The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-08

DoAalu VI as ultItdilt LutGHtI ing tIt
chances. and though little disposed to
seek freedom in company with such 'ueu
as these-wbo were desperate criminals
beyond a doubt-be knew that no alter
native existed. that his refusal meant
instant death.
q cant draw back now, ne said to
himself The only thing possible to
is TO 90 with them. It is a spleudid
opportunity, after al. and one that I
may new have aeaH... If their daring
plan su---..- r a not remain with
them long. 1 WI escape at the first
chance and try 10 reach some town
where I can tell my story to the highest
official there, The fact that surread-
cred Of my own accord viii cause an
investigation Of my case and make me
a free man again"
This line Of reasoning-which passed
through DonaId's mind in much less
time that it takes to teII-quite con
verted him to the plans Of his com
panions.
His m.sgivings vanished and every
nerve thrilled with excitement at the
thought Of breathing the pure air of
freedom again
Il viii gladly 90 with you" he an
swered. in a tone which instantly els
PEELED the doubts of the two on
vIcts
"Go7d:" muttered Waldorf and La
vron in one breath.
The latter placed himself in front
Of Donald and the former stepped be-
hind, thus sandwiching him between he
two-a precautton which they perhaps
deemed wise, and which Lavron stiII
further strengthened by drawing his
knife and holding it in his hand in
/ plain view Of Donald.
Then The candle was blown out ana
the little party Of three crept forward
in the darkness.
They stumbled through the loose heap
Of earth that Donald had brought with
him in his fall, and then had 10 bead
low, for the tunnel was less than four
feet high and about three feet in length.
/ It must have been a truly herculean
task 20 exeavate this passage. and Don
aid was conscious Of a feeling Of ad-
uiirdtion and awe for the men who could
overcome such obstacles in their pur-
suit Of freedom
TIE end of the tunnel was soon
reached. and. judging from the close
proximity TO the stockade Of the build
Ing in which Donald had been confined.
bur little remained TO be done.
! Stand where you are and make no
noise" directed Lavroff. 1T can't be
more than midnight, and we have plenty
/ Of time to carry out our plans"
/ He commenced TO dig with savage
strokes, and for five minutes nothing was
/ heard but the dull pIunk of the cIods of
earth as they gave way beneath the
knife and fell to the floor Of the tunnel.
'Lavroff is a terrible man. " whispered
. Waldorf in Donald's ear. DO YOU want
/ TO Enow how he cheered us when we
we've working on the tuuneI2
He told us to imagine that every
knife thrust We made was a blow aimed
/ at the heart of the government officials.
or at the Gar himself All. how the
men toiIed when they heard that. It was
a noble sight. Night after night that
+ delusion cheered them on. Not one OF
them but wished il was a reality"
/ Donald shu1deTed, but made no reply
and when Waldorf accidentally touched
him he shTank back with repugnance.
Through" muttered LavroH. BE
cautious, now This Is the critical
time"
With soft touches he pared away the
earth until the little hole had expanded
10 the size Of a dinner plate
Through it could be seen the surface
of the river and rejecting q few stars
in It's clear depths, and the cool outer
air surged in and mingled with the hot
atmosphere OF the tunnel.
Lavron thrust his head carefully out
for an instant and then drew it back.
All promises we'll" ne whispered:
not a sentinel is in sight on the stock
ade overhead. and the water is close by
Make haste now. Waldorf. and tell our
( companions that the moment has come
Bid them be cautious and leave the
kamera one at q time The least noise
VIII alarm the guards in the corridor
and al VII then be lost"
'I WI see TO il that no mistake is