nother; but remember that once a
name is obliterated and the owner of it is transported to Siberia, there
is no power on earth to reclaim him."

"But I am an American, and no criminal,"

"True; but who is to find that out, and who bring it to the notice of
those powerful enough to demand an investigation? No; when once a person
is disposed of in Russia in this way, that closes his career."

"Do you really think so, sir?" asked Barnwell, feeling his heart sink
within him.

"Have I not had evidence enough of it. The police are too busy at home
to notice even the recommendations of the Governor of Siberia. The
authorities send all here--they call none back under any circumstances."

"Is that so?"

"Yes; guilty or innocent."

"And you believe that I am destined to drag out my life here?"

"Yes, unless you escape."

"Escape?"

"Yes."

"Can it be done?"

"I don't know. It may have been done, although I could never do it.
There have been several mysterious disappearances during my time here,
but we could never learn whether they escaped or died, or were tortured
to death."

"And would you have me abandon hope?"

"Yes, of pardon and reinstatement."

"Great Scott!" exclaimed Barnwell, bowing his head abjectly.

"I give you no false hopes. I would that I could be sure of your
escape," he mused.

"Why?"

"That is, if I found you worthy."

"Of what?"

"Of the trust I would repose in some true heart," said the old man,
sadly.

"You speak vaguely, sir."

"Well, I may be able to speak more plainly by and by. But in the
meantime I will take particular pains to teach you the Russian
language."

"I thank you, but mournfully, since you lead me to believe that my only
use for it will be here in Siberia."

"I would not banish hope."

"Of what?"

"Of your ultimate escape from here."

"How?"

"That will be a future consideration."

"But do you believe there is a chance?"

"Yes. While the springs and muscles of youth are potent, there is always
a chance--always a hope."

"I will dare anything; but I am a stranger here, and know not, how to
move."

"Then possess your soul in peace for a while. You have not the strength
of a lion, but you may have the cunning of a fox. Assume to be contented
with your lot, and learn all you can of your surroundings. Learn well
the road away from here. It may take years, as it has in my case, and
you may never succeed, as I have not, but it behooves a brave man to b