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72 BY ORDER OF THE CZAR.

" Come," said Ferrari, and they followed him at once.

" Now, my friend," continued the guest, " we will escort the women to safety."

The old man rose and led the way. Ferrari locked and bolted each door as they went along ; intending, neverthe- less, to return and unbolt some of them, for it was not in human nature to slink away and not strike one blow for his friends and the bleeding cause of Freedom.

Arrived at the well, the women were soon placed beyond danger.

11 And now, good friend/' said Ferrari, " do thou await me here ; descend, keep watch at the entrance below, and I will join you anon."

Grunstein begged him to run no further risk, but rather make good his retreat and safety.

Ferrari made no answer, but laying aside his Jewish gabardine and the wig and beard of the Moscow- banker, turned up his sleeves to the elbow.

CHAPTER XIII.

A GREAT FIGHT j BUT THE RED COCK CROWS OVER THE GHETTO.

THE entrance to the well, which was the narrow way to the underground palace of the wise old Jew, was a small open square or yard leading into the back of the Grunstein warehouse or store room, a not very safe place if the mob made their way through the strong iron-bound door that gave upon it. But Ferrari was master of the situation, seeing that, go as far as he might through the premises, he had strong doors between him and the rioters, unless through any indiscretion arising out of his excitement they should score an advantage against him. The yard in ques'