“PROMISE OF DAWN"

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16571, 2 November 1921, Page 11

“PROMISE OF DAWN"

OUR SERIAL,

By

E. R . PUNSHON

(Author of *’ The Crowning Glory," “ The Woman’s Footprint/' “ Tho Solitary House,'’ etc.* etc.) CAP*PER Xl.— Continued., They ail sat up late that night, talking over what had happened, and first thing in the morning, o.s all seemed, quite normal, Michael decided to return. Afajtiasi, who was plainly in a very excited mood, and who had taken a great part in the formation of the “ Troitsa Soviet,” condescended to bring round tho sleigh at the hour suggested, They started off, Michael promising to send word as. soon as he could of the condition of things at the works. As they passed through the village all seemed fairly quiet, though the ruins of Meyer’s house were still smouldering, end though many discussions! were obviously in progress in th© different “ izbas.” More than one© during the journey Afanasi nearly upset the sleigh in a snowdrift, or against a tree, through turning round to conduct some social or political argument with Michael, who at last, losing patience, told him to talk less, and attend more to his driving. “ Why should you give me orders?” retorted Afanasi, offended*. ‘’ Yo-u are no more a high nobility, you are merely a citizen like myself. Why should you 101 l at your ease, while I sit up and drive? Are we not equals?” “Quite- so,” said Michael, "and I am perfectly willing to drive while you ride, if you wish it, only in that case I shall deduct an equivalent amount from the sum I promised to pay you.*’ But this idea did not commend itself to Afanasi, and he made no attempt to give up the reins. But he turned verysullen and angry, and when presently they drove up to the entrance to tho works where, to Michael’s great relief, everything seemed normal, he gave vent' to his spleen. ” All are equal now/’ ho said. “ and yet l see you have two fine rugs there while I have nonej Is that fair, brothers?” ho appealed to a group of iht* workpeople who had gathered at the gates. ‘Ts that in accord with the principles of the Revolution?” The men grinned at each other, and looked at Michael to see what ho would answer. ‘‘lt is very true.” Michael said slowly. “ Afanasi is right, it is not fitting that ouo mail should have two rugs, and another none. Pray accept on© for yourself, brother.” Afanasi took the offered rug with a grin of delight. ‘‘ Long live the Revolution. **’ he cried. But also.” added Michael, ‘‘ J so© you have two horses, while I have none. Is that fair, is that in accord with tho principles of 1 he Revolution?” * everyone must bo equal,” sh 013 ted the woikmen gleefully, seeing the point at once, and rocking with laughter. ** Afanasi, give one of your horses to the baron.” But that was a suggestion which did not appeal at all to thef worthv Afanasi. “Take back your rug,” he shouted, throwing it to Michael as he sprang into the sleigh, and whipped up his horses, ‘‘and th© devil fly away with the Revolution.” CHAPTER xrr. Michael had not been more than a few minutes in his office, when a deputation of his work people was announced. and about a dozen men filed m, among whom he was a little surprised, and a good deal relieved and pleased, not to see Trophim. They informed him that during his absence, and on receipt of the news of the Success of the Revolution, the men had held a- meeting and various resolutions had been adopted. “ Very interesting, I'm sure, 3 ' said Michael amiably; “do you mind tell ing me what they were?” “ Well, first of all, your honour,” answered the spokesman of the deputation. “ we declared the works to. be the property of the Revolution.”* Property \v robbery,’ ” quoted Michael. “Well, children, what next?” Next,” said the man. *'we decided ire must elect a responsible head of the works.” “ Very sensible,” said Michael. May 1 ask on whom the honour of your choice fell?” L)h, your nobility,” exclaimed the spokesman reproachfully. whom could we think of choosing but yourself?” “Indeed,” said Michael,, a little taken aback. “ So you elected me, did you?” “ Who else? All voted for your honour at once-—except.” he added thoughtfully, “that great blockhead, Trophim, who said a great number of foolish things, wherefore we beat him till he wept, and also gave his vote for your honour ” “ That was by Way of making it unanimous, I suppose'” remarked Michael. “ What next?” “Next,” continued tho spokesman, “we elected a committee of control. We ” he waved a. proud hand around-—”' we are the committee of control.” I see," said Michael, “ but T think wo had better understand each other at once. If I am to continue in charge hero I cannot be controlled by any committee, I must be responsible, and my ciders must be obeyed promptly.” “ Of course, your honour,” they answered in chorus, “ wc should never dream of interfering.” “Well, then, that’s all right,” said Michael. “ So long as you remain a committee of control that does not attempt to control, well and good. I shall be able to work very comfortably with you on that understanding. Anything else?” ‘‘No, your honour,” answered, the spokesman, “ except that we have passed a resolution doubling wages, and that w© have elected Trophim to the town Soviet. ” Well, as for. wages,” answered Michael, “ that has nothing to do with me. My job is to run the works, and turn out as much of the stuff the soldiers want as l can. I receive wages like yourselves, and if the works now belong to the Revolution you must apply to the Revolution for what you want. But what is this town Soviet you say you elected Trophim to?” “Oh, it is only a eounciL of deputies from workmen and soldiers to talk things over among themselves,” answered tho spokesman indifferently. “We chose Trophim to get him out of the way, and also because he wept, so much after we had beaten him we wished to do something to- console him.’ * “ Not a bad idea,”' said Michael, a good deal amused, and since he realised as little as did the men themselves how the Soviets were to increase and grow, till even the mighty Revolution itself fell under their control, lv© actually supposed that Trophim had been put aside in a. position in which he could do comparatively little mistchief. Then he gave the men cr short talk about patriotism, tho war, and the opportunity the people of Russia now had to prove themselves worthy of their newly acquired liberty. The little speech Mas very effective* they pro-

mised fervently he should find all the men working as none had ever worked before, and altogether it was in a very cheerful, optimistic mood that Michael went out to dine at his accustomed cafe, the only; ono th© place—=?which was, in fact, not much more than an overgrown village—possessed. Considering the momentous nature of the news that had just arrived, everything was wonderfully quiet. The police had all quietly and unostentatiously vanished, but perfect order was being maintained. Indeed almost the only thing Michael noticed to bring home to him that so wonderful a change had really happened, was tho haughty refusal of his waiter to be colled “ Peter,” and his demand that lie should henceforth be addressed with all due respect and formality “ Peter Pavlovich.” “ We aro all equal now,” he said, c< and one man is as good as another, the waiter as the barin.” “ Very true, Peter Pavlovich,” said Michael pleasantly, “ you are doubtless right,” and ho shook hands with him very warmly before sitting down, and asked after his health. At the conclusion of his moal he shooks hands with Peter Pavlovich | again, bade him a cordial farewell, and expressed the hope that the next day lie would have the pleasure of meeting him again in his accustomed good healthBut the new Peter Pavlovich seemed somewhat depressed an he examined the money given him in payment of the bill, which Michael had taken care should be exact to the last kopeck. With a sigh li© held forth his hand, palm uppermost, “ Your honour,” he said simply, “ I think I would rather be plain Peter again,” (To be continued.)

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