Canyon City news. (Canyon City, Tex.) 1903-1908, 1904-09-09
A SOLDIER OF
COM MERGE
BY JOHN ROE GORDON
Copyright, 1902. by F. r. Toombs
CHAPTER XI.
PRISON ALARM.

83X&) Harvey Irons went toward
the river. Several times Harvey tried
TO speak. but Alma would not permit it.
Winding through the narrower streets,
met twice by sentrieS and giving the
password, which she knew, Alma led
him safely to the wharf where the hay.
bouts lay. Lanterns moved here and
there, but most Of the bOatmen were
asleep. Alma knew where the boat OF
Charka Of Ashkar was mOored and hur-
ricd TO it. 1t could not well be mis-
taken, for it was the largest Of the
hayboats, and its cargo had not been
touched.
"Charkaw she said as the two step
ped upon the boat. "Charka Of Ash.
kart"
who calls Charka Of Ashkar?" ask
cd the sleepy boatman as he emerged
from the dingy little box he called his
house.
ut Is |. Charka. who purchased your
hay and bnrgaincd for you to deliver 1t
ut AStrabad with n passenger"
Good You were long coming. The
bay has been wanted many times. But
knew you would come, 30 I did not
sell"
M. Irons" said Alma. turning to
Harvey and putting out her hands. Il
can do no more. Knowing that you
were in danger Of being killed or Of be-
ing sent to Siberia. where your identity
would be lost and all hope Of rescue
gone. I determined that | would set
you free il possible. | have purchased
this hay, and Charka will deliver it
you. rather - ut Astrabad. where You
will be safe from the prosecutions OF
your enemies"
but what Of you. my darling girl.
my bravest? You have sacrificed
yourself for me-"
"They dare not kill me-" snid Alma.
"rhey would do anything. But l
cannot 60 like this. Give me just
moment Let me TAX" you in my arms"
Charka. with fine sense Of propri'
ETY.. walked back to his little box.
"Oh. il love conld repay you, dear"
said Harvey. taking her In his arms.
'if the devotion Of n life could pay you
for what you have done. how gladly
would make you happy! But what
can | do? 1t will be impossible for me
to see you now"
"Some day-some day will come to
you"
Come with me now" raining kisses
on her lips. II will not 20 without
you. will go back and give myself
up"
Dear one. do not speak like that
1t is ungrateful!"
$50 it Is. darling. You have cut Off
your hair. your beautiful hair. that
loved How did you accomplish my
rescue2 Tell me what you dd?"
Alma told Harvey the whole story.
II even gave myself up to abandon
for your sake, dear ONE concluded
Alma. 81 permitted his lips to touch
mine; allowed his arm to encircle my
waist. Oh. the thought Of it burns.
but II was for you"
Great heaven! What woman!
And now you want me to leave you to
their vengeance! Russia does not for.
give You will be sent to Siberia.
You must come with me or shall re-
main and fight for you"
"And be killed! Yon must go at
once. Kiss me, dear one! 1t may be
the last"
ut shall not! Hark! The alarm gun
OF the prison"
The dull boom Of n cannon smote
the air.
"Here. we must get out Of this" said
Charka. rushing from his box. 'The
soldiers will swarm along the river In
no time"
"My uncle has thought We were gone
too long" said Alma, trembling with the
weakness of reaction. HE has search
ed for us In the palace and. not finding
US, has gone to the prison. He has
questioned the servants and learned
that we were there. Perhaps he has
even discovered that the prince is lock
ed in a CELL My dear one. hide under
the hay. Charka, where can he hide
He Is your friend. and your enemies
are after him"
With a sweep Of his hand Charka
showed them the immense cargo OF
hay. 1t rested upon many long planks
that met In the middle of the boat and
extended some feet over each side
Under the planks was vacant space
Under there" said Charka. There
you will be safe. Hurry! The dogs OF
Muscovites will soon be here"
"You shall not 60 back to imprison'
ment or DEATH" said Harvey. Come
with me! We will go to America,
where you will he safe and happy
Come, my darling, come"
Alma hcsitated. Again sounded the
alarm gun. Perhaps the thought of sol
itary imprisonment, perhaps the knout
perhaps siberia came 10 her