é ¥} » 7 - , ie - on ~ ~ Y eet EY Wa MURRAY GRAYDON. { ‘ ’ en, — ee" - ‘ a \ a — iy" COPYRIGHT, 1297" BY TNE WOOLFALL PUBLISHING Cay - (Contiaued.) chen 7 it ge? dark he set some nares for though with lit- { 28 2 ihe téwn and the green ; ‘ ivthir But fi ' g ught with it a pleasing 7 said Platoff, rising to nis ; n ‘Ss ms Sos es t+ 2s . ’ surpris 1 lespised snares con- | f°! —— = eee tained 07 the other a bird. A | - - teat : . avn was kit i, and the game was , Trp Vwev er aa be devas Thie CHAPTER XXVI. COURCU 7 : . , . afforded , another day's TREACHERY. euenew and iate in the after ; “yw journ An . } ’ or they “Would it not be safer to hide in sapped on banks of a narrow | : , eure ’ NA te some plac until night,’”’ asked Maur- "With some loose stones Platoff con- ice and approach the shore in the stat a . . Ve r} sucted a rude triangular dam across | ““! <, ‘ os 4 ye rt of the channel Sonytaen ‘Now is the best time,” said Cap- y eaerow aperture in the centre. At | tain Daroman. “Qn such wet days = alan | held rude net ; ate | the soldiers do not move about much, : Nace : bead et ae e Tie ‘ . . . me . lining of his coat. Wiiile Mau- ; and the Cossacks along the ccast, who ad Phil, entering the stream | me are probably on the lookout for us, rice Ti bhai i. Lil : «al su . . , we ceeve, walled sill Giern tL will relax their vigilance. We would case the dam, beating the water on have ro better opportunity if we wait- Wau . - 7 “9 . : ” ~ . > y < »¢ , -, sch side With sticks In this way a! &2 2 week We can easily reach the ac oF - - _— . s . a a ‘ irs re dozen nice fish were procured, suffici- shore and conceal ourselves in the 4 . « r ; << ent for supper that night and break- hills Unt “gy wwsviny ® o " fast the following morning. Poussin “4. aaree Wit sees ale t oo a, — . more warn a - é re had given them some salt, and Maurice ae oes This is ae <i a on had fortunately held on to the bottle 6 aa 1 oe" ab 1 i care ; su ‘ a ‘staped c¢ ficts are sup- ef red pepper, so, with the aid of these : ate Rk at ne ; « aay he , he van condiments, the fish were quite palata- posed to hide in some dry place in- 7 stead of travelling in the rain. Cap- ‘They travelled that day with in- | *!” Daroman, you keep about ten creased caution and halted when the yards behind me, the boys half that sun Was low tn a deep valley distance in your rear. Thus the dan- All were Visibly excited "One more | ¢&F ° discovery will be lessened.” Al : 3 ’ , march—less perhaps—would bring them to Viadivostock. They forgot for the moment what yet lay before them— perils to appal the stoutest heart. Kidding his companions rernain hid- den in the bushes, Platoff climbed up the steep hill to the eastward, hoping Maurice leveled his revolver straight at the man’s head, to gain a sight of the distant sea, but the horizon was dimmed by misty gray deuds and he returned disappointed. “Viadivostock is not far away,” said Captain Daroman. “I am sure of that. for I have been in this locality before. One thing in our favour is the wild nature of the country. Deso- late and uninhabited hills slope clear down to the town and almost to the tdge of the bay.’ The fugitives devoured the on!y food they had—a couple of cold fish cookeJ at a fire the night before—and then stretched themselves on the ground in the thickest part of the forest. What little sleep they got was broken, and at midnight a cold, steady rain he- gan to fall that put a summary end to all further rest. It dropped through the foliage and crept in little rivulets along the ground. The remainder of the passed sitting up. At last morning dawned, cold, wet and cheerless, and Platoff, with a few words of encouragement, led his com- panions off in single file. Realizing the increased dangers that now surrounded them, he observed every possible precaution, seeking out the deepest part of the forest and keep- ing in the shelter of trees and stones. It rained steadily all the morning, and with wet clothes and empty stom- achs the fugitives felt miserable in- deed. At noon, as they were ascend- ing a steep, wooded ridge. the sky brightened visibly, and Platoff, who had reached the summit at that mo- ment in advance of the rest, shouted with joy and waved his hands in the air, His companions, with fast-beat- ing hearts, hurried to the spot. Maurice was ahead, and as he gain- @d the crest and stood beside Platoff, he saw spread before his eyes the Scene that he had so often dreamed ofa scene that he could never, never forget. Six or seven miles to the east- Ward lay the Pacific, a gleaming blue Sheet, lit up by a momentary bar of Sunlight that had broken through a Tift in the clouds. Still farther beyond Sea and sky faded into the dusky, grey night was horizon. But closer at hand, along the base of sloping green hills, lay the graceful curving of the Bay of Amur, with here and there 2 ship rid- mg at anchor, while slightly to the South, a sight never to be forgotten, lay Viadivostock, its roofs and spires and the shipping in the harbour bath- ed in a golden mist. “A sign from heaven!” cried Pla- tof. ‘‘God is with us. He will aid Us to escape.”” And reveremiy taking Off his cap he fell on his knees. All followed his example, overcome With gratitude and emotion. In silence they looked their fill at the glorious View, neither willing nor aible to epeak. Captain Daroman was apparently as deeply impressed as his comrades. A Strange light was in his eyes, a fierce and sudden joy upon his face. Thus they knelt for some moments, oad even as they looked the golden haze ed away, dark clouds hid the foken rift, the sea paled and vanish- ed, and a great hazy stormcloud, mass- “1 in billowy folds, came sweeping Ward. hidine in itn afivonca the Platoff’s advice was promptly heed- ed, and in that order they moved cautiously down the hill. Before they reached the bottom the stormcloud they had seen burst upon them in all its furv. The rain came down in tor- rcnts, and the wind blew with great force. This storm was undoubtedly a bless- ing in disguise. Whatever Cossacks were posted in the hill passes were driven to skelter, and at one point Platoff and his companions actually crawled on hané@s and knees between two blazing campfires not fifty feet apart. A cordon of troops was evi- dently stretched along the ccast sev- eral miles nerth and south of Vliadi- vostock. The fugitives were moving cautious- lv over the lower slope of the foot- hills through a pretty heavy forest when Platoff halted and signalled his ccmpanions tc join him. He pointed through a break in the trees to a small house built very tastily of stone, with fancy trimmings. A verandah sur- reunded the first floor, and all the shutters were tightly closed. The whole building was inclosed by a hedge of prickly thorn bushes. Captain Daroman scrutinized the place closely. “This is a summer cottage belong- {rg to some Vladivostock merchant,” he said, “some wealthy fellow who gces to St. Petersburg for the winter and spends the summer here. The house is empty now, and the owner will probably not return until May or June. It is a fortunate thing for us. We can take refuge here until an op- yortunity offers to board some vessel.” “But will it be safe ?”” asked Pla- toff. * Yea,” replied the captain. ‘“‘ No one will think of looking for us here. Sup- rese you make a detour of the house, and if you find no cause for alarm we will effect an entrance at once.” Platoff acted on the suggestion, and returned with the report that all was quiet in front. It was an easy matter to slip through the hedge, and with almost equal facility Captain Daroman_ en- tered the cellar by forcing one of the skylights, and presently he opened the back door triumphantly for his com- panions. A hasty examination showed that the building had been stripped of its furniture, the owner, no doubt, being afraid to leave anything valuable in it during the winter. Even the cellar was completely empty. But the house was dry, and, what was of more importance, probably safe. lt had two stories, with a small square tower on top. Platoff found a small ladder, plainly made for the.purnase, ——aae So 4 ———— in SICK HEADACHE Positively cured by these Little Pills. They tiso relieve Distress from Dyspepsia, Indigestion and Too Mcarty Eating, <A per- fect remeay for Dizziness, Nausca, Dr wsi- ness, Bad Tastein the Mouth, Coated Tongue Pain in the Side, TORPID LIVER. They Regulate the Bowels. Purely Vegetable Small Pill. Small Dose. ‘ _ Small Price. Substitution the fraud of the day. See you get Carter's, Ask for Carter’ Insist and demand Carter's Little Liver Pills. lows fia and south, and from this point of view he « ld see the harl and part of tl la Yt I than a mile : t) ‘ our shi in the h ne ; 2. 3 con ] “pat IT ¢ ma ( t thelr y i mile off the L\ rolling high, and a ! * r on the beach. ; : ley t} nothine cold he aor ! the present, so they all re- to the cellar. wl] h Platofft re- ga | as the safest pla and from , re : e \ ; watch could kept on the } f ha . ( [ the house through the grated sh l ere sufferine now for want of f AY of na ?} ; iat } to «(GS . : ‘N ng had pasesd their Ips . > previous vening, and the , “ons procuring anything to eat wel slim indeed Daroman made no att ‘ey t iy Captain mpt to conceal his feeli : He complained »} riw + ‘ - : we 'Y, Speaking in despondent tones of the situation, and finally lapsed inte ‘ } sieliliadl a 7 . a% i10W-Spirited, apathetic condition. This made Platoff » ispicious and un- easy. AS soon as it grew dark he cau- tioned Maurice to keep an eye onthe captain, and then pulling a heavy coat trcund him, he made his way out into the storm. He was absent for nearly three hours, causing the boys great uneasiness, and when he returned the tone in which he greeted his companions showed that he had no favourable report to make. “IT was up the coast a mile or more,” he said. “Campfires are visible every few rods, and sentries are posted at in- tervals. There are no boats in any place, and even if there were they could do us no goog, for the wind is terrific and the surf is thundering on the beach. I can see the lights of half a dozen vessels in the harbour.” **Were you near the town 2?” de- mended Captain Daroman, impatiently. * Yes,”’ replied Platoff, ‘I was with- in a quarter of a mile of Vladivistock. It ise cordoned so completely by Cos- sacks that to pass through the lines is utterly hepeless. They are evidently expecting’ our arrival. It is impossible to obtain food, and the pangs of hun- ger must be borne. But we have good cause for hope rather than despair. In this place I feel confident that we are safe. By the close of an- other day I think that the storm will be over. We must endure our hun- ger until to-morrow night. Then if the sea be calmer we will tear boards from the floor, make our way to the beach in the darkness, and try to reach one of the vessels in the harbour. I am confident we can do it. be brave and courageous.”’ “ Alas,”’ exclaimed Captain Daroman, despairingly, “‘I am unable to swim! Ishali be left behind at the mercy of the soldiers, and you—you’ will pro- cure your freedom.’ * Not so,”’ answered Platoff. ‘‘ Don’t despair. We shall find a way to take you with us. It will be unnecessary to awim if you are on a plank.” Piatoff's cheering words, however, had bus little effect on the captain. He remained sullen and despondent, pacing the earthen floor in moody silence. All slept some that night in spite of. the torments of hunger, and, what was: of ehief importance, they retained their strength. In the morning it was still raining, and the wind in violent gusts seem- ed to shake the house to its founda-; tions. At noon the storm was still raging. Platoff went up stairs to visit the watch tower and returned with a grave face. “ Soldiers are ‘visible on the beach,” | he said. ‘The sea is very turbulent, and the vessels have sought the safer, shelter of the town harbour. nothing can be done. to-night. We must try to get food in some way. Our strength must be kept up or we will be unable to escape.”’ I fear Most of that afternoon Platoff spent, in the tower, and when twilight came he announced his intention of going Out to seek food. “The night will be stormy,” he said, “and I can easily break through the lines. I will try to find some habita- tion and purchase provisions to last for a few day's. liy that time the storm will surely be over.” Captain Daroman’s consulted. He was lying in a corner, apparently fast asleep, with one of Poussin’s big rugs drawn over his fad- ed uniform. As soon as it was fully dark Platoff views were not went up to the tower again to mark: the lecation of the campfires. He took Maurice with him. FPhitl remained be- hind, sitting at the bottom of the cel- iar stairway. From the south win- dow of the tower a faint halo of light was visible hanging over Viadivostock, and from the east window could be seen the strageling campfires on the beach. They remained for some time, listen- ing to the patter of the rain overhead and the crash of the distant surf. “We must return,’ said Platoff. ‘I don’t like to be away from Daroman long. That man may turn traitor at the last moment. He has been in bad spirits for two days past.” They reached the cellar, to find Phil sound asleep on the bottom step. *“Poor boy, he is worn out,” said Platoff, and, turning aside, he bent over the motionless figure in the corner, ‘ With a cry that brought Maurice in- stantly to his side he lifted the rvg. Captain Daroman was gone! “The vile traitor!’ exclaimed Pla- toff. ‘‘ Weare lost! He has betray- ed us! What shall we do? The Cossacks may be here in an instant.” Maurice staggered back against the wall, pale and trembling. Phil, roused by the conimotion, rubbed his eyes and sat up. ‘““We must leave at once,’ cried Pla- toff. “There is but one chance—we must break through the lines into the town and try to reach the ‘landing wharf. Perhaps we may find a vessel there. Come; don’t lose a second. Where are our things ? My revolver is gone! I placed it here on the steps. Ah, I see. That traitorous wretch has earried it off.’ **Mine, too, is gone,’ cried Maurice. “We are defenceless.” Platoff ground his teeth with rage. “ As sure ax there is a heaver above,” he hissed, ‘‘ that black-hearted scoun- drel shall atone for this with his life—’’ Crash! Crash! The heavy ‘doors ERIT is what has given Hood’s Sarsaparilla the largest sales in the world and enables it to accomplish thousands of wonderful CURES. — Untli then ; | overnead burst Inwatd, ana t.nunger- ed to the fioor, A clash of arms was shouted the officer, heard and a confused tramp of feet. Then the door at the head of the cel- lar stairs was torn open, and a blaz- ing torch shone on fierce, bearded faces, green uniforms, slashed with iid braid, and gleaming bayonets and sabres. ‘In the name of the Czar, surrend- ‘ er!’ shouted the officer in command. Platoff dashed .to the skylight, only Lo be confronted by a dozen rifle bar- from without. Turning, with a hoarse cry that ech- an, ame “ale reis oed from cellar to roo?, he tore the knife from Phil’s belt, which the trait- or had failed to remove, and hurled himself with fury on the foremost of the Cossacks as they swept impetu- ously down the narrow flight of stairs. The steel flashed in its descent and Sank deep into an outstretched arm, but before the brave Russian could withdraw the blade for another stroke @ blow from a rifie butt stretched him Semseless on the floor, and the troops Swarmed unresisted into the cellar. The boys were too dazed to think of defence. Overcome by the crushing Weight of this terrible n isfortune, they Witnessed Platoff's heroic charge, saw him fall, stunned and bleeding, and then submitted without a word to the rough usage of their captors. Bound hand and foot, they were taken up stairs and placed on the floor. The doors and windows were opened, and a huge fire kindled in an triumphant faces of the Cossacks open grate. he blaze shone on the within, and cast gray gleams on the guards pacing outside in the rain. No nec now for the long eordon of troops whose campfires were blazing along Six miles of coast. At one stroke the Ccarz-paign had ez.led. (To be Continued.) The Journey of Womanhood. 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