Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-07-05
CHAPTER X.
PRISON ALARM,

unnoticed by the few who
sgSr5sa were in the streets, Alma and
(S&4&J 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
boats lay. Lanterns moved here and
there but most of the boatmen We're
asleep Alma knew where the boat of
Charka of Ashkar was moored and hur-
ried to it. 1t could not well be mis-
taken, for it was the largest of the
hayboats, and its cargo had not been
| touched.
"Charka!" she said as the two step
ped upon the boat. "Charka Of Ash
kar"
"Who calls Charka of Ashkar?" ask
ed the sleepy boatman as he emerged
from the dingy little box he called his
house.
ct is I, Charka, who purchased your
hay and bargained for you to deliver 1t
at Astrabad with passenger"
Good. You were long coming. The
hay has been wanted many times. But
1 knew you would come, so l did not
sell'
IN. 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 l would set
you free If possible. l have purchased
this hay, and Charka will deliver it
you. rather = at 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-" said Alma.
"They would do anything. But
cannot go like this. Give me just a
moment Let me take you in my arms!'
Charka, with fine sense Of propri-
! ETY., walked back to his little box.
!. ooh, If love could repay you, dear"
said Harvey, taking her in his arms,
"if the devotion of 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 go without
}. you. I will go back and give myself
up"
Dear one, do not speak like that!
It is ungrateful!"
$50 it is, darling. You have cut of
your hair, your beautiful hair, that
loved. How did you accomplish my
rescue? Tell me what you did,"
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 it was for you!"
"Great heaven! What woman
, And now you want me to leave you tt
r their vengeance! Russia does not for
give. You will be sent to Siberia
2 You must come with me or I shall re
main and fight for you"
"And be killed. You must go a
9 once. Kiss me, dear one! 1t may b,
the last"
e at shall not! Hank! The alarm gul
j of the PRISON.
The dull boom of a cannon smot
e the air.
Y "Here, we must get out of this" sal,
Q Charka, rushing from his box. 9Th
f soldiers will swarm along the river il
no time"
\ "My uncle has thought we were gon
too long" said Alma, trembling with tn
o weakness Of reaction. "He has search
= ed for us in the palace and, not findin
y us, has gone to the prison. He ha
q questioned the servants and learne
q that we were there. Perhaps he ha
\ even discovered that the prince is loci
ed in cell. My dear one, hide unde
4 the hay. Charka, where can he hide
He is your friend, and your enemie
are after him."
With sweep Of his hand Clark
= showed them the immense cargo {
4 hay. 1t rested upon many long plank
3 that met in the middle Of the boat an
extended some feet over each sid
, Under the planks was vacant space
d "Under there" said Charka. "Thel
n you will be safe. Hurry! The dogs {
" Muscovites will soon be here"
"You shall not go back to imprisol
J. ment or DEATH" said Harvey. Con
with me! We will go to Americ
where you will be safe and happ,
II Come, my darling, come"
" Alma hesitated Again sounded tt
s. alarm gun. Perhaps the thought of 80
itary imprisonment, perhaps the knou
r. perhaps Siberia, came to her.
r II will go" she said simply.
The two crawled under the hay, ar
u. Charka lay down on the boat as
q asleep.
10 Everything happened rs Alma ha
supposed The ball had been deprive
of of its most brilliant lights. With Ain