Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-05-21

1
ious to avoid an international complI
cation which would make matters ex.
ceedingly hot for you it would be well
for you to hear what had to say. l
mentioned also that l had n private
proposition to make regarding the sur.
render of hoffman Khan"
Il am not prepared to treat for the
delivery of that prince into my hands
today" answered Getchikoff.
Because you feel sure of taking
him?"
Getchkoff nodded.
you may not be aware" said Oar.
rell, that there is secret path from
Gredskoy to the mountains"-
The Russian interrupted him, smiling.
We know MI about the secret road"
he said. 1T is fully guarded"
THAT is what l wanted to know"
rejoined Darrell. II was fairly sure of
1t, but 1t is pleasure to hear you say
so. The secret was put into your
hands last evening by a man named
Kevski,"
NelclllkOlt SlaFIcQ.
Ibid you arrange thisY" he cried.
81 did not" responded Darrell. II
may have wished to do so, but as
Prince kilziar was in a certain sense
my companion in arms I refrained. 1t
was the private hatred of so insignifi-
cant creature as an ex-turnkey in a
prison that overthrow all the shrewd
schemes of Kilziar and doubtless has
cost him his life-with the Gredskov
treasure, which he values almost
equally. You captured the whole
party, suppose?"
1--WE have them nll," answered Get
chikoff, land tho treasure"
"Since the incident has occurred"
said Darrell, II intend to use it for
my own purposes"
II don't know what use you can
make of it." returned Getchikoff, ut
Is true that these men fell into our
hands in the manner you mention, but
how that can help you or the force in
Gredskov is more than can see."
General" interrupted Darrell, "you
were prepared yesterday to make
terms. You had, as l believe, the d.
rect authorization of the Russian gov
eminent to show mercy, even to prom
Use general amnesty under conditions
very favorable to the Circasslans. All
tall tain fpeeafs 5Hfas &MR df The surrender Of Ger
laying down of arms, upon which the
Circassian soldiers We're to return in
safety to their homes. BY a singular
trick of fate all the persons named by
you. with one eXception-the khan
have fallen into your power. You have
decided, therefore, to enhance your
own military glory by securing an I'M
conditional surrender of this city. 1t
would be an achievement for SO young
n general. especially because it would
have been done in spite Of the weather,
to which, by the way, you owe much
personally, since it has laid all your
superiors fiat on their backs in the de-
lirium of fever and has left you at the
head Of affairs. Yes, you owe much to
the rain, and bless it with equal fer
vor."
why, may 1 ask?" inquired Getchi-
koff, not without tremor of apprehen-
sion.
Because it enables me to deal with
you," said Darrell.
what authority have you to deal
with anybody" demanded Getchikoff,
Behold the signet of the khan" rc-
Joined Darrell, displaying the ring
which he had put upon the little finger
of his right hand.
Taking your word that it is valid
warrant" said Getchikoff, what
then?"
Il propose the terms mentioned yes.
terday," said Darrell.
you IRE mad" retorted Getchikoff.
II will take this city without condi-
tions."
after which glorious deed" respond
ed Darrell, you will return to Stavro-
pol and later to Paris, where you will
marry beautiful widow worth many
millions"
Even as you say" answered Get.
chikoff.
LET us sec about that" retorted
Darrell. "In the first place, what will
happen when you get to Stavropol?
You will face the wrath of your IA
ther for your conduct in putting me out
Of the way. oh, l am well informed
about 1t. You worked your pull us
we say in America, with the chief of
the secret police, and then you organ
lied fake court which condemned
me and left no record Of its proceed
lngs. When we get back to Stavropol,
your father will not thank you for the
international complications that will
result from your crimes against me-"
"We," said Getchikoff, twill never
get back to Stavropol. Only one of us
is going. You will remain"
And he pointed down to the ground.
"You may kill me and bury me-" an.
swered Darrell, but the American con.
sui In Stavropol is another PROPOSE
tion."
"AIy dear sir" retorted Getchikoff,
81 don't believe he knows anything
about it or Will ever learn anything"
"AIy excellent friend,' said Darrell,
"he has already learned everything
Glance Mt this note from him to me. !
replied fully by courier, but Consul
Lingard will not proceed upon the in.
formation until my return"
Getchikoff read the consul's note, and
he snapped his jaws together like M
angry boar.
81 will take my chances" he said al
last
Perhaps you do not fully compre
hend," said Darrell gently. your trou
bles will also include charge of for
gerry"
Getchikoff laid his hand upon the
hilt of his sword.
BE calm," said Darrell. "Let us
reason upon the matter and see exactly
how you stand. Your private affairs
are at this moment of far more conse
quence than the strength of these con
tending armies. l have had consider
able time since we parted to mediate
upon your case for one has much lei