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

Of the building to the rear wall which
stood close up to the edge of the forest.
D lie was about TO plunge in among the
trees. when he observed a suffered
window high up on the wall and just
beneath IL a huge. irregular shaped
rock, which lowered almost 10 the sill.
This gave him an idea The house
would be the safest place for him if he
could get inside. while if he sought to
escape through the forest he would al
most certainly perish from the cold.
In trice he was on the summit of
the rock. and quick. noiseless pull
drew the shutter back on its hinges. re-
vealing a dark interior.
Donald did not hesitate for an instant
He threw his legs quietly over the sill.
and discovered that he was standing on
board floor covered with straK-no
doubt the sleeping room OF the telegraph
operator.
After listening for n moment without
hearing the leas, sound, he plucked up
confidence and drew the shutter in place
IF anyone is sleeping upshere shall
get myself into a nice fix" he muttered.
and the thought sent a chill through him.
He dropped to his hands and knees
I and crept noiselessly over the floor. As
/ he paused again TO listen he caught
faint noise from the room below. and at
I the same instant discovered yellow line
| OF light just ahead OF him.
| The former convinced Donald that the
occupant Of the house was on the lower
floor and the latter Indicated the exist
ence OF "A trap door. Crawling a few
/ feet. he reached the streak OF light ana I
found his supposition to be correct
Feeling about with his hand he
touched an iron ring, aud with soft
pull ne lifted tho trap half foot on I
its hinges. and propped'it up with his /
heavy fur cap.
Through this opening he had clear
view OF the room below-and very
snug little apartment fl was A cheer
full wood fire was blazing on the
hearth. and near by sat bearded Rus
sian in his shirt sleeves.
He was smoking a short pipe and be-
quilting his loneliness by sorting pacj,
OF cards on his knee. On a chair be-
side him rested a bottle. a diary glass
package of tobacco. and a lighted
candle; across the room was the table
containing the telegraph Instruments.
As Donald peered down on this scene.
wondering how be could best make his
presence known. the outer door was
suddenly flung open. and the convicts
Waldorf and Gross entered followed by
two Of their companions
The telegraph operator sprang to his
feet in anazement. but before he could
open his lips three rifles were trained
on his breast
"If you make any noise you are
dead man" said Waldorf. sternIy. DO
as / tell you and you viii not be harm
ed 90
The operator was a pIucky fellow.
but seeing that he was cornered. ac-
ceDted the situation as gracefully as
possible.
You are a set Of daring scoun-
drols." he said quietly. What do you s
want with me2" .
Waldorf pointed his one arm at the e
telegraph instrument
Sit down there. he said grufiy. and
prepare TO send the message that am q
going 10 dictate" a
The words were accompanied by such
a terrible glance that the man obeved b
instantly. and took his seat at the
table. J.
Il know all about teIegraphy,'' con "
,iuued Waldorf. so that you can't de- q
r"ive me. II you attempt TO DO so a
viii Kill YOU instantly. Are YOU ready q
Go ahead. then. Call up the operator ar q
the nearest station to the eastward b
he one thar lies just beyond the bridge
over the Angara." b
The man hesitated for a second hit II
1t was either obey or lose his life. so
he tapped the knob with a trembling "
hnrer- II
brief interval of silence ensued Il
Donald riveted his ewes on The scene &
waiting with GREATNESS interest for f.
What was TO follow II
Click, Click, The answering signal e.
anne back. and the operator turned a
Iuestioningly to Waldorf. il
Telegraph as follows" said the lat r.
er. bending low over the table. a
The posthouse ~ Tolnar has lust b
,ceu attacked by a force OF armed rob e
5ors. They are killing the Cossacks and "
numbering the stores. Send all the HELM 81
possible. Answer before the wires are
ut" 81
The operator licked of this message fe
with trembling hands and a face that %
vas as pale ashes and dark with per u
piration; and all the while Waldorf %
food over him. repeating the words and a.
isteniuE kccnly 10 every sound Of the IN
instrument ~
He evidently spoke the truth when he A
aid he was familiar with teIcgraphy.
-r the quiet smile on his face showed '''
hat The message had been sent 30 his
GU
Turning 10 his companion. he made a
nick signal. and Gross and one Of the ."