The Washington times., 1902-12-01
HE CAP1lVES VI HE CZAR. ' 81 SIBERIAN EXILE
BY VIM. MURRAY GRAYDON.

and promised to perform his part faith
fully. II was now fully light. and on
reaching a lonely spot along the road
Sandoff turned the horses aside into the
forest. The hood was lifted from the
end OF the sledge. and while Vera was
taking the provisions out Of the hamper.
Sandon placed the captive in an upright
position and removed the gag from his
mouth. The early rays OF the sun we're
now shining into the sledge. AS Zamose
surveyed the faces Of his companions his
eyes cleaned with sudden recognition.
Il know you" he muttered savage
Iy. Il thought you were all drowned
they told me so at the mines. You
will pay dearly for this outrage. You
know full well that you can never es-
cape"
Sandoff turned to him with such Hire
pressed fury that the traitors face grew
livid with fear.
4 am glad that you know me, you
black hearted scoundrel," he cried
hoarsely. If / gave you your deserts
l should put an end to your life, as l
at first intended. But I have changed
my mind, and shall be satisfied to make
you TIE instrument to our escape /
don't intend 10 part company with you,
Zamose, until we have reached the Pa
cific. and warn you now that II at any
time you attempt 10 escape or to en-
danger us. l will kill you as 1 would a
dog"
zamosc made no reply. Tut strange
look OF exultation shone about his lit
tie eyes that quite escaped the notice
Of Sandof and HIS companions short
time later. after gagging the captive
and placing him in his nest OF rugs.
Sandon took the lines and drove the
sledge to the pest road.
During the next two weeks the fugi-
tive Travelled rapidly. obtaining relays
Of horses whenever needed. They met
plenty Of travellers coming from the
opposite direction-merchan squads OF
Ccssacks. and Russian officers journey
ing from one pest to the other, but San
dofrs distinguished bearing and ap-
pearance. and the presence OF Shamarin
by his side in Cossack uniform. prec!ud-
ed all possibility OF detention OF sus-
picion. Vera and Zamosc were at all
times out OF sight. the covering OF the
sledge being kept closely down. Some
times they biyouacked along the road.
building fires for comfort and protection
from wild animals. Whenever they
chanced 20 spend a night at a post sta
tion all passed OF well The starosta's
wife usually took charge OF Vera. who
was now known as Madame Gunsburg.
and Shamarin kept a close watch over
Zamosc. both sleeping In the sledge in
the courtyard.
The latter bore his enforced captivity
well in spite OF the fact that he was con
stantly bound and gagged-except when
! foo8 was given him He stoutly refused
&c aaswer any questions. howcver-espe-
I cialIy in regard TO the key Of the small
iron chest found 10 the sledge. The key
was certainly not on zamosc's person.
and a thorough search OF the sIedge
failed 20 reveal e.
During tie first week Of their sledge
journey the fugitives covered nearly 400
miles. But after they left the valley of
the Amuf and turned southwark along
the valley Of the Ussuri River, the
weather changed suddenly-an unusual
event at this time OF year. for It was
but the middle Of March-and a thaw
began. which speedily turned the post
road into 4 bed Of slush and water. This
lasted for two whole weeks. making