Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-07-21
CHAPTER xI.


CHAPTER xI.
PRISON ALARM.
n lowered by their long cloaks.
~ unnoticed by the few who
kS1 were In the streets, Alma and
1871 Harvey Irons went toward
the river. Several times Harvey tried
to speak, but Alma would not permit 1t.
Winding through the narrower streets,
met twice by sentrics 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 were
asleep. Alma knew where the boat Of
Charka Of Ashkar was moored and hur-
ried to it. 1t could not we'll be mis-
taken. for it was the largest Of the
hayboats, ana It's cargo had not been
touched.
"Charka" she said as the two step
ped upon the boat. "Charka of Ash
kari.
"Who calls Charka OF Ashkar?" ask.
ed the sleepy boatman as he emerged
from the dingy little box he called his
house.
1T is I, Charka. who purchased your
hay and bargained for you to deliver It
at Astrabad with a passenger"
Good. You We're long coming. The
hay has been wanted many times. But
knew you would come. so 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. l determined that l would set
you free If possible. l have purchased
this hay. and Charka will deliver 1T
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 I
cannot 60 like this. Give me just a
moment. Let me take you in my arms"
Charka, with a fine sense Of propri.
ETY., walked back to his little box.
"Oh. il 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 I make you happy! But what
| can I do? 1t will be impossible for me
to see you now"
Some day--some dny I will come to
you"
Come with me now" raining kisses
on her lips. II will not go without
| you. l will 60 back and give myself
up
Dear one, do not speak like that,
II Is ungrateful."
80 IT is. darling. You have cut off
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. Il permitted his lips to touch
mine; I allowed his arm to entrcle my
waist. Oh. the thought Of 1t burns,
but it was for you
Great heaven, What n 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 l shall re-
main and fight for you"
And be killed, You must go at
once. Kiss me, dear one 1t may be
| the last"
at shall not. Hark. The alarm gun
Of the prison.
The dull boom OF a 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
lie 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 20 back to imprison-
ment or DEATH" said Harvey. Come
with me! We will go 10 America.
where you will be safe and happy.
Come. my darling, come"
Alma hesitated. Again sounded the
alarm gun. Perhaps the thought Of sol
itary Imprisonment. perhaps the knout,
perhaps Siberia, came to her.
II will CO." she said simply.
The two crawled under the hay, and
Charka lay down on the boat as II
asleep.
Everything happened as Alma had
supposed. The ball had been deprived
Of Its most brilliant lights. With Alma
and Dellnikoff gone, it grew dull. A
half hour passed, and Colonel Jurnieff
got uneasy.
Where are your beautiful niece and
Dellnikoff?" asked the governor