Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-09-06
MI.
THE RUINED FARM.


THE RUINED FARM.
sandorf thinking all was safe went back
10 the tree, lifted his companion in his
arms and laid him on the bank. He knew
nothing Of where he was or where be was
70 20.
In reality this sheet of water, which
serves as the mouth Of the Foiba, is neither
alagOonnor a lake, but an estuary. 1t bears
the name of Leme canal, and it commu-
ucates with the Adriatic by narrow
creek between Orsera and ROvignO on the
western side OF the Istrian peninsula.
But il was not known before this voyage
that its waters came from the FOiba, and
we're brought through the gorge OF the
Buco during heavy rains.
A few PAGES from the bank there was a
deserted hut and Sandorf and BathOry
atte- a short rest took shelter in it. There
thew stripped and waited while they sun
dried theiI clothes. The fishing vessels
we're leaving the Leme canal and as far
as they could see the place was deserted.
The man who had been watching them
since they landed now got up, and care
fully noted the position of the hut. And
then he disappeared round knoll and
made of towards the south.
Three hours afterwards Sand0rf and his
companion resumed their clothes. They
were still damp, but it was necessary to
move on.
acWe must not stay toolOng in this hut"
said Bathory.
"D0 you feel yourself strong enough to
startF asked Sandort.
Il am almost exhausted with hungerv'
"Let US try to reach the coasti There
we may perhaps procure something to eat
and something to take us TO sea. Come,
Stephenp
And they left the hut, evidently suffer
Ing more from hunger than fatigue.
Sandorfs intention was to follow the
southern bank Of the Leme canal until he
reached the sea. The country was de-
Serted it is true, but quite a number of
streams intersected it on their way TO the
estuary. This watery network along the
banks Is nothing more nor less than a vast
sponge, and the mud is impossible, so
that the fugitiyes had to strike south
wards Obliqueiy, easily keeping their
course by the sun, which had now risen.
For two hours they kept on without meet
ing human being, end without finding
anything to satisfy the hunger that was
deyouring them.
Then the country became less arid.
They found road running east and west,
winch boasted a milestone that gave no
Indication as TO the region across which
they were feeling their way like the blind.
mere We're, however, some hedges OF null
berry trees, and farther on a field of sOr-
ghum, which enabled them to allay their
munger or rather to cheat the wants OF
their stOmachs. The sorghum chewed
and even eaten, and the refreshing null
berries, might, perhaps, BE enough tokeep
them from falntiug from exhaustion be-
lore they reached the coast.
But II the country was inhabited, II
lew hehls showed that the hand OF man
was employed about them, the fugitives
had TO be careful how they met the inhabi-
tants.
About noon five or six foot passengers
appeared on the road. AS a matter of
caution oandort thought ho and Bathory
AsU better get out OF sight. Fortunately
an enclosure round an old ruined farm
Jay some 80 yards to the left. There be-
lule they had been noticed, he and his
oOnlpahlon TOOK refuge in kind of dark
celar wnere in the event OF any one stop
ping at lhe farm they ran little risk of dis
'oEEefy II they waited till night.
me ioot passengers were peasants and
ss~l-nash workers. Some were driving a
lock Of geese, doubtless to market at
sumo town or village which could not be
very Tar rom the canal. Men and women
4 we're clothed in lstrian style, with the
4 eWels, medals, earrings, breast-crosses,
auu hnRree pendants which ornament
.ne oIInary costume OF both sexes. The
53aiUhefon workers were more simply
Iessel, as with sack on back. and stick
y uaho tley marched along TO the salterns
w. 'He helghD0rnoOd, or, perhaps, even 10
we Important establishments at stagnOne
" = Hano IA the west OF tho province.
oome OF them stopped when they
eacHed the farm, and rested for little
w the doorstep. They talked in loud
u,ee' not without certain animation,
~ ouiy ol things concerning their trade.
us sUptiyes eant against the corner
snu listened. Perhaps these people lad
Already heard Of the escape and we're
@'hlhS about itY Perhaps they were
Va!lng something which might reveal in
"Sas part OF lstria they then we're.
N9t word passed on the subject. They
Wu,q ouly continue TO guess.
AL tne country people say nothing
sotoul our escape, 1t is fair inference"
b' ia sandorI THAT they have not yet
That" said Bathory, "would 20 10
r..e mat we arc some distance from the
ues'. Considering the rapidity Of the
ro.eht which kept us underground for
AZ thatp iSe"
mat must be IT," said sandorff.
so, couple OF hours passed, and then
u.i, HalJ workers az they passed the farm
,"uuut stopping we're heard 20 speak
gs,t GU tne gendarmes they had met at the
sac OF tho town.
W. nat town? They gave II no name.
Aa,. n's was not very reassuring. II gen.
,sa. mes were about, IL was probable that
~ were securing the country In search
VI tle iugitiyes.
,., but" said Bathory, considering how
a. scaped, they might well believe US
.sg, and never think OF pursuit.
ny VIII believe we are dead when