Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1899-06-29


OF themselves. This put them at
disadvantage. and, being taken by
surprise, and also outnumbered. the
convicts made short work Of them.
and at a signal from Chakoff, ran to-
wards the river. and, plunging in, all
safely reached the other bank,
The officer In command had been
stunned by a blow from the butt
end Of rifle in the hands of Ivan.
which the latter had wrenched from
the clasp Of a wounded soldier. and,
therefore, no instant chase was given;
but the deputy governor was quickly
on the scene, and he taking the COM
manu, a strong force set out in pursuit
three hours later.
- -
A band of fifteen hungry and weary
men rested the night following the
escape In a clump of woods. Seven
men had succumbed to the horrors of
the days march through the broken
country, and the remainder were Sleep
ing, not caring whether they were re-
captured or not
Ivan was keeping guard over the
camp, and, finding it difficult matter
to keep his eyes open, he walked to
the edge of the wood, and looked out
into the darkness. A tremor shook
his frame, and he muttered startled
exclamation. In the distance, per
haps not a quarter of mile away, he
saw the camp of Cossacks!
He returned and awoke his COM
rade.
what is the matter?" asked Cha
koff, standing up.
1.-THE soldiers are here was the
low reply. ''They have ridden to the
north of the wood, and, knowing we
are here, will attack us tomorrow.
Then we may expect no mercy; we
shall be shot down like dogs"
For moment Chakoff did not
speak. He was thinking Of Clarissa,
the woman who held such a place in
his heart. Ivan seemed to know what
was passing in his mind.
'You are thinking of-of her." he
muttered, brokenly. 'And it was |
who parted you. 1, who in my blind
hatred, spoilt two lives. And yet she
was so beautiful that I would have
done anything to win her for my
wife. Chakoff, say you will forgive
mer'
what did say when I told you
my story last night? 1t is who must
beg for that. But why talk in that
manner? We shall continue at once
through the woods, where those brutal
CossacSs with their horses cannot fol
low"
''You do not know the country" was
the reply. This wood only extends
a few miles south, and il we followed
it we should get to the mountains,
where death would be slower, yet
just as sure as from the bullets of our
enemies rifles! No, the only way is
to vanquish the coldiers"'
(which is impossible" said Chakoff,
with a sigh; land, therefore, we die at
break of day. Friends" he continued,
to those around. for the conversation
had awakened the sleepers, 1.-The
soldiers are very near to us, and are
only waiting a while before attacking.
There are about forty of them, well
armed and strong; fifteen of us, I'M
armed and weak. II we become the
attackers and do not wait for day
light one or Two might escape in
the confusion and darkness"
'"There is another way" said Ivan,
stepping forward, "by which nearly
all of you may escape"
~ What is it? Tell us your PLAN said
one standing near.
1.-THE dawn is near, therefore my
plan cannot wait. SO to the edge OF
the wood and watch. Then if 8 num-
Der of the Cossacks detach themselves
from the main body and after an hour
do not return, follow Chakoff's plan
''But what do you intend to dog In
quired Chakoff, anxiously.
ssYou can watch with the others,
was the low reply. But If you escape
and once again se-see her'-he added,
brokenly- tell her | begged for Tor
giveness. You can take care OF her
better than l. Give me your great
coat, Chakoff, it is necessary. Ii You
are successful you will get another;
if not-well, you won't need one
Goodbye, and forgive me"
"Come back, Ivan! come back" crled
Chakoff. But too late. He had dis
appeared in the darkness.
y
AS the first rays of light broke from
the horizon the watchers beheld
strange sight.
A figure crept toward the Cossack
camp, was challenged by the sentry
and taken before the commander. An
excited interview followed. Ivan was
pointing towards the wood.
us he Il traitor?' the watchers Won
dered. No. that could not be; but 1t
was evident something strange was on
foot
The camp became scene OF bustle
and activity, and few minutes later
three parts of the men were mounted.
They formed in charging order, ana