Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-05-03

RrlZZleQ SOlQler, Will uiS SNu"'S Jo"
and rough, closely trimmed beard.
strongly resembled q very famous New
York politician. The thought was hu-
morous, but had Its tragic side. for Oar
rell was at the mans mercy.
Still. except for the sinister appear
ance Of the creature. there was no rea'
son why Darrell should fear any evil
at his hands.
"Who are these men" demanded Kill
ziar, and Immediately an officer who
had been sitting at the end Of the table
arose and said:
This one claims to be an American.
The other was q turnkey In the prison.
They had been serving with the de-
tenders when captured by our troops
"How Is this?" asked the prince. ad'
dressing Darrell.
eve were with the defenders. but
not Of them," replied Darrell. 1--WE Of
fered no resistance to your forces
ITO the best Of my information" said
Kilziar, "you were among the prison
ers and escaped the massacre by agree
ing to serve with the Russians. You
occupy the position of noncombatant
bearing arms In violation Of the laws
of war. 1t seems to me that you de-
serve DEATH"
Darrell was mystifed. He could see
no earthly reason why Kilziar should
treat him with severity.
"Will you answer me one question:
he said. "Is Vera Shevaloff within the
Circassian lines"
"She Is princess Of Circassla." said
Kilziar. saluting. land will be Its queen
when the state Is free"
"Do you think she would desire my
death?
81 don't think 1t would matter to
her one way or the other" replied XII.
ziar. III there were any reason to
suppose 50. I would spare you until
her wishes could be learned. In Paris
you befriended her for time and then
betrayed her to the police to save your
own skin"
Tr' exclaimed Darrell, aghast at this
monstrous accusation.
$50 l have been led to believe" re-
turned Kilziar. rolling his cigar be-
tween his teeth. But time presses.
wish to hear more evidence In regard
to this mans conduct when we took
the town."
At this, as If the prince had touched
some sort Of secret spring, door open
ed, and some soldiers entered. With
them were a half dozen wretched old
men, seemingly citizens Of Gredskov.
Soldiers and citizens testified like
school children reciting verses that
Darrell had been seen upon the wall In
Russian uniform, armed and fighting
like demon.
Enough" said the prince at last.
LET these two men be shot"
"At what hour" asked the officer at
the end Of the table.
"When the moon RISES" answered
Kilziar. removing his cigar and grin
ming like gorilla. 1T Is rather dark
outside just now See to 1t, Varnek."
zone moment" said Darrell. "You
seem to be a stickler for military law.
Is this your idea Of court martial?"
eyes," said Kilziar calmly; ut is my
idea. How do you like it?"
"It has the charm Of novelty" an
swered Darrell. "and the merit Of fit
ting the needs Of cowardly murderer
like yourself!
Kilziar chewed his cigar fercely, as
If seeking a retort Then suddenly he
waved his arm toward Varnek.
'Take them away" he said.
Immediately a guard fell in around
the prisoners, and they were taken to
@ small room In the rear Of the house.
It seemed to have been place for
storing perlshable food In summer, be-
Ing below the level Of the ground. hav.
ing near the ceiling little slit Of q
window. barred and covered with a
wire screen and flush with the pave
ment Of the court without.
Darrell was q man not prone to de-
spalr. but he could not see a way Of
safety here. 1t looked like the end Of
this world to him. and the fate was
harder because It was incomprehenSi-
BILE. He could not understand kilziar's
action. Surely It was not based upon
any idea of military justice, for it must
have been obvious to the dullest mind
that Darrell would not seriously have
resisted the invaders Of Grcdskoy.
Could it be that Kilziar credited the
story that Darrell had betrayed Vera
to the Partisan police? The idea be-
longed in the realms Of delirum. Then
where could a legitimate explanation
be found?
81 haven't time to think 1t out" said
Darrell to himself. 81 must make some
sort Of play for liberty. Can my guards
be bought"
He still had the money which had rs.
capped the searchers in his cell at STAY
ropol. and it was a sum to tempt SOL
dier Darrell kicked upon the heavy
wooden door Of the room and cried out
in Russian to the guards. but there
was no response. He was not even or
dered to keep quiet. An hour passed
in this vain attempt; then suddenly the
door was flung open. and he beheld
with surprise the face of the Circassian
officer, Korna. whom he had seen In
Paris.