Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-04-30

ESSHZZ<I cries OF tue prlSOuerS,
who were being ruth
lessly murdered. rang
through the corridors Of the prison.
Kevski led Darrell by dark and mar
row way into q dungeon similar to the
one he had quit. But here there was
evidence that the guard had already
been to obey the commands Of the gen.
eraL Two young mountalneers lay
upon the earthen floor with the life
blood flowing from gaping wounds In
their breasts and throats.
There was a window In this dun
geon. as In Darrelrs. 1t opened d.
rectly over q stone stairway leading
to a parapet in the defenses Of the city.
There were bars In the window. but
Kevski found an iron instrument. with
which the two men wrenched the bars
away. Then they climbed through the
window and ran up the stairway. In
a small room on top Of the wall there
was a gunroom or small armory. Here
were some spare uniforms that were
held for the soldiers Of the garrison.
Darrell put on one Of them over bis
other clothing.
"Now we must take our places with
the defenders" said Kevski.
He had scarcely uttered the words
when a lieutenant on the lookout for
stragglers appeared at the door and
ordered them to follow him. They
Joined a party Of dozen men and
when they emerged from the prison
fell into line with company that was
forming. 1t was a motley crew, but
was officered by experienced soldiers
and we'll enough armed. Presently
Darrell found himself upon the walls
in a position commanding view Of
stretch Of land so rough as to preclude
the idea that an assault would be made
at that point.
The nearest line Of the enemy was
upward of 500 yards distant. and there
was q scattering and useless fire from
both sides. Two batteries Of light
field guns were visible farther back,
but they were not In action. Between
them and the skirmish line consider
able body Of troops in fairly good for
nation were moving around to the
right. From that direction came the
heaviest firing, and there seemed to be
considerable artillery at work. Wild
shots from these guns occasionally
flew clear over the town, and this
fire, almost in their rear, constituted
the chief danger Of the defenders at
the point where Darrell was posted.
Some shells burst rather close, but no
one was hurt.
Darrells share in the battle consisted
in firing often enough to escape attract
ing the attention Of an officer, but un-
der the circumstances he found no diff.
ficulty in avoiding the chance Of hitting
any Of the besiegers, whom he viewed
as friends.
Presently the faint sound Of cheer
ing fioated across the rugged expanse
from the lines Of the encircling enemy.
It came from the left. where there
were trees that interrupted the view.
and the cause Of 1t was not immediate
mounted officers appeared heading a
force which even at the distance show.
ed a superiority Of drill and equipment.
The sound of the cheering increased.
Evidently some idol Of the army was
among the officers. One Of them, In.
deed, was seen to be distinguished by
q rich attire. and the sunlight flashed
upon his plumed cap and the hilt Of his
sword as If they were set with jewels.
A long cloak Of scarlet hung from his
shoulders, and that. too. seemed to be
jeweled upon the clasps at the throat.
The word ran along the ranks Of the
defenders upon the wall:
"That Is Motman Khan"
And at the command Of an officer
there was some trial Of craftsmanship,
but the range. though not beyond the
power Of their weapons, was far too
long for the skill Of the men. The
splendid cavalcade moved on unharm-
ed.
For an hour or more the conditions
remained nearly unchanged, so far as
Darrell could observe. There was g
slight increase of artillery fire upon the
right, and the number Of guns in ac-
ton surprised Darrell. for the country
round Gredskov was not favorable for
the transportation Of cannon. They
seemed to be small pieces, 1t Is true,
but of a good modern type. to judge
by the execution wrought by some Of
the shells. Gredskoy was on fire In a
hundred places. and the smoke rose
straight up In the perfectly still air,
hanging In the form Of great umbrel-
la that spread wider and darker over
the doomed city.
In the shelter OF row Of stone build
ings on the other side Of an open space
that lay between the wall where Dar-
ren was and the close built portion Of
the town a crowd Of terrified people
were huddled. They seemed to be
mostly old men and boys.
"Where are the women?" asked OAR
rell Of Kevski, and the latter replied
that a great many had left the city. the
besicgers having guaranteed them
safety among the hills.
Darrell was surprised at this evil
dence Of civilized warfare. and he said
80.
"Wait till the town Is taken" an.
swered Kevski, with q shudder.
At this moment there came a great
access Of tumult from across the city.
The noise of rifle firing increased.
Terror stricken men and children. with