San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-07-16

VI.
hghtened the chief of police as to how he
came in the hole. As commentary, the
bear was still growing in the distance.
AS further proof, NJ. Lafleur showed the
remains of the corpse spread out upon the
ground. Everything was explained.
81 thank you, Messieurs," said Yermac,
getting upon his feet. II am in better con.
dition than l thought. So we are QUITS,
Monsieur Semenoff. Now, you can no
longer deny that you are in full flight,
you and she whom you call your betrothed,
as well as her brother! l arrest you all
three!"
Yegor made movement Nadege grew
pale, and little Ladislas burst into tears;
but NJ Lafeur said, with sneer:
"You are joking. my poor Yermac! Why,
you can scarcely stand, you are alone,
wounded, and far from all help-yet you
talk as if you had squad of Cossacks al
your back! Don't get angry; we shall quiet
ly proceed on our way-and if you are not
satisfied another time we will let the
bears Of Siberia devour the agents Of au-
thority."
"You have strength on your side, Mes
sieurs, but l represent the law" said the
chief Of police, with dignity.
"On the faith of Partisan, what singp
lar pretension" cried NJ. Lafieur.
Strength should remain with the law, re
sumed Yermac.
well, if you have the strength, show itp
Yegor interposed:
do you know why you have not the
strength, Yermacl Because your demand
is not founded on justice. You have before
you innocent victims-I pass over the tragic
incidents of your pursuit. We are martyrs
least impression on us by appealing to ouI
consciences; that is why you are weak, with,
out prestige and really disarmed."
"We shall see, Messieurs. You are going
towards the east. l shall return towards
the west May each one of us keep his con.
fidence"
M. Lafieur made sign to Yegor. They
consulted together hastily, while Yermae
was looking at the roads, uncertain as ts
the direction he ought to take.
you are in our power" said Yegor, to
him.
"There are several of you and am alone
The game is not equal. submit, answered
Yermac, whose visage, impenetrable as
granite, betrayed not the least emotion.
Your submission is not enough for u.s.
said Yegor. 1--WE may meet patrols, OF
stumble on some post of Cossacks. What
would you DO in that casep
'My duty"
"You would denounce us9"
eyes"
Yegor was silent for an instant admirine
the chiefs firmness and courage, and think
ing how he could secure his silence without
staining himself with crime.
1--WE could cause your DEATH" said he, al
length "by fastening you to a tree; you
would be devoured by the bears. But ]
wish you no harm. You have done your
duty. Free, you were an obstacle in our
path-that is why we wished to suppress
you. Now that you are in our hands, now
that fate has made you our prisoner, will
you give US your word that you will not seeB
to escape from U.s."
"No."
What strange nature was that OF Yer
mac, who discharged his policeman's func-
tons without the least passion, with the
absence Of every interest. Duty and law!-
these two words summed up for him life,
the world and society. His conscience,
pure, sincere, Just and free from every Sc
cret end, had made him an austere, impassi-
BILE and impenetrable man. He looked his
adversaries in the face, as the lion looks at
its foes. Disguised at hiding himself, at
crouching in corner to await the passage
of his prey and hurl himself upon it unex-
pectedly, he acted openly, loyalty, even
with those who were in instruction against
the law.
monsieur, the chief of police of Yak
outsk," said M. Lafeur, I'VE cannot see
things in the same light as you; you will re-
main with US, if you please, until we judge
you retreat indifferent to our safety; you
are our prisoner"
But am wounded"
Another reason for remaining with us.
l will cure you; know all about wounds"
''You!-a dancing maker of
women's hats "a manufacturer of cham.
pagnew
II began life as an herbalist, Monsiesri
But have you no weapons!"
81 had gun and pistols, said the chief Of
police, looking in the direction of the field
of strife, ... ..
AS he finished speaking, Ladislas advanc-
ed, bearing slung across his back the very
gun and showing in his belt the very pistols
in question.
'Keep those arms, my child" said NJ. LAT.
leur to him.
$50 you disarm me. However, my safety
demands"
1--WE will protect you, Monsieur!" said the
dancing master.
"a moment will come Monsieur Yermac,"
added Yegor, when l will return to you