Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-07-26

N.Y. BIZ way TO headquarters
to inform his captor
thoroughly regarding the Russian force
that had cut in between Vladikaukas
and Gredskov. As the colonel natural
~ desired to occupy the center OF the
stage Darrell obtained the obscure po-
sition that he craved.
The prince read the order. smiling,
and he seemed to honor the colonel
with only a small fraction OF his atten-
ton, except when the news about Oar
rell was disclosed. At this Kilziar
turned to the messenger and asked a
few sharp questions, to which Darrell
replied that the facts were 10 be relied
upon, but that he couh not tell why
the American had lost favor with the
princess. He had overheard Darrell
talking to himself, cursing his folly and
lamenting his misfortune. Kilziar could
not conceal his satisfaction, but he
bridled his curiosity. No more Ques-
tons were asked, and presently the
audience was over
Darrell found himself quite free. and
ne resumed the search for Varnek,
whom he encountered half an hour lat
er as the captain was about to mount
his horse in front OF a smithy where
the beast had been shod. 1t seemed
best to trust this man fully, and Oar
rell disclosed his identity to him at the
outset Varnek was amazed at the
Americans story.
you may count me your friend" he
said. Colonel Korna's wish Is suffi-
cient with me, though that's not an
open secret in this camp"
II judge" responded Darrell, "that
you are not less brave than he, but
much more discreet"
GAS to the matter OF discretion" said
yarnek, you may be right Korna has
been shrewd in discovering facts, but
injudicious in his use Of them"
in other words" said Darrell. che
has seen through Kilzlar, but has been
so unwise as to let Kilzlar know il"
yarnek nodded affirmatively.
81 ride out with the advance guard"
said he. after brief pause. General
Durham leads, with couple OF cavalry
regiments. l think l can arrange to
have you go along"
You could not do me a greater ia
r2S' answered Darrell.
'wait here" said the captain. as he
swung himself into the saddle.
Within twenty minutes he was back
again, leading a good horse.
1--WE start at once" he said 1.-The
general is very glad TO have you with
u.s."
When they passed through the north
ern gate OF Gredskov and swung
around the long curve In the road Oar
rell had a chance TO survey the force.
1t appeared that two regiments OF Cir
cassian cavalry meant about 700 horse
men. They were well mounted, and
the speed which they maintained. up
hill and down dale, astonished the
American. though he had seen some
hard riding. And it was not the pace
alone that surprised him. He could
not comprehend the advantage OF rid
ing so fast when 1t was obvious that
their supporting regiments must be
left many miles in the rear.
About i O'clock they came in sight
OF a scouting party OF the enemy. with
whom few Intellectual shots were ex-
changed. the little squad of Russians
galloping away in a cloud OF dust. The
Circassian cavalry then proceeded
slowly. finally hating as II to wait for
support. The second regiment, which
had fallen somewhat behind. presently
came up. and the advance was resum-
ed, but there was no sign OF another
force.
They came into range of some Rus
slams posted on top OF hill, dislodged
them without difficulty and gained the
summit, from which they saw the Rus
sian army moving to the westward, al
ready past the main road, except for
their rear guard, which was covering
the retreat.
General Durham did not seem to be
especially interested. He sat ON horse
back, the picture Of calm, for about
half an hour, at the end Of which pc
Rod there appeared In the distance the
advance guard OF Circassian force
out OF Vladikaukas. There was evil
dence OF excitement, and presently
about a Thousand men were rushed up,
and the Russian rear guard was dis
lodged, half The Gredskov cavalry join
Ing In the pursuit.
Darrell did not ride with this attack,
Tor he had perceived the Princess Vera
and her stan on hill overlooking the
ece1e OF these maneuvers- When the
way was clear. an officer galloped
across. with orders for the general
commanding 20 report to her. He did
90 In person. and Darrell accompanied
him
The princess was on horseback. upon
an animal that was a picture OF grace
and bundle OF nerves. A splendid
hcrRewonan was Vera, and q glorious
sight to the eye: buA though shs rode
astride, booted. spurred and armed, abe
was not the least bit OF IN amazon
She seemed 70 DO Ia . royal rage. and
Darrell was not surprised
~Where n the rest OF the foceer' shs
demanded ca the general ''why ara
they not there In the west holding
these Russians In q trapT
81 know OF no other force from
Gredskov." replied ths general II wa
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