Stepan Lanovitch Of Thors
as one Of the many who go about the
world doing good with their eyes shut.
For the moment he had absolutely no
use for this well meaning blunderer.
Glow did you get here?" asked Paul,
who was always businesslike.
II brought a pack on my back and
sold cotton. I made myself known to
the starosta, and he communicated
with good Karl here"
did you learn anything in the viii
lage?" asked Paul.
mo, they suspected me. They would
not talk. But I understand them. Paw
10, these poor simple fools. A pebble
in the stream would turn the current
of their convictions. Tell them who is
the Moscow doctor. 1t is your only
chance"
Steinmetz grunted acquiescence and
walked YEARLY to the window. This
was only an old and futile argument
Of his own
"And make it impossible for me to
live another day among Them" said
Paul. do you think st. Petersburg
would countenance a prince who works
among his moujiks?"
Stepan Lanovitch's pale blue eyes
looked troubled. Steinmetz shrugged
his shoulders.
They have brought it on them
selves" he said.
1 tl - vn,,nA on n lo0oh h~fnoc fhn yrtfn
upon itself by growing up" replied
Paul.
Lanovitch shook his white head with
q tolerant little smile. He loved these
poor helpless peasants with a love as
large as and a thousand times less
practical than Paurs.
In the meantime Paul was thinking
in his clear, direct way. 1t was this
mans habit in life and in thought to
walk straight past the side issues.
at is like you, Stepan," he said at
length, "to come to us at this time. We
feel it, and we recognize the generosity
Of 1t, for Steinmetz and I know the
danger you are running in coming back
to this country. But we cannot let you
do it. No, do not protest. 1t is quite
out Of the question. We might quell
the revolt; no doubt we should've
two Of us together. But what would
happen afterward? You would be sent
back to Siberia, and l should probably
follow you for %harboring an escaped
convict.
"Also," went on Paul, with that de-
iberate grasp of the situation which
never failed to astonish the ready wit
ted Steinmetz-"also you have other
calls upon your energy. You have 9th
er work to do"
Lanovitch's broad face lightened up;
!, his benevolent brow beamed. His ca
= pacity for work had brought him to
,, the shoemaker's last in Tomsk. It is a
vice that grows with indulgence.
at has pleased the authorities" went
on Paul, who was shy Of religious
turns of phrase, "to give us all our
:, Stepan-must be managed by myself.
l Yours can be faced by no one but you.
You have come at the right moment.
You do not quite realize what your
, coming means to Catrina."
"Catrina: All"
The weak blue eyes looked into the
strong face and read nothing there.
: 81 doubt" said Paul, whether it is
: right for you to continue sacrificing
Catrina for the sake Of the little good
that you are able to do. You are ham.
pered in your good work to such an
extent that the result is very small,
while the pain you give is very great"
: But is that SO, Pavlo? Is my child
! unhappy"
II fear So" replied Paul gravely
with his battling self restraint. "She
: has not much in common with her
mother, you understand"
Steinmetz remained silent, standing
s as it were, in an ~acquiescent attitude.
1 "You have fought your fight" said
Paula good fight too. You have
struck your blow for the country; you
have sown your seed, but the harvest
Is not yet. Now it is time to think OF
your own safety, of the happiness OF
u your own child"
j Stepan Lanovitch turned away and
sat heavily down. He leaned his two
= arms on the table and his chin upor
his clinched hands.
, "Why not leave the country now-at
= all events, for a few years?' went or
Paul. And when a mar who is accus
toned to command Stops to persuade
1t is strong persuasion that he Yields
!, you can take Catrina with you. Yor
), will be assuring her happiness, which
at all events, is something tangible
- present harvest. I will drive over tt
Thors now and bring her back. 70,
!, can leave tonight and go to America"
J, Stepan Lanovitch raised his heat
- and looked hard into Pauls face.
you wish it,"
n II think" answered Paul steadily
that it is for Catrina's happiness"
Then Lanovitch rose up and tool
Pauls hand in his work stained grip.
q go, my son! 1t will be a great hap
piness to me. 1 will wait here" b,