Russia was threatened by a Tartar invasion. The commander of the Russian troops was the Czar's brother, the Grand Duke, now stationed at Irkutsk. Suddenly all communication between him and the Czar was cut off by the enemy, under the leadership of Ivan Ogareff, a traitor, who had sworn to betray Russia and to kill the Grand Duke. It became necessary to send a messenger to the Grand Duke to warn him of his danger, and Michael Strogoff was chosen for that purpose. He was brought before the Czar, who looked this magnificent specimen of manhood full in the face. Then: "Thy name?"
"Michael Strogoff, sire."
"Thy rank?"
"Captain in the Corps of Couriers to the Czar."
"Thou dost know Siberia?"
"I am a Siberian."
"A native of—?"
"Omsk, sire."
"Hast thou relations there?"
"Yes, sire, my aged mother."