The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-11-09
CHAPTER Xxx.
A GOOD SAMARITAN.


led the boys deeper into the forest, and |
they plodded on for some miles before
stopping even to eat Refreshed by
hearty meal, they then Travelled until |
nearly evening and camped in shelter
ed hollow.
OF course fire was necessary not
only for warmth, but TO keep off prowl-
ing wolves The night was divided in
TO watches, each taking his turn at
guard duty and feeding the fire.
For half week more they journeyed
on without incident, and then spell
of wet weather set in, which continued
several days and made travelling impos-
sible. But it soon grew cold again, and
a crust formed on what little snow re-
manned.
This good weather lasted for two
weeks, and the fugitives took advantage
of it to travel rapidly and steadily.
They subsisted mainly on the venison.
but the bill of fare was varied occasion
ally by rabbit or a pheasant which
Platoff succeeded in knocking over. At
times during their march the Amur
was in sight and the telegraph poles
that follow the post road could be dim
" made out. But for the most part they
kept we'll back in the hills and had the
rare good fortune to avoid meeting any
one, though signs of human beings were
frequently encountered
The boys endured their sufferings and
hardships with stoicism that excited
Platoff's admiration, and their health
remained good
AS the first OF April drew near they
began to hope for milder weather, but
as yet no change was visible. 1t re-
NAMED cold, with occasional snow
storms of brief duration.
One evening, after weary march OF
| 20 miles or more, they discovered de-
serted cabin on the banks of mountain
stream. The wall was fitted with hunks,
and in the closet was found hard loaf
| of bread-a welcome discovery, for food
had been very scarce during the past
week. Soaked in water, this made a
! palatable meal, and the last crumb was
| devoured with a relish.
1--WE can keep warm without fire
| tonight" said Platoif. Il am afraid
we are near habitations.
''How Far have we come" asked
Maurice, land how far do you suppose
1t is to Vladivostok?"
"That is difficult question to an
swer," replied Platoff. "We have been
travelling in such a zigZag course that
che journey has been necessarily length
| sned. | have tried to keep mental rec
ord, though, and l can give you fail
idea of what we have done. We have
been on the road nearly seven weeks
and | think we have averaged nearly
100 miles week. Taking off 100
which is a good allowance for our devi
atoms, we have marched 600 miles
down the Amur and are only 400 miles
from the ocean. Bear in mind, though
that our most dangerous journey i
ahead, and that we may have to maxi
still greater circuits.
"Then we are at least half way?'
said Maurice.
"Yes, half our journey is over, re
piled Platoff. Heaven grant us equa
prosperity during the remainder.
The boys were agreeably surprised {
hear this The whole distance covere
seemed to them very large. They oil
not think of the long marches patientl
endured through nearly every day c
these seven weeks.
, "In the morning" resumed Platofi
1--WE will go down this stream towar
the river. Our rubles must now be turn
ed to some account. Food we mus
have. If we continue eating this ha
= raw flesh, we will be i'll. "
That was long to be remembers
night The cabin was snugly sheltere
! by the hills, and all enjoyed restfu
. unbroken sleep until morning, dispen
= ing entirely with guard duty. The
:, were off at daybreak. after hast
breakfast, and travelled rapidly dow
the stream through a thickly woode
and rock strewn ravine. 1t was at lea'
:, four miles TO the river, but little mo-
: than an hours march brought them
: sight of its frozen surface. The hollo
), was thickly wooded with pine an
spruce, and under its welcome Gov
:, the fugitives felt little fear.
"Ah, there is the post road, sa
=" Platoff, and he pointed through bre'
= in the trees to couple OF tall telegral
= poles. They crept to its very edge, al
the boys looked with curiosity at &
y smooth highway SCARED with rece
! sled tracks. A solid bridge of logs w
= built across the stream, and not
- yards off, down a slight incline, W
the Amur. Not habitation was
- sight, only barren stretch OF ice a
= snow and wooded hills. Below the 70
faded into the dim distance, but
=, stream sharp curve cut off the view
- Platoff stood as though in de
thought, scanning the wintry lar
- scape, and the boys hesitated to distu
20 his reverie. Suddenly from round I
% curve above was heard sharp jingli
= of bells, faint at first, but rapidly gro
ing louder. Platoff excitedly pushed
- boys back into a dense spruce thicl
y, that bordered the road.
Sa keep low and don't make sound
% he whispered.
" From their retreat it was possible
os - xL~ ...-ro l.a rOaI aud on 4