The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-11-03


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downright, 1897. by the woolfall Publishing
CONTINUED
Tn n very short time wheels ratified
nm 10 the door, and tall, stout man
entered the room and took a seat at the
nod If the table. He had heavy gray
| hoard and mustache and was dressed in
asummer uniform of light linen. He
Oonversed briefly with Lieutenant Bros
XIV, proceeding which Maurice gladly
noted and then the trial-if such it
could be called-was formally begun.
The bows 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 he
was subjected to a close cross exam
nation. Lieutenant Brosky and the
CoSsack captain followed with brief adj
dresses, and at this point the prosecu
tion seemed to rest. The officers con-
ferred briefly among themselves, and
then. to the uttqr CONSERVATION of the
bows 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 no attempt to speak, knowing
only too well 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 UNANIMOUSLY.
Don't despair yet. will do what
can"
With these words ringing in their
ears the boys staggered across the pris-
on yard oblivious to everything around
them, and sank down in the corner OF
the cell. The guards went silently
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
he was, could hardly repress his tears.
de 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 an exampl>
Oh the disastrous consequences of ba6
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 sworr
tnat the boys were equally guilty will
himself, and now they must pay the pen
atty
supper was brought to them, bu
was lett untouched. Neither had any
uesire to eat. Engrossed in their OWL
SAD thoughts, they even paid little at
'ehtion to each other, pacing the flool
oonstantly and starting nervously at ev
cry strange sound from without. So tn,
nours wore ON, and night came.
orodno was silent, and the only
sounds that broke the stiffness were tn,
IeaYy tread Of soldiers and the occasion
rattle OF steel. Condemned men ar
olten said to sleep soundly the nigh
Oeiore execution, and the boys wer'
no exception. They fell asleep side b!
siue' and only woke when the gra,
Sawn was stealing in at the grated win
uow' Outside were heard strange noises
sseady tramp of feet, harsh rattle
anu Then terrific discharge of firearm
seemed to shake the building.
frightened and amazed, the boys ros
~, " 'neir feet. Footsteps were heard il
.ne corridor. They came nearer ant
nearer. The door creaked and opened
anu auu Lieutenant Brosky entered, accom-
panied by two soldiers