The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1918-08-14
How Peter Alexief Was
Saved From Siberia
By PAUL VRoNSKY

Il Y
Anna, was a very pretty girl. Peter
Alexief, a young farmer, wooed and
won her, and it seemed that happy
future was before the young couple.
That was before the revolution which
deposed the Gear Nicholas, and the
government was keeping a sharp eye
on all persons who We're suspected OF
plotting against it. A large force OF
sacret police better named spies-was
scattered all over Russia. }. tn's 134f
Not Only those who were really 50
minded reported to the minister of the
interior at the capital, but If one per-
son had private grudge against an
other there was liability that he would
take revenge by reporting him to the
police as revolutionist, or what was
then called nihilist. This was also
true of the spies themselves. II a spy
chose to condemn person he wished
to get rid Of, that person was taken
away and nothing was heard of him
Rfterwad. He was buried in the con-
yict mines of Kara.
While Peter and Anna were making
their preparations to be. married there
came to the province where they lived
a man whose name was Ivan Ivano-
witch. He did not look like Russian,
for he was dark complexioned, while the
people among whom he had come had
light skins and hair. Ivan had come
from the Crimea, which is southern
province, where what is called the Med
iterranean race ispreyalent. This race
is OF southern blood and used to a hot
climate.
Ivan had no visible occupation and
was known to be a government spy.
He met Anna at dance in barn and
conceived passion for her. Anna,
knowing him to be spy, dreaded him,
but dared not refuse to dance with
him, fearing that he would take re-
venge upon her.
Ivan, becoming more and more enam.
ored of Anna, began to look about for
some act Of Peters which could be
used as evidence against him. This
was shortly before the revolution
whereby the people Of Russia wrested
constitution from the car, and Pc
ter's neighbors were beginning to plan
for resistance against the governments
despotism.B Peter got wind Of the in
quiries of Ivan and told his friends
that he feared the spy was planning
to get him out Of the way that he
might possess himself Of Anna.
Meanwhile Anna, not daring to de-
cline the attentions Of Ivan, accepted
invitations from him. One evening the
two were walking together toward An
na's house when Ivan left her. As he
turned away citizen tapped him on
the shoulder and asked him to- come
with him. The citizen took him to
house where asdozen men were wait
ing for them. One of the men said to
Ivan:
"You are suspected of trying to make
case against Peter Alexief to send
him to Siberia that you may marry
his betrothed. You are hereby notified
that IL anything happens to Peter your
life will be forfeited"
II deny the charge" replied Ivan. Il
have no need to get rid OF Peter. The
girl prefers me to OHM"
1t was plain to all that. quite likely
if Anna were called upon to choose be-
tween the two she would not dare to
choose Peter for fear of Ivan.
II am ready to fight with my rival
for the girl 1 love and who I believe,
loves me- This proves that am not
planning to take any underhanded ad-
vantage Of him.
! Now, ii was suspected that Ivan,
who had come from country where
weapons are an common use, whould
make short work of Peter, who had
been born and grown up simple
farmer. The spokesman of the tribu-
| nal before whom Ivan was arraigned
consulted with the others and then
turned to the prisoner.
"Your proposition to fight your rival
| for the possession Of the girl is accept
ed. Since you are the challenger he
will have the choice Of weapons"
Peter was sent for and closeted with
| the leader of the citizens who were en-
deayoring to save him from his rival
They proposed to~Peter that he should
fight Ivan, choosing weapons which
would give him an advantage over his
enemy. Peter could think Of no weap
on that he could WELD even indiffer'
emily, whereupon one was suggested
to him. He gaye his consent at once
and it was arranged that the due
should come off at dawn.
The thermometer at sunrise stood at
30 degrees below zero. Peter, who
was used to cold weather, walked out
to the yard in the rear of the house
where the fray was to take place In
shirt and trousers. Ivan, who had been
used to hot climate, had on his warm
est clothing. One of those present
handed each of the disputants the noz,
tic Of a hose. Ivan stood aghast. lie
Eaw at once that he must fight Will
cold water. 81
Busst was too late to recede. A faint
hope came to him that his warm
clothing would protect him. He took
the nozzle offered him, the signal was
given, and the two men poured q
stream at each other which was as
cold as 1t could be without freezing
1 ~