If we do, I shall
end in finding him everywhere."
This occurrence, however, came to the knowledge of Ivan Ogareff, who was
stationed in the town. To obtain possession of any official message,
which, if delivered, would frustrate his plans, and to detain the
courier was his great desire. He succeeded in arresting Michael
Strogoff, and then sent for Marfa to appear before him. Marfa, standing
before Ivan Ogareff, drew herself up, crossed her arms on her breast,
and waited.
"You are Marfa Strogoff?" asked Ogareff.
"Yes."
"Do you retract what you said a few hours ago?"
"No."
"Then you do not know that your son, Michael Strogoff, Courier to the
Czar, has passed through Omsk?"
"I do not know."
"And the man whom you thought you recognized as your son, was not your
son?"
"He was not my son."
"And since then, have you seen him among the prisoners?"
"No."
"If he were pointed out to you, would you recognize him?"
"No."
"Listen! Your son is here, and you shall immediately point him out to
me."
"No.
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