Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1873-07-17

cTdl uSu.
The Cossacks were too much accus-
toned to this desultory mode Of war
fare to be easily taken by surprise,
The party who had leaped the EN-
bankment in the rear, headed by
their officer, Immediately followed
leaving their companions to dispatch
the few who still struggled desperate
ly within the frozen arena.
The old major was the. first who
fell. but not before he had slain the
soldier who had intercepted his fight
Adolphe was pursued by three oi
the enemy, who, with their long Ian
ces poised in air, yelled in antlcipa.
tion of their victim
One, whose horse was Of finer met
tie than his companions, was gaining
rapidly upon him, when, as q last re-
source. he drew pistol from his sad.
Ole and fired.
The arm of his pursuer fell power.
less at his side; at this moment the
officer and two men, who, by de.
tour, had gained upon his path, dash
ed before him.
Adolphe, his sword broken, his path
beset, perceiving that all further at
tempt at flight or resistance would be
useless, calmly awaited his fate.
One of his pursuers was on the
point of transfxing him with his
lance, when gleam Of hope flashed
across his mind.
Turning toward the officer, he made
that peculiar sign which, throughout
the world, designates Master Mason
Swift as an arrow, the commander
rushed between the Cossack and his
destined victim, striking up his lance
with his sabres just;as isreached the
young Frenchmah's breast.
The disappointed savagerode grum.
bling away.
az may not offer. you my hand i
exclaimed the Russian, in excellent
French it is stained with the blood
of your counsrymen but you have
made acclaim upon my mercy. which
even here in the red moment: of vic,
tory, With my spirit chafed with my
country's wrongs, I must-at all haz,
ards, will respect. Your parole
"Is given" answered Adolphe
scarcely believing his good fortune
for the Cossacks were seldom known
to give quarter.
Enough replied the eaptor
Follow me.
On reaching the scene of the late
action, he beheld the enemy busy
stripping the bodies of his former
companions, not, one of whom hat
been fortunate enough to escape.
Lauriston's baggage was already
riAed, and scattered about the snow
"A small casket, which he knew con
tained the couat' Orders ia diamonds
lay at his horses feet.
His conqueror observed the direc
ton of his eye, and commanded one
of the men to reach it him; from thu
ground. .
Without examining its contents, ht
placed it in the pocket of his huge
pelisse.
"So!" he exclaimed. after looking
round, "my work is done. Follow
me, Frenchman." =,
After giving some directions to hi
men in Russian, he clapped spurs tt
his horse, and proceeded at rapic
pace. till he had cleared the plair
and entered deep wood. when, rein
ing his steed, he motion d to his com
panion to ride beside him.
IL watched your eve, stranger, az
it fell just now upon this triae; is i
yours p
NO." replied Adolphe it was
the property of the chief Of our par
ty, and may be considered Lawful
spoil; it contains the different Or
ders conferred upon him by Napo
leon"
Take them exclaimed the Rus
sian, with disgust; you may, with
out shame, accept them; but for me
there is not an icicle upon these trees
that is not more precious than the
richest gem your monarch could be
stow. They are mine" he cont tinued
observing that Adolphe hesitated tc
take them" mine by right of cen
quest, and I give them to you freely
Once more receive my assurances
Brothers assurance--that you are
safe.
After four hours hard riding
through the wood, the intricacies O
which seemed well known'to his con
ductor. they arrived at an inclosurt
surrounding low stone building o.
considerable magnitude.
Not window appeared on the out.
side; the smoke, rising from the high
pile of chimheys, alone gave indlca'
ton that it was inhabited.
You are welcomed" exclaimed the
Russian, to my holne-to the bosom
of my family, the hospitality of my
.heartll. You will not find the luxu-
ries of Paris, but safety may recon
cile you to its inconvenencies.
Takinya rndely carved horn, which
hung suspended by chain from the
portal. lie gave three distinct blasts
Alter being carefully reconnoitred
by all armed domestic, the gates Were
opened for their iugress.
If the exterior oil the building pre-
sented desokite iarect, the court
yard, into Which they were admitted
WAS scarcely less 80.
Large piles of wood. for Winter
fuel, nearly filled he area, and the
windows OF The principal rooms were
di<dgured by rough outward case
meuts. rendered necessary hy the L.
clrmenry of the seslson.
Adoirhe followed his gnide into Il
large hall, ch 'erinlly lighted by Il
pine l.ps fire, aronnd which some d"z
en- serts were Sleeping.
An old man, who, from his dress
appeared the chiei person Of the
household. approached, AMI was di-