Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-08-02

L ZS&%1LTl on a couch that had
been brought down to
her military workshop, and she look
ed pitiably ill Behind her stood the
tall amazon whom Darrell had seen on
the veranda in VladikaulSas. and the
face OF the stern and formidable old
woman was deeply lined with anxiety.
This is mere weariDess," said Vera
at is possible that 1 may have over
taxed my strength 1 am resting to
prepare me for the work that must
come tomorrow. There is plainly but
one course for us Your report makes
that certainty doubly sure. We could
not surrender our comrades in arms
even II our case were ten times more
desperate than Ii is We must break
through their lines"
1--WE have no alternative" replied
Durham. Heaven prosper usp'
sour plans are already made" said
Prince KlziaT. who was present with
several of his most trusted officers.
81 wish, however, that we could delay
theF attack for twenty-four hours"
There is no possible chance of It"
answered General Durham. 1--WE may
as well dismiss the thought"
Your pardon, general" said Darrell;
'T have reason to believe that can &C
complish so much at least am In
position to exert personal influence up
GA General Getchikoff."
Kllziar regarded Darrell with a
scUwL Since the opening OF the siege
they had been on terms Of armed neu-
trality.
e -, 10
encer asked the prince.
III disclose It to any one," answer
ed Darrell. eft ceases to be valid. You
must take my word In the dark that 1t
exists"
This does not greatly encourage
me- rejoined Kilziar.
Nevertheless" said Vera, "Mr. Oar
rel's plan should be tried II be can
prolong the negotiations for a day, we
shall have better roads for our march
westward. and the enemy win gain
nothing"
'T require no more than permission
to speak with General GetchIkeff
alone" said Darrell
"fou win not get it from him."
growled Kilziar. 81 think we waste
time"
Darrell merely bowed. he had
caught the eye Of General Durham and
was satisfied by a glance that he would
have no obstacle put in his way when
the conferees should meet again on
the morrow. Vera had seen this by
play, and she also remained silent
Durham presently withdrew and Oar
rell with him. They walked together
In silence toward a point OF the FORTH.
cations which commanded what must
be the field OF their endeavor IL they
should make the attempt to cut the
Russian lines.
There seemed to be considerable
movement of the Russian troops.
They are closing in a Bit" said Dur
ban after n long look through his field
glasses. Upon my word, they are not
all dead of feverr'
General" said Darrell, you are ar
old soldier and good one. Have We q
CHANGER"
None whatever" replied the gen
erai, with impressive calm. 9Th,
formation OF the country enables the
enemy TO plant guns beyond our range
yet sweeping every road by which W.
can move out. There Is no way fol
US 10 get our own guns into effectiv,
action, for they would shoot us off tn,
face of the earth while we were linn
betng up. Only the merest rags o.
our army would ever get through, anC
they could never get together agar
into an effective military body. 4
picked force might surround the prin
cess and carry her to safety, but tn,
chances would be against 1T
do you think that is what Princ
Kilz4ar means to dor
II know not" answered Durham
'1but this know-whateVer he intends
it is not what he says"
Further than that the general de
ciined to speak. and the two men fel
to praising a gorgeously beautiful sun
set which might wen be the last tina
they would ever see.
by the way" said Durham as the,
were about to separate, you shah hav,
your chance with Getchikoff tomorrow
What do you hope to accomplish,
days delayr
Il fear can do little" answere,
Darrell. ''The situation essentially IN
wolves defeat, whether in battle or ne
gotiation. Kilziar and his friends ar
the rock on which my hopes are wreck
ed"
There might be a way to get theI
out Of the camp," said Durham, starln
gloomily at the black precipices benin
the town.
cit would do no good" answere
Darrell. UNLESS they are delivered u
the Russians will take the city. Soone
or later they viii surely take 1t, an
that means massacre. II means tn
death OF the princess, whom you and
would give our lives to save, for res
assured she will not be made prisoner.
~And our sortie tomorrow" said Dul
ban, lis only the same thing under al
other name"
'~The best we can hope Tor IS meT
postpOnement," continued Darrell "
may secure delay from Getchikof, bU
no influence can force him to do the In
possible. He has 10 authority to MAX