S55 1 THE PlTTSBtJRG DISPATCH, SUNDAY, JTJLY , 1890.. 1 A EOMANCB OF BUSSIA AND SIBERIA BY PRINCE JOSEF LUBOMIRSKI, Author of "Safer-Hadji, jffit$XAXaLA.TXB FBOK THE RUSSIAN FOE TKI DISPATCH BY META DE YERA. SYNOPSIS OF PREVIODS CHAPTERS. Valdimir Lanin, ol noble birth, weds Jana Wernin, dauEhter of a rich resident of St. Peters burg Oniphri Schelm. high Id authority, rud sought Jam's hand and was rejected with scorn. Schelm's Ufe work seem to be to rcvence himself on Lanin and his bride. Through conspiracy he ceis Lanin sent to Siberia. Jana follows, but Schelni's vindictive orders prevent her from linn near her husband. Palkm. though bcbelm's enemy, is pnund to him through self-interest. In fcibena he has Popoff, Vladimir's friend, Lnouted to death, but he came nearlj beinc Lnonted to death him-elf by a conspiracy of exiles. Schelm finally goes to Siberia to put Vladimir and Jana ont of the wav, if possible. Jana ecapes to St. Petersburg. Vladimir is trapped into a technical mine and sentenced to run the gauntlet. Palkin and fcchelm ride to tne place ol exe cution in creat clee. The captain who was forced to knout PalUn is sent throuen and killed. Just then Miller, bead of the exile conspiracv, comes to the rescue. A hot fight follows. Miller strikes Schelm in the face with a knout, marking bim for life. Meantime Jana has reached bt. Petersburg, and after great effort gets her evidence before the Czar. She returns with pardon tor Vladimir and all of tne conspiracy. Ace of Clubs. She arrives at the station at the Angara Just as a hot battle between Miller's exiles and Schelm's Cossacks begins. Vladimir Is with Miller, but refused to fight against the Czar's soldiers. CHAPTER XXXII. At the beginning ol the conflict Jana and her party entered the travelers' room. Just now a woman might have been seen to leave the house and look curiously through the open window at the new-comers. This was the widow of the captain of gendarmes of Irkutsk. "When the exiles had reached the house she had fled with the official and hid behind some rocks. Isow, when she fonnd that the rebels were too busy with their own escape, she quietly left her hiding place, ap proached the house from the river side, and stopped below the window. Thus she could see everything that happened inside. She mustered the travelers, then laughed out aloud and ran as ast as she could to the little barn, in which a mass of oats and straw was stored away. She took them, bundle after bundle, and piled them up at the side of the house. While at work in this way she murmured scorniully to her sel': "I know this accursed woman. She surely brings his pardon. But the old witch, as she called me, shall have her re venge firsil" In a moment the whole big pile was on fire, the black smoke rose in dense, dark clouds and the sparks flew all over the little structure. A cry ol horror was heard in the travelers' room, into which the wind blew great masses of smoke. "We must open the door and defend our selves or we shall be smothered by the smoke," said a voice. "That shall be done at once!" "No, I'll do it!" "Pray let me attend to that business," said the first voice again. "I am least needed in this world. Consider, he who opens the door is almost sure to perish." "Waitl" Caroline jumped up on one of the blocks of stone to look into the room. "When she saw how the tnioke was gradually filling the room, she again laughed aloud, although she could no longer recognize the travelers. Suddenly a loud noise was heard, and ilil ler cnted: "jftok out! We are in danger." At the same time he fired at the door. It opened, and Miller, who had aimed his rifle again, saw a man, whose features he could not recognize, fall to the ground, with the words, "I die." Killer, Vladimir and Ivan at once rushed into the room, which the dra t created by the open door had cleared pretty well, of smoke. The other exiles all hurried through the passage down to the river in order to reach the boats and, in them, safety irom the closely pursuing soldiers. The' exiles noticed how Caroline was con tinually feeding the flames. Several wanted to hurry past her down to the Angara, but the insane woman thought they wanted to put out the fire, and put hersel iu their way. The desperate fugitives seized her and pushed her into the flame; the woman ut tered a superhuman cry and fell down faint ing. The wind had now scattered the clouds of smoke entirely, and the bright sunlight once more illuminated the blackened walls of the room. Vladimir bad at once recog nized in the persons who met him and his comrades biE wife, his uncle aud General Jloiki. At lbe same moment he tore the gun from Miller's hands and pushed Ivan aside. "The Countess!" exclaimed Miller. Count Lanin advanced. "My nephew among a band of rebels!" "Uncle, look at me. I am unarmed! I flee, but I have taken no part in the con flict!" Lanin pointed at the body that lay on the floor. "You have committed murder! Yon have just now shot Dr. Haas!" "God is my witness," cried Vladimir, "that I have shot no one!" "That is my doing!," cried Miller, "I am a rebel, and 1 boast oi it!" The last exiles had left by this time. Already the words of command of the officers of the regulars were distinctly hea d, as they were standing before the house. Miller cast a look through the window. The lire kindled by Caroline had not been able to consume the houte, and was goiug out gradually. The guns of the soldiers glistened in the bright sunlight. "Make way there!" cried Miller, drawing a dagger from his bosom. "Vladimir, fol low me!" Lanin declined. "I surrender to General Moski," he said. Behind Vladimir Jana's form suddenly appeared. "Mr. Miller, surrender also! I remind yon of your promise! I need your evidence in order to save my husband."" Miller hesitated a moment; then he cast aside the dagger and said: "Since you make that demand, Countess, I will stay. Ivan, flee quickh I Countess, you surely do not demand the death ol this man also? God knows it would serve no purpose!" "I demand no man's death I" She pointed at the window. Quick as lightning Ivan was through it and hurried down the steep rocks. The balls struck the water, a body ell into the waves. From the ashes ol the expiring fire a human shape, black all over, arose suddenly, utter ing groans ol pain. She was moving off when all at once a ball struck the wall, glanced off aud hit her iu her bosom. Caro line icu wiwi a neavy ugli. Jana ap proached thedoctor's body. Quite unarmed, as he now was. Miller followed her, and raised the head ol the dead man. A ball whistled past between Miller and the Coun tess. The soldiers were occupying the .rocks on the bank o the river. Some exiles who had not been able to reach the boats, were hiding behind protruding rocks from the Eussian balls. "You have not told me vet," said Gen eral Limn to Vladimir, ""how you got mixed up with this band ol rebels ?" Rifled my pursuers. I hl.d been sen- te?.?i.t0., exih by runniDK the gantlet!" What! Ion to rnn the gantlet?" "Yes, indeed!" "iSowIoee it all!" yf,rM" JaEa c.?Iled t0 him. while she and Miller were busily trying to move the dead body into a quiet corner, ""'could vou sot stop the fijbt?" J The passage was empty. The last exiles Eta had reached the Angara. They saw that they could not possibly reach the boats of the Tunguses, and thus they prepared to sell their lives as dearly as possible. The regu lars, on their side, did not dare advance, because thev feared an ambush. "General" Jana repeated, in a tone of imploring prayer, "can you not make an end to this unnecessary butchery?" A soldier cast a cautions look into the room and made a sign to his comrades. The colonel and several of the officers entered the room of the travelers. "The Governor General," exclaimed the colonel, greatly surprised. The soldiers presented arms, the officers bowed low. "Stop the firing," commanded General Moski. The Governor enjoyed universal esteem in Siberia. The soldiers did not like to fight against the exiles. Tney were, there fore, delighted when they saw the General, and his first order was received with genu ine enthusiasm. The Colonel at once stepped to the door and shouted: "Stop the firing!" Here and there a single shot was still heard, but soon all was quiet. The Sibe rians in their boats on the Angara ceased rowing in amazement; several of the exiles jumped into the river to reach the opposite bank, and a lew surrendered to the regulars, having no longer any hope of es cape. The officers came up to the station house in constantly increasing numbers, and all questioned the two generals, utterly disre garding lor the moment military discipline, so great was the excitement. Jana had carried the doctor's body, with Mil ler's help, out of sight, and then Miller took his head and tenderly laid it on his knees. "Gentlemen," said Jana, "is there, per haps, a physician among you?" One oi the younger officers immediately burned out to briug the surgeon who bad accompanied the expedition. A heavy post coach, escorted by a detachment ol Cos sacks, approached the house slowly. "The doctor will be here in a moment. The Kevisor is also coming." "Countess!" declared the Snrgeon, after a short examination, "the ball has entered the body, close to the heart, so that the wounded man will certainly die without re covering consciousness." "Thus I must always commit unnecessary crimesl" cried Miller, conscience struck. Jana wept bitterly. As soon as Vladimir heard that the revolt was coming he drew close to the Governor General. The officers lormed a circle around the two generals, and the soldiers formed in rank and file. Through the open windows Schelm's voice was beard. "Why do yon not fire? Why? The exiles are actually fleeing and no one hinders them? Fire! Fire, and let not one of them escape!" A lew of the soldiers fired their guns. The natives, trightened, rowed down the river. The soldiers, however, had aimed high, and wounded no one. "Who has stopped the firing?" cried Schelm, furious. "The Colonel will report to a court-martial! The enemies of the Czar must be rooted up!" Just then he noticed Vladimir, and at once shouted: "There, we have at least made one good catch! Now I have gotten you, you arch rebel! You have deserved worse punish ment now, but we have not time now to make any ceremony about you. Hi, there! Take this rebel out and shoot him on the spot!" Now only the Governor General of East Siberia came mrth from the crowd of officers who had surrounded him. "Mr. Schelm, you seem to give orders here in my presence." Schelm drew back a step, pale and tremb ling. "Count Moskil" he exclaimed, in a hardly audible voice. A few more shots were heard outside. Count Moski turned to one of the officers, and in a stern voice said: "I have ordered to stop that firing. Who dares act contrary to my orders?" The officer hurried out, in the meantime Schelm's courage also had returned some what. As yet he had not seen Count Lanin among the nfficers. Jana and Miller, who were still busy about Haas, were completely masked by the crowd that filled the room. "I ordered the pursuit ot the rebels." said Schelm. "By what right do you assume to give or ders to His Majesty's armv?" asked the Governor, with a look ol. contempt. "By the the right of an inspector general, as I am " "You? Do yon fancy, perhaps ?" "General! my powers." The officers moved a little aside and thns allowed Count Lanin to he seen. "Lanin! The Czar's Adjutant General!" exclaimed Schelm, when he recognized him "Treason! I am lost!" The house closely occupied by soldiers, the many dead bodies lying around, the bloody conflict but just ended and the flight of the exiles all this was not calculated to make people cheerlul, and yet, when they heard this word "treason" Irom the lips of Schelm, it sounded so very ridiculous that they could not help laughing aloud. Instantly, however, all were silent again and an indistinct voice was heard to utter these words: "I pardon him who has inflicted this fatal wound. Pardon you likewise! God has aided you! Thank Him all of you!" . aas,eI1VrJed- Miller tenderly laid the lifeless head down and approached Schelm wen, uiu x nave mv revenge?" be asked, seizing bim with'his iron grasp. "Did I not foretell you that in the fortress already?" Sche'lm trembled like a leaf in a high wind. "And now ask on your knees pardon of those whom you have so mortally offended," continued the Czar of the rebels, trying to force Schelm down his knees. Count Lanin, however, remembered the CzarVorders, and as be knew that the Em peror objected to any humiliation ol a su perior officer in the presence of inferiors, he interfered with authority. "You torget that it is not lor you to be judge in this matter! You are a rebel and my prisoner." As Boon as Schelm found out that he had a Story of Turkistan," some protection, he drew himself up 'again. General Lanin went on: "It is not proper that yon sbonld attack an officer in the Emperor's service. Stay quietly where you arel" The officers had murmured, for much as they hated Schelm they could not quietly see a rebel treat his former superior with in dignity. Schelm understood this at once, and now fancied that be was out ol danger. Vladimir, he hoped, was still in his power, and he would try at all hazards to keep him in his hands. He assumed a hanghty car riage and said: "Miller, you are, I fear, forgetting that you have been a spy, and that you are now a robber. General, I do not know how far your powers may go, but this man who is generally known by the name of 'Czar of the Exiles' " "Is included in the amnesty granted by His Majesty," exclaimed Jana, holding out the document with the Emperor's own hand writing and his seal. Here is the order is sued by His M ijesty: 'All who have been sentenced in connection with the Ace-ol-Clubs conspiracy, as neilas Count Vladimir Lanin, receive complete amnesty and par don." Uncle, you will no doubt confirm what I say," "Certainly, bot here " "There is no but. General," she added, turning to General Mo-ki. "Will yon be kind enough to support me?" "The Cz ir has issned this amnesty, and it must be carried out." "But certainly we cannot pardon or over look this rebelli u this armed resistance, this sh-dding of blood to-day," said Schelm in opposition. "My husband was at the head of this re bellion," said Jana, "and yet says the Czar: No law of the emnire shall touch Count Vladimir LaninI Vladimir, do you not command these people?" Lanin did not understand what his wife's intentions vert hot nrinstnmpil hlinrltv to I believe her words, he answered promptly: "les, mdeedl" Miller had, as soon as he had dropped Schelm's arm, gradually drawn nearer and nearer to the window." With one bound now he was outside, and called out aloud: "JJol He was not the leaderl I was! I who speak to you. I want no pardon and no amnesty! I have been the Czir's enemy, and I snail be his enemy. I want nothing of you hut my liberty, and that yon 'cannot take from me. You, Schelm, mind, if the Czar's justice does not reach you, you shall not escape my revenge." He jumped upon a rock and thence into the river. "Pire! Kill the man!" cried Schelm. be side himseli. "You have heard what the rebel said. No one obeyed the Eevisor. The univer sal surprise favored the flight and escape of the fugitive. No one pursued him. "Mr. Schelm," taid General Lanin now, "His Majesty the Emperor has appointed me inspector in your place. You will have to give me an account of your administra tion. The soldiers can be marched back." "First of all, however, this man must be seized," said Schelm. "You will please leave the government of Eastern Siberia henceforth in my hands," replied the Governor, drily, "you had bet ter oecnpy yourself with vour own affairs now." Turning to the officers he next asked if they had made any prisoners. When they answered no, be continued: "So much the better. Then we have to inflict no punish ment on anyone. We'll return now to Irkutsk. Mr. Schelm, you will be kind enough to come with ns. We have to dis cuss many questions with you." "General!" "I beg, whispered General Lanin into his ear, "yon will not compel me to arrest you here in the presence of all these people. I have His Majesty's express orders to arrest you on two charges: Forgery of documents and mal easance in office. CHATEK XXXIIL On the fourth day alter their return to Irkutsk, Vladimir who had just returned from the Governor's palace, entered Jana's room with the words: "Mv dear Jana, I have just seen my uncle once more, and begged him urgently to let Schelm be tried at some other place, as be is sure to be hanged sooner or later. Bnt we can do nothing; the answer is al ways the same. The Czar has ordered the guilty to be punished, and in the course of the investigation I have gained the con viction that Schelm is very guilty. He must suffer junishment," "Do you wish him to be punished?" "I? "I never thought ol it! I am free and happy, so that 1 have entirely ior gottcn that Schelm is still alive! May he go where he clooses." You see, Vladimir, when I think how many lives have been lost in order to secure our present happiness, an inexpressible anxiety seizes my heart. The sacrifice of another human life appears to me a crime. I have remorse. We must by all means try to get Schelm pardoned." Hut that no longer depends on ust" "Let me try, Vladimir. I'll go and see your uncle this evening at the Governor's palace. He promised he would do every thing to please me." Jana, animated by this nole debires, has tened at once to the palace. Bnt she found that both General Moski and Count Lanin had come to the conclusion that Schelm had not merely abused his official position, but had evidently criminal intrigues on his con science, which could not be overlooked. They had, therefore, decided to inflict the prescribed punishment in strict justice, and to make an example of him. The trial began. When Schelm was asked about Popoff's arrest, and about his receipt for the 100,000 roubles, when he saw that the Minister of the Interior had orsaken him, and when he finally perceived that Count Lanin held that very receipt in his hands, which the Czar had given him, then he lelt that there was no escape lor him. He folded his hands and bowed so low that the judges feared he intended to kneel down. "Your Excellency, I am guilty ! Have mercy on me; have mercy on me 1" "Mercy!" exclaimed Lanin. "Perhaps yon have extenuating circumstances that you can mention to keep us irom adminis tering strict justice. What can yon say in your own behali ?" "I can plead my zeal iu the Czar's ser vice, Your Excellency," he cried, turning to Count Lanin, "and we are both servants of onr master the Emperor. I wanted to make my way upward; I wanted to become one ol those who enjoy the happiness of being near His Majesty. I was ambitious, and that wns my ruin. I confess my guilt." "All. What a falsehood 1" said Lanin, frowning. "My nephew " Schelm Interrupted him most humbly: "To be sure, Your Excelleneyl" But you might be indulgent with the weakness and the heart of a man who does not claim that he is faultless. You yourself had an nounced to me the Czar's displeasure and aroused my wrath. Your nephew had mortally insulted me. I was furious against all who bore your name. The Count's name was mentioned, and I was delighted to know that he was involved in this con spiracy. It, in my anger, I went too lar, yon may punish me. The idea of dis tinguishing myself before the Emperor's eyes had made me lose my head I had the conspiracy iu my hand, and it was surely but human to take advantage of it in order to avenge mvsell!" "Enonghl" explained General Moski. "You can return to your rooms!" Schelm withdrew with low bows. Just then the Countess Lanin was an nounced. General Moski had become more and more attached to her, the more services he h.id rendered her. "Pray let her enter!" he called out "My dear companions in my journey," said Jana, shaking hands with the two gen erals, "I come to pray for Schelm's par don." "Never!" said General Moski. "As for me," said Count Lanin, "I am ready to obey every word you command." "This 'never sounds hardly very cour teous in the ears of a lady," said Jana smil ing. "But I see I have an ally in my dear uncle. "How should the rascal deserve such con sideration'" "I am so happy, so much happier than at any time! I pity all who have had to suffer for my sake; I wish harm to no one, and pardon every one ot them! Schelm's canning had well calculated the effect of his pretended devotion to the Czar's person on Count Lanin. The latter now joined Jana in her prayer, and at last the General could no longer resist; he yielded so far that Schelm's punishment should consist in his banishment to Beresoff, on the western frontier of Siberia. Jana, however, was not quite satisfied. Her noble soui wanted Schelm to be entirely forgiven. She besought the General until he gave way, alter long resisting her. He yielded to Jana as to a spoilt child. It was finally agreed that Schelm should lose his office and his salary, but should be allowed to re turn to Petersburg and to live there as a I private citizen. Radiant with happiness, Jana returned home. On the following day tbey leit the capital oi Eastern Siberia and turned their laces toward Petersburg. Lina accompanied them, with a heart full of sadness. CHAPTER XXXIV. One of those beautifully clear and silent nights which Torrns one of the charms of Siberia had gradually sunk the forest into deep darkness. The highroad which the eye could follow for miles and miles across the vast level plain, was deserted. At a dis tance ouly now and then was heard the tinkling of a little bell, the lorerunner of a vehicle, of which as yet nothing could be seen. It was Schelm on his return to Siberia. Schelm entered the room in which a few weeks ago his power had made such lamentable shipwreck. The walls still bore witness of the fight that had taken place here, and near the window, where Caroline uaa tried to set the house ou hie, a pool had formed, over which beetles were busily swarming to and fro. At the sight of the room Schelm could not help comparing his former greatness with his actnal position. He sat down on a chair that stood near the open window and looked down upon the quiet, peaceful waters of the Angara. "I still have my freedom and my fortune; but they want me to close my lile in strict retirement. The fools! A man such as I am never leaves his post, least ot all after a de feat. They will hear from me yet, I war rant! General Lanin has evidently exceeded his authority; he has let this band ot rob bers escape unpunished, although they had manilestly rebelled against the Czir; and he has pardoned their leader, who publicly insulted the name of the Czar. That is quite enough to give me a standing point for my luture measures!" At that moment a stranger seized his arm. "Schtlni! Do you fancy I have torgiven you aud felt pity for you as the others'seem to have done?" Schelm was dumfounded; he recognized Miller with terror. He was going to call lor nelp, but he was not given time for it Two men bad, in the meantime, jumped through the window into the room, and in a moment he was lettered. Miller looked at him and laughed aloud. Belore the door the postilions also were heard laughing, as they harnessed the horses. Miller gave a sicm. and I'n.iii ,B bound msn was lilted up, passed through the open window, and received on the out side by two other men stationed there. Miller, with his two companions, followed him in the same way. and quickly all of them hurried down to the bed oi the Angara. Here, on the river bank, they found a sad dled horse. The exiles tied Schelm securely to the saddle, without removing the hand kerchief with which they had gagged him. Miller again silently watched the proceed ings and laughed scornfully. When they j ncrcreauY neieapeuon nis norseand said: "Goodby, my iriendsl" The exiles spurred their horses, climbed the rocks and were soon out ol sight. Miller alone pushed his horse into the river. The moon was peacefully silvering the waters of the quiet river; all around silence reigned, aud only Miller's horse, bravelv breasting the waves, snorted and splash ;d through the waters in an uncanny, grue some way, Schelm's pale tace, marked with the still blood-red marks of his punish ment, were turned lo heaven as his back touched thewater. His eye met the glance of his adversary and he closed iu "I almost think, dear Schelm," said Miller, "that since our schooldays yon and I have never been quite so near to each other. What fate do you think is awaitiug you? You must bear in mind, dear col league, that I have much to complain ot in which you are concerned. You have in jured many men, but they were weak or good-natured men, who forgave you or dis dained to avenge themselves. When I heard that they were sending you home un punished, and that these people, intoxi cated with the eflect of their regained hap- J i THE DEATH OF CAROLINE. piness, disdained revenge, then I said to myself: Not so! I shall punish you, as you deserve to be punished!" Schelm was writhing like a worm in his fetters und tried desperately to tear the gag from his mouth, but in vain. "Not yet! The time has not come yetl But vou need not fear: von shall have time euough to crv! Mv ear shall revel in your cries of anguish. Yon may get a little wet, as we cannot let you sit upright in the sad dle, Schelm, but you shall not drown. My horse swims as well as any fish. But, Brother Schelm, what have yon made of me? I was, to be surepoor and unhappy when you knew me at school, but I was at peace with the world and cheer ul. One day, you may remember it, Schelm one day I asked vou to lend me money. Yon refused. You said you would rather buy me. Perhapj you will tell me honest men do not make such bargains. But I do not pretend to be honest in that sense of the word, and I'll show you presently what I am. You will find out the difference between me and those good people who have forgiven you and re fuse to be avenged on you." Miller bent lower over the prostrate pris oner, and thus forced him to look at hinu "Look at me, dear Schelm; I must enjoy the sight. Do you know, der Schelm, that ror the moment I rnn Id almost love vou? jYou afford me the same enjoyment which you lelt when you leit my cen in me ion resstogo into Vladiroir'B cell to examine him. Ha, ha! Thus each one has his turn." Schelm closed his eyes. He was near fainting. "What does that mean? I cannot permit that? You will have to listen to the end. I'll make you come around." With these words he passed his sharp dagger across Schelm's forehead. The suf ferer uttered an indistinct groan. "Do you hear me again? As I am sure you cannot tell out of school in this lite I will confess mv sins to you. Think of it Miller con essing to Schelm! Would not the popes laugh if they could hear us? Do you know that I am at the head of 1,000 armed men, and have a brilliant future be lore me and yet I long tor the misery which I had to endure in .Petersburg, and the scint tare I could indulge in only when somebody gave me a rouble? Then, like a fool, I hoped I saw every day a lucky turn, a bright change in my fate coming. It never came. But to-dav every nnloreseen event is a threat lor me. aud I can count upon myself alone. Schelm, you have made me what I am a spy, a robber and a rebel. That is what you gave me when I came to you, and begged you to help me!" A sudden noise interrupted him. The postilions, with torches in their hands, were running up and down the banks of the Angara, and cried out: "Where is the traveler? What can have become of him?" They noticed, at last the horse, with Miller and Schelm, in the middle of the river. The torches were extinguished and the cries became moie threatening. Miller cut the handkerchief which had stopped Schelm's mouth, and said to him: "Now you may cry, dear Schelm! Now I'll enjoy your sweet cries! Cry away!" The unfortunate man drew a long breath and tried to fill his lungs with air. This motion made him again dip a little into the water; he clung with his fettered hands to the saddle and cried as loud as he could: "Helpl Murderl" "They are coming to your assistance, dear Sehelm. I'll soon let you go. Unfortunately the people have no boats at hands, and the Angara is nearly two versts wide. We are in the middle ot the stream. Yon may cry now, to your heart s content! "Miller, forgive mel" "Do you think I am Vladimir Lanin? or are you mad? Why should I possibly for give you?" The water reached Schelm's face; it took away his breath and kept him from seeing what was going on. Full of despair he seized the horse's mane and raised his head a few inches above the water. "Miller," he said, in broken accents, "I am rich. Perhaps you can make use of the money. 1 possess nearly 1,000,000 roubles. I will give it to you. You can escape to France and live comfortably there. Only set me tree, take pity on me!" The man from Courland bent down close to bis face. "What do you offer me?" "Mv whole fortune!" "Beally? And will you be able to keep your promise?" "I have large sums of money in my trunks but what are you doing, Miller?" "Never mind that. I cut your fetters, but that does not keep me from listening to you attentively. Miller cut the straps with which Schelm had beeu bound to the saddle. The Eevisor sank half into the water, aud lelt at the same time a terrible pain iu his hands. which now alone supported the whole weight of his body. "Help! I am drowning! Have pity on me." "Not yet. What was that you were say ing ju3t now?" "Take the whole of my fortune!" "Perhaps you are deceiving me once more." "I swear it, I do not deceive you. Miller, have pity." "Enough!" exclaimed Miller at last. "I have seen enough of your despair. There must be an end to all pleasures on earth!" The right bank of the Angara became in distinctly visible in the nightly gloom. Miller stooped once moie and cut the last bonds that held Scnelin to the saddle. The scoundrel sank into the waves. The ez;r of the exiles gave the spur to his horse and it svtfam on snorting and splashing furiously. Schelm sank, but in a lew seconds he re appeared,on the sur:ace. "Miller, have pity ou me! I repent my sins; take my million." , "I am coming to help you," replied Mil ler, "but it is in vain; the current is too strong." Schelm's hands and feet were tied to gether; he could consequently make no effort to save his life by swimming. The people from the post station had in the meantime rowed in a boat up the river, while the leit bank was pretty well lighted up by torches. Miller swam swiftly in the opposite direction, but looked aronnd every moment, because he hoped he might see Schelm appear once more. And really, as his horse begau to feel the sandy bed of the river under his hoo s, he perceived the pale, terror-stricken lace of the drowning man once more. Schelm opened his mouth as it to summon help, but the water flowed into' it and he vanished in the dark waters. "Till next time, Schelm!" cried Miller. When Scbeliu's inexorable enemy had reached the bank of the river he mounted a fresn horse which Ivan had prepared for him there, lor ortunately he and several other exiles had on the fatal day of the skirmish escaped the enemy's balls. Tbey turned round once more to see what was go ing on at the station. Everything there seemed in a state of great excitement. On the river, also, a number of boats were searching evidently for Schelm. He never reappeared. "lhereis nothing more to do for us here!" said Miller to his companions: and absorbed in profound meditation he made his way in the direction of the Chinese frontier. EPILOGUE. Two young men were engaged in lively conversation iu the beautiful gardens of the Conversations Hans at Baden-Baden. It was in the year 1860, when the whole ele gant world used to meet here, more for the sake of pleasure than to restore ruined health. A famous artist had given a grand concert, which was just now ended amid enthusiastic applause. The audience scat tered slowly iu all directions; some went to the rooms where play was going on, others to the terraces. The young men were so deeply interested in their conversation that thev did not notice the crowd by which they were surrounded. One of them was a French officer, tne other a colonel in the Kussian Lifeguards. They had become ac quainted under the walls of Sebastopol, and theie formed an intimate friendship. Since then they had, strangely enough, never met till this very day, and their mutual delight was great. At the same moment a gentleman passed them accompanied by a lady of astonishing beauty. A ew steps from the two friends he suddenly stopped. "I should like to go for a moment into the saal. You have no objection, Jana?" "Ob, certainly not. Besides, I have just noticed Bita, and 1 should like to speak to her and settle matters about our excursion to-morrow." She left him. Vladimir looked leisurely around and his eye tell on the French officer, who bowed to him politely. The French man followed Jana with his eyes. "What a splendid figure!" he said to his Iriend. "Certainly! She is a countrywoman of mine." "What is her name?" "The Countess Jana Lanin." The French officer started in surprise. "Is she perhaps the wile of Count Vladi mir Lanin?" "Yesl" "That is a most fortunate meeting! I have looked for her now lor three years and al ways in vain, xovl do notobject to present ing me to the Count?" "With pleasure. Here he is coming to ward us." "CountLanin," said the French officer, after having been dnlv introduced, "it i now three years that a letter was handed to" me lor you, and under such very peculiar circumstauces that I have ever since been most anxious to make your acquaintance. It was in Shanghai, and the Taepings were besieging the city. The French Govern ment had sent me, in special mission, to China. The siege was not very oppressive, aud every now and then there was a truce. During these times we were at liberty to walkabout in the vicinity of the fortress in onr Rnronpnn uniinrmc An, flaw T .... observing the camp of the Taepings from a instance, wuen inree men came out of it toward me, and waved a white flag. They did not seem to harbor any hostile inten tions, and I waited for them. One, who seemed to be the leader, made a peculiarly strong impression upon me, on account of his loity stature, and because of his brilliant eyes." "That was Millerl" exclaimed Vladimir. "Pray give me that letter! Hearty thanks! He is one ol my oldest lricnds, of whom I often think." VWith pleasure, Count." He sat down on a bench in the garden and read as lollows: "At last I am a really great chieftain; they negotiate with me on a footing of equality, both the Son of Heaven and his rival Taeping-waig. An odd name, is it not? And yet these people are powerful and influential and lead the same life as we do. Here I have attained importance and power. My name, which no one in the West would recognize in its present garb, has a good sound from the Eobi desert to the mouth of the Pei-ho. More than once the fate of one of the greatest realms on eanh has rested in my hand. The Emperor of China fears me, Gteu-te trembles be ore me. J am respected by Kj'rgbis and Mant ehoo; lam believed by my subjects and my uuujpauiuus iu arms. j.ne czar hears my name every now anu men, when 1 invade his empire. "You think, perhaps. I have reached the goal of my wishes? I write you these lines, dear Vladimir, to con, ess to you that I suffer irom bitter nostalgia in my heart. I long for the misery even I suffered in Europe; I long for the days when I knocked, a beggar, at the portals of your palace in Petersburg, even for the sleepless nights which promised me a better, a glorious future. And yet, I dare not returnl "And yet I am sad, and almost a victim of despair whenever I think o. Europe. I. I ever should return and it is very probable that I shall do so some time orother tell me, Vladmir, will you then take my hand in yours?" "I kiss the hem of thy wife's robe. "Miller." Vladimir gave the letter to Jana, who passed him on her return to their hotel. She read it in silence, ana took a seat by his side. Both lell into deep meditation. The charming place at which they were staying, the merry mingling of all races and nations, the glorious beauties of the famous gardens, the matchless music that came to them imm afar, the splendid sunset which impresses even the most turbulent scenes of our life with the feeling of peace and repose all this formed such a terrible contrast with their former history, of which Miller's letter had reminded that the whole past rose belore the mind's eye, the imprisonment and banish ment, Irkutsk, the Lake Baikal, the Angara, the wretchedness, the tears and hopes, the sorrows and sufferings in Siberia. Suddenly a military step approached. Tney turned round eagerly; before them stood the gray-haired Governor General of East Si beria, who was also st ying at Baden Baden. "What occupies your thoughts to sucn a degree that you do not recognize your old friends?" Vladimir told him and handed him Mil ler's letter. "Indeed," he said a moment later, "if I remember that persecution that drove me to the very end of Siberia, I cannot com prehend by what wondrous good fortune I have escaped such unspeakable misery and am now here a free man and a happy man." "You ungratelul man!" exclaimed Count M., reverently seizing Jana's hand, "no one need wonder who has such a guardian angel at his'side and can rely on such a noble heart!" the end. LEGEND OF THE SIOUX A Wonderful Plant That Only Grows on Cutrr' Battle Field. A strange legend comes to the Denver Republican from tbe Sioux, who alone can tell the true history ot that deadly ambus cade. Tbey say that on the hillock where Custer fell now grows a plant never seen there before a curious plant with tall, slender leaves, curved in the exact form of a saber, with edges so sharp as to inflict keen wounds upou unwary hands, and those who pluck it once soon drop it, so strangely cold ami clammy are its .eaves. It beats a gnlden-bued, heart-shaped blossom, and in the center is one small spot ot brilliant red, like a drop of blood. The Indians regard it with superstitious awe. They call it "Cus ter's heart," and cannot be induced to touch it, claiming that the blossom crushed in the hand leaves a blood-red stain impossible to remove. A COMFORTABLE AND Just the Thing for Pittsburg's Numerous Lovers of Fine Horses and Gay Carriages. 'WBITTEN FOB THI DISPATCH. If our faithful friend, the horse, could talk, he would probably startle his groom on some cold winter night, just before the retiring hour, by saying: "Will you please throw another blanket over me?" And next morning, while his master's hand patted him on the back, he might politely suggest that some improved method of heat ing the stable ought to be considered. In our Northern climate there is no ques tion that horses suffer much from cold, par- ticularly those horses that are clipped of the winter coat that nature provides. A base ment stable is a very com'ortable one, being warm in winter and cool in summer. Great care should be taken to provide thorough ventilation and to guard against dampness A good example illustrates this article. SK Pawn; GKKr'C&tja Rs-otd. fi&tyng Sf,s.rv4.! First Floor. Following will be found detailed descrip tion: General Dimensions Width, 39 feet 6 inches; depth, 33 leet. Heights of Stories THE BEITOK'S HABD LUCK. How a Youneuer Got the story of Banker Hilt 31ixed Co. Harper's Bazar. 1 A little boy, who, is nothing if not dili gent in the study of history, was one day reciting fluently on the subject of "The Battle of Bunker Hill." He had it by heart. The little voice piped high as he described how "the patriot rank lay quietly behind their earthworks until the redcoats were within ten rods, when Prescott shouted 'Fire!' A blaze oi light shot from theredonbt, and whole pantaloons of the British fell. The survivors" But there was no chance to dispose of the sur vivors. A shout went up from the clasj. Alter all, "platoons" looked much like "pantaloons." Strnnee TIiidbs Do Happen. Detroit Free Press. It was only the other day that a Michigan court fined eight young men $5 each tor hooting, yelling, fiddling and howling around the house of a newly-married couple as a serenade. They supposed the Cousti tution gave them this privilege and en couraged them in it and were amazed as well as dead broke. WM. RADAFWS HftfCROBE KILLER. Cures All Diseases. Send for onr pamphlet, giving a history of Microbes, how ther enter the system, cause disease and suffering, and how tbey can be eradicated. The Microbe Killer is the on! known remedy that arrests fermentation and destroys these germs. It cleauses the blood, purifies the system and adds new life and strength. Book mailed free on application. The Wm. Radam Microbe Killer Co., No. 7 LAIGHT ST., NEW YORK CITY. apl3-123-su 1 BOTTLE Restored Loit Appe tite and cured mv dyspepsia. Mrs. E. a. Jenkins. 819 Cai- on sr..Fittsbur!;. Pa. GRAY'S SPECIFIC MEDICINE CURES NERVOUS UEBILI TY, LOST VIGOR. LOSS OF MEMORY. Knit particulars in pamphlet tent free. The genuine Cray's bprclUc sold by JrujcisU only la yellow wrapper. Price, 1 per package, or sir for S3, or by maU on receipt or nrice. by addresj- ln THE GKAY MEWCINK CO, isnuslo, a. X bold in I'lttaburg byb. a. HOLbA.NI. corner Smlthtlelil and Liberty at. inta.7-94-PWS oolc's Cotton. 3300t3 COMPOUND .Composed of Cotton Root. Tansy and Pennyroyal a recent discovery by an 'old Dhvsiciis. It successfully used monthly Se, Effectual. Price SI, by mall. ecaiea. laaies. ass your arutrsiM. iur vwa Cotton Root fomponnd and take no substitute, or inclose 2 stamps for sealed particulars Ad dress FOND LILY COMPANY, No. 3 Fisher Block, 131 Woodward ave., Detroit. Mich. 3-SMd lo Pittburg, Pa., by Joeph Flem ing & Son. Diamond and Market st. eI6 "t-TTSTlWltFOWK WEA&"WQSVSEUf Save Yourselves. Nerve Beans, the jrreit restorer, will cure weik back, uke away that gloomy, tired feeling, that nervous exhaustion, put roses in your cheeks, brighten your eyes, give you new life, ambition, appetite, make you tenfold more attractive Aisotmttly harm en, abftuttt surt, $i a box, postpaid. Six boxes, U. Pamphlet (sealed; free. Address Nrve Bean Co., Buffalo, N.y. At Joseph Fleming Sc Son's, 4" Market Su TO WEAK MEN Buffering from the effects ot youthful errors, earlr decay, wasiinff weakness, lost manhood, etc., I will send a valuable treatise (seiledl containing: lull particulars for home cure. FREE of charge. A plendkt medical work- should be read by every man who Is nervons and debilitated. Address, Prof. F.C. FOWLER, .Tloodn, Conn, uilti-lo-Pauw oaf Eiii i EroLi"i;oj"i,hpi'i" " " a kj',Lo.Hlr.r,anIhealtlifallT rtord. Viritotcto earM. Parts enlarged trnrthned, Sw Uoaa Tjraatlafl seut Irco and sealed. IS PrlM Xedals. Xfldnu LXCUUCni IISniCTE, 110 liS WUB SU 5.T. jeo-ub-Dslwk ABOOnTOaTHEMlLLIOFI FRETS QME 7MATMZNT WITH MEDICAL ELECTRICITY .For all CHKONIC, OEOASIO .jjj KERV0TJ3 DISEASES in both sexes. BOT aaRAlt till vnn rA lhtivuif AAAr THE PERU CHEMICAL CO., UILWAUUI.WJS myZMl-TTSSu a t -s rW-,-"- -i i-m aiji M gf fe Egl I I S3 3 a Hi! 1 BHS3,1gB lasisi n'ajji iJJj I sfciiTi i i I I II I I "12 p p to every man, young.mldd'e-oged, n I Cm and old ; postage paid. Address Perspective. Harness R,l5 f 6!xlo' o& Jiv till 111", . Powr&S" fefof p-, nwsj VY CONVENIENT STABLE. Basement, 8 feet 6 inches; first story, 13 feet! loft, 12 feet to ridee of roof. Exterior Materials Foundations, stone! first story, gables and roofs, shingles: run way roof, tinned. Interior Finish Flooring in all stories and run-way, soft wood. Bun-way to have cle its, to prevent horses slipping. All tim bers in carriage room, aiso the under side of all sheathing and mow flooring, to bo smoothed and varnished. The inner side of stone work extending up to window sills, to be wainscoted with hard pine ceiling boards. Colors Preferably he colors should haiw monizi- with the colors of the residence. If standing alone, use the ollowing scheme: All stonework pointed with red mortar. All wall shingles dipped and brush-coated colonial vellow. Trim, cornices, etc., white. Out side doors and sashes, dark green. Roof shingles dipped .md brush-coated silver stain. Brick work oiled. Accommodations Designed for ahillside where stable may be in basement. Space for four single and two box stalls. Wash ing stand for carriages in first story, and another for grooming horses in basement. Feed bins in Basement. mow connected by chutes with basement. Back stairway leadiu xom basement to mow. Grain, hay, etc., may be taken in at front o' the mow by tackle hung to the out looker provided or that purpose. Cost: J2.000, not including iron stall fittings. The estimate Is based on New York prices for materials and labor. In many sections of thecountry the cost should be less. Feasible modifications: Heights of stories, general dimensions of plan, kind of ma terials and colors may he changed. The cov ered run-wav may be omitted. For a level site the stable may be planned at rear of carriage room. Chimney may be omitted. Stone work above first floor level may be omitted. B, W. Shoppeia. BIEDICAL. DOCTOR TTIER S14 PES AVENUE. I'lTTiBUKG. l'A. As old residents know and back flies of Pitts burg papers piove, is tbe oldest established and most prominent physician in the city, de voting special attention to all chronic diseases. r;N0 FEEUNTILCURED MFRfll IQ aQd menial diseases, physical IMCn V UUO decay.nervons debility. lack of. energy, ambition and hope, impaired memory, disordered sight, self di-trnst, bashfnlness, dizziness, sleeplessness, pimples, eruptions. in poverisbed blood, failing powers, organic weak ness, dyspepsia, constipation, consumption, un fitting tbe person for business, society and mar riage, permanently, safely and privately cured. BLOOD AND SKIN ?,''. blotches, falline bair, bones, pains, glandular, swellings, ulcerations ol tcngue, mouth, throat, ulcers, old sores, are enred for life, and blood poisons thoroughly eradicated from the system. IIPIMAPV tl(1ney and bladder derange Uniltnll I j meats, ueak back, gravel, ca tarrhal discbarges, inflammation aod other painfnl symptoms receive searching treatment, prompt relief and real cures. Dr. Wbittier's life-lone, extensive experience Insures scientific and reliable treatment on common-sense principles. Consultation free. Patients at a distance as carefully treated as It here. Office hours, 9 A. M. to 8 P. M. Sunday. 10 A. M. to 1 p. M. only. DK. WUITTIEK. 8H Penn avenue. Pittsburg. Pa. jeS-15-Duwk t?E7flHJ THV.cn C. . imjuhi imiutiM laaea iif 'X'H hi SCIEKC33 OS XX2?Ok ASdentlfic and Standard Popular Medical Treatiss oa the Errorsof Youth, PrematureDecline.Nervona ana rnysicai ueDuny, imparities of tbe Blood, , m j s 'j s j Resulting from Folly, Vice, ignorsnee. Ex cesses or Overtaxation, Enervating and unfit ting the victim for Work, Business, tbe Mar riage or Social Relations. Avoid unskillful pretenders. Possess this great work. It contains 300 pages, royal Svo. iieautifnl binding, embossed, full gilt. Price, only $1 by mail, postpaid, concealed In plain wrapper. Illustrative Prospectus Free, If yoa apply now. The distinguished antbor. Wm. H. Parker. M. D., received the GOLD AND JEW. ELED MEDAL from the National Medical As. loci-tion. for this PRIZE ESSAY on NERVOUS nd PHYSICAL DEBILITY. Dr. Parker and a corps of Assistant Pliys.cUns may be ojo sulted. confidentially, by mail or in person, at the office of THE PEABODY MEDICAL IN STITUTE, No. 4 BulHnch St., Boston, Mast., to whom all orders for books or letter for advice should be directed as above. aulS-67-TuKSaWlc ELECTRIC BELT WEAMES InMENdebilltsted through disease or otherwise. WE ttt55sE GUARANTEE to rUKE by thl New IJI1" ROVED LL.E1TKIC HEI.T or KLFU.NUMII.NEY. Made for thl specific porpo3e. Cure o Physical Weak ness, irlvlnir Freely. Mild, boothlnjr. Continuous Currents or Electricity throngh all weak parts, restoring them to HEALTH and VIGOROUS bTKENUTIf. Electric current felt Insuntlr, or we lorfettflOGO In cash. KELT Complete fi and np. Worst cases Permanently Cured in three months. Sealed pamphlets free. Call onorad-dre-s S A.N DEN ELtCTKIC CO.. 819 Broadway, New York. my22-42-Tissu NERVE AND BRAIN TREATMENT.1 8peciflc for Hysteria. Dizziness, nt, Neuralgia, W&k. fulno33,UentaJ Depression, Softening of the Brain, re snltlnr In insanity and leading to misery decay and death. Premature Old Ace, Barrenness. Loss of Power in either sex, InTolantary Losses, and Spermatorrhoea caused by oTer-exertion of the brain, self-abnre or OTer-indnlgence. Each box contains one month's treat ment. 91 a box. or six for $5. gent by mail prepaid. Wi.h each order for six boxes, wiJI send purchaser (ruarantee to refund doner If the treatment rallj to cure. Guar ntees Issued and genuine sold onij bj A rrllL Dy'H. i It ' ' . l-i i M i Upf IM gsJatyeg &. ap j) Bos I Box f Lo2cCi' Lggl LQSJ2' $ j How Lost! How Regained, wSfft . iukmWfi -v. -..-, j sassKSjaf ymaa SjerSKa1" BB.E.B. WEST'S EMILG.STUCKY, Druggist, j 1701 and 2101 Penn ave,, and Corner Wylle and Fulton st. PIT1SBUKG. PA. myl5-51-TTSSa v FOR MEN ONLY! APOSlTIVEr!fnea?0sx? fJTT T? "P 'Weakness of Body and Hind; Effects y1 - JtwXJ ofErrorsorExceueJtnOldorYounir. Itebnit, Noble XA3IIOOD full; Klord. Ilnr t. E.larr id Slrt.ttara WEAK, IMlKTHJintDORCiB PlRTSoXEODI. IbMlnltlr Diralllnc IIOSK TK1UTHI1T-Bn.SU la a T. Sratrslir7rr.ia47SUtraadFrlcwtMatrlM.Yacawrlt9 Una. Book, fan.iptaaatloa, a4 prf. Mlkd (Maltd) tna. Addreea ERIE MEDICAL CO., BUFFALO, N. Y. my3a-TTsaa 4 -to ,1 &
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