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


varnek, you may he right. llorna has
been shrewd in discovering facts, but
injudicious in his use CT them
In other words, said Darrell, "he
has seen through Kil@iar, but has been
so unwlse as to let Kilziar know it,
Varnek nodded aiiirmatively.
81 ride out with the advance guard"
said he, after a brief pause. General
Durham leads, with a couple of cavalry
regiments. l think | can arrange to
have you go along"
You could not do me a greater IA
vor," answered Darrell.
walt here" said the captain, as he
swung himself into the saddle.
Within twenty minutes he was back
again, leading Il good horse.
I'VE start at once" he said. "Tho
us
When they passed through the north.
ern gate of Gredskov and swung
around the long curve in the road Oar
rell had II chance to survey the force.
1t appeared that two regiments of Cir
cassian cavalry meant about 700 horse
men. They We're well mounted, and
the speed which they maintained, up
hill and down dale, astonished the
American, though he had seen some
hard riding. And it was not the pace
alone that surprised him. He could
not comprehend the advantage of rid
ing so fast. when it was obvious that
their supporting regiments must be
left many miles in the rear.
About 1 O'clock they came in sight
Of a scouting party of the enemy, with
whom a few Intellectual shots were eX-
changed, the little squad of Russians
galloping away in n cloud of dust. The
Ctrcassian cavalry then proceeded
slowly, finally hating as IL to wait for
support. The second regiment, which
had fallen somewhat behind. presently
came up, and the advance was resum-
ed, but there was no sign of another
force.
They came into range of some Rus
slams posted on top of hill, dislodged
them without difficulty and gained the
summit, from which they saw the Rus
ready past the main road, except for
their rear guard, which was covering
the retreat.
General Durham did not seem to be
especially Interested. He sat on horse
back, the picture of calm, for about
half an hour, at the end of which pc
riod there appeared in the distance the
advance guard of q Circassian force
out OF Vladilaukas. There was evil
dence of excitement, and presently
about Il thousand men We're rushed up,
and the Russian rear guard was dis
lodged, half the Gredskov cavalry join
ing in the pursuit.
Darrell did not ride with this attack,
for he had perceived the Princess Vera
and her staff on hill overlooking the
scene of these maneuyers. When the
way was clear, an officer galloped
across, with orders for the general
commanding to report to her. He did
so in person, and Darrell accompanied
him
an animal that was n picture of grace
and bundle Of nerves. a splendid
horsewoman was Vera, and a glorious
sight to the eye; but, though she rode
astride, booted, spurred and armed, she
was not the least bit of an amazon.
She seemed to be in n royal rage, and
Darrell was not surprised.
Where is the rest of the force?" she
demanded of the general. "Why are
they not there in the west, holding
these Russians in n trap|
II know of no other force from
Gredskov," replied the general. ~ was
sent out with two regiments of cavalry
and orders to proceed along the main
road to Nladikaukas until met by u
detachment of your troops"
Vera seemed to find words made
quate. Suddenly she caught sight of
Darrell, who had succeeded during tho
first halt in Kidding himself of his
beard, and was thus recognizable. She
summoned him with gesture.
How do you come to be here?" she
demanded.
81 took your order to Prince Kilziar,"
he replied.
HE received it. then? You saw it
deliveredT
Darrell bowed.
You disobeyed my order in going"
she said ;ss-ss....,
cheney be answered, Il was
afraid the others might not get,
through" s
Surely some of them did So" And
She glanced in surprise from Darrell to
the general.
: I'VE received no other word from
your excellency except through this
man." said the soldier simply.
And what did Prince Kilziar say to
you" asked Vera, turning to Darrell
AS to the order, nothing" he replied.
AS to what, them"
He asked me II it were true that an
American named Darrell had come to
Vladikaukas seeking the khan's pro-
lection, and had then been so unfortu-
nate as to lose your excellency's ia
vof. and 1 replied that such We're the
facts
Your information was not altogeth-
er accurate" said Vera. Then, turning
to an officer, she gave orders for the
recall of the troops engaged in the use
less pursuit of the Russians.
The cavalry from Gredskov were
called UP as an escort, and the princess
set ont for vladil.opl-oe Do,rcu ,,,o,,ll