BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. $3
the connivance of your father, the master of the house ; and when we are in our most generous mood of narrowing justice down to the criminal only, and considering the previous good conduct of his associates, the rabbi, a learned and scholarly man, incites his flock against us the Governor, and denounces us as the corrupt and cruel agent of a corrupt and unjust Government."
He knew not what he said, your Excellency ! " Anna exclaimed. " Oh, forgive him His Greatness the Czar has no truer subject ; mercy ! oh, be merciful ! "
" Be seated, child, and let us talk the matter over."
Remaining standing until now, he offered her a chair and sat down himself.
" Do not ask me to sit ; when I flew here for succor they were dragging the rabbi through the streets I know not where, and they said he was condemned to a punish- ment worse than death* Great God ! while I stand here he may be suffering."
She turned upon Petronovitch her pale, frightened face, her eyes ablaze with excitement and terror.
" Oh, sir, spare him ! Hark ! I hear his voice ; he calls me he is dying ! "
" This is madness ; listen, my poor girl, I will spare him. There ! he is saved ! "
" Heaven bless you," she cried and seized his hand and kissed it. " God will bless you. But how is he to know you will spare him ? How will they know he is to be saved?"
" If you will promise to be quiet and remain here, and let me know your wishes and not distress yourself, you shall hear the order given for the postponement of his punishment, and you shall yourself bear away with you the order for his release."
" Bless you," said the girl, her eyes now filling with tears as she staggered to a seat.
