The Washington times., 1903-02-15

He was far out in the river when
Lavroff sprang upon me with the knife,
and when l cried for help he recognized
my voice AID came back-came back vol
unfairly from the freedom that was al
most within his grasp. And now he is
dying. stricken down by the knife that
was intended for me.
rs not this fitting at6nement for
his crimes? Yet my lips are sealed
doubly sealed-for in silence lies my
only hope Of future restoration to rank
and honor; and. besides, the promise to
I my father is sacred and I dare not break
it."
4 With such conflicting emotions as
these Andres heart was torn as he fol-
lowed Captain Rosny around the stock
ade, and when he passed through the
prison gates he had resolved on des-
\ perate expedient.
l II Paul was MORALLY wounded he
would reveal all - Captain Rosny and
beg permission TO see his brother, that
he might at least assure him OF his for
giveness before he died.
"Rosny is a good fellow" he reflected.
hopefully. He won't deny such re-
quest. and all that tell him he will hold
in strict confidence
The interior Of the prison was in
state Of great excitement when the little
- 80
to and fro. and a squadron of Cossacks.
mounted on small. wiry ponies. galloped
b. OF their way to join the search for
Pierre Waldorf.
4, Captain Rosuy and Andre went straight
to the hospital-a long. low building
that stood near the gates.
They entered the operating room and
Andre was surprised and relieved to find
it empty.
Where is the prisoner that was
brought in a moment ago?" asked Cap
tain Rosny.
The surgeon in charge motiOned to-
ward the rear dool.
I have put him to bed he said
briefly. He can be removed to his cell
in the morning. There is nothing wrong
with him except a slight wound on his
breast and an abrasion of the rear part
OF the head. caused by falling on a sharp
stone. It was that which produced I'M
consciousness He made narrow es-
cape. though. for the point OF the knife
struck a rib instead OF piercing the
lungs"
I'm glad 10 hear that" said Captain
Rosny. Il have lost two convicts to-
night-one dead and one missing. 1 am
confident that the fellow will be caught,
though. It is only question OF time.
And now here are two more cases for
you-not serious ones. hope. Please
attend 20 my friend first"
The captain waved his hand toward
Andre. who was at once taken in charge
by the surgeon. The wounded hand was
washed. sewed up. and skIllfully ban
daged-au ordeal which Andre stood
without finching.
. ]
, time" said the surgeon. but you will
have the complete use OF it after a
, while"
Then he turned 10 Captain Rosny and
= after a brief examination reported n
few painful bruises Of the back that
. would necessitate a rest OF at least a
! week.
THAT prevents me from helping to
run down Pierre Waldorf said the cap
, tain grimly. Another time 1 shall
think twice before dropping from that
stockade Come. Andre. let Us get some
sleep before dayIight-if that is pos
sible after the nights excitement
In Captain Rosny's case It was quite
, possible. In spite OF the twinges OF
, pain caused by the injured back, ne
, fell at once into deep slumber.
This blessing was denied Andre. Even
his intense physical weariE-ss and the
soft bed the captain had given him.
could not subdue the thoughts that kept
his mind awake.
He felt all the old time affection for
his brother He could not drive IL from
his heart hard as he tried
lie knew that Paul was only slightly
- injured, and that his life was yet
before him-a life Of misery in the Ter
rible Siberian mines. An ardent cesire
seized Andre TO save him from this fate.
and yet ne felt and chafed under his own
impotenCy.
The honor Of his family and his rwn
future prospects forbade him TO think
OF such insane things. Il must be so
there was no alternative, The mem
DRY Of Paul must be forever rooted out
q Of his breast.
At dawn Andre fell asleep from OK
! Il l. II -