The morning call., 1890-06-29

called to his comrades. "Chlldren, we must de-
fend ourselves unto death. In an hour we shall
cross the-river, and then we are safe from all
pursuit. And you," he added turning TO the
Siberian carry our thanks to your chiei, ana
tell him we are all anXiously waiting for him
here" Like a shadow the man vanished among
the trees. -, ,o,as,
They must check the enemy. Ivan, carry the
order. You there watch the river, and give warn.
ing as soon As you see the boats coming. Let
some one get life for brother lanln."
by no means. / have told you VIII not light
against the Car. am under your protection,
that Is ALL"
In the meantime the dark line on the horizon
was steadily growng; quite as quickly, now
ever, MilIer's sharp eyes noticed boats coming
down the Angara like swift arrows. Quoted
and treasured by This sight, he did not look iur.
Their, and yet at the same moment detachment
OF Cossacks was crossing the ferry with heavy
travelling carriage. Not anticipating That thls
deserted field and This silent wood were soon 10
be blood-stained battlefield the Cossaeks were
leisurely leaving the ferry, and rode al slow
pace toward The station.
Now began scattered Gre Of tlraileurs. Hid
den among the trees aud shrubs, the exties re-
ceived the regulars with hall OF balls The de-
tachmeht OF Cossacks, amazed al this sudden
explosion, stopped moment; but as from tner
low place near the river they could see nothing
Of what was going on beyond, they trotled rap
Idly up to The little white house. This they sur
rounded, while The travellers left the carriage
and went into the room.
The firing did not cease. Miller continually
watched the situation, now observing the boats
on me Angara, and now examining tue edse Oh
the forest. Here the soldiers were evidently
gaining ground and advancing more and more
rapidly, While the boats of the Tunguses also
were approl chlug the post station. the place Oh
" Ivan, send number OF men up here" called
Miller. "a hundred men will suffice TO cheek
the enemy here. Let the horses be driven Into
the ranks OF The regulars 10 bring them into con-
fusion. We have no use for the horses. Iney
would only impede our embaTkati0n. And Then
quickly down the hill TO the station. The D0atS
useless 10 attempt further resistance here. ivan,
be quick, and return at once. We shall walt for
you only 10 leave the place."
Ivan disappeared in the bushes. Once more
Miller tiled To persuade Vladimir TO take up
arms. Lann shook his head He would not IRE
at his brethren, he said. Ivan returned. A nun
dred men were ordered TO remain with Miller
all the others we've sent down TO the river. Ihey
were 10 hold the station I'LL all the exlles should
be safe.
quarter OF an hour later Miller's detachment
came down like avalanche upon the STALLION.
Suddenly their leader uttered desperate cry
He had now OBly seen The twenty Cossacks who
had held the bank OF the river. For the bed OF
the Angara lies deep between steep rocks; The
posi- station Itself IS bHlt against rock, and
hardly TWO men Can pass between the rocky wall
and the house. Thus the exies could not rejoin
their comrades on The other side of the house,
nor could they, from where they were. reach tile
boats. The Cossacks barred The way.
1--WE must not be stopped here!' cried Miller,
furiousy. We must Sell our lives as dear as
possible. AL them. children! 1t Is matter OF
Despair doubled the strength OF the exiles.
Besides, they were 100 against but twenty Cos
sacks. They rushed down upon them and ere
ated bOundess confusion AT first tile COSsacks
tried to defend themselves. but the eXIles fell
upon them in ever-increasing numbers, as the
regulars from town drove them down The river.
Before them they saw the boats aud their allies,
the Tuuguses, and this increased their valor.
The Cossacks fell, one after The other, aud at last
the road was open.
In the meantime, however, the firing had also
become more lively and large numbers Of fugi-
tyes came running down from the forest Miller
was near the staIlon-house aud cried:
Now quick into the boats. No fear !! No
confusion, men Well protect your rear and
keep The enemy IN check. Vladimir, get in
Falewell-perhaps we shall never meet again !"
DO you think me coward? told you
could not light with you, but that does not mean
that shall leave you ~
Are you mad Pr
differently. and Will not leave you"
'Nell, the Times not such that we should
vie WIN each other ia generosity. Do what you
like"
Every staton-house contains ordinarily two
rooms, which are separated from each other by a
passage, about six feet wide. On the right hand
Is the ONCE OF the imperial post, on the left
room for travellers.
Miller opened the door TO the passage. Through
the house 1t led down 10 the river.
Ten men Into the Officer Miller ordered /;
and let them watch from the window the path
down To the Angara."
"Ienarl" he then called. after tearing open the
door.
81 am awaiting your orders' answered the
voice OF the fungus from below. Make haste;
1 hear The balls whistle"
"At Oncel" replied Miller.
In close ranks the exiles pushed through the
passage and.jumped as soon as they reached the
river into the boats.
Death 10 every man who leaves The ranks ~
cried Miller. Then he wanted 10 enter the rooms
OF the travellers. but found 1t not only locked,
but apparently barricaded from within.
W hat does this mean, l wonder? Have we
here also enemies? Listen !" lie cried 10 the
closed door. We do not mean to hurt you, II
you leave us alone. IL not, you are lost. Ivan,
hand me a Eu>het aud aim Al The door,
In the meantime The crowd in the passage
had grown thinner. A number OF boats took the
men, as their turn came across the Angara.
The balls Of The regulars whlstled overhead, but
did no narm. he last detachment of eXiies
had left the hill and the victorious regulars pur-
sued tie fuGltiyes. Several hundred OF the exiles
were already MAJ ching along the opposite
bank In perfect safety, aud the space between
tile forest ana the station WAS almost abandoned.
The last troop OF The Car OF the exiles sur
rounded their leader. lie regulars appeared at
the edge OF the forest. Miller, Ivan and Yladi-
mir were watching the fugitves. keeping in view,
however, the door Uf lie staIion-rOom
To be continued merit Sunday.