The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-03-01

lowered and. amid utter silence. every
eye was turned expectantly on Donald
Baranok and Waldorf were as eager as
the rest to hear his reply.
For a moment Donald turned dizzy. lie
seemed TO feel the sharp knives piercing
his flesh. What could he tell these saw
are man that would soften their mood
and obtain for him a lease OF life?
They would not listen to the truth
that was certain. What mattered 1t to
them that he was an American and sur
fering in some one elses place? II he
proclaimed himself as Donald Chum-
leigh they would laugh at him-and
swiftly put an end TO his life.
Suddenly a wild idea flashed into his
mind. He would tell them that he was
Serge MasIon. Who Serge Masloff was
he knew not, but he felt instinctively
that the name must be known to some
of these men. At all events. the ruse
was worth trying. 1t might gain for him
temporary respite.
Later on. II necessary. he could con-
fess the truth to Baranok and throw
himself on the mercy of this famous
Terrorist.
The hesitation. short as it was, seem
ed to them suspicious.
why doesn't he speak," growIed some
one
He dare not" spoke up another. He
has nothing to tell US"
Donald quietly raised one hand and the
mutterings subsidized.
You demand my name" he said firm
ly We'll, l will tell you. 1t is Serge
Maslof."
AS the words FELL from his lips the ST.
Ience was so intense that a pin might
have been heard TO drop. In the upturn-
ed faces Donald read amazement. joy. in
credulity. and in some few unmistakable
anger.
Among these latter was Waldorf He
sprang forward. and with one hand
seized Donald roughly by the throat
You dog of liar he cried. you are
M more Serge Maslof than l am Don't
think to deceive us in that way. Tell
me your real name, quick. or 1 won't
answer for your Iife,''
| Before Donald could utter a sound OF
fling of the choking grasp OF his assail-
art an amazing thing occurred. With :
hoarse cry Feodor Baranok dashed
through the circle Of men. and seizine
Pierre Waldorf in his powerful arms he
hurled him to one side with such vio-
Ience that he rolled into the FIRE. scatter
ling the burning brands in every direction
Then Baranok stood in front of Don
aid so as 10 shield him with his booy
and drawfn~ great, long bladed knit,
frcm his side he faced the wondering
crowd with flashing eyes and passion dis
torted face.
The first man who dares to come for
ward I'll spit like a dog" he cried hot.
" You must walk over my dead body
to touch this defenseless prisoner. Yol
heard the name that he gave. and you
know weII-some OF you at Ieast-what i
means to me II he is telling the truth
IL he really is Serge Masloff."
Here his voice grew husky and broke
down in a sob, while a tear triclzle'
down his cheek.
The convicts were thunderstruck a
this emotion on the part of thei
dreaded leader. They put their weapon
away and waited to see what woult
happen next.
I'm in nice fix now" though
Donald. with shudder. This Is out o
the frying pan into the FIRE with 1
vengeance. I wish had stuck to tn,
truth"
AS Baranok faced his men with un
changed mien. still mistrustful OF al
attack. Pierre Waldorf limped sullenl,
forward and halted at a respectful dis
lance from the man who had TT, ltec
him so brutaIly.
Il want a word with you. Feodol
Baranok." he said loudly You are
reasonable man. and I know you viii
listen to me. l forgive you the assault
You did not know what you were doing
and besides. you had some provocatlon
What want 20 say is this:
1T IS some years, is II not. sine,
you have laid eyes upon Serge Maslof
in fact the last time you saw hin
he was an infant? Very well. / hav,
known him for FIVE years more. and il
that interval I have been with hin
many times. You must admit that also
; II is true that Serge MasIoh was caugh
and is somewhere now In Siberia
though we have not been able to trac
him. But that man there is not Serg
, Masloff nor does he even resemble him
! II you wish more convincing proof ques
ton him and see II he can answer cor