The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-10-31
CHAPTER XXI.
EN- ROUTE FOR sr. PETERSBURG.

upon me- One CT them opened small graf
ing in the door and gave some order In
tone of warning to Sophia Otchkin, who
ktood with her arms akimbo regarding me.
She replied with short laugh, aud then
there was silence.
A rough deal table stood under the swing
lamp that lit the cabin, and beside IL
chair. sat down, and laying my arms on
khe table dropped my face in my hands,
quite overcome with physical and mental
Exhaustion.
had matter enough for reflection and
SPECULATION Kayunagh 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 whyi could not answer that ques-
tion.
Toward morning the stiffness of the night,
emphasized by the heavy breathing of So
bhia Otchkin asleep in her bunk was broken
10y the busy sound Of preparation for de-
barture. Heavy feet tramped about upon
the deck above, a rope splashed in the water
alongside, orders were shouted, there was
a hoarse kissing Of steam, and the violent
battling of an engine accompanied the
deeper rumble Of chain The hollow roar
bf steam whistle followed, and then the
vessel began TO vibrate to the shrill hiss of
steam and monotonous thud of machinery
in the engine room.
Were off; heaven be praisedp' murmured
Sophia Otchkin. turning over In her sleep.
i did not close my eyes till after the
lmurky daylight had become visible through
lthe round portfolio, but while my compsn-
ion was dressing fell asleep and did not
awake until she shook my shoulder.
1T is nearly midday" said she. 'Your
binner will be brought down soon. 1t is
kime to rise"
/ stepped out Of the cot and stood looking
Lbout me stupidity. My head ached terri
bly. 1t was with difficulty that realized
my situation.
"Are we therel" asked stupidity, OBJ
serving that there was no sound OF engine
or movement.
She laughed and told me we were still in
the river, having been compelled to dro1
anchor again because of the fog.
tried to move; but, overcome by deadly
feeling of nausea and giddiness, fell to
the ground. That was the beginning of an
illness which lasted nearly a week. For half
that time was unconscious, and / think
this was natures means OF obtaining rest
for my overtaxed faculties.
The first day that was strong enough to
rise and dress myself, the old gentleman,
who had visited me frequently and shown
greater kindness and consideration than
might have expected from him, came in to
See me just after had finished q basin of
broth.
Come" said he, after congratulating me
on my recovery, 1--WE are beginning the
week well. Aftertroping our way up this
execrable river ut snaiFs pace, here we
are at last in the open sea, with a bright
sun and clear sky overhead. l thought
mademoiselle was going to give us the slip
after all; but now," he added, rubbing his
hands as if the prospect were the cheerful
est in the world-"now we can count upon
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 60
upon deck for little while. accepted the
offer eagerly.
The old gentleman placed a seat for me
in sheltered corner and made me COM
Portable with rugs, trying his utmost to
charm away the deep detection which my
wretched face betrayed. hudersdorf came
up and spoke courteously TO me, but could
not bear them-their presence irfitated me.
wanted TO be alone that might loosen
my grief and cry and cry without restraint.
Awhile bird skinned over the calm blue
water.
'Taras would tell mefts name,n said to
myself, and this simple refiection-the mere
want of a single word from him-so over
came me that was fain to cover my bowed
face with my hands TO conceal my lack of
courage.
Rudersdorf and the old gentleman with
drew in silence. Then, ashamed of myself,
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
] saw Gordon coming toward me with
anxiety in his kind face. dropped my
head with leaden disappointment, for in
that one moment had conceived it possible
that Taras had come to satisfy my yearn-
Ing.
my dear mademoiselle," he said with
tender solicitude as he held my hand, IT
hear you have been awfully Ill. I can see
It,"
That's all over-Pm all right now."I
replied.
"Begad. week down below In an atmos-
phere of pea soupl It's enough to knock any
around, chr BY Jover' he added, throw
ing up his head and drawing deep breath
of the pure air. 'this is like rising from the
dead"
He seated himself on coil of rope by my
side and with cheerful encouragement In
his voice continues:
Don't you take 1t to heart, mademoi-
selle. It'll all come right, you'll see. IL
they only let US come up on deck now and
then-ind there's no reason TO keep us down
below, now were're out OF the river aud
may scream ourselves hoarse without get
ing an echo for reply-this police outrage
will simply give us jolly. nice little holi-
day at the expense Of the Russian govern
ment. I've thought 10 all out while I've
been stewing down below. and it's just the
certainty of turning the tables on these
muddle headed, meddling officials that has
kept me from knocking down my jailers-
or trying TO at any rate-and making adash
for freedom"
"I've thought the whole thing out, and I