The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-03-08


I nok himself 10 capture this rich prize
bur during the past week his feelings
had changed. and nc had resolved on a
new and selfish plan. suggested to him
by The discovery that General Tichi-
mirof. accompanied by his daughter.
was 20 make journey westward from
Irkutsk
As has been shown. he promptly took
the initial steps by abducIinE the girl
and taking her to the cavern. explain
ing to his unsuspecting companions that
he wished TO hold her as a hostage
against a time of need
In reality Baranok's plan was simply
this; lie was intensely anxious to get
back TO Russia, and he hoped to procure
a free pardon from General Tichimirofr
whose influence was sufficient TO OBJ
tain it-by promising. if it was granted.
TO deliver up his daughter uuiniured.
and if not. TO take her life.
As matters stood now Baranok had
every prospect OF success. provided he
could keep the girl safely until the
search that was sure to be- made. had
partly subsidized.
The capture Of The transport train. if
it proved successful. might cndanger his
chances: but he knew better than To at
tempt 10 thwart his men i'm this direc-
ton. so ne made the traitorous p, solve
that I'm case his FIRST proposition TO Gen
eraI Tichimiron should not be accepted
he would offer as an additional bride to
reveal the hiding place of the stolen
gold
Baranok cared little for the fact that
his contemplated plan involved the be
trayaI OF his companions lie was per
fectly willing to sacrifice them on the
chance of obtaining a pardon and re-
turning in perfect safety to the home
ne had not seen for twenty years.
This. then. was the situation at the
time of the interview recorded in the
last chapter between Barauok ana Val
bort
Al dayhrcak on the following morning
one of the mcn-who had been absent
during the nieht-came with a message
for Baranok which put that individual in
a decidedly bad humor.
1t was more than likely that Cossacks
were in the vicinity. for no fires were
built ali day long. and Donald was
placed I'm secluded corner Of the cav
ern and sternly commanded to stay
there and to hold no communication
with anyone
This state Of affairs lasted for three
days. during which period a constant
watchfuluess was maintained and there
was much suffering from cold.
Naria was kept i'm strict secIusiou. ana
Donald did not even get a glimpse OF
her On the fourth day fires we're built
as usual and the men recovered their
spirits. The cloud whatever it was. had
gone by.
Two more days dragged monotonousIv
along and then came a change.
At sunset a stranger arrived man
more richly and warmly dressed than
the members OF the hand but he was
evidently one Of them. for they received /
him with delight and drapqed him, - 7
the fire and piled him with food and
questious-the former Of which no
seemer TO want bodIv-r,tiI p,r,,,..f.
.nterfered and took him away
The convicts had long and earnest
that night. at which the
stranger was the center OF attraction
and in which all took part except the
guards. VINO kept an eye on varfa-s cor
ncr and on UonaId as well ror the Iatt.r
had been subjected TO strict surveiIIau,a
during the last few DAYS.
He wondered now what all tbfs excite
nent meant. but his ,sgue surris.s ,,oro
TO-. r-..., al. .-...r