Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-09-01

Back! Backr' cried the father hoarseiy.
| pushing the woman with his knee. Clutch
ing wildly at his clothing, she pulled her
self to her feet. and they all disappeared
as they had come. Curtis ran down to the
corner, just in time to see them dart into
another lane, between two other gardens.
And these were but the forerunners OF a
long stream of terrified Christians, who, at
the first sound Of the firing at the custom
house. had fled from the town. Lindbohm
and the Turks came UP, at sight OF whom
the fugitives. pouring down the lane in a
steady stream, were thrown into the great
est CONSERVATION. Curtis and Lindbohm
determined to learn what in truth had hap
pened, walked briskly forward, and the
motley, gibbering, Dantesque throng blew
backward as though struck by wind, with
much looking over the shoulder and many
p'tiful shrieks. AS they streamed in the
other direction, the weaker and those bear
ing the greater burdens dropped behind In
thin line; aged women. the halt and the
lame, frail mothers carrying their children.
And now, in all that scene of despair and
horror, there flashed out a spark of beauty,
inspiring lone star on dark night. A
stripling-he could not have been over
twelve-lingered behind. retreating slowly
and threatening the oncomers with an an
tique gun. He was slender, this boy, bare
headed and coatless. in blue breeches of
Cretan make and HIGH untanned boots. He
held his long rifle featly. and. as he stepped
backward, shaking the yellow hair from
his eyes, Lindbohm could not restrain
cry of admiration.
Stop" he said. laying his hand on Cur
it's shoulder, that boy would just as leave
shoot as not. But what in the name Of
ach, my Godr'
AS If in answer to the unfinished question.
a woman, completely crazed with fear and
grief, came stumbling along the stony rcad
bearing upon her back lad nearly as large
as herself, holding him by the wrists. His
throat had been cut, and the head Tell
back horribly, lolling from side to side,
pumping out the blood that had soaked her
dress to the hips and her long hair that
dabbed in the cash.
Lindbohm caught her by the arm ana
shouted to her in English.
What is the matter, woman. what mas
happened in Canea?
She looked at him with vacant eyes. and
then staggered on with her awful burden.
Come on little Yanne; come on, my cy--
press tree. Hurry Hurry! Mother Will
save him from the Turks!'
The major stepped up to Lindoohm anu
Curtis and said firmly:
Gentlemen, see that a general massacre
Of Christians is taking place in Canea: Il
you go there you will surely be Killed. !
beg Of you to come with me to my country
place near here, where 1 will protect you
till the danger is over
Never cried the Swede. I'VE go to
the rescue of a lady"
you can do nothi-s." replied the major.
impatently. IF she has not already escaped
1t is too late, and our own position here Is
becoming dangerous, for I and my men are
unarmed and band Of armed Christians
voice with mine, monsieur. turning to Cur
It's Il assure you on the honor Of Turk
you will never even get to the city alive"
Curtis hesitated.
Doubtless the lady is at the English con-
sul's?' hazarded the major
mo, she is in the most fearful danger.
She is a Cretan, in the house of a Turk"
"Ah, 1 remember But then she is not in
danger. At present she couldn't be in a
safer place. Whatever her position ts. it
will remain the same, and you can find her
later on. While If you go and get killed
He shrugged his shoulders and snapped his
fingers.
by Jove. he's right. old man. cried |
Curtis, from whose heart the words of the |
Turk had lifted great load Of fear. Hes |
right. Panayotas safe enough, and we'd |
only get her into trouble by going now. OF |
course. If you go I'm with you; but he's |
right; by Jove, he's right
Lindbohm. who had been impatiently
absent-mindedly away toward Canea the |
while and rammed the imaginary sword |
home into its sheath.
"Adieu. monsieur he said, sweetly.
"All right, old man, I'm with you"
shouted Curtis, grasping the sheath of the
heavy sclmeter and starting after. At q
motion from the major his four soldiers fell
upon Ltndbohm, and. after mighty strug-
gle. held him fast. The Turkish officer ran
to Curtis.
Monsieur. as friend do this. 1t is the
only chance to save your lives. The ad-
vance is certain DEATH
So they bore Lndbohm away to a little
vine-clad stone tower in a garden bore him
away cursing in three languages and sput-
.ering vain Berserker froth from his white
lips. And Curtis ran at his side, shouting:
But listen old man, d-n IT, listen a min
ute The Turk is right; don't you see that
he's right?"
ITO ba captipna5N