The Czar fixed a penetrating look upon him without uttering a word, whilst Michael stood perfectly motionless. The Czar, apparently satisfied with his scrutiny, motioned to the chief of police to seat himself, and dictated in a low voice a letter of not more than a few lines. The letter penned, the Czar re-read it attentively, then signed it, preceding his name with the words “Byt po semou,” which, signifying “So be it,” constitutes the decisive formula of the Russian emperors. The letter was then placed in an envelope, which was sealed with the imperial arms. The Czar, rising, told Michael Strogoff to draw near. Michael advanced a few steps, and then stood motionless, ready to answer. The Czar again looked him full in the face and their eyes met. Then in an abrupt tone, “Thy name?” he asked. “Michael Strogoff, sire.” “Thy rank?” “Captain in the corps of couriers of the Czar.” “Thou dost know Siberia?” “I am a Siberian.” “A native of?” “Omsk, sire.” “Hast thou relations there?” “Yes sire.” “What relations?” “My old mother.” The Czar suspended his questions for a moment. Then, pointing to the letter which he held in his hand, “Here is a letter which I charge thee, Michael Strogoff, to deliver into the hands of the Grand Duke, and to no other but him.” “I will deliver it, sire.” “The Grand Duke is at Irkutsk.” “I will go to Irkutsk.” “Thou wilt have to traverse a rebellious country, invaded by Tartars, whose interest it will be to intercept this letter.” “I will traverse it.” “Above all, beware of the traitor, Ivan Ogareff, who will perhaps meet thee on the way.” “I will beware of him.” “Wilt thou pass through Omsk?” “Sire, that is my route.” “If thou dost see thy mother, there will be the risk of being recognized. Thou must not see her!” Michael Strogoff hesitated a moment. “I will not see her,” said he. “Swear to me that nothing will make thee acknowledge who thou art, nor whither thou art going.” “I swear it.” “Michael Strogoff,” continued the Czar, giving the letter to the young courier, “take this letter; on it depends the safety of all Siberia, and perhaps the life of my brother the Grand Duke.” “This letter shall be delivered to his Highness the Grand Duke.” “Then thou wilt pass whatever happens?” “I shall pass, or they shall kill me.” “I want thee to live.” “I shall live, and I shall pass,” answered Michael Strogoff. The Czar appeared satisfied with Strogoff’s calm and simple answer. “Go then, Michael Strogoff,” said he, “go for God, for Russia, for my brother, and for myself!” The courier, having saluted his sovereign, immediately left the imperial cabinet, and, in a few minutes, the New Palace. “You made a good choice there, General,” said the Czar. “I think so, sire,” replied General Kissoff; “and your majesty may be sure that Michael Strogoff will do all that a man can do.” “He is indeed a man,” said the Czar. CHAPTER IV FROM MOSCOW TO NIJNI-NOVGOROD