San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1897-11-21

iieved OF It's load at that point
For fully mile they remained in
the water, penetrating deeper and deep
er into the forest.
The weather was slightly milder, but
the snow was still covered with firm
crust, and their feet made no impress
sion on it as they turned aside from the
stream and assembled the hill.
The country was wild and rugged,
more so than it had been at any time.
The forest was gloomy and dim, and
the hills were gaunt and rocky, full of
precipices and dark chasms.
"We are very near the Chinese Dor
der, said Platoff. "That is why the
scenery is so wild and lonely. The
country is uninhabited.
Fortified by their long rest, the fugi-
tives travelled all that day at rapid
pace, covering at least 20 miles, and
when twilight came ON they halted
among heap of loose stones and made
themselves comfortable with the rugs
that Poussin had given them, and
which they had carried on their backs
all that day. Not daring to light fire,
they ate their supper cold, and then,
not being able to sleep, talked for an
hour or more over the situation.
Platoff was much distressed about
Poussin.
81 fear that he will be punished Sc
verely," he said. "The government will
never overlook such a thing as this
and yet he spoke as though he would b,
able to make a satisfactory explana
ton.
"Yes, he did," said Maurice "Per
haps he has some influence at Vladivos
tok."
Either that, replied Platoff, "or hi
is man of wealth and can bride thu
officials to overlook his indiscretion
Money is powerful agent in this part
of Siberia, 5000 miles from st. Peters
burg"
"How about the pursuit." asked
Maurice.
"Well," said PiatUH, of course they
will make an effort to scour the coun-
try, but we can readily avoid the sol
diers. The coast will be closely watch
ed, though, and that is where we will
encounter the most difficulty. At pres
ent we have little to fear. You must
remember that our identity may not
even be suspected yet, although the dis
covery must be made sooner or later.
Don't worry over the situation, but
keep up your courage" And with this
admonition Platoff wrapped himself
tighter in his rug and went calmly to
sleep.
Maurice and Phil did not remain
long awake The spot they had chosen
was a sheltered nook between dozen
big rocks, into which no cool wind
could penetrate, and all slept as only
weary men can, waking strengthened
and refreshed at early dawn.
Platoff slipped away on reconnois-
sance and returned in half an hour
with the welcome news that no intrud-
ers were in the neighborhood.
81 think we can risk little fire this
morning." he said, and gathered few
pine cones and dried tips of branches.
He lit them and held tin flask of cold
Tea In the flames.
He smothered the fire with snow, and
the warm beverage was grateful ad
dition to the breakfast.
On that day they first journeyed two
or three miles to the westward, draw
ing still closer to the borders of Mongo-
liza, and then headed slightly to the
southeast, where Vladivostok lay. The
same wild and barren country prevail
ed, and Platoff marched with great eau
ton, keeping his revolver ready for i'm
mediate use and bidding Maurice do
the same. This was not from any fear
of meeting the Cossacks, for danger
from this source was slight, but be-
cause they were now in a neighborhood
frequented by large and ferocious tigers,
and a casual encounter with one of
these monarchs was not at all improb-
able.
Once huge footprints were seen in
the snow, and the boys felt their hair
beginning to rise on end.
On q closer examination it was seen
that the marks had been made during
the last thaw, perhaps month before,
and were frozen solidly in the crust.
In three whole days they met neither
tigers nor other peril, but marched on
steadily to the south, sleeping at night
in crannies among the rocks. The fourth
morning the air was warm, and thin
rain was falling. The long delayed
spring had come at last.
cts useless to travel" said Platoff,
Gin this slush. We could not make half
a dozen miles. We will stay right here
until the weather changes Vladivostok
is less than 100 miles distant. Let that
be consolation to you"
Fortunately the camping place they
had chosen the previous night was emf
nently suitable for protracted stay. 1t
was shallow cavern followed from
the base of high cliff and running
back half dozen feet, its face open, of
course, and protected from wind and
rain by thick screen of young fir trees.
Thanks to Poussin's generosity it was