By Jules Verne
The door of the imperial cabinet was opened and General Kissoff was announced.
“The courier?” inquired the Czar eagerly.
“He is here, sire,” replied General Kissoff.
“Let him come in,” said the Czar.
In a few moments Michael Strogoff, the courier, entered. The Czar fixed a penetrating look upon him without uttering a word. Then in an abrupt tone—
“Thy name?”
“Michael Strogoff, sire.”
“Thy rank?”