The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1901-12-18

them at the telegraph office, knew that
they were penned up with him in the
inclosure, guarded by numerous senti-
nels, but he did not wish to accost
them. 1t mattered little to him, at this
time especially, what they might think
of him since the affair at Ichim. Be-
sides, he desired to be alone, that he
might act alone if necessary. he there
fore held himself aloof from his for
mer acquaintances.
From the moment that Harry Blount
had fallen by his side Jolivet had not
ceased his attentions to him. During
the journey from Kalyvan to the camp
that is to say, for several hours
Blount, by leaning on his companions
arm, had been enabled to follow the
rest Of the prisoners. He had tried to
make known that he was British sub
iect, but it had no effect on the bar
barians, who only replied by prods with
a lance or sword. The correspondent
! of The Daily Telegraph was therefore
obliged to submit to the common lot,
resolving to protest later and to obtain
satisfaction for such treatment. But
the journey was not the less disagree
able to him, for his wound caused him
much pain, and without Aicidc JollTets
assistance he might never have reached
the camp.
Joliret. whose practical philosophy
never abandoned him, had physically
and morally strengthened bis compan-
ion by every means in his power. HIS
first care when they found themselves
definitely established in the inclosure
was to examine Blount's wound. Hav-
ing managed to draw off his coat, he
found that the shoulder had been only
grazed by the shot.
..'This is nothing" he said; a mere
scratch. After two or three dressings
you will be all 20 rights"
"But these dressings" asked Blount.
81 will make them for you myself"
"Then you are something of doc
tor?"
"All Frenchmen are something of
doctors"
And on this affirmation Alcide, tear
ing his handkerchief, made lint Of one
piece, bandages of the other, took some
water from a we'll dug in the middle Of
the inclosure, bathed the wound, which
| happily was not serious, and skillfully
placed the wet rag on Harry Blount's
shoulder.
81 thank you, NJ. jolivet," said Har-
ry, stretching himself on bed Of dry
leaves which his companion had ar
ranged for him in the shade Of birch
tree.
"Now let US talk Of what we ought
to do. | assure you have no Intention
of remaining prisoner to these Tar
tars for an indefinite time"
"Nor ! either"
awe will escape on the first oppor-
turlity?"
eyes, if there is no other way OF re-
gaining our liberty
"Do you know of any other" asked
Blount, looking at his companion.
Certainly. We are not bellgerents;
we are neutral, and we will claim our
freedom"
"From that brute Of FeofaT- i"
"No; he would not understand" an
swered Jolivet; but from his Eeuten-
ant, Ivan Ogareff."
"He is villain"
"No doubt. but the villain is Rus
sian. He knows that it does not do to
trifle with the rights Of men, and he
| has no interest to retain US. On the
| contrary. But to ask favor Of that
gentleman does not quite suit my
taste"
/ "But that gentleman is not in the
ficamp, or at least have not seen him
here" observed Blount.
"He will come He will not fail to
do that. He must join the emir. Sibe-
ria is cut in two now, and very certain
" Feofar's army is only waiting for
him to advance On Irkutsk.'
"And, once free, what shall we do!'
"Once free. we will continue our
| campaign and follow the Tartars until.
the time comes when we can make our
way into the Russian camp. We must
not give up the game. No. indeed; we
have only just begun"
The event so much wished for by Jo-
liyet and Blount. so much dreaded by
Michael, occurred on the morning of
the 10Th of August.
On that day the trumpetS sounded,
| the drums beat, the cannon roared.
huge cloud Of dust swept along the
road from Kalyvan. Ivan Ogaref, fol-
lowed by several thousand men, made
his entry into the Tartar camp.
At the first flourish Of the trumpets
several officers Of high rank, followed
by brilliant escort Of Usbeck horse
men, moved to the front Of the camp to
receive Ivan Ogareff.
Arrived in his presence, they paid
him the greatest respect and invited
him to accompany them to Feofar-
Khan's tent.
! Imperturbable as usual, Ogareff re-
piled coldly to the Difference paid to
him. He was plainly dressed, but from
a sort Of impudent bravado he still
! wore the uniform of q Russian officer.
AS he was about to ride on to pass
the enciente Of the camp, Sangarre,
passing among the officers Of the es-
cort, approached and remained motion
less before him.
"Nothing?" asked Ivan Ogareff.
Nothing"
; "Have patience"
"Is the time approaching when you
will force the old woman to speak"
"It is approaching, Sangarre."
"When will the OLD woman speak"
"When we reach Tomsk."
"And we shall be there
an three days"
A strange CLEAN shot from Sangarre's
great black eyes, and she retired with
calm step. Ogaref pressed Lis spurs
into his horses flanks and, followed by
bie. c+oF F oP Tortor ofionrS rode. toward