The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1902-04-26
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Il THE SPUR 4
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s. OF = ATE By Ashley T'T's IS
90 - ~ 4 COPYRIGHT 1901 %%H
80 - - - NJ BY CHARLES 3D. %.+
*FX ETHERLNGTON
COPYRIGHT. 1901.
BY CHARLES II.
ETITTr pTN(gTDN

was not the least bit of an amazon.
She seemed TO be In royal rage, and
Darrell was not surprised.
where Is the rest OF the forceT she
demanded OF the general. why are
they not there In the west holding
these Russians in a trapr'
II know OF no other force from
Gredskov," replied the general. II was
sent out with two regiments OF cavalry
and orders TO proceed along the main
road 10 Vladikaukas until met 10y
detachment OF your troops
Vera seemed TO find words made
quate. Suddenly she caught sight OF
Darrell. who had succeeded during the
first halt ia Kidding himself of his
beard. and was thus recognizable. She
summoned him with a gesture.
"How do you come to be heref" she
demanded.
Il took your order TO Prince Kilziar,"
he replied
HE received 1t, then? You saw it
delIvered?"
Darrell bowed.
"You dIsobeyed my order in going"
she said.
"Excellency." he answered, Il was
afraid the others might not get
through"
Surely some of them did So" And
she glanced in surprise from Darrell 10
the general.
"We received no other word from
your excellency except through this
man" said the soldier simply.
And what did Prince kilzar say TO
you?" asked Vera. turning TO Darrell.
las to the order. nothing" he replied.
"As to what. thenf"
"He asked me II IL We're true that an
American named Darrell had come 10
Vladikaukas. seeking the khan's pro-
lection. and had then been SO unfortu-
nate as to lose your excellency's IN
vor. ard | replied that such were the
facts"
your information was not altogeth-
or accurate said Vera. Then, turning
20 an officer. she gave orders for the
recall of the troops engaged IN the use
less pursuit OF the Russians.
The cavalry from Gredskov were
called up as an escort and the princess
set out for vladikaukas Darrell would
have fallen to the rear, but Vera sum
moned him to her side.
II would hear your opinion Of this, !"
she said abruptly
GAS TO the small force sent 10y the
princeT" inquired Darrell. He is a
good soldier, as you have often said.
\ He learned from my report 20 his OH
Ger that a half dozen messengers be-
sides myself had been sent and he
rightly Judged that most OF them had
fallen into the hands Of the enemy.
Though your order was In cipher, ,ne
Russians would surely find some way
OF interpreting II, and they would ex-
pect an overwhelming force from Cred
skov. Therefore. as the cooperation
for the taking of Nladikaullas had fall
ed them, they would prepare for re-
treat, slipping around that city. and NJ
the sight OF a force Of cavalry, appar
emily the advance guard Of an army
they would quit this field. which Is ex.
nctly what has happened
"Still / do not understand" said
Vera.
IF he had sent stronger force, 7
replied Darrell you would have been
encouraged 70 attempt to hold Nladi
kaukas and would have again ordered
the advance of his army Now YOU
cannot do IT, You will be forced 60 fall
back upon Gredskov, which Is what he
desires
"But why move Southwark" she
persisted. "Why rctreat?"
Il would not like 70 give an opinion
answered Darrell TO my poor view
Gredskov Is trap. The Russian
forces moving up from Tiflls Will hole