The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-11-10
tea. but Platoff coolly took the paper
and read aloud in firm, clear voice:
TWO THOISAND RIrBI .ES REWA

tea, but Platoff coolly took the paper
and read aloud in firm, clear voice:
TWO THOUSAND RUBLEs REWARD.
The above sum will be paid for the arrest OF
three convicts who escaped In February from
the mines at Kara; one tall and light haired, |
his companions of medium height, and dark. At |
the time of their escape two of them wore the |
prison garb the other attired in Cos |
sack uniform.
They are journeying down the Amur valley, |
and all persons are hereby warned to extend |
no aid whatever under the severest penalties.
GENERAL MELIKoFF,
Governor of the Mines of Kara
"Rather meager description, said
Platoff, laying the paper aside.
"Ah, but their Clothes" exclaimed
the starosta. "That is a sure identified
ton. 1t is impossible that they could
have procured others"
Were the convicts still wearing the
prison clothes when seen near Toluar?'
asked Poussin suddenly.
1T was not the men who were seen, F"
said the starosta, "only traces of them,
trail in the snow-and hot ashes of
fire."
Platoff darted reassuring glance at
Maurice.
well, my good man." broke in
Poussin, depend upon it the rascals
will be captured. and serve them right,
and now be sure to have q fresh relay
of horses ready at early dawn. must
reach Vladivostok before warm spell
sets in.
The starosta promised obedience and
left the room.
"a good sleep will be necessary,
days journey tomorrow. He spread
his rugs ON the floor and stretched him
self fat. Platoff filed his pockets with
bread and meat and hurried away to
give Phil his supper. He was back in
ten minutes.
"The boy is all right" he whispered
to Maurice, land the sledge is in safe
place. 1t won't be disturbed. They
carried ON whispered conversation for
q few moments, with Poussin snoring
heavily at their side, and finally both
| fell asleep
Maurice woke some hours later with
confused din ringing in his ears. He
sat up listening intently, and presently
! the vague sounds resolved themselves
into CHATTER of hoofs, the tread Of
hurrying feet and babel of voices. A
yellow glare was shining into the room,
| and, rushing to the window, he saw a
dozen mounted Cossacks standing in
the station yard
Two or three peasants were holding
blazing torches, and fast increasing
crowd was pouring in at the gates. AT
that instant Maurice felt hand on hit
shoulder, and, turning, he saw Platoff.
"Lost" Kissed the Russian. "We arr
betrayed The soldiers are seeking u.s.
Look at that scoundrelW And he point
ed to the starosta, who was standing a.
one side conversing with the captain o.
the Cossacks.
"They shall not take me alive!
swear it'll" he added fiercely, and, spring
ing across the room, he tore his pisto
from his coat.
Maurice, pale and trembling, turne'
from the window.
"Ouick!" exclaimed Platoff. "Follov
me. We may escape through the rear.
He moved toward the door as he spoke
but before he could reach it Nicola
Poussin came sleepily forward.
"Hal How's this? What does all thi
noise mean?" he asked.
Platoff dragged him to the window
and pointed to the soldiers in the yard
"They are seeking u.s." he said
"Some wretch has put them on on
track. 1t is not too late yet to escape
provided a way is open in the rear. M
|. only fears are for your safety. How ca
you explain? How can you extricat
yourself from your perilous positionT'
"Ido not believe the soldiers are her
for that purpose, said Poussin in
calm voice, but the pallor of his fac
belied his words. 81 advise you to wa
; before you attempt anything rash. "
"They are coming" cried Platoff, {
footsteps were heard in the next apar
ment and, rushing to the door, he pro-
ped his huge frame against 1t, calm
: ON Maurice to assist.
"Be careful, be carefulP' said Pou
7, sin nervously. Don't go too far. y
. A sharp rat-tat-tat was heard ON IL
! panels, and, as no one answered, the 4
miliar voice of the starosta called
. them to open.
l With a sudden change of demean'
! Platoff seized the handle and flung Il
door far back.
The torch CLEAN from the yard !
" vealed the starosta and burly captal
of Cossacks standing on the threshold
CHAPTER XXI.
A DARING DEED.