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BY ORDER OF THE CZAR. 291

I should fling at you. But that is past ! My mission is no longer one of revenge, but of justice. You pronounced the verdict upon the Rabbi Losinski you pronounced the verdict upon Johannes Klosstock, the best man, the kindest father that ever drew breath you, first ruining your victim beyond all repair, pronounced the verdict upon his daughter, Anna Klosstock she now pronounces the verdict upon you ; not in her own name, but in the name of the patriotic Brotherhood of the Dawn, who have sworn as far as in them lies to rid their beloved Russia and all the world of such pests as you. The only torture you will undergo is that which must now afflict you. You sent my people of Czarovna before the High Throne of God with their sins thick upon their heads. Your Church declares it possible for the sinner to be forgiven at the last moment. You have ten minutes to make your peace with the God you profess to serve : and the joyous music of the Countess Stravensky's reception will be your requiem ! Remove the enemy of God and man. Report to me his death at ten '. "

CHAPTER XXXIX.

AFTER FERRARI'S REPORT.

As gondola after gondola came dashing along the Grand Canal, and pulling up with that sudden and remarkable precision so characteristic of this famous Venetian boat, the Countess Stravensky left her boudoir and prepared to receive her guests. Ferrari at the same moment passed out of the adjacent room, the steps of which led down to the palace's tiny quay beneath her ladyship's window.

" Czarovna is avenged," he said, taking the white hand she held out to him and kissing it.