Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-06-28
CHAPTER vI1.-(continued.)


The ivoshtshik stared, but the money
that was put into his hand was many
times the regular charge, and he die
not hesitate.
The hay wharfs on the Kur were II
themselves part of the show Boats Of
all descriptions crowded against one
another, for the supply OF hay needed
during the fair for the horses and cam.
els was very great. The shouts of Cir
cass1ans, Georgians and Turks and Per
SLAMS were deafening.
ALMA sat in her drosky and looked
about at the busy scene. These hay
boats were mostly from the towns
along the upper Kur and the Volga.
They were Of all kinds, sizes and de-
grees of safety. Those from the Volga
were the largest, for they needed sta
bility to travel on the Caspian. Near
one Of these, with an Astrakhan owner
and crew, she halted.
No subjects Of the car hate the
Muscovite rule more than the Astra-
khans. 1t was only after prolonged
war that Astrakhan was subdued, and
her ,fealty has never been more than
nominal. Every little while some new
mollah rises to preach holy war. and
new crusade against the Muscovite
begins.
The Astrakhan, seated upon the PROV
of his boat, was tall, dark and pictur-
esque. He was smoking pipe, regard
less Of the proximity of several tons of
hay belonging to himself.
AS he looked around he saw a small
white finger reckoning him. He saun-
tered to where Alma sat. She got down
from her seat and spoke in whispers.
Are you not from the lower valley
Of the Volga?"
II am, sweet lady. l have come from
Astrakhan with hay to SELL"
''Is it sold?"
"Alas, not yet. The fair is breaking
up, and there is less demand for hay"
will you sell it Mt good price and
deliver it where I commando"
IF the price be sufficient, sweet lady,
will carry it to Moscow"
what is the price you get for your
hay at this wharf?'
This load will bring me 300 rubles."
''If you will take passenger, keep
your tongue still and deliver the hay
where bid you, will give you 1000
rubles"
ut is fortune, sweet lady! Where
shall deliver the hay?"
~ 8 a 1.-THE port Of Astrabad, Persia"
Il agree. But the passenger?'
SIS a man. Remain at this spot until
he is ready"
Under the cover of my hay ne will
be safe. Sweet lady, you may rely
upon me. l am Charka of the town of
Ashkar. Ask for me when you want
me. I am at your feet"
Return to the bazaar from which I
came" said Alma to the ivoshtshik.
81 am growing reckless" she unused.
Two weeks ago I shiyercd ii had to
look my uncle in the face. ! dared not
go step beyond the limits set. But
now! The blood of the Inrnieefs is
aroused"
Arriving at the bazaar, she made an
other purchase, walked to the carriage,
answered Maries question as to what
kept her SO long and in hale an hnar
was back in her apartments.
AS Colonel Trlrnieft passed her dooc
he stopped, a look CT establishment on
his face.
What rc3t?' he said. "she is actu-
ally singing love song. Evidently
my brother has not managed this affair
well. Why, the girl is already happy
MS well MS conquered. Really my
brothers influence must get me pro.
NOTED. an too srea. diplomat to
De governor Of Il prison. should be IN
St. Hetsrsburx"
AS his footsteps died away the love
song cam. to an abrupt end.