CHAPTER XXXV.
MAN'S INHUMANITY TO MAN.
During that memorable Sabbath day, hundreds of refugees came in from the surrounding villages where the outrages had already begun. They fled to Kief as a place of refuge, vainly believing that a city with such important mercantile interests centred in the Jewish population would be exempt from serious danger. The poor Israelites feared to stir from their homes; they sat in prayer during the entire day and fasted as on the Day of Atonement.
Towards night, the door of Rabbi Winenki's house was suddenly thrown open, and Joseph Kierson, haggard and travel-stained, entered.
"What are you doing here?" ejaculated both the Rabbi and Kathinka, in a breath.
"Has there been a riot in Berditchef?" queried Mendel.
"No," answered Joseph, sinking into a chair; "not yet; but I heard that there would be danger here, and I hurried back to share it with you."
"Unhappy man," said Kathinka. "Think of the peril of remaining here. If you are recognized they will take you back to prison."
"I do not care," answered the young man. "I could not remain in Berditchef, when I knew that you and my family were exposed to danger. My place is at your side; come what may, I will live or die with you."