Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-08-21

Captain Stanisla, the Cossack captain
who recaptured the fugitives and Lieu
tenant Brosky. The rest were strangers.
The two men were writing at table
near by, and dozen soldiers occupi ed
long bench across the room, but all
was very quiet and still.
"They are waiting for some person, "
whispered Maurice to Phil. One Of the
guards observed the conversation and
raped the boys sharply on the shoul-
ders with the fat Of his sword.
In a very short time wheels ratified
up to the door, and a tall, stout man
entered the room and took seat at tue
head of the table. He had heavy gray
beard and mustache and was dressed in
summer uniform of light linen. He
conversed briefly with Lieutenant Bros
Ky, a proceeding which Maurice gladly
noted, and then the trial-if such 1t
could be called-was formally begun.
The boys suspense was augmented by
the fact that all was conducted in Rus
sian.
The first to be examined was Captain
Stanisla, who spoke for 10 or 10 min
utes, and from stray words understood
here and there Maurice knew that he
was relating the circumstances Of the
fire.
At the close of his explanation be
was subjected to close cross exam
ination. Lieutenant Brosky and the
Cossack captain followed with brief ad-
dresses, and at this point the prosecu-
tion seemed to rest. The officers con-
ferred briefly among themselves, and
then, to the utter CONSERVATION Of the
boys, Grodno was called forward.
He advanced eagerly in spite Of his
wound and started to speak in an ex-
cited voice.
He was speedily compelled to be ST.
lent and to content himself with an.
swering the questions that were put to
him.
The interrogations were brief, and as
the convict was led back to the pen he
threw glance of hateful triumph at
The boys.
At that moment Maurice lost all
hope, and the grave, severe faces OF his
Judges seemed to confirm his belief.
He made 60 attempt TO speak, knowing
only too we'll that it would be useless.
The officer in the white suit confer
red with his companions, and then, ris-
ing to his feet, announced what was
evidently The verdict of the court. Grod-
no gave a loud cry as the words fell
from the officers lips, and then the
prisoners were hurried from the room.
A few PAGES beyond the door they were
met by Lieutenant Brosky, who whis-
pered to Maurice as they passed hur-
riedly by: "You are all sentenced to be
shot. Grodno has lied infamously.
Don't despair yet / will do what l
can"
With these words ringing in their
ears the boys staggered across the prls-
on yard, oblivious to everything around
them, and sank down in the corner OF
the cell. The guards went sileutly
away, and even Grodno's piteous wall
ings from the adjoining cell were un-
needed and unheard.
Hours passed, and still they tossed in
wretched misery on the hard pallet.
Phil broke down completely and cried
bitterly, while Maurice, brave lad that
be was, could hardly repress his tears.
He made no effort to encourage Phil by
false hopes, for he knew how precari.
GUS was the aid that Lieutenant Brosky
had promised. Death stared them in
the face. If ever there was all example
of the disastrous consequences OF bad
company, Maurice felt that this was
one, and bitterly did he regret having
had anything to do with the two con-
victs.
Grodno, out of revenge, had sworn
that the boys were equally guilty with
himself, and now they must pay the pen
atty.
Supper was brought to them, but
was left untouched. Neither had any
desire to eat. Engrossed in their own
sad thoughts, they even paid little at
tention to each other, pacing the floor
constantly and starting nervously at ev-
cry strange sound from without. So tho
hours wore on, and night came.
Grodno was silent, and the only
sounds that broke the stiffness were the
heavy tread Of soldiers and the OCCASION
al rattle of steel. Condemned men are
often said to sleep soundly the night
before execution, and the boys were
no exception. They fell asleep side by
side, and only woke when the gray
dawn was stealing in at the grated win
dow. Outside were heard strange noises,
a steady tramp of feet, harsh rattle,
and then a terrific discharge of firearms
seemed to shake the building.
Frightened and amazed, the boys rose
to their feet. Footsteps were heard IN
the corridor. They came nearer and
nearer. The door creaked and opened,
and Lieutenant Brosky entered, accom-
panied by two soldiers.
ToBE CONTINUED.