Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-09-15
CHAPTER Xxx.
A GOOD SAMARITAN.

As more effective safeguard Platof
led the boys deeper into the forest, and
they plodded on for some miles before
stopping even to eat Refreshed by a
hearty meal, they then travelled until
nearly evening and camped in shelter
ed hollow
Of course O fire was necessary not
only for warmth, but to keep off prowl-
ing~olves. Tho night was divided in
to watches, each taking his turn at
guard duty and feeding the fire.
For half week more they 1ourneyed
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
q 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 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
ymade out But for the most part they
kept well 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 a 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-
manned cold, with occasional snow
storms of brief duration.
One evening, after u weary march CT
30 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 a hard loaf
of bread-a welcome discovery, for food
had been very scarce during the past
week. Soaked in water, this made Il
palatable meal, and the last crumb was
devoured with relish.
"We can keep warm without fire
tonight" said Platoff II am afraid
we are near habitations.
"How far have we come" asked
Maurice, "snd how far do you suppose
it is to Vladivostok?"
'That is difficult question to an
swer," replied Platoff. "We have been
travelling III such zigZag course that
the journey has been necessarily length
ened. Ihave tried to keep mental rec
ord, though, and | can give you a fair
idea of what we have done. We have
been on the road nearly seven weeks,
and / think we have averaged nearly
100 miles q week Taking off 100,
which is good allowance for our devi-
ations, 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 is
ahead, and that we may have to make
still greater circuits.
"Then we are ut least half way?"
said Maurice.
Eyes half our journey is over, !" re.
piled Platotf. Heaven grant US equal
prosperity during the remainder. "
The boys were agrecably surprised to
hear this. The whole distance covered
seemed to them very large They did
not think of the long marches patiently
endured through nearly every day OF
these seven weeks.
SIN the morning." resumed Platoff,
1--WE will 60 down this stream toward
the river Our rubles must now be turn
ed to some account. Food we mus
have. If we continue eating this hal
raw flesh, we will be i'll. "
That was long to be remembered
night. The cabin was snugly sheltered
by the hills. and all enjoyed restful
unbroken sleep until morning, dispens
ing entirely with guard duty. They
were off at daybreak. after hastJ
breakfast, and travelled rapidly dow
the stream through thickly wooded