Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-08-16
CHAPTER XXI.
A RACE FOR LIBERTY.
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another way to get the horses that had
been left OH the cliff.
Domitan and his captains rode ahead
mounted on horses they had taken
from the Bokharans. Following came
the little army. struggling along in
anything but military style, laughing,
singing and celebrating their victory.
1t was Domitan's watchful eye that
discovered. two bowed and bent priests
resting by the wayside. their great
hoods concealing their faces except
for the eyes.
ut Ia WELL" he said to one Of his
captains, that on the first day OF my
chieftainship meet with two holy
men upon the way. will give them
aims and have their blessings upon
me-"
Most holy fathers, holy ones Of the
sun. bless me-" he said. for l am but
today the chief of the Zannucks."
II bless YOU" said Harvey. with
weak and trembling voice as he peck
sted the gold. I'VE are weary, and
the temple is far. Hast thou no seat
tor us on a camel1 see there are two
with apparently but little load"
at 10 well that thy presence augurs
good" said Domitan In a sort Of e1-
ultation. "Those camels bear the one
who will be my bride and the one who
will be the bride of my brother. Sure
~ 1t will be well for US IL the holy
men ride with them. Come"
He went back to the camels and
commanded them to kneel
Holy companions wilt thou have.
my sweet ones" he said. "These holy
men have blessed me, and / have
made them presents. shall win great
Victories"
Harvey got into the howdah by the
side of Alma. and Orskoff, with ap-
parent feebleness, climbed in with
6oura. The camels rose to their feet
again, and Domitan proudly led on. 1t
was not every day that chieftain
had two lamas In his caravan.
Orskoi1 was fidgety. He knew that
when they reached the monastery they
would be expected to leave, but he had
faith that Harvey would surmount the
4iniculty. de saw Harvey scanning
the sky aud mumbling and making
peculiar signs, Harvey called to Domi-
tan. and the chief rode back
~ see mysterious signs in the heav-
ans" said Harvey IN manner that
would inspire awe. IT see but an
hours ride from this spot band Of
soldiers Of the ameer coming to give YOU
battle. They are mighty men and arm.
"a. have blessed thee. and therefore
thou wilt surely win. But these ten
Der children must not be taken into
danger II thou wouldst have them fol
wives. Take thy fighting men and &c
meet the foe. We will remain here
where 1t Is safe"
How many Of the ameer's soldiers
dost thou see. holy oneY"
"Ten score Of horse
I'VE are their equals. We will obey
khee. holy one. leaving only enough t.
guard thee"
He appointed an officer and part O.
, company to remain to guard and LEI
the remainder on to meet the foe Th,
caravan came to halt. The camel
laden with merchandise were brough
up, and the soldiers put aside thei
arms to make camp.
Now, you gallant Russianw shoute,
Harvey as he turned his camel an,
gave 1t prick with the blade of hi
knife. The beast flew like the yer,
wind toward Silicon. with koura's can
J In hot pursuit
Cries of rage and consternaton ros
from the soldiers. A few shots wer
Ared. but no bullet touched them. Or
Rn. they went. Nothing stayed the ma
hight The howdahs rocked and sway
~ and the girls became dizzy. Harve
Soaded his camel to the utmost. 81
could picture to himself a soldier 0
the best horse sent to inform DomitaI
the chiefs wild ride back in pursui
bis awful rage when he knew he ha
been duped; his murderous desire Il
revenge. Harvey gritted his teeth an
sped the camel on. Many long jou
ney had he taken on the beasts an
knew well the handling Of them.
Thus they raced on the feetest can
els In all Bokhara. For ten hours the
kept up the pace. Then he knew
would be safe to rest, for the be-
horse Domitan possessed could nj
hvertake them.
Then on again for hours they spe
tlong the pass; then another stop f
water and fruit. They passed q she
herds cottage, and be gave them
good meal. s-'isi g
'"That's enough" said Harvey. 9TH
will do till we reach Silicon. There
plenty on the gunboat."
On again they went stacking Il
pace but little. They reached Silot
IN two days. The caravan was TO-
days In making the distance.
Silicon was agape with astonishmel
when 1t saw the camels Of the anne
racing into the place with the tv
bretty women and two monks.
Kas eager to know the particular
Hhe streets were filled with Russis
Iailors, and Russian guns frown'
from gunboat in the harbor.
Harvey and Orskon alighted, viii
the Russians and people of Silo'
kathered round.
"Where Is Lieutenant Nevisky?" as
I'd Orskoff. removing his red hat Al
robe and showing himself In his reg
Jar uniform.
Lieutenant Nevisky has been Sc
back to Salain," was the reply of
sailor, admiral Platoff is here wi
the gunboat, yonder, waiting for yot
Does ne underestimate"
II suppose so. We knew you we
coming here"
"Sional the punboat."