The indicator., 1904-07-16

yuuboat. Boa atl0aus OF nay N'lt h'' o"
frequent ON the Caspian, nEd Ne ttiI
assured that it would not he di:icult 10
hoodwink the captain of the Gunbo"t
Under sail the boat made better FROG
ress and was soon out on the Caspian
where in the inky darkness noih'hE
could be seen, The slight Wild thal
had promised so well soon died away,
and the boat, now in deep water Wh're
the poles We're useless, was almost
helpless Its big lateen sails mapped
against the rude masts. and tile men
grumbled. This was not getting TO
Astrabad. and they bad had enough OF
watching over the lives of MuscoNltc
woman and man from what they con
Edered another world. The boat got
into a current that carried II out far
ther and farther, and Harvey, feeling
secure In the darkness, called to Alma
to come out from her hiding place
They sat together in the little deck
house waiting for the breeze that must
surely come sooner or later
by this time they are well in pur'
suit" said Alma. with shudder. 1t
10 death to be taken now"
ut would have been death at any
time. my darling. We must be cheer
full. l wish we had cayik instead Of
this old hayboat."
THE cayik is faster. dear NJ. Irons
but would 1t he as safef ! fear that a
storm Is coming. In that little boat
would be afraid"
I'D take my chances In that as soon
as in this old hulk, and there would be
the additional advantage of getting
somewhere before the storm came"
"Ah, NJ. Irons, 1t Is long way across
the Caspian"
IL am aware of that, Alma. I've
been long enough trying to make the
trip. Even now l am good many
days from my windmills."
81 fear you will never see them
again. dear NJ. Irons"
Not see my windmills again? Why,
III sell them at the big fair at Mini
Novgorod. Surest thing In the world.
my darling. Well take our wedding
trip out of my commissions. But don't
call me NJ. Irons. Call me Harvey.
That is my name, as yours is Alma"
But we do not-it is not like Rus
sian girls
You are Russian girl no longer
dear. AS soon as we get to a place
where there is an American missionary
who can perform the ceremony. or an
American consulate. you will be my
American wife. and the Russian guns
can thunder all they please. Hello!
What's up nowT"
Suddenly the delayed wind had come
in squalls. 1t whistled through the
ropes, and one snapped. Charka
could be heard outside cursing and
bawling out orders to his men. Har-
vsy went to the door and tried to see
In the darkness. The boat began to
move rapidly through the water and
careened to one side. A fash of light
ming showed him the three men hard
at work trying to control the sails.
'-The storm you feared has come, lit
tie girl. but do not be afraid. I'll go
outside and see what can do to help"
"Can l be of user he asked, raising
hds voice to shout.
Use! Yes. you can be Of use" bawl-
ed Charka. Help me and my men,"
Charkas voice showed his agitation.
His men were working like beavers to
unite the rope that had parted. Har-
vey assisted. and soon the sail was bel
lying out before the steadily growing
wind.
"Nowr' cried Charka exultingly as
the old boat gathered speed. "Now the
Turks cayik would not be so fastr'
But his jubilati came too soon. A
sudden gust of wind tore the rope he
was holding from his hand, and one
that had been fastened to a pin at the
side Of the boat snapped with a report
like that Of pistol. 1t cracked two or
three times In the air and then wound
Itself around Charka's neck. A smoth-
cred curse came from him ms he strug-
gled with the rope. AS Harvey stepped
forward to assist him the sail gave an
extra pull. and Charka was dragged
over the side of the boat into the sea.
A cry came from him as he sank, and
bis men muttered their prayers as they
stood shivering, realizing the useless
ness of trying to aid him.
Don't stand there like idiotsw shout
ID Harvey. You've got a small boat.
Get 1t into the water and save Char
kar
"It cannot be donev' cried one. "He
10 already left far behind"
Get out the boat. and will go with
you to rescue him."
mo. not you! You are the one who
brought this upon us. Many times
have we sailed upon the Caspian, but
never before did this thing happen to
US. 1t serves us right for taking an
unbeliever and Muscovite woman on
the boat. That was our curse"
Nonsense! Get out the boat"
The two consulted a moment, speak
ing 30 low that Harvey could not hear.
I'VE will so to rescue Charka," said
the one who had done the talking
But you cannot go. You would bring
a. another curse"
Harvey went into the cabin to get a
lantern. With the aid Of this he watch
ed the two men get the small boat of.
Look well for him. He was a good
man." said Harvey
He was. came the answer as the
boat moved OF. I'VE shall not return.
We will not remain on boat with a
Nuacsvite woman and an unbeliever.
We do not wish to kill. 80 we leave"
Harvey stoed aghast Alone he could
not handle the sails. He shouted to
them to come back, but they paid no
attention to him. He returned to Almu.
THE fools have left us! Charka was
thrown overheard by a broken rope.
and told them to go in the small boat
to rescue them. They took the boat,
preferring that In the storm to remain.
Ing on this boat with us. They say.
nv daflIn1 Nh har hrounxh4 m a...--