n gentleman, and also
that his identity had been blotted out, and he sent to Siberia; but
whether he was innocent or guilty, they never gave themselves the
trouble to think, and so, virtually, that was the end of him, so far as
they were concerned or cared; not even thanks enough for the result he
had innocently brought about to inquire into his case at all.

On the first day of their arrival they were assigned to different gangs
for different mines, and on the second, to give the newcomers an idea of
what insubordination brought about, they were treated to the revolting
sight of the punishing of prisoners with the knout.

There were nearly fifty of them, but what their crimes had been Barnwell
had no means of knowing, as he could not understand the Russian
language.

But the poor, miserable wretches were unmercifully flogged on their bare
backs with that terrible weapon of torture, the knout; and while some of
them sent up piteous cries as the cruel whip tore their flesh, others
received their punishment in stolid silence, as though disdaining to let
the tyrants know that they suffered, while still others paid back every
lash with a curse.

It was one of the most terrible sights that young Barnwell had ever
conceived of even, and being forced to witness it he became sick and
faint at heart. He had read of such things but until now he never
believed them possible. He could not believe that anything wearing the
human form could be so fiendishly cruel. Indeed, it seemed to be a
holiday treat to those bearded beasts who wielded the thongs, and
whenever a particular case was administered upon they would look at the
newcomer with mocking leers.

Finally to Barnwell's infinite horror a young Russian girl was brought
out bared to the waist.

She could not have been above twenty years of age and under different
circumstances would have been beautiful and evidently belonged to a
grade higher than the peasants.

"Zera Vola!" he heard the governor's officer call as the girl was led
out for punishment.

"Great Scott!" exclaimed Barnwell, "are they going to flog her? I had
rather die myself than see it!"

He looked around, but no one appeared to understand him, although he
noted the horror and disgust on the faces of the new exiles.

The girl was blushing deeply at this forced exposition of her person,
but she seemed otherwise firm and undaunted.

The wretch with the knout grinned, and made some insulting remarks,
whi