Page:By order of the Czar.djvu/94



82 BY ORDER OF THE CZAR.

" Come come," said Grunstein.

Ferrari with a look of hatred in the direction of the mob stood aside while Grunstein descended the well. Then shaking his fist at the mob he could not see he followed his leader. Standing at the entrance to the approaches of the cave the old man said, " Now, my son, to perform a miracle. It has pleased God to afflict us sorely ; it has pleased Him at least to let His hand fall upon one of our persecutors ; it may please Him to save us for a happy future. For the present we are safe, and we shall emerge again free ; these storms of persecution and death come and go ; the fury past, there will be peace, and Moses Grunstein has some treasures left. Listen ; it is a powerful barrier, the last one, is it not? "

" It laughs at them," said Ferrari.

" But it will give way anon," said the old man, "and then it cannot be that they will not examine the well ; possibly suspect its secret. So now for the miracle I told thee of."

The old man took Ferrari by the hand. " A few steps to the left, my son."

Passing to the left they went a few steps forward, and then the old man stopped.

" What do you hear ? " asked Ferrari's host.

" A rush of water."

" It is the stream that passes through the cavern at the further end ; a small stream, but confined to a narrow gully it makes a great noise. I turn it aside, and it enters the well until the water rises above the entrance."

He stooped as he spoke, and with considerable effort turned a heavy screw that creaked and creaked with a painful sound, and presently the old man rose to his feet. There was a change in the noise of the water ; it was now heard as if falling from a height, and with a splashing sound.