A Russian Heroine

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The first picture shows the downtrodden Russian farmers laying down their tithes in the shape of wheat, corn, etc., at the feet of the overbearing Russian officers, who look on them with contempt and hustle and shove them like cattle. When the Government authorities have gathered together the offerings of the poor farmers they take their leave and the latter sitting down together woefully bemoan their fate. Finally one of their number, Tchetchevik by name, decides to make the perilous trip to Poland to seek help. He starts out, but has not gone very far before he sees in the distance mounted officers on his track. Seeing a farmer and his daughters happening to be gathering in their hay by the wayside, he appeals to them in his distress and one of the girls, Sonia by name, helps him into the wagon holding the hay and completely covers him, so when the soldiers arrive there is no trace of him, and as the farmers tell them they have seen nothing of the fugitive, the men ride on. After hearing the old man's story, Sonia decides to guide him on his hazardous journey, so bidding her father and sister good-bye she starts out for Poland with the fugitive. The latter disguises himself as a blind musician, and the girl's beauty and winning ways permit them to get through the different camps of Russian soldiers they meet on the way. When they reach Poland they are warmly greeted and the girl is sent back to Tchetchevik's people with a message from the Duke of Todolia telling them that they may depend on him and his people for help. The brave girl starts back on her dangerous journey, but unfortunately some of the enemy meeting her on the way and recognizing her as a daughter of Ukrania order her to be shot down. The order is immediately carried out and the poor girl falls to the ground. Thinking her dead, the cruel brigands leave her. Regaining consciousness after some time, she manages to get to her feet, and dragging herself along until she reaches home she hands the note to her father and then drops exhausted, for her mission now accomplished Sonia gives up her life.