Mower County transcript., 1898-06-01

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Captain Daroman made no attempt
to conceal his feelings. He complained
bitterly, speaking in despondent tones
Of the situation, and finally lapsed in
to low spirited, apathetio condition.
This made Plato6 Suspicious and un-
easy. As soon as il grew dark he eau
toned Maurice. to keep an eye on the
captain, and then, pulling a heavy coat
around him, he made his way out into
the storm.
He was absent for nearly three hours,
causing. the boys great uneasiness, and
when he returned the tone in which he
greeted his companions showed that he
had no favorable report to make.
II was up the coast q mile or more, :"
he said. "Campfires are visible every
few rods, and sentries are posted at in
tervals. There are no boats in any
place, and even if there were they could
do us no good, for the wind is terrific
and the surf is laundering on the
beach. I can see the lights Of half a
dozen vessels in the harbor.''
"Were you near the town. demand
ed Captain Daroman impatiently.
YES replied Platoff, II was with
in quarter Of mile Of Vladivostok.
1t is cordoned SO completely by Cossacks
that to pass through the lines is utterly
hopeless. They are evidently expecting
our arrival. It is impossible to obtain
food, and the pangs of hunger must be
borne. But we have good cause for hope
rather than despair. In this place feel
confident that we are safe. By the close
of another day think that the storm
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. lam confident we
can do it. Until then be brave and cour-
ageous:"
"Alas," exclaimed Captain Daroman
despairingly, II am unable to swiml
shall be left behind at the mercy Of the
soldiers, and you-you will procure
your freedom. :E<~
"Not so," answered Platoff. "Don't
despair. We shall find way to take
you with us. It will be unnecessary to
swim it you are on plank -
Platof's cheering words, however,
had but little effect on the captain.
He remained sullen and despondent,
pacing the earthen floor in moody ST.
lence.
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.
Platof went up stairs to visit the
watch tower and returned with a 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. I fear moth
ing can be done, tonight. We must try
tv e.s fouu III sumu way. Our strength
must be kept up or we will be unable
to escape ......r ..-s.--....: ..,.s
Most Of that afternoon Platof spent
In the tower, and when twilight came
he announced his intention Of going
out to seek food. :
The night will be stormy" he said,
"and can easily break through the
lines. Twill try to find some habita-
tion and purchase provisions to last for
. few days. By that time the storm
will surely be over. - .....
Captain Daroman' g views were not
consulted. He was lying in q 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 Platoff
went up to the tower again to mark the
location Of the campfres. He took Mau-
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 campfres on 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. II
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. 81
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 gonel
"The vile traitor!'' exclaimed Pla-
toff. ''.'We are lost! He has betrayed usl
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 a vessel
there. Come: don't lose n second