Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-09-08

some distance up stream, and 1t was
impossible to tell whether their tracks
were discovered or not. At times the
sounds of tie pursuit seemed to die out
in the distance, only to return closer
than before Beyond doubt the Co.'S
sacks were Oh both sides of the stream,
and the general location Of the fugitives
seemed to be suspected, for the horse.
men could bo heard galloping to and
fro within limited space.
The darkness of the night and the
driving snowstorm placed the odds
against the pursuers
"They will never think Of looking
for US in the water" remarked Platoff.
"We are safe here if wo can only hold
out"
That was formidable "if," howev-
er, and the sufferings which the boys
endured that night they will never for
get. Toiling painfully from rock to
rock, they crept up stream through an
icy current. At first the pain was ago
nizing, but presently their limbs were
benumbcd and weak, and they found it
difficult to move. Sometimes they crept
out on big rocks and stamped up and
down or rubbed their legs with their
aching hands until they were able to
proceed again. Several times mounted
soldiers passed close by along the shore,
and the fugitives bent low among the
stones until the danger was over. Not
q murmur escaped Platoff's lips.
He went resolutely forward. seeking
out the easiest channel and showing the
boys the way. The force Of his example
helped them to endure their sufferings
with comparative fortitude. For two
hours they marched up the bed Of the
river, stopping for short intervals Of
rest. The immediate danger seemed to
be past. Occasional sounds Of pursuit
still foated up the valley, but no horse
men had approached for a long time,
and the lights of the prison had long
since vanished.
1t was joyful moment when Platoff
announced the mines were close at
hand, and his prediction was verified
ten minutes later when the sharp ridge
of the hill appeared before them. They
scrambled out of the water and started
in single file up the slope past the very
spot where Lora MelikoR had been hid
den during the eventful interview. The
snow was knee deep, but had ceased
falling. On the top of the ridge Platoff
halted and pointed to the distant lights
of the settlement three miles away. II
have entered that prison for the last
time" he said impressively, land done
my last days work in yonder mines. I
will never be taken back alive.
He was silent for a moment, and then
in a more cheerful tone he resumed:
"But it is time to seek the cave. We
must journey two miles along this
ridge"
"Won't our tracks in the snow be
discovered?" asked Maurice as they
started briskly off.
"It will soon snow again." answered
Platoff, land fill up our tracks beyond
all discovery. Between now and then
it is not likely that any of our pursuers
will visit the mines"
The truth of this statement was read
lily apparent, and the boys followed
their leader with lighter hearts than
they had known for many months,
walking rapidly to restore the circula-
tion to their benumbcd limbs. The way
was rough and stony, but Platoff press
ed OH without stopping, and finally
paused by the side Of huge rock.
"Yonder are the pine trees" he said,
pointing ahead. ''It must be the place,
for have noted the spot while march
ing to the mines, and they are the only
trees on this ridge"