Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1899-06-29
A NIHILIsT'S SACRIFICE.


Inc slowly across the sky, driven by a
steadily rising wind. The moon, shin.
inc through the riffs, lit up for a mo-
ment the grim, Siberian prison be-
low, throwing the low buildings into
strong relief, then leaving everything
hacker than before as another mass of
clouds obscured it's face.
Here and there around the place, a
light ffickered feebly, showing the po-
sition of the sentries; and they, but
toned up tightly to keep out the biting
wind, paced slowly to and fro. Inside
the prison all seemed still, and to the
unsuspecting guards was so; but in the
] outer block of buildings nearest the
, river, a scene of silent activity was
: taking place.
Have you got your cursed irons
off," inquired a voice, in a whisper.
almost, Ivan. But do not hurry;
the guard will not be round for an hour
yet. What lucky thing it was you
managed to secrete these files. Now,
our comrades can escape with us.
Give the signal gently, Ivan"
Ivan silently went to the wall of the
cell and tapped three times, almost in
audibly. A moment later two similar
4 taps were heard from the other side.
Yes, they are ready, Chakoff, and
4 will await our signal. What a grand
night it is for the attemptW
providence is helping us to escape
1 from this awful horror" said Cha
off.
Escape reedomr' broke in Ivan.
"Oh, what thoughts does freedom con-
d iure up. Back to Moscow, whether in
danger or not. to try and win a wo-
man for my wife"
"What? Then that is another tie to
bind u.s. Although we never met be-
fore being imprisoned here, we are
Il joined by ties of friendship that moth
] ing can break. Let me tell you my
4 story" continued Chakoff.
give long weary years ago, when l
was free man in Moscow, | loved
woman who loved me in return, and
is still true to me.
u But | had a rival, whom I never
saw, nor even learnt his name, and he
Il determined to rid me from his path.
OIiC night, " Inv Ct AhS 'oSA~NJ -
Il meeting, the police broke in and l was
4 arrested. From what was said, gath
EYED that the information must have
q come from one who could be no other
d than his rival
4 For a moment the men We're silent;
only their heavy breathing telling of
& their emotion. A strange recognition,
D indeed to take place in the darkness
] of a prison cell-each to have been the
cause of the others imprisonment; to
be taken to Il Siberian hell to live
together for many years, and then.
9 just at the time they intended at
6 tempting escape, to suddenly discover
Zach others identity.
"And you were my rivaly' said
q Chakoff. And 1 told you my story,
never thinking it"
u Clank. clank, clank! The guard was
N approaching
81 TO your place-Quick." he hoarsely
8 continued, forgetting in a moment the
q exciting climax through which they
had Just passed, and only thinking
Of the promised liberty.
u All unconscious of the danger which
threatened the guard walked slowly
81 to the door, and, unlocking it, looked
into the cell. A deep groan smote his
ears.
d Shamming again. he muttered,
Il WIN Russian oath. "a taste of my
AHout will do him goodv
stepping forward, he was about to
carry out his brutal intention when
~ tup Hpnrp hn I;.rh+
VI 'he lamp he carried reveal, sudden
81 y Sprang up, aud seized him in a
"Fr'ole grip round the waist. Stimuli
Z ""eouSiy another sprang from the
w'kheSS, and 'stit1ed the cry for help
Is "nic" was rising. The lamp dropped
al " .ne moor and went out, and rife
'"rN''N ten on the rough bed of straw.
~ a'su ffo the men staggered, no
'u'd being uttered. The emaciated
ta'nes of the convicts, desperate as
t"'H were, proved mere than match
,ii' hercuiean strength of the
s0"Fo' and slowly they gained the
appet mana. a few moments later he
was lying bound hand and foot on the
moor of the cell,
= 90 TAR, so good said Ivan, taking
ue punch of keys. Take his great
toa'' Chakoh: it may be very useful
loceedlns cautiously into the open
"'no-SWept square. Ivan arrived I'M
ss,u at the next cell, and, selecting
AeS from the bunch. he liberated
v eFerJoyed men inside
: lew moments served to release
n: "us twenty, who armed themselves
,o n pieces of the chains they had so
lately worn.
rs"uoehly loud cry for help, in
' answered by the nearest
n.a 1.0S' fell upon their ears, and they
hs ~"%ta that in some way the cap
NV NV man had eluded the vigilance of
n n1~'n' Instantly scene of wild
A. .,"S'on began. The prisoners. some
ro uenl there for very little offense.
'N determined 10 mako tho most af