Crawford avalanche., 1899-06-29


A band Of fifteen hungry and weary
men rested the night following thu
escape In clump Of woods. Sever
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 1t 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 q 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.
THE soldiers are here" was the
low reply. "They have ridden to the
north Of the wood, ana, 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 1t was
who parted you. /, who in my blind
hatred, spoilt two lives. And yet she
was so beautiful that | would have
done anything to win her for my
wife. Chakoff, say you will forgive
me.'
What did / say when told you
my story last night? 1t is l who must
beg for that. But why talk in that
through the woods, where those brutal
Cossacks with their horses cannot fol-
low"
you do not know the country" was
the reply. This wood only extends
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
W NuHuulSu tuc SOiulcro.
(Which is impossible" said Chakoff,
with 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, un-
armed and weak. If 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 il? Tell us your plan," said
one standing near.
''The dawn is near, therefore my
the wood and watch. Then If num-
ber of the Cossacks detach themselves
from the main body and after an hour
do not return, follow Chakoffs plan"
But what do you intend to do?" in
Quired Chakoff, anxiously.
You can watch with the Others
was the low reply. But If you escape
and once again se-see her"-he added,
brokenly-"tell her I begged for for
giveness. You can take care Of her
better than /. Give me your great
coat, Chakoff, it is necessary. If you
are successful you will get another;
if not-well, you won't need one.
Goodbye, and forgive me-"
"Cople back, Ivan! come back" cried
Chakoff. But too late. He had dis
appeared in the darkness.
AS the first rays Of light broke from
the horizon the watchers beheld a
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 traitor?" the watchers Won
dered. No, that could not be; but it
was evident something strange was on
foot.
The camp became scene of hustle
and activity, and few minutes later
three parts Of the men were mounted.
They formed in charging order, and
with wild cheer, dashed along the
edge of the wood in a southeasterly
direction. The sound Of beating hoofs
grew fainter in the distance, and at
last died out altogether.
Suddenly one of the anxious watch
ers started up and declared he heard
q wild cry Of terror; but he was the
only one, and his statement was dis
credited.
An hour passed, and no sign of a
return. The sun began to rise, and
the remaining soldiers were becoming
uneasy.
Suddenly from out the wood dashed
a band of Withholding men. armed
with chains. clubs and the one who is
leading with rifle.
They fell upon the unprepared Cos
sacks, and, after n stubborn and dead
ly conflict, scattered them in all di-
rections.
Then the visitors, after eating Of the |
food they found, followed in the path |
of the company of soldiers led by |
Ivan.
For two miles they journeyed on, :
when they came to stop before a |
deep chasm, at the bottom of which |
they dimly discerned the mangled re- |
mains of horses and men,