ck mus-taches meeting red whiskers. He wore
a plain uniform. A cavalry saber hung at his side, and in his hand he
held a short-handled whip.

"Horses," he demanded, with the air of a man accustomed to command.

"I have no more disposable horses," answered the postmaster, bowing.

"I must have some this moment."

"It is impossible."

"What are those horses which have just been harnessed to the tarantass I
saw at the door?"

"They belong to this traveler," answered the postmaster, pointing to
Michael Strogoff.

"Take them out!" said the traveler in a tone which admitted of no reply.

Michael then advanced.

"These horses are engaged by me," he said.

"What does that matter? I must have them. Come, be quick; I have no time
to lose."

"I have no time to lose either," replied Michael, restraining himself
with difficulty.

Nadia was near him, calm also, but secretly uneasy at a scene which it
would have been better to avoid.

"Enough!" said the traveler. Then, going up to the postmaster, "Let the
horses be put into my berlin," he exclaimed with a threatening gesture.

The postmaster, much embarrassed, did not know whom to obey, and looked
at Michael, who evidently had the right to resist the unjust demands of
the traveler.

Michael hesitated an instant. He did not wish to make use of his
podorojna, which would have drawn attention to him, and he was most
unwilling also, by giving up his horses, to delay his journey, and yet
he must not engage in a struggle which might compromise his mission.

The two reporters looked at him ready to support him should he appeal to
them.

"My horses will remain in my carriage," said Michael, but without
raising his tone more than would be suitable for a plain Irkutsk
merchant.

The traveler advanced towards Michael and laid his hand heavily on his
shoulder. "Is it so?" he said roughly. "You will not give up your horses
to me?"

"No," answered Michael.

"Very well, they shall belong to whichever of us is able to start.
Defend yourself; I shall not spare you!"

So saying, the traveler drew his saber from its sheath, and Nadia threw
herself before Michael.

Blount and Alcide Jolivet advanced towards him.

"I shall not fight," said Michael quietly, folding his arms across his
chest.

"You will not fight?"

"No."

"Not even after this?" exclaimed the traveler. And before anyone could
prevent him, he struck Michael's shoulder with the handle of the whip.
At this