Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-09-29
EDN ESDAY. SEPTEMBER 20, 1897

ices, the aomlralty with It's yellow
dome and waving flag, the imposing,
carved facade of the Naval club, and
passing through the Chinese bazaar and
the market place swept along tie wharf,
tantalizing the wretched prisoners with
brief glimpse of the shipping anchor
ed in the barbor-the flags of all ma.
tions that fluttered in the morning
breeze.
Then low, gloomy building came in
view, frownlng with car ION, pierced
with embrasures, and the carriage drew
up before the fortress.
A brief sigh escaped Platoff's lips.
No one spoke, for strict silence had
been enjoined.
Another carriage was standing on
one side of the massive entrance-an
imposing vehicle glistenirg with new
paint and gilded trimmings. A dozen
soldiers of huge stature were guarding
it, and one of them seemed strangely
familiar tc Maurice.
The prisoners cot out Of the carriage
before the gateway which was open tc
receive them and marched slowly for
ward, each between two soldiers.
Just at this time commotion was
heard within, and sentry Oh the steps
called aloud: "The inspector is coming.
Make room for his excellency."
The officer in charge flushed with
pride and Strengthened himself an inch
Or two. "Haltl" he cried sharply.
Fright aboutl Forward Haltr' And
the prisoners, drawn up beside the short
flight of stone steps, awaited the ar
rival Of the inspector.
Maurice fixed his eyes on the arched
doorway. He was curious to see this
government official who had Travelled
across Siberia inspecting the czar's
prisons and penal settlements. A mo-
ment later he appeared-a tall, richly
uniformed gentleman, preceded BY q
young Cossack oficer-and at sight OF
that noble face, the wavy, yellow mus
tache and beard and clear blue eyes
Maurice was thrilled by such strong
emotion that he staggered back and
would have fallen but for the guard g
firm grasp on his arm. The dizziness
passed off instantly, and he straighten.
ed up, trembling and flushed with ex-
citement.
His excellency halted on the topmost
step for a parting word with the COM
mandant of the fortress, who followed
him to tho door. Then he came quickly
down between! the presented arms of the
sentries, and as his feet touched the
bottom Maurice, with supreme ef-
fort, tore from his guards and flung
himself before the amazed official, cry
ing loudly: Colonel Jaroslav! Colonel
Jaroslavl Help me, help me!'
All was wild excitement in an in
stant, and the daring lad was dragged
roughly aside. struggling fiercely with
his captors.
Help mel" he cried with all his
might. "You remember, Colonel Jaro-
slav-St. Petersburg year ago, in the
square, saved your life-dragged you
from the cannons-I had your card
all. For Gods sake, help mel Let me
speak word-just word'-
Then a burly Cossack clutched his
throat, sitting his cry. Another struck
him brutally on the mouth, and the Of
6cer smote him with the fiat Of his
sword. Still struggling desperately, be
was dragged up the steps, and III fe"
seconds more the fortress doors would
have closed behind him.
"Stop! Who is that man?" Colonel
Jaroslav's voice rose sharply above the
tumult.
The officer hurried forward. cap in
hand. "a convict, your excellency, " he
said, Zone of those who escaped from
Kara two months ago. Here are the
other two. I captured them last night
north Of the town."
The inspector briefly scanned Phil
and Platoff and turned toward Maurice,
who stood white and trembling on the
upper step, held by two soldiers.
eyes, recognize your face," he said
haughtily. II deeply regret that we
should meet again under these circum-
stances. Yet even the service you ren-
dered me can hardly justify this de-
mand."
81 ask but brief interview" said
Maurice eagerly. "For heavens sake
don't refuse me. You will change your
mind when you have heard what l
have to say"
II grant your request, " said Colonel
Jaroslav. "You shall hear from me
again. Then, turning toward the Off
Ger in charge of the convicts, he de-
manded, "Can you procure me report
Of this case before EVENING""
"Yes, your excellency; it can be had
from St. Petersburg by telegraph at
once"
Every we'll. Send it to me without
delay" And, passing hurriedly through
the crowd, Colonel Jaroslav entered his
carriage and drove away.
Dizzy with Joy Maurice followed his
guards through the dark hall of the
fortress and was speedily locked in a
whitewashed cell with narrow grated
window overhead.
He was rather glad than otherwise
that he was separated from his compan-
ions. He wanted time to reflect, to
collect proofs of the story he must re-
late to Colonel Jaroslav, for on that in
terview rested his only hope, and that
hope was now strong one.
He was treated with some considera-
tion. Food of good quality was brought
to his cell, and he was given soft bed
in place of the straw pallet that lay on
the floor, but he neither ato nor slept.
Morning found him still wakeful and
restless. Before the day was half over
the welcome summons came from the