The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-03-01
CHAPTER XVII.
A Daring Rescue.

In order to fully explain the diversion
that rescued Donald from a very un-
comfortable predicament. we must go
back to that point where Waldorf was
addressing Feodor Baranok
As the men listened greedily to every
word that fell from his lips their backs
were turned toward the south end Of the
cavern. and consequently they did not
see head peeping cautiously from be-
hind the big rock which led to and con
cealed from view a natural chamber in
the rear OF the cavern
Donald and Baranok faced in that d.
rection. IL is true. but the latter was
watching Waldorf with too much intent
ness 10 think Of anything else. while his
broad back quite covered Donald's frail-
er figure.
The head quietly surveyed the scene
for a few seconds. and then the owner
of it stepped out beside the rock and
stood there for a brief instant in the
friendly shadow.
This was varia Tichimiron. as the
reader has probably already OWNED. She
was very young-hardly more than sew
enteen-and her features were OF that
regal type of beauty which is rarely seen
save in the highest circles OF Russian so
ciety.
Her cheeks. usually of ivory white
ness. now gIowed rosily with the fire OF
a desperate resolve. Her eyes We're a
deep violet in color. and were shadowcd
by clusters Of short. black curls. on top
or which rested a tiny cap OF costly
black fur. dress made of some heavy
brown material-which 10 an experienced
eye would at once have proclaimed it,
Partisan origin-htted gracefully her
slender figure
In her right hand she held tightly
long barreled pistol which Baranok or
one of his men had probably lost. and
her whole bearing indicated determine
ton TO use 1t II necessity demanded.
/ Her pause in the shadow of the rock
was but momentary-just long enough to
show her the splendid opportunity Of
escape offered by the attitude OF her
captors Bending low, she sped like a
shadow along the south wall of the
cavern and gained the corner Of the
beach without detection.
At that moment. when she was about
TO place foot on the first step OF the
narrow ledge which would lead her 10
freedom. one OF the convicts who was
of quicker ear than his fellows caught
the rustling of her garments and glanced
over his shoulder.
He proclaimed his discovery by a
hideous shout which drew the attention
OF all from Baranok and Donald, and
then snatching a blazing brand from the
fire. rushed after the young girl
The hoarse shouting of the men con
fused Varia for an instant, but she
speedily recovered her self-possession
and sprang forward along the perilous
ledge.
Pursue her." roared Feodor Barapok.
in a voice like thunder. "Overtake her
at all hazards. but don't iniure a hair
OF her head"
a dozen men darted off instantly. but
the convict who had discovered the girls
escape took the lead of them. and so
swiftly did his long legs carry him
that he was almost upon the fugitive
before she gained the angle in the mar
row path.
His heavy tread warned Varia OF her
danger. She wheeled about just where
the path made its perilous turn. and
faced her pursuer with flashing eyes.
Keep back" she cried in a clear
ringing voice IF you come one STEP
nearer I will shoot you."
The man laughed brutality. but did not
see the weapon clenched in the tiny
hand. and, with arms outstretched 70
seize her. ne sprang forward.
The brave girl rested the pistol and
pulled the trigger without hesitation
Bang. AS the sharp report echoed
down the gorge the daring convict
clapped his hand TO mis- left arm with q
cry OF pain. and would have fallen from
the ledge had not a companion behind
lent his support
But the weapon had been heavily
charged. and the violet concussion jerked
the unfortunate girl backward
She struggled vainIy to retain her bal
ance. but the precariOus ledge offered
no foothold. and the cliff above her was
as smooth as glass. With a cry Of de-
| spalr she tOppled downward and