the sea, never to be seen or heard of again.

The particulars of his case were, however, reported to the secretary of
the governor of Siberia, and through him to the governor, who, for some
reason or other, became interested to such a degree that he ordered the
presumptuous prisoner brought before him.

When taken from his loathsome cell, young Barnwell did not know, did not
care what his fate was to be. He was so stiff that he could scarcely
walk, and the doing so caused him great pain.

He was marched to the governor's palace by two armed guards, and
presently taken into his presence.

But he was far from being the handsome-looking youth he was before he
fell into the hands of Russian tyrants, although, in spite of his badly
lacerated back, he still maintained his erect carriage and independent
bearing.

The governor looked at him for a moment and then spoke to him in
Russian, but Barnwell shook his head. Then he spoke German, but he did
not understand that.

"English," said he.

"Oh, you are an Englishman--eh?" asked the governor, who appeared to be
the master of many languages.

"No, sir; I am an American," replied Barnwell indignantly.

"What brings you here?"

"Fraud, deceit, and Russian tyranny."

"What did you do?"

"Simply brought a letter from New York, from Paul Zobriskie, without
knowing what its contents were--simply to oblige a stranger--and this is
my reward," said he bitterly.

"Paul Zobriskie! To whom directed?" the governor asked cautiously.

"Prince Mastowix."

"Ah! he has been lately executed."

"Thank God!" exclaimed Barnwell.

"And you knew nothing of the contents of the letter?"

"Nothing; but it is evident that he thought I did, and when I assured
him that I was not a Nihilist, he ordered my arrest, and here I am in
cursed Siberia."

"You speak too strongly."

"Because I have been outraged."

"You struck one of the guard."

"Yes; because he was about to strike a lady on her bare back with his
cruel knout, which act my American blood revolted at," replied Barnwell.

"That is the way we punish refractory prisoners."

"Well, it is the way of brutes and fiends."

"You are altogether too outspoken, sir."

"Why should I not be? I owe no allegiance to the Czar," replied
Barnwell, quickly.

"But you owe respect to me, sir."

"As the kid owes respect to the wolf in whose power it is."

"Be cautious, I advise you. If what you say of yourself is true, why did
you not