Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1892-09-29
CHAPTER VII.

Arama's house, a man had forced his way
in from the street Is far as the foot o the
barred 10y the wee din and closely packed
assumed an authoritative tone and at
last COMMANDED and then threatened, he
made no more impression than he would
have done it he hau tolt; the sun TO stand
still, or the waves OF a stormy sea to cease
to roll. This man was Ivan AleXieH and
his object was to render assistance to Rachel
and her lather;Ior he had gathered enough
of what was going OH to know that they
were in danger, although from his position
he could not see them.
1t is testimony to the sincere feelings
AleXietf bore Tor Rachel that he was ready
to run any risk, and to imperil himself i'll
order to aid her. As soon as he heard that
an attack was being made on the Jews
quarter, he drove in drosky with all pos
sible speed ~ the Peter burg>kaia Siorona
be made to wreck Ararnas house, and that
Rachel was hardly likely to escape insult,
and might even lose her life. Therefore
lie paused not, nor did he reflect what The
consequences to himself would be if
his proceedings should become known
not to reason. and though Ivan
had displayed an impetuosity and a
strength OF passion that We're remarkable
it would be unfair to him to suggest that
his love was passion only.
As he vainly cndeavored to force his way
up the stairs. he was suddenly startled by
the pistol shot; then heard theSavage Cry of
anger that succeeded it, and Immediately
following that he saw what might have
been the result an earthquake, so sudden
and awful was it. The iron and wooden
banisters crashed and splintered to pieces,
was an awful sight, but the catastrophe
cleared away the obstacle that had hitler
TO imposed itself between him and those
he sought; and then at the head OF the
stairs he beheld the old man still holding
the smoking weapon. and looking in his
sternness and determiration almost like
some Heaven-appointed agent ofvengeance.
But on her knees. her arms around his
waist, her long hair loose and stransling.
her superb face bloodleSs and haggard, and
filled with a frightened expression. was
poor Rachel.
taken place very rapidly, and the tabeau
thus suddenly revealed to Ivan's anxious
eyes enabled him to understand the plot OF
the tragedy. The smoking weapon in
Arama's hand, and the alarm and distress
of Rachel, told their own tale And SO
with one wild upward rush he stood beside
them, and, excited and agitated, he ex-
claimed:
You must fly! Quick! or the blood
hounds when they have recovered them
selves will tear you to pieces "
The words aroused Arama. He had
been in dream, or rather he had been
dazed; but now, with groan of despair he
thought, as it were, he saw all the conse-
quences that we're likely to ensue to HIM
self and those who we're dearer to him
than life; and in that awful moment of
agony o mind and heart he suddenly turn
ed his weapon on his daughter, his inten-
RI Il hnr Ii al
But Ivan OWNED what he would do and
snatching the weapon away thrust it into
his pocket. Then he seized Rachel, and
by sheer physical strength raised her up
for she seemed to have lost both presence
OF mind and power to act.
Are you mad?" he demanded, address,
ing Arama. Arouse yourself and let US
seek place Of safety while there is yet
time. Rachel, you shall not remain here
Come, come, beseech you, and will de-
tend you with my life
Sh" was wailing now like one who was
stricken with mortal agony. and looked
appealingly to her father, who had recov-
ed all his self-poSsesson and presence of
mind.
Ivan Alcxieff." he said sadly and stern
ly, cit is moment that permits of no argu-
ment or parley. see all that will come
lies Ugh unto death, and go not from
her. Into your hands, however, I commit
the safety and honor OF my child, and
charge you solemnly, in the name of the
High Cod to guard them we'll. Co."
na Eaher and ct i,ratcn Rsche her de15paF
towards him as if in that one excama-
ton she was beseeching him to revoke
his decision. But he waved her off, and
repeated twice:
60. Co." Then he added: 1.-THE Lords
might is greater than mans. We will trust
in it. Men are but as grains of sand, and
are scattered by the Lords breath, ana our
enemies shall be coniounded." He paused
as II from some pang of emotion but in q
moment. repeated the word go"
Used to obeying her father with un-
answering and implicit obedience, Rachel
held up her face for him to kiss her. He
did SO, and then turned away SO that she
might not see how deeply he vas affected.
And she gave her hand 10 Ivan. saying:
my father has delivered ME into your
charge. / will go where you lead me''
Ivan Alexieff saw that it would be utter
madness to attempt to force a passage
through the frantic rabble. whose aim and
object now were fire and slaughter.
lis there no other way out?" he asked
anxiously. OF Rachel.
YES, she answered with an unnatural
calmness. Follow ME, and he followed
her and she led the way along an upper
passage, and up another flight of steps, and
presently emerged on the roof. which, in
common with many Russian houses, was
flat, or partially so.
1t was astrange scene that met the anx-
ious gaze OF the fugitives. The darkness OF
the starless night was in measure dispers-
ed by the lurid glare of flaming houses,
and by the light Of these flames could be
seen be ow the rioters as they rushed about
IN search Of prey. The rain was still fall
ing and the wind moaned drearily.
And whittier now?" asked Ivan, betray-
ing in his voice the keen anxiety he was
I the danger that menaced his companion.
Perhaps the danger to himself was hardly
less; but it wss of her he was thinking. He
was brave and reckless to degree, and
scarcely knew such athing as fear. But ior
Lbs LEWIS ss n,an 49,, Mh lose oeau.y mao
.lyconcerned, for he knew that ii she fell
into the hands of the mob no power of.his
could save haz.