Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-09-29

ed to the cellar, which Platoff regarded
as the safest place, and from where a
watch could be kept on the outside Of
the house through the grated skylights.
All were suffering now for want Of
food Nothing had passed their lips
since the previous evening, and the
chances of procuring anything to eat
were slim indeed.
Captain Daroman made no attempt
to conceal his feelings. He complained
bitterly, speaking in respondent tones
of the situation, and finally lapsed in
to a low spirited, apathetic condition.
This made Platoff suspicious and un-
easy. AS soon as it grew dark he eau
toned Maurice to keep an eye on the
captain, and then, pulling heavy coat
around him, he made his way out into
the storm.
He was absent for nearly three hours,
causing the boys great uneasiness, and
when he returned the tone in which he
greeted his companions showed that he
had no favorable report to make.
81 was up the coast mile or more"
be said. "Campfres are visible every
few rods, and sentries are posted at in
teryals. There are no boats in any
place, and even if there were they could
do US no good, for the wind is terrific
and the surf is laundering on the
beach. I can see the lights of half a
dozen vessels in the harbor."
Were you near the town." demand
ed Captain Daroman impatiently.
Eyes" replied Platoff, 81 was with
in quarter of mile of Vladivostok.
1t is cordoned 81 completely by Cossacks
that to pass through the lines is utte-ly
hopeless. They are evidently expecting
our arrival 1t is impossible to obtain
food, and the pangs of hunger must be
borne. But we have good cause for hope
rather than despair. In this place I feel
confident that we are safe. By the close
of another day think that the storm
will be over We must endure our hun
ger until tomorrow night. Then if the
sea be calmer we will tear boards from
the floor, make our way to the beach in
the darkness and try to reach one Of the
vessels in the harbor. lam confident we
can do it. Until then be brave and cour-
ageous.
ALAS" exclaimed Captain Daroman
despairingly, 81 am unable to swim! 1
shall be left behind at the mercy of the
soldiers, and you-you will procure
your freedom.
"Not so," answered Platoff. Don't
despair. We shall find way to take
you with MS. 1t will be unnecessary to
swim if you are OH plank.
Platoff's cheering words, however,
had but little effect OIL the captain.
He remained sullen and Respondent,
pacing the earthcn floor in moody ST.
lence.
All slept some that night in spite Of
the rormcnts of hunger, and, what was
of chief Importance, they retained their
strength.
In the morning it was still raining,
and the wind in violent gusts seemed
to shake the house to its foundations.
At noon the storm was still raging
Platoff vert up stairs to visit the
watch tower and returned with u grave
| face.
"Soldiers are visible on the beach, y
he said. 1.-The sea is very turbulent,
and the vessels have sought the safer
shelter of the town harhor | fear moth
ing can be done tonight. We must try
to get food in some way. Our strength
must be kept up or we will be unable
to escape"
Most of that afternoon Platoff spent
in the tower, and when twilight came
he announced his intention of going
out to seek food.
1.-The night will be stormy" he said,
"and I can easily break through the
lines. Twill try to find some habita-
tion and purchase provisions to last for
few days. By that time the storm
will surely be over. "
Captain Daroman's views were not
consulted hc was lying in corner, ap-
parently fast asleep, with one OF Pous-
sin IS big rugs drawn over lis faded uni
form.
As soon as it was fully dark Platotf
went up to the tower again to mark the
location of the camplres. He took Maui
rice with him. Phil remained behind,
sitting at the bottom of the cellar stair
way. From the south window OF the
tower q faint halo of light was visible
hanging over Vladivostok, and from
the east window could he seen the
struggling campfires OH the beach.
They remained for some time, listen
ing to the patter of the rain overhead
and the crash of the distant surf
"We must return," said Platotf. u
don't like TO be away from Daroman
long. That man may turn traitor at the
last moment. He has been in bad splr'
its for two days past. u
They reached the cellar, to find Phil
sound asleep OH the bottom step.
Poor boy, he is worn out" said
Platoff, and, turning aside, he bent over
the motionless figure in the corner.
With "a cry that brought Maurice Ill
stantly to his side he liftc|' the rug.
Captain Daroman was goncl
"Thc vile traitu!" exclaimed Pla'
toff. 1--WE are lost! Hc has betrayed US