San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1890-07-19


huge stone which served as a table.
Before so much noise, Nadege fed with
Ladislas to the extremity of the yourte
Yermac made a last effort.
my friends" said he to the Cossacks,
summon up all your remaining GOODNESS
and try to understand me-"
THE dominican Of Samogitia is going to
teach us the catechism, said Ardalion.
HE is like the thirsty fiy-no way to get
rid of him." added Nicolai.
'As true as l exist, your lives are, per-
haps, at stake" resumed Yermac.
But the two Cossacks were no longer in
. condition to understand him. They be-
gan to utter all sorts Of pleasantries. Final
ly drunk with noise, excitement and liquor,
they retired to lie down in a corner Of the
yourte.
"You have carried your pointl" said the
chief Of police, addressing Yegor.
perhaps !" said the latter, in low tone.
He seemed to be afraid Of awakening the
two soldiers. At sign he gave NJ. Lafleur,
Nadege and Ladislas, each Of them noise
lessly made some arrangements to sleep;
but Yegor and M. Lafieur slept with one eye
open. AS to Yermac, a prey to strong ex-
element, he walked back and forth across
the yourte.
At length, being able to control himself
no longer, he went towards the Cossacks to
arouse them; but one of DECENTRALIZATION
somewhat refreshed by his short nap, open
ed his eyes and shook his companion, to
whom he spoke in whisper.
They arose, and the chief Of police thought
he might possibly make them understand
him.
Nicolai made him mysterious sign, as
he went with tho tread of wolf, followed
by his companion. towards the entrance Of
the yourte. 1t WIS IN invitation to accom-
pany them.
Yermac obeyed, despite the terrible cold
which reigned without.
I'm which marta do they keep the supply
of vodki2" Nicolai asked him. 1--WE must
have another little drink while the rest
sleep"
But you have already drunk too muchl"
cried the chief of police. ''Take care as to
what you are about to do! You will bring
ruin down upon your heads!"
''You are beginning again! We will find
it well enough without you," said Nicolai,
Struggling his shoulders.
Meanwhile, the other Cossack was search
ing in one of the nartas. He was in luck,
and speedily found the object Of their de-
sires-a huge bottle of liquor. He seized it,
uttering cry of Joy, and returned to the
yourte with his companion. Yermac walk
ed behind them, determined to try once
more.
Listen" said he; 'you have committed
robbery"
1>,,y 4 ,,.l I'D l,A
awaken theml"
But let the robbery go!" resumed Yer.
mac ''If you will heed me, you will not
drink further and will not put yourselves
in such a state as to unfit you for the per-
Torrance of your duty, your service"
II believe he is going to begin to teach US
over again !" observed Ncolai.
And adroitly uncorking the bottle, he lift
ed its neck to his mouth and greedily took
several swallows.
ut is my turn !" cried the comrade, snatch
ing the bottle from him without ceremony.
Don't guzzle all of it," exclaimed Nico-
lai, as Ardalion drank without taking
breath.
"Here-talSe it! make you a present Of
the rest" said the latter; giving vent TO a
deep sigh.
And, with an uncertain step, he went to-
wards the spot where, few moments be-
fore, he had been lying.
Yermac strove to seize the bottle which
the other Cossack, doubtless, was about to
empty.
do you want drink" suffered the lat
ter, offering it to him.
"No; do not want a drink, wretch!"
said Yermac. II want to save you from
ruin-for all this will turn out i'll for you"
IF you don't want drink, let me be"
said Nicolai
He sat down on the ground, braced the
bottle between his knees, and stretched
out his hand to take wooden cup from
the huge stone When he had grasped IL
with unsteady fingers, he filled and emptied
it several times, the while staring at Yer
mac with an air of defiance, but with wild
looks.
Yegor and NJ. Lafeur silently followed
this scene with eager eyes. On turning,
Yermac saw them.
well, said he to Yegor, ''you have COM
pletely succeeded"
mot yet" said the latter.
At this moment, the Cossack let his head
fall on one side and rolled over upon the
floor Of the yourte. Both he and his COM
rade were dead drunk.
Then Yegor aroused the two Yakoutes,
and directed them to get the teams in readl-
ness
Master" said Tekel, you shall be obey
ed"
A moment later, the barking of the dogs
announced that Yegor's order was being ex-
ecuted.