Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-05-07

ognized, however, the
courtesy of the Circassian general who
mad suggested something for him to do.
Korna viewed them with great re-
spect and put them carefully into his
pocket.
THE men have been chosen" he
said, subject, of course, to the khan's
approval" and he submitted list of
names. I'VE can get no word of any
considerable force of the enemy an
proaching from the north. Beyond
question some obstacle has been en-
countered. Our scouts hear ruInors of
disaster on the railroad, but there
seems to be very little basis for the
report"
"These names are good" said Vera,
All your arrangements are approved.
Here are my orders in duplicate for
the men,"
Korna received the papers and with
drew.
Would your excellency favor me
also with copy of the orderi" asked
Darrell, and Vera tossed him a dupli-
cate which lny upon the table rolled up
tightly and secured by cord and seal.
What do you intend" she asked.
II have passed through their lines
once" he said. ut seemed possible
( that with your permission might do
it again."
You will take no such risk" she
replied. y"When lives are to be staked
for Circassia, we, shall find Circnssians
in plenty to do it."
II surrendered toa German at the
fall of Gredskov," said Darrell, land
mighty good fellow he was too"
..rhere are mercenarles in every ar
N.Y." Vera rejoined. 1--WE have hired
few expert soldiers where we could
find thens but most of us fight for the
cause''
1.-THE freedom of Circassia," said Oar
rell.
1.-THE freedom of Circassia," respond
ed Vera, as IL 1t We're toast.
Darrell drew deep breath and
squared his shoulders with the dir of
one who meets an emergency.
"Circassia lies some distance to the
westward of u.s." he said. SIS 1t your
intention to annex this provInce?"
The men of this region have not ris
en- with u.s." replied Vera. ''They de-
serve no part in our liberty"
II am imperfectly informed about
your early successes" said Darrell
"You must have made short work of
the Russian garrisons in Circassia."
They fled before us like sheepp'
cried Vera. ",rhey fled to their forts
along the coast and the river"
"And you reduced all those strong
holds in so short timer he responded.
1t is marvellous"
General Nirrhigi is in command of
our army in the west" said Vera. 1--WE
have not yet heard, of his. success. He
moved westward, raising levies as he
went. We believe that by this time
Anapa has fallen before him and that
the Black sea coast Is ours"
"Anapa is n strong place. said DARRELL
"Of course do not know what strength
your general was able to bring against
1t; but, considering the support of the
Russian fleet in the Black sea, am
afraid you are too sanguine.''
I'VE fear nothing in that quarter"
answered Vera. I'VE have FASTENED to
carry the war into the enemy's country,
and you have seen how Russia has felt
the weight of our sword"
She laid her hand upon the jeweled
weapon beside her. Darrells heart
groaned within him.
This is a wonderfully efficient force"
he said. Such OF your men us have
seen appear to be armed and disei-
plined ms well MS the crack regiments
of France orGermany. Circassia gained
n lighting reputation sixty or seventy
years ago, and the world has not for
gotten 1t. Indeed one need not go back
SO far. And yet am bound to say that
If an angel had come down to tell me
that such troops as these could come
out of Year country would have asked
for evidence. How could Russia have
been blind to your designs?"
'.The credit belongs to Kilziar," an.
swered Vera. Gle has been secretly
at work for a long time, and 1t was he
who threw dust in the eyes of the
lczar."
Unless am misinformed," said
Darrell, che was Russia's ranking gen
eral in your country and for all practi-
cal purposes its governor. Therefore
he is now doubly traitor in the eyes
Of the czar."
HE stakes his life upon the success
Of our cause" replied Vera.
''And what has been your part in this
warlike venture?" asked Darrell.
you were so good as to speak in
praise of the arms of our troops" she
answered. NEARLY all our modern
weapons, including a large part of the
cannon and the ammunition of all
kinds, We're purchased by me in France,
and it was / who planned their secret
shipment. That was my mission in
Paris"
"And 1t accounts for the visit Of NJ.
Clery."
"He was of great use to me-" said
Vera. Il think he took an especial In
p r.