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claimed Pravnik, "but I fear we will grow old and weary waiting-waiting — before liberty comes to our borders. Why wait for it to come to us? Ah, I yearn to flee from this land of oppression and tyranny! I would exchange my entire life in this country for but a single day in a land of freedom!

"A day, an hour of virtuous liberty,

Is worth a whole eternity of bondage."

"How I crave to behold a country which holds that all men are born free and equal!' What good, noble, and courageous people must sucha country produce!" Springing to his feet, with eyes directed on high and hands pressed closely together, Shebsl tremulously prayed: "God bless thee, America! I call down blessings upon thee even before I behold thy shores!"

Standing thus, his tall figure erect, his handsome features dilated, his voice full

of fervor, the chained prisoner of but a few hours before appeared like a saint in the eyes of Golda. Too holy seemed the scene also to Reb Simche and his gentle wife to be disturbed by any words. After a silence of some time Mr. Pogoda arose, saying there was much to be done on the morrow, assuring Shebsl that everything possible would be done to obtain a speedy release for him. With words of cheer and encouragement to the young man, they all retired for the night.

Exhausted physically and mentally by the fatigue and grief of the last few days, and soothed by the comforting words and pleasant surroundings, Pravnik, with a prayer on his lips for the recovery of his mother and the welfare of his benefactors, fell into a deep, refreshing sleep. Golda slept little that night. Conflicting emotions filled her breast. In the morning, immediately after breakfast, she quietly

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left the house and went to the telegraph An hour later the heart of Mrs. Pravnik was gladdened by the following message:

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"Be of good cheer, mother. Am well detained at Kalisz. Will be with you soon. Shebsl."

When Golda returned home she informed her parents of the step she had taken, and when Pravnik was told of it he was too deeply moved to express his gratitude in words.

Golda was a young lady of unusual intelligence and had been given every opportunity for education. She was bright, quick-witted, and of sound judgment; and though young, her father frequently consulted her regarding matters of great importance in his business, as well as to the diplomacy to be used in his intercourse with the various Russian officials, for well he knew the perilous position

occupied by the Jew of even the highest standing.

Now, too, father and daughter sat together fully an hour planning a means of bringing about the release of Shebsl Pravnik, and although accustomed to her quickness of mind, Golda surprised her father with the keenness of her intuition and her enthusiastic earnestness and determination.

Having evolved a plan, they at once set about putting it into operation. Mr. Pogoda's undoubted integrity and the fact that, although he had befriended many prisoners, he had never before attempted to interfere in any respect with the action of the law, were factors greatly to Shebsl's advantage. When Mr. Pogoda explained the entire case to the "Natchalnik" and expressed his most sincere conviction of the innocence of Pravnik, his words were attentively heard and carefully considered, and the "Natchalnik" promised a per

sonal investigation of the case. He therefore called at the home of Pogoda the following day and asked for an interview with the young man. When Pravnik stood before the officer, he related his story in the same straightforward manner in which he had told it to the Pogodas. Very shortly after the departure of the "Natchalnik" word was sent to Pravnik that his case was set for an immediate hearing. The deposition of the "Straznik" who had effected his arrest was read, and corroborated the facts as related by the prisoner. Mr. Pogoda was called upon to tell of the behavior of the young man while under his roof, and after a few more formal procedures Shebsl Pravnik found himself a free man again so far as any Jew may be called free in Russia.

A new passport was procured and he proceeded homeward. When he bade the Pogodas farewell he was completely over

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