The commander of the Russian
troops was the Czar's brother, the Grand Duke, now stationed at Irkutsk.
Suddenly all communication between him and the Czar was cut off by the
enemy, under the leadership of Ivan Ogareff, a traitor, who had sworn to
betray Russia and to kill the Grand Duke. It became necessary to send a
messenger to the Grand Duke to warn him of his danger, and Michael
Strogoff was chosen for that purpose. He was brought before the Czar,
who looked this magnificent specimen of manhood full in the face. Then:
"Thy name?"
"Michael Strogoff, sire."
"Thy rank?"
"Captain in the Corps of Couriers to the Czar."
"Thou dost know Siberia?"
"I am a Siberian."
"A native of--?"
"Omsk, sire."
"Hast thou relations there?"
"Yes, sire, my aged mother."
The Czar suspended his questions for a moment; then pointed to a letter
which he held in his hand: "Here is a letter which I charge thee,
Michael Strogoff, to deliver into the hands of the Grand Duke, and to no
one but him."
"I will deliver it, sire.
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