The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-11-12

russian. You are not alone. thenp,
/ No, " replied Maurice and he brief
~ explained who was with him. "But
what became of those two CossacksP, he
ADDED anxiously. "You hit one, did You
YES said Daroman coolly. "I shot
the foremost fellow in the head. He
fell back, and his comrade carried him
on down the hill. They did not look
ior such warm reception. They have
been lurking in the neighborhood for
several days. They discovered my tracks
IN the snow and hoped to capture me.
Ihey are only stragglers, but larger
bodies of troops are not far away. That
is why we must leave the locality at
once OF course you are trying to reach
the seaport?"
Yes" said Maurice reluctantly;
THAT is our object.
"Well," said Daroman, "I shall be
glad to accompany you. l have had
quite enough of Russia and will endeav-
or to reach some other country. / know
something Of the Pacific coast and OF
Vladlvostok, and that experience is at
your benefit if you will accept it."
Wait until we see Platoff, /" Maurice
answered evasively.
The Russian might be sincere enough,
but his past conduct was against him.
They turned down into the valley,
Maurice leading the way. Daroman's
assurance that only those two soldiers
were in the neighborhood had quieted
his fears. One of them was probably
dead, and his companion could do moth
ing single handed
1t was nearly shutdown when the
spring was reached, and to Maurice's
CONSERVATION the spot was deserted.
They have gone away" he exclaim-
ed Il must find them before night
comes"
whats that?' said Daroman. ellis
TEMP
A low, clear whistle was distinctly
heard, and as Maurice whistled in re-
ply Phil and Platoff broke from the
bushes and came gladly forward.
They regarded Captain Daroman with
evident aversion, and Platoff listened
with passive, unchanging countenance
as Maurice explained his absence and
related his adventure with the tiger
and the meeting with the Russian.
Then Daroman briefly explained his
object and wishes, speaking with APP
parent frankness and sincerity. His
thin, careworn face and shrunken limbs
excited the boys pity, but Platoff al
lowed no sentimental considerations to
influence him.
"You can accompany u.s." he said
after a short deliberation, "but bear
this in mind, at the first sign of treach-
cry / will shoot you as l would dog.
| have little love for those who wear
the czar's uniform.
Daroman's face flushed.
"You forget" he replied, "that es-
cape from Siberia means as much to me
as it does to you.
That was the only reference he ever
made to the past BY tacit consent the
subject was avoided.
"You are sure, then, that only these
TWO COsbdCkS WeIo III VIC hoiShooi
hood?" resumed Platoff.
Eyes," said Daroman, THAT is all. |
They were searching for me and did
not know of your presence.
"They passed here not half an hour
ago." said Platoff. "That is why we
hid in the bushes. The one you shot
was living across the saddle, dead, l
have no doubt, and his companion, also
mounted, was leading the other horse. |
This offense only makes things worse.
We must be many miles from here be-
fore morning.
Daroman assented to this and urged |
an immediate start.
Platoff's suggestion to strike still
deeper into the country toward Mongo-
liza was discussed and approved. lily
ate hearty meal, which Darom2n g (
youred with ravenous greed, r. Jest
as twilight dimmed the forest u sotr-
ney was begun.
IL was uncertain travelling III tie
dark. for hills and ravines had to ne
but Platoff led the way W.
sagacity, and when morning
dawned they were many miles from
the valley where Maurice had met with
such startling adventure.
All that day they pressed forward
and not until darkness came again
would Platoff permit halt. Then they
stopped in a thick forest, and after
meal prepared without ire
thew slept alternately, Platoff or one OF
tbe bows staying constantly on guard
In the morning they were OIL again,
and thus for three days they Travelled
steadily forward, meeting neither man
nor beast and stopping for rest at night.
Il is true that tigers and wolves were
,ften heard in the forest, but they re-
NAMED at distance.
The tedium of the march was De-
,uiled by Captain Daroman, who en-
,ertaiped his companions with the mar.
rat;on of his own wonderful escape and
ournev. IL what he said was true. bis
had been frightful indeed
md the boys realized all the more how
,reat was the cause for gratitude on
heir part.
The captain, no doubt, expected a ike
IL.