Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-04-30

&59 ~ ~ ~ W ~ ~ ~ s2s sS. sos 90 :et
Hunger was beginning TO assail him
again, and he made search of two
houses without finding anything edi-
bic. In the third he secured food
enough to keep him from the pains of
starvation, but he would gladly have
had better. AS he emerged from this
house he heard n trampling In the road,
and presently from behind thick
growth of low trees emerged the car
avan from which Kilziar had exacted
such grinding tribute.
1t came to Darrells mind that he
might make terms with the leader of
this caravan and travel with 1t toward
Vladikaukas. Two Of the merchants
rode ahead, bestridlng horses SO good
that Darrell wondered why Kilzlar's
soldiers had not appropriated them.
! Between these horsemen was remark
able figure mounted on donkey, the
riders long legs almost touching the
ground upon each side. The bride was
hanging on the beasts neck, the hands
OF the rider being occupied with the
stops OF musical instrument some
what resembling the classic pipe, which
ne was playing Justify and with no lit
tie skill. the melody being weird mi
nor strain. absurd, yet fascinating.
The mans face was almost complete
~ covered by a beard rough us n hedge
row, mere bundle Of spiky hair. His
eyes were shifty and bright, looking
out close under the ragged rim of cap
OF shag-a man mentally deranged, as
any one might see, wanderer probn-
bly,, fed for his music and his distorted
Wit that enliyened the way. Darrell
would have said tina. the merchants
after the loss of their property and
their comrade, would have had little
appetite for the idiots piping, yet they
honored him with grave attention,
and when he ceased they uttered some
words that seemed to be commenda-
tory.
Darrell stepped forward into the road
and addressed one of the merchants
In Russian, walking along beside his
horse.
Il want to travel with your party"
ne said. Il am going toward Vladi-
kaukas."
The merchant shook his head, but
Darrell persisted, saying:
II have bit of money here. 1 don't
know what 1t is worth, but If it will
pay Tor my food and ride part of the
way upon horse or camel'-
He displayed one of the Russian
notes, taken from the roll of money
which he had kept through NIL his adj
ventures and which up to this moment
had been of remarkably little use to
him.
Where did you get that?" demanded
the merchant.
From dead Russian on the battle
Held near Gredskov," replied Darrell.
rs 1t sufficient"
The Turk might have taken the mon
ey without rendering any return; hut.
fortunately, he possessed some small
Instinct Of honesty, perhaps only the
traders notion Of bargain.
Have you any more?" he demanded.
no" replied Darrell; "that was all
the man had in his pocket except one
coin that have spent already."
The merchant gravely put the money
Into his pocket. his partner meanwhile
making sign that indicated division.
I'VE will give you food" he said,
'and you may enjoy our protection as
far as Vladikaukas, but l fear there is
no beast that you can ride upon. We
travel, however, at a foot pace"
Il will walk beside you." responded
Darrell, and for some hundreds Of
yards he did SO in silence.
What was this battle of Gredskov?"
asked the merchant at last. II have
heard, Of course. something Of 1t, but
perhaps you Gun tell me more"
Darrell saw his opportunity, and he
became SO entertaining in his narra-
ton. q large part of 1t wholly imaginary,
that the merchant presently ordered up,
q mule for him to ride that he might
have the more breath for story telling.
The mule was sorry beast, but he was
q relief from walking, and Darrell was
well content, the more because he got
some food for the asking and cup of
palatable wine.
Thus they proceeded until near night
fall. when their march was interrupted
BY the rush of rider who came to-
ward them in cloud Of dust. pulling
Ids horse upon his launches at the mo-
ment when 1t seemed as if he intended
to dash against the leaders of the car
avian. This man was a scout who
rode ahead. and he was the more zeal
GUS because he had been trapped once
that day by Kilziar's men and had CIV
en- no warning of danger.
What he had to communicate this
time Darrell did not hear until the two
merchants who rode with the van had
been appraised Of it. That the news was
alarming blind man might have seen;
also that 1t was wholly unexpected. The
other merchants were summoned to a
conference, and it was then that OAR