Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-10-30

ing IN the GOOr ana gave some order In O
tone of warning to Sophia Otchk1n, who
stood with her arms akimbo regarding me-.
She replied with n short laugh, and then
there was silence.
A rough deal table stood under the swing
lamp that lit the cabin, and beside it a
chair. l sat down, and laying my arms on
the table dropped my face in my hands,
quite overcome with physical and mental
exhaustion.
I had matter enough for reflection and
speculation. Kavanagh had deceived me.
He had not intended that we should come
to the Mariners Joy. That was of little
Importance. The more serious point was
that, from the first, he must have deter
mined that should be taken away with
Gordon.
But whyS could not answer that ques-
ton.
Toward morning the stiffness of the night,
emphasized by the heavy breathing of So
phia Otchkin asleep in her bunk was brok en-
by the busy sound Of preparation for de-
parture. Heavy feet tramped about upon
the deck above, rope splashed in the water
alongside, orders were shouted, there was
hoarse kissing of steam, and the violent
rafting Of an engine accompanied the
deeper rumble of n chain. The hollow roar
of a steam whistle followed, and then the
vessel began to vibrate to the shrin hiss of
steam and monotonous thud of machinery
in the engine room.
We're of; heaven be praisedr' murlnured
Sophia Otchkin, turning over in her sleep.
l did not close my eyes till after the
murky daylight had become visible through
the round portfolio, but while my compsn-
ion was dressing l fell asleep and did not
awake until she shook my shoulder.
1T is nearly midday" said she. Your
dinner will be brought down soon. 1t is
time to rise"
l stepped out of the cot and stood looking
about me stupidity. My head ached terri
bly,. 1t was with difficulty that realized
my situation.
Are we there:' l asked stupidity, OBJ
serving that there WAS no sound OF engine
oNmovement
She laughed nud told me We were still liz
the river, having been compelled to drop
anchor again because of the fog
tried to move; but, overcome by deadly
feeling of nausea and giddiness, I fell to
the ground. That was the beginning Of an
illness which lasted nearly week. For half
that time | was unconscious, and l think
this was natures means of obtaining rest
for my overtaXed faculties
The first day that was strong enough tC
rise and dress myself, the old gentleman
who had visited me frequently and shown
SIOStlCI hIIlNluSSs anu CpuSltltidllph ludn
might have expected from him, came in tC
see me just after 1 had finished basin OF
broth.
Come" said he, after congratulating me
on my recovery, I'VE are beginning the
week we'll. After CROPPING our way up this
execrable river ut n snail's pace, here we
are at last in the open sea, with bright
sun and clear sky overhead. / thought
mademoiselle was going to give us the sir
after all; but now" he added, rubbing hi.
hands as if the prospect We're the cheerful
est in the world-''now we can count upor
reaching St. Petersburg without any further
hitch, all safe and sound.
Seeing that this promise failed to eXhil
arate me, he asked me if would like to &C
upon deck for a little while. accepted the
offer eagerly.
The old gentleman placed Il seat for me
in i sheltered corner and made me com
Portable with rugs, trying his utmost tC
charm away the deep detection which my
wretched face betrayed. Rudersdorf came
up and spoke courteously to me, but coulG
not bear them-their presence irritated me
l wanted to be alone that might looser
my grief and cry and cry without restraint
Awhile bird SKINNED over the calm blue
water.
'Taras would tell me its name" said t
myself, and this simple reflection-the mert
want of a single word from him-so over
came me that was fain to cover my bow &c
face with my hands to conceal my lack Of
courage.
Rudersdorf and the old gentleman with
drew in silence. Then, ashamed of myself
l dried my eyes, resolving that they should
not see such an exhibition again.
Presently heard quick step approach
ing, and looking up with choking eagerness
l saw Gordon coming toward me with
anxiety in his kind face. l dropped my
head with leaden disappointment, for il
that one moment l had conceived it possible
that Taras had come to satisfy my yearn
ing.
My dear mademoiselle,' he said Will
( tender solicitude as he held my hand, 81
hear you have been awfully ill 1 can SET
/ it,"
That's all over-Tm all right now"
replied
/ 'Begad, a week down below in an atmos
, phere of pea soup! It's enough to knock an,
( one out. But this will soon bring yol
/ around, Ell? BY JoveY' he added, throw
! ing up his head and drawing deep breatl
of the pure air. this is like rising from tn,
dead"
He seated himself on coil of rope by m,
side and with cheerful encouragement Il
his voice continues:
Don't you take it to heart, mademoi
selle. TN all come right, you'll see. l
/ they only let us come up on deck now ant
then-and there's no reason to keep us dow
! below, now werere out of the river ant
may scream ourselves hoarse without get
ing an echo for reply-this police outrag
will simply give us q jolly, nice little holi
day at the expense of the Russian govern
ment. I've thought it all out while Nv
been stewing down below, and it's just tn
certainty Of turning the tables on thes
muddle headed, meddlinG officials that ha
kept me from knocking down my iailers-
or trying to at any rate-and making das
for freedom
I've thought the whole thing out, and
see exactly what will happen. When W
get TO St. Petersburg, we shall be receive
like princes-not Russian princes, 70
know The minister will wait upon U
with thousand and one apologies, for
course be has learned already by telegrap
of the blunder these fellows have mad
Naturally he will try to exonerate himsel
but he'll take pains to conciliate US to Ii
utmost of his ability-no fear of tina
And he will afford US every means to g,
out of Russia as soon as possible-that
equally certain. And home We will go b
the way of Berlin and Paris, with day
two's rest here and there to make the jou
ney pleasant. Then one fine morning "
will wake up old Taras by marching Int
Lambeth to the tune of See the Conque
ing Hero-and Heroine-Come' Ehf''
No." said /, shaking my head; 'thi
will never be-"
CHAPTER XXI.
CONFESS TO GORDON.
, gIA9v daar Cr1rl ~ had Gordon -