Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1894-02-15

the deck above, a rope spIashed 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 chain. The hollow roar
OF steam whistle followed, and then the
vessel began to vibrate to the shrill hiss of
steam and monotonous th9d of machinery
IN the engine room
We're Oft; heaven be praisedr' murmured
Sophia Otchkin, turning over in her Sleep
1 did not close nay eyes till after the
murky daylight had become visible through
the round portfolio, but while my compan-
ion was dressing 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''
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 thereg" 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 drop
anchor again because of the fog.
tried TO move; but, overcome by adeadiy
feeling of nausea and giddiness, | fell TO
the ground. That was the beginning of an
illness which lasted nearly week. For half
that time was unconscious, and | think
this was natures means of obtaining rest
for my overtaKed 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 a basin of
broth
Come, said he, after congratulating me
on my recovery, 1--WE are beginning the
week well. After CROPPING our way up this
eNecrable river at a snails pace, here we
are at last in the open sea, with a bright
sun and a clear sky overhead. / 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 90
upon deck for little while. accepted the
offer eagerly.
iho biu Htihltiildu plhCtu Il seat lOT me
in sheltered corner and made me com
Portable with rugs, trying his utmost 10
charm away the deep detection which my
wretched face betrayed Rudersdorf came
up and spoke courteously to me, but could
not bear them-their presence irritated me-
/ wanted to be alone that | might loosen
my grief and cry and cry without restraint
white bird skinned over the cali blue
water.
"Taras would tell me it's Nance said %
myself, and this simple rehection-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,
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
/ 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 II
hear you have been awfully ill. l can see
it,"
That's all over-rm all right now."I
replied.
"Begad, week down below in an atmos-
phere of pea soup It'senough to knock any
one out. But this will soon bring you
around, ehg BY Jove' 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 a coil of rope by my
side and with cheerful encouragement in
his voice continued:
Don't you take it to heart, mademoi-
selle. TIN all come right, you'll see. II !
they only let us come up on deck now and
then-and there's no reason to keep us down |
below, now were're out of the river and
may scream ourselves hoarse without get
ing an echo for reply-this police outrage |
will simply give us jolly nice little holt |
day at the expense of the Russian govern |
ment. I've Thought il all out while I've |
been stewing down below, and it's just the |
certainty of turning the tables on these |
middle 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 l |
see exactly what will happen. When we |
get TO ST. Petersburg, we shall be received |
like princes-not Russian princes, you
know. The minister will wait upon us |
with a thousand and one apologies, for Of |
course he has learned already by telegraph |
of the blunder these fellows have made.
Naturally he will try TO exonerate himself, |
but he'll take pains to conciliate us TO the |
utmost OF his ability-no fear Of that. l
And he will afford us every means to get |
out of Russia as soon as possible-that's
equally certain. And home we will 90 by
the way of Berlin and Paris, with day or
two's rest here and there to make the jour
ney pleasant Then one fine morning we
will wake up old Taras by marching into
Lambeth to the tune of See the Conquer
ing Hero-and Heroine-Come.' EhF'
"No," said l, shaking my head; that
will never be"