Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-05-14

ruin of Il window, SO near to the man
that he could hear the fellow stifle a
cough, yet wholly unperceived. Sud-
denly he struck Il match upon the side
of its box and thrust his head and arm
into the aperture that had been u Win
dow. The rain spared the flaring bit
of wood long enough for Darrell to
perceive with great surprise his old
acquaintance. Kevski, crouching there,
with Il Rifle in his hands.
A sentry called from across the
street
"Friendm replied Darrell. "AIerely
lighting my pipe"
The explanation seemed to be salts
factory, for there was no further chal-
lenge.
what are you doing here" whisper
ed Darrell. Come out"
KevsM obcycd, though had any other
voice commanded him lie would prob
ably have resisted or fled. AS they
stood by the side of the charred ruins
there was Il sound of voices from
across the street, and Prince Kilziar
appeared in the doorway of the inn,
Ills figure SHARPLY outlined because of
the light behind him. He and some Of
his officers had been in conference with
Vera and Were now about to return to
their quarters; through the rain.
You hate that man." whispered Kew
ski. 'Releasc me, and you shall see
the end of him."
Darrell's grip frightened ON the Rus
SLAMS arm.
You We're lying in wait for the
prince" he said slowly.
You saw what he did to me-" an
swered Kcvski You saved me from
death, though did not know at first
that 1t was you. | suffered the knout
in the prison before that. Kilziar be-
lieved you We're hidden in this city. l
was tortured to make me confess where
you We're. They got nothing from me-"
what became of you that morning
when y5u left me in the wood?" asked
Darrell: captured by Kilziar's men,
l suppose, and brought into the city"
Il was trying to find food in n house
when they cauigsl 1t me-. answered Kew
ski, and then 5sSe Il trembling whisper,
See how the wretch stands there in
the light
You owe me something" said OAR
rell. 81 don't like to mention it, but
you do. Heres a chance to pay. Prom
Use me that you will not try to take
that mans life. Why waste your timer
he added bitterly. "Are you not salts
fled with his position? He cannot es-
cape from this city, and you know what
his fate will he IL he falls into the
hands of the Russians"
They will never take him." answer
ed Kevslt There is n secret way out
of this city"
Not through the pass"
mo. That is held by the Russian
force from Titiis, rs every one knows"
And the ;iIssian line in front of u.s.
said Darrell, lis Il semicircle reaching
to the cliffs upon each side"
But there is way along the face of
those cliffs" answered Kevski; mot Il
road for an army, of course, but when
Kilziar is ready lie will move out by
that route with a few men and much
gold. know, for one of my friends
will act as guide. Where the secret
path is do not know, and there are
few in this city who do. My friend
will not tell me. 1t is only from hints
when he had been drinking too much
that have learned what l have told
YOU"
Learn more, Kevski," said Darrell.
Don't waste your time in assassina-
ton, but devote 1t all to the discovery
of this secret. DO this for me by way of
gratitude to win great reward and to
get to America. which is your dream"
hevsld was silent, lingering the rifle
and staring across the little square at
hllzlar, VINO, having ngnteu cigar,
was gathering his cloak about him be-
fore stepping out into the rain.
II will do what you tell me-" said
kevsh suddenly, and. as If it were a
part Of his promise, he turned his eyes
away from the man he hated. Then,
without more words, he hurried away
down the dark street.
The lights still burned in the lower
windows of the inn, and those above
were dark.
MY love is threatened by hundred
deaths" said Darrell to himself as he
crossed the road. This insane and
ceaseless toll will burn her with fever.
She neither eats nor sleeps, SO Korna
says"
gave his name. With little delay he
was ushered into Vera's presence. She
was quite alone and seemed to have
been warming herself before the en-
bers of a ire in a broad fireplace.
Il am glad to see you," she said. ut
is a pleasure l have lacked in these
last few days. Moreover, you look
much more cheerful than when l saw
you last. What is the cause of it-tho
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