San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1897-11-28

will be over. We must endure our hun
ger until tomorrow night. Then if the
sea be calmer we will tear boards from
the floor, make our way to the beach in
the darkness and try to reach one of the
vessels in the harbor. Tam confident we
can doit. Until then be brave and cour-
ageous. "
Alas" exclaimed Captain Daroman
despairiugly, Il am unable to swiml /
shall be left behind at the mercy of the
soldiers, and you--you will procure
your freedom.
"Not so," answered Platoff. Don't
,-spair. We shall find way to take
you with rs. 1t will be unnecessary to
swim if you are ON plank. "
Platoff's cheering words, however,
had but little effect on the captain.
He remained sullen and respondent,
pacing the earthen floor in moody ST.
lenoe.
All slept some that night in spite of
the torments of hunger, and, what was
of chief Importance, they retained their
strength.
In the morning it was still raining,
and the wind in violent gusts seemed
to shake the house to its foundations.
At noon the storm was still raging.
Platoff went up stairs to visit the
watch tower and returned with grave
face.
"Soldiers are visible ON the beach,
he said. "The sea is very turbulent,
and the vessels have sought the safer
shelter of the town harbor. l fear moth
ing can be done tonight. We must try
to get food in some way. Our strength
must be kept up or we will be unable
to escape.
Most of that afternoon Platoff spent
in the tower, and when twilight came
he announced his intention of going
out to seek food.
1.-THE night will be stormy" he said,
"and l can easily break through the
lines. will try to find some habita-
tion and purchase provisions to last for
a few days. By that time the storm
will surely be over. T"
Captain Daroman's views were not
consulted. He was lying in corner, ap-
parently fast asleep, with one of Pous-
sins big rugs drawn over his faded uni
form.
AS soon as it was fully dark Piatoff
went up to the tower again to mark the
location Of the campfres. He took Maui
rice with him. Phil remained behind,
sitting at the bottom of the cellar stair
way. From the south window of the
tower a faint halo of light was visible
hanging over Vladivostok, and from
the east window could be seen the
struggling oampires OH the beach.
They remained for some time, listen
ing to the patter of the rain overhead
and the crash of the distant surf.
"We must return" said Platoff. 81
don't like to be away from Daroman
long. That man may turn traitor at the
last moment He has been in bad spir-
its for two days past. T"
They reached the cellar, to find Phil
sound asleep ON the bottom step.
Poor boy, he is worn out, said
Platoff, and, turning aside, he bent over
the motionless figure in the corner.
With cry that brought Maurice in
stantly to his side he lifted the rug.
Captain Daroman was gone!
1.-THE vile traitorp' exclaimed Pla-
toff. 1--WE are lost He has betrayed us
What shall we do? The Cossacks may
be here in an instant.
Maurice staggered back against the
wall pale and trembling. Phil, reused
by the commotion, rubbed his eyes and
sat up
"We must leave at once" cried Pla-
toff. "There is but one chance-we
must break through the lines into the
town and try to reach the landing
wharf. Perhaps we may find vessel
there. Come; don't lose a second.
Where are our things? My revolver is
gonel l placed it here on the steps All,
Isee. That traitorous wretch has carried
it off. "
mime, too, is gone," cried Maurice.
1--WE are defenseless.
Platoff ground his teeth with rage.
"As sure as there is heaven above, y
he Missed, "that black hearted scOun.
drel shall atone for this with his life
Crashl Crashl The heavy doors over
head burst inward and Numbered to the
floor. A clash of arms was heard and 6
confused tramp of feet. Then the door
at the head of the cellar stairs was tori
open, and a blazing torch shone OF
fierce, bearded faces, green uniforms
slashed with gold braid, and cleaning
bayonets and sabers.
Sin the name of the czar, surrender
shouted the officer in command.
Platoff dashed to the skylight, only
to be confronted by dozen rifle barrels
from without.
Turning, with hoarse cry that ech
oed from cellar to roof, he tore the knit
L-.s.----k5