Page images
PDF
EPUB

took place, but his better nature came out victorious. In strong men only can such fierce combat be so quickly spent. Young Korolewitsch turned calmly to his rescuer, who had stood quietly by, and held out his hand to him. "Pogoda," he said (for it was none other than Reb Simche) "a few moments ago and this hand were unworthy it should be touched by any self-respecting man. I was a coward, a foolish boy; now I am a man, awake to the responsibilities and duties of such, and I hold out my hand to you in gratitude for having saved me from myself. But tell me, how came you here at such an opportune time?"

Reb Simche, who had for years enjoyed the confidence and friendship of the young man's father, explained how it had grieved him to see so promising a son of the noble family of Korolewitsch swerve from the path of his fathers and that he had determined to use whatever influence he might

be able to bring to bear upon him to see clearly to what his folly might lead him. That very night his thoughts were engrossed with this subject, when, to his astonishment, he beheld him staggering by and was so struck by his countenance that he instinctively resolved to follow him.

From that time forth the deepest feeling of gratitude was added to that of friendship which grew in intensity as Count Korolewitsch became older and assumed the responsibilities of his high position with the Russian army, winning the respect and honor of all who knew him.

[ocr errors]

As Mrs. Pogoda was ushered into his presence, he expressed great sorrow over her husband's arrest, assuring her that it must all be a great mistake. "Be at ease, he said, "he shall soon be released. If it costs my life, the very existence of which I owe to him, he shall soon be free!" The pent-up tears of the agonized woman burst

forth and, gently laying his hand on her arm, Count Korolewitsch again promised her that nothing should be left undone to obtain her husband's freedom. He explained to her that as soon as he had learned of the arrest he had at once telegraphed to the "Natchalnik" asking for particulars, but that such secrecy was being observed in the case that he was unable to obtain any information and concluded to set out for Warsaw accompanied by her, whose presence might be required.

That no time might be lost, they departed immediately after breakfast. Arriving at Warsaw, Mrs. Pogoda was conveyed to the family of a friend of the Count, while he entered a carriage and was taken to a street and building his familiarity with the locality of which clearly showing that he was no stranger there. Emerging from the building about an hour later he hastened back to Mrs. Pogoda to in

form her that through his influence it had been arranged that her husband's case would be taken up by the court the following morning.

The next day Pogoda, in heavy chains and led by an officer, was brought into the court room. He was commanded to turn his face to the wall and not dare to move or give any living sign otherwise. Suddenly Egyptian darkness filled the room. After a few moments of perfect silence a gong sounded three times and presto change! the room grew light again. Pogoda was now ordered to turn face about and he beheld before him, at a distance of about three feet, two well-dressed women who scrutinized him closely for several moments, when both simultaneously exclaimed Striking resemblance, but not the man!"

66

Just as we shared his sorrow when he was arrested, so let us now participate in

the joy which overwhelmed Reb Simche when, without the least explanation, he was told he was free. Let also our sympathetic souls pasture on the living picture portrayed by Reb Simche, his faithful wife, and the stalwart commandant — a picture which, though its background is darkly shaded by tortuous anxiety, the outgrowth of atrocious despotism and tyranny, is relieved by love and affection, friendship and gratitude. On their way home the Count acquainted his friends with the discovery he had made at the Polish capital. The Russian Government, bent on capturing a certain insurgent leader, had detailed a number of men in the employ of the secret service of the Czar to search the country. The description of the one sought tallied so closely with the person of Reb Simche that the detectives were positive they had come upon the right man and were already

« PreviousContinue »