Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1904-07-05
A SOLDIER OF
COMMERCE
Bu JOHN ROE GORDON
Copyright F. R. Toombs
Copyright. 1902, by F. R. Toombs

aR6luSC Tue Euue uooto, oho eaS ASSS
grumbled. This was not getting to
Astra bad. and they had had enough of
watching over the lives Of Muscovite
woma and man from what they con-
sidered another world. The boat got
into g. current that carried 1t out far
ther and farther. and Harvey, feeling
secure in the darkness, called to Alma
to come out from her hiding place.
They sat together in the little deck
house waiting for the breeze that must
surely come sooner or later.
by this time they are we'll In pur-
suit" said Alma. with shudder. 1T
Is death to be taken now."
1T would have been death at any
time, my darling We must be cheer
full. | wish we had cayik instead VI
this old hayboat."
"The cayik is faster, dear NJ. Irons
but would it be as safe? l fear that a
storm is coming. In that little boat l
would be afraid"
I'D take my chances In that as soon
as In this old hulk. and there would be
the additional advantage Of getting
somewhere before the storm came"
"Ah. NJ. Irons. it is long way across
the Caspian"
81 am aware Of that, Alma. I've
been long enough trying to make the
trip. Even now l am a good many
days from my windmills."
II fear you will never see them
again. dear NJ. Irons"
Not see my windmills again? Why,
I'll sell them at the big fair at Mini
Novgorod. Surest thing in the world.
my darling. Well take our wedding
trip out of my commissions. But don't
call me NJ. Irons. Call me Harvey.
That is my name. as yours is Alma"
"But we do not-it is not like Rus.
sian girls"
"You are q Russian girl no longer,
dear. AS soon as we get to a place
where there is an American missionary
who can perform the ceremony. or an
American consulate. you will be my
American wife. and the Russian guns
can thunder all they please. Hello!
What's up now?"
Suddenly the delayed wind had come
in squalls. 1t whistled through the
ropes. and one snapped. Charka
could be heard outside cursing and
bawling out orders to his men. Har-
vey went to the door and tried to see
in the darkness. The boat began to
move rapidly through the water and
careened to one side. A fash Of light
ming showed him the three men hard
at work trying to control the sails.
1.-The storm you feared has come. lit
tie girl. but do not be afraid. I'll go
outside and see what can do to help"
Can | be of use" he asked. raising
his voice to shout.
use! Yes. you can be Of use" bawl-
ed Charka. Help me and my men,"
Charkas voice showed his agitation.
His men We're working like beavers to
unite the rope that had parted. Har.
vey assisted, and soon the sail was bel
lying out before the steadily growing
wind.
"Noww cried Charka exultingly as
the old boat gathered speed. "Now the
Turks cayik would not be so fast"
But his jubilation came too soon. A
sudden gust of wind tore the rope he
was holding from his hand; and one
that had been fastened to pin at the
side of the boat snapped with a report
like that of a pistol 1t cracked two or
three times in the air and then wound
itself around Charka's neck. A smoth.
cred curse came from him as he strug-
gled with the rope. AS Harvey stepped
forward to assist him the sail gave an
extra pull. and Charka was dragged
over the side Of the boat into the sea.
A cry came from him as he sank, and
his men muttered their prayers as they
stood shivering, realizing the useless
ness of trying to aid him.
Don't stand there like idiots!" shout.
ed Harvey. you've got small boat.
Get it into the water and save Char.
kaw
1T cannot be donev' cried one. "He
Is already left far behind"
"Get out the boat. and will go with
you to rescue him."
mo, not you! You are the one who
brought this upon us. Many times
have we sailed upon the Caspian, but
never before did this thing happen to
us. 1t serves US right for taking an
unbeliever and a Muscovite woman on
the boat. That was our curse"
NONSENSE! Get out the boat"
rhe two consulted moment, speak
ing so low that Harvey could not hear.
I'VE will 60 to rescue Charka," said
the one who had done the talking.
But you cannot 20. You would bring
us another curse"
Harvey went into the cabin to get a
lantern. With the aid Of this he watch
ed the two men get the small boat of.
Look well for him. He was good
man." said Harvey.
''He was" came the answer as the
boat moved off. I'VE shall not return.
We will not remain on boat with
Muscovite woman and an unbeHsyer.
We do not wish to kill, 50 we leave"
Harvey stood aghast. Alone he could
not handle the sails. He shouted to
them to come back, but they paid no
attention to him. He returned to Alma.
"The fools have left us! Charka was
thrown overheard by a broken rope,
and told them to go in the small boat