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COPYRIGHT, 1897 BY THE WOOLFALL PUBLISHING CQ.)

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The t Daroman Was mussing, . and Maur searched in vain for his fan iliat al nance The cause of bis treac? was only too plain. The | adverse « mstances which confront- | ed the fugitives, the want of food, the encompassi: ¢ soldiers, the wind-lashed | waters of the harbour that made es- cape impossible at present, his own ignorance of swimming—all these things made him hopeless and despond- ent.

He feared capture, and capture in guch company would only make his punishment the worve. Then the loop- hole of escape appeared. He would slip away, surrender himself to the frst Russ’ .n officer he could find, and disclose the whereabouts of the three escaped convicts, on whose head a

heavy price was set. Surely this ser- vice would offset the misdemeanour that had made him a fugitive from his own Government.

He would be pardoned, probably re- stored to his rank and position. So he doubtless reasoned and so he for Platoft his

and cornrades.

CHAPTER XXVII

AN OLD FRIEND.

That night the storm passed away and the sun rose on a perfect morr ing.

The blue Pacific was still beating the sandy coast with whitecapped bil- lows, it is true, but the sky was clear ard serene, and the sun shone brightly on the town and harbour of Viadi- yestock.

What a frightful mockery all this glorious beauty seemed to the three prisoners as they passed for a moment through the cottage yard and entered the closej carriage that had just ar- rived from the town. Their wan, haggard faces, from which every ves- tige of hape had fled, seemed to draw

sympathy from even the stern and gitiless Cossacks. The commanding of€cer took ‘his

seat in the carriage and gave the or- der to start. He had deferred the de- parture until now purposely, no doubt,

that his triumph might be seen of men, and to add dignity to the oc-

ccsion the carriage was surrounded on all four sides by troops of mounted Cossacks.

They rode brisklv out of the wood- ed valley and turned down the sandy beach, entering the town by its main thoroughfare—a long, narrow street, lined for the most part with wooden houses of a peculiar construction. The sidewalks were filled with people, and Maurice looked with curiosity at the odd types of character—the queerly dressed Russians, the pigtailed Chi- nese and the dark-featured Coteans.

~The triumphant procession—for so it was clearly regarded by the inhabi-

tants—continued on past the Govern- +

ment offices, the Admiralty with its yellow dome end waving flag, the im- posing, carved facade of the Naval club, and passing through the Chinese bazaar amd@ the itmarket place swept along the wharf, tantalizing the wretched opriscners with a brief glimpse of the shipping anchored in the harbour—the flags of all nations that fluttered in the morning breeze.

Then a low, gloomy building came in view, frowning with cannon, pierced with embrasuress, and the carriage drew up before the fortress.

A brief sigh escaped Platoff's lips. No one spoke, for strict silence hati been enjoined.

Another carriage was standing om one side of the massive entrance—an imposing vehicle glistening with new Faint and gilded trimmings. A dozer soldiers of huge stature were guard- ing it, and one of therm seemed strange- ly familiar to Maurice.

The prisoners got out of the car- riage before the gateway which was “nen to receiwe ‘ihem, and marched Se

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ree ) siowly Trorwara, ®acn petween two sci- Ciera.

Just at this time a commotion was heard within, and a sentry on the sters called evloud “The inspector is cc ring. Make room for his Excel- lency.”’

The officer in charge flushed with pride, and straightened himself an inch ortwo. “ Halt !”’ he cried, sharp- ly. ‘Rizht about! Forward! Halt !” And the prisoners, drawn up beside the short flight of stone steps, await- ed the arrival of the mspector.

Maurice fixed his eyes on the arch- ed doorway. He was curious to see this Government official who had trav- elted across Siberia inspecting the Czar's prisons and penal settlements. A moment later he appeared—a tall, richly uniforme1 genileman, preceded by a young Cossack officer—and at sight of that noble face, the wayvy, yellow mustache and beard and clear blue eyes. Maurice was thrilled by stch a strong emotion that he stags gered back, and would have fallen but for the guard's firm grasp on his arm. The dizziness passed off in- stantly, and ne straightened up, trem- bling and flushel with excitement.

His Excellency halted on the top- most step for a parting word with the

commandant of the fortress, who fol- lowed him to the door. Then he came quickly down between the presented

arms of the sentries, and as his feet touched the bottom, Maurice, with a supreme effort, tore from his guards and flung himself before the amazed

official, crying, loudly: ‘“ Colonel Jar- oslav ! Colonel Jaroslav! Help me, help me!”

All was wild excitement in an in- stant, and the daring lad was dragged reughly aside. struggling fiercely with his captors.

“Help me!” he cried, with all his might. ‘‘ You remember, Colonel Jaro- slav—St. Petersburg—a year mgo, in the square—I saved your life—dragged you from the cannons—I tad your card—all. For God’s sake, help me! Let me speak a word—just a wora—”

Then a burly Cossack clutched his throat, stifling -his cry. Another struck him brutally on the mouth, and the officer smote him with the flat of his sword. Still struggling desperately, he

was dragged up the steps, and in a few seconds more the fortress doors would have closed behind him.

“Stop! Who is that man ?’ Colonel Jaroslav’s voice rose sharply above the tumult.

The officer hurried forward, cap in hand. “A convict, your Excellercy,” he said. ‘‘Oneof those who escaped from Kara two months ago. Here are the other two. I captured them last night north of the town.”

The inspector briefly scanned Phil and Platoff, and turned toward Mau- rice, who stood white and trembling on the upper step, held by two sol- diers.

*“* Yes, I recognize your face,”’ he said, haughtily. ‘‘I deeply regret that we should meet again under these circum- stances. Yet even the service you ren- dered me can hardly justify this de- mand.”’

‘Tl ask but a brief interview,” said Maurice, eagerly. ‘“ For heaven's sake don't refuse me. You will change your mind when you have heard what I have to say.”

“I grant your request,” said Colonel Jaroslav. ‘* You shall hear from me again.’ Then, turning toward the offi- cer in charge of the convicts, he de- manded, “Can you procure me a re- port of this c*#se before evening ?”

“Yes, your Excellency; it can be had from St. Petersburg by telegraph at once.”

“Very well. Send it to me without delay.’’ And, passing hurriediy through the crowd, Colonel Jaroslay entered his carriage and drove away.

Dizzy with joy, Maurice followed his guards through the dark hall of the fortress, and was speedily locked in a whitewashed cell with a narrow grated window overhead.

He was rather glad than otherwise that he was separated from his com- panions. He wanted time to reflect, to collect proofs of the story he must re- late to Colonel Jaroslav, for on that interview rested his only hope, and that hope was now a strong one.

He was treated with some oonsid- eration. Food of good quality was brought to his cell, and he was given a soft bed in place of the straw pallet that lay on the floor, but he neither ate nor slept.

Morning found him still wakeful and restless. Before the day was half over the welcome summons came frorn the gaoler, and he was conducted to @ luxuriously furnished room on the first floor of the fortress, where Colonel Jaroslay was seated at a table glane- ing over some papers.

The gaoler withdrew, leaving them alone,

“ Yours is a strange case,’’ were the colonel’s first words. “IT am puzzled at the outset. Sit down and let me hear your story.”

It was half-past 10 by a small clock on the table when Maurice began to

speak, When he finished, the hands potuted to noon. He related every- thing without reserve, commencing

with his family history and the visit to Russia, ending with the perfidy of Captain Daroman and his recapture. Iie spoke, of course, in English, re- membering that the colonel was fa- miliar with the language.

With rapt attention Cclonel Jaroslav listened to every word, and at its con- #lusion he rose and shook Maurice warmly by the hand.

“My poor boy,” he said, with emo- tion, “your story is true. You have been the victim of an infamous crime, but your sufferings are now at an end. You and your friend shall be freed, I promise you.”

“Thank God !” cried Maurice. “ Oh, thank God!” And, bursting into tears, he buried his face on the table.

‘[t was.adastardly deed,” resumed

or the « V1

nvincing rool L cou)

believe aditnir Saradoff can e <

such a crime But the evide is so plain that even the Minister of the In- terior Cannot fail to be convinced, Ac- cording to the report of the case, which I have, you travelled directly from the frontier to Moscow, where you were arrested, yet I ean testify to seeing you in St. Petershurg, and, what is more, J can remember seeing Ivan,

Vladimir Saradoff’s servant, sitting on

the box of the sleigh.

“That was the scoundrel who stole vour papers and substituted the Ni- hilistie books and the false passports.

Chis renort states two more important facts Which go to strengthen your case.

it Was Vladimir Seradoff himself who Save Count Paul Grosky, Minister of the Interior, the information that caus- ed your arrest, and it is also recorded here that my card was found among your effects when searched. But the most damnine evidence of all is yet to come, Do you know why your un-

»ee

cle committed this infamous crime ?

No,” said Maurice, “I do not, un- less he hated me on my father’s ac- count.”

“It was partly that, no doubt,” re- sumed the colonel, ‘but there was a stronger motive. Let me tell you what occurred after your arrest. and you will readily understand all. Late in April, while yeu and your friend were on your way to Siberia under the names of

Cunningham and Burton, two badly de- composed bodies were found in the Neva. On searching them at the morgue passports were found made out to Maurice Hammond and Philip Dun- vers, The papers announced that the boys had been accidentally drowned. Viadimir Saradoff procured the Govern- ment @ertificate of death in your case and forwarded it to America, making at the same time a claim for your inother’s fortune, which, by her will, went to her brother in case of your death. "That claim was allowed—your guardian making no attempt to dispute it—and Vladimir Saradoff received your fortune. His crime was plotted with marvellous cunning, and had you ar- rived at the fortress one half-hour later yesterday morning you would have gone back to Kara never again to re- turn, The workings of Providence are truly wonderful.”’

Maurice’s surprise at this story may be readily imagined. His first thought wes of Phil, and his friend was sent for at Colonel Jaroslav’s request, who considerately left the room and per- mitted the boys to remain by them- selves.

An hour later they were taken back to their cells, for of course they were not yet free, but in the evening Coloe- nel Jaroslav returned and sent for them.

“] have received telegraphic instruc- tions from &t. Petersburg,’’ he _ said. “ You will return with me at once, and yeur case wili be placed before the Minister. I regret to say that the man to whom you owe so much, Paul Piatoff, the revolutionist, will also be sent back to Russia to undergo solitary confinement in the castle of Schussel- berg. Nicolas Poussin’s share in your escape has been discevercd. He is now under arrest and will be heavily

fined, if, indeed, he suffers no worse penalty. The Cossack officer, Cap- tain Daroman, will derive no benefit

from his treachery. General Melikoff, whose daughter he insulted, directs that he be stripped of his rank and fent into nenal servitude at the Island

of Saghalien, some miles north of Viadivostock. He is now confined in the fortress.”

“Foor Piatot Can nothing be

done for him ?” exclaimed Maurice, bursting into tears. ‘“*He saved our lives. He is the noblest man living. Ah, if you only knew what we owe to him, Colonel Jaroslav. Can’t you do anything for him ?”

“ Nothing, I fear,” said the colonel, sadly, for he was deeply moved by the boy's tears and pleadings. a is impossible. Paul Platoff must go to the underground dungeons of Schus- selberg. He deserves a better fate perhaps, but there is no hupe for him.”

“Can we see him ?” begged Maurice. “Not at present,” replied the colonel. “You will have plenty of opportuni- ties in the future. He wiil accom- pany us to St. Petersburg. ‘The gaol- er, at my direction, told him what had occurred, so he knows your good for- tune. And now let me advise you to obtain as much rest as possible, for in three days we start back across Siberia. Amur river is now open, and the journey which was so tong and painfsl to you we shall accomplish in a few weeks. Of course yow are still prisoners, and will be under military guard, but your treatment will be good. I shall see to that myself.”

The boys went back to their cells scarcely able to realize thet their troubles were nearly over. Maurice, in his deep grief over the fate of Pla- toff, scarcely tasted his supper.

He was unable to sleep, and tossed for heurs on his hed.

Near midnight he fell into a restless doze, from which he was roused by a

-

“Yes, 1 recognize your face,” he said haughtily.

dull, booming sound that seemed to shake the walls of the cell. Then fol- lowed half a dozen shard reports, and as he sprang to his feet in alarm, @ rush of footsteps passed his cell, and

a hearse voise shouted:

| * Drop the

ee r >

Hie’s swim- harbour,”

boats, qtick ! the

ming cut into

CHAPTER XXVIII

SHIFTING SCENES. .

S'x feet beneath the level of the flac top of the fortress, on the east- ern side facing the sea, extend:d a paved stone wall, twenty feet broad.

On the outer edge cf this rose a mas-

leeply embrasured and

sive parapet at

mounted with frowning cannon that pointed their gaping muzzies day and nivht on the shipping in the harbour. Seven grated windows directly be- neath the roof faced this paved wall, and the middle grating admitted a

feehle supply of light to the cell where-

in Paul Pilatoff was confined.

Five minutes before the alarm oc- curred that roused Maurice from his sleep, two sentries were patrolling be- fore the row of windows, now back to back as they neared the angies of the fortress, now face to face as they approached and met before the

middle window. Three lanterns, placed at irregular intervals, threw a

bright light on the scene, and, shining out on the sea, mingled with the wavy flections from the shipping. ‘Have you a light, Ivan?’ said | ane seniry to the other as they met | before Piatoft’s window. “Yes,”’ was the reply. “ Here is my pipe. Hurry and finish your smoke, | though, for the night officer will soon be here.”

They talted a moment to exchange | fire, ana as they moved off again | neither beard a sharp crack that came | from a point close at hand.

The distance between them gradually widenec, and they were close to the angles of the fortress, when suddenly grating dropped from the middle window with a tremendous crash, and they wheeled round in time t& see a dark figure slip nimbly tothe ground and dash toward the parapet.

Crack! crack! rang the two rifles Simultaneously, as the sentries rushed forward, but the dark figure gained the top of the parapet unchecked and leaped wildly into the darkness. A heavy splash told that he had reached

the the

ths sea, fifty feet below. The alarm gun. standings ready, primed and leaded, was touched off

instantly, and as the loud boom roused the inmates of the fortress and drew an eager crowd ef officers and soldiers to the spot, the figure of the escaped prisoner was seen for an instant strik- ing boldly out into the harbour.

A score of rifles belched out flame and lead—with what effect none could tell—and a few moments later four beats, manned with armed soldiers, were gliding to and fro over the har- bour. From midnight until morning they hunted Paul Platoff in vain, and when daylight came a Russian corvette watched the mouth of the harbour, while the commandant of the fortress armed with the Czar’s authority, searched every vessel in the port—Ger- man, nish, Italian, Spanish, Eng- lish, and American.

(To be Continued.)

The weil known poem, ‘ ‘*Curfew Shall Not Ring To- nigot.’’:- is which a young wo- man by hanging to the curfew bell saves the life of her lover condemn- ed to be executed at the tinging of the curfew, is only one of a thousand _ strik- ing instances of how a woman will dare everything for love.

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The true antidote for this condition is Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery. It acts directly upon the digestive powers and the liver, creating pure, red, healthy blond free from bilious impurities; it renovates every organ and tissue of the body, building up hard, elastic fiésh and muscular strength and impatting nerve power and permanent vitality, which malt extracts Co not give.

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