Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1894-02-24
CHAPTER XXI.
N ROUTE FOR ST. PETERSBURG.


EN,RoGTE FOR ST. PETERSBURG.
The men sized me savagely and hustled
me down below. There | was thrust into
small cabin, and with a few brutal words
the men shut the door and turned the key
upon me. One of them opened a small graf
ing In the door and gave some order in a
tone of warning to Sophia Otchkin, who
stood with her arms akimbo regarding me.
She replied with a 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. sat down. and laying my arms ON
the table dropped my face in my hands,
quite overcome with physical and mental
exhaustion.
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 n her bunk, was broken
by the busy sound of preparation for de
parture. 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
rattling of an engine accompanied the
deeper rumble of a chain. The hollow roar
of 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.
| did not close my eyes till after the
murky daylight had become visible through
the round portfolio. but while my compGn-
ion was dressing | fell asleep and did not
awake until she shook my shoulder.
ut is nearly midday" said she. Your
dinner will be brought down soon. 1t is
time to rise"
stepped ont of the cot and stood looking
about me stupidity. My head -ached terri
bly, 1t was with difficulty that | realized
my situation.
"Are we thereS" ! 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.
Itried tomove; but, overcome by deadly
feeling of nausea and giddiness, fell to
the ground. That was the beginning of an
Illness hich lasted nearly 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 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
execrable river ut snail's pace, here we
are at last in the open sea, with IA bright
sun and clear sky overhead. | thought
mademoiselle was going to give us the slip
after all; but now" he added, rubbing his
hands as II 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 go
upon deck for a little while accepted the
offer eagerly.
The old gentleman placed a seat for me
In a sheltered corner and made me com.
Portable with rugs, trying his utmost to
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,
A white bird SKINNED over the calm blue
water.
"1aras would tell me its name" said to
myself, and this simple rehection-the mere
want of 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 eaden disappointment, for in
that one moment had conceived it possible
that Taras had come to satisfy, my yearn
ing. 10
my dear mademoiselle," he said with
tender solicitude as he held my hand, II
hear you have been awfully ILL., | can see
it,"
THAT'S all over-Tm all right now"
replied.
"Begad week down below in an atmos
phere of pea soupl lt'senough to knock any
one out. But this will soon bring you
around, ehS By Jovel" 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 continued:
Don't you take It to heart. mademoi.