The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1904-11-08

The princess was on horseback, upon
an animal that was picture of grace
and bundle of nerves. 4 splendid
sight to the eye; but, though she rode
astride, booted, spurred and armed, she
was not the least bit OF an amazon
She seemed to be In n royal rage, ana
Darrell was not surprised.
where is the rest Of the force?' she
demanded OF the general. why are
they not there In the west, holding
these Russians IN a trapy'
Il know Of no other force from
Grcdskov," replied the general. II was
sent out with two regiments of cavalry
and orders to proceed along the main
read to VIadikaukas until met by a
detachment OF your troops"
Vera seemed to find words made
Gnate. Suddenly she caught sight Of
Darrell who had succeeded during the
first halt In Kidding himself Of his
beard, aud was thus recognizable. She
summoned him with gesture.
'IIow do you come to be here?" she
demanded.
Il took your order to Prince Kilzlar,"
he replied.
HE received it, then? You saw it
delivered?"
Darrell bowed.
You disobeyed my order in going"
she said.
"Excellency," he answered, Il was
afraid the others might not get
through"
Surely some Of them lid so" And
she glanced In surprise from Darrell to
the general.
I'VE received no other word from
your excellency except through this
man." said the soldier simply
And what did Prince Kilziar say TO
you:' asked Vera, turning TO Darrell.
AS to the order, nothing he replied.
''As TO what, then?'
lie asked me if 1t were true that an
American named Darrell had come TO
Nladikaukas, seeking the khan's pro
lection. and had then been so unfortu-
nate as TO lose your excelency's ia
vor and | replied that such were the
facts"
Your information was not altogcth
or accurate" said Vera. Then. turning
10 an officer, she gave orders for the
recall of the troops engaged in the use
less pursuit of the Russians.
The cavalry from Gredskov were
called up MS an escort, and the princess
get out for Vladikaukas. Darrell would
have fallen to the rear, but Vera sum
moned him to her side.
II would hear your opinion of this"
she said abruptly.
"As to the small force sent by the
prlnce?" inquired Darrell. He is a
good soldier. as you have often said
He learned from my report TO his Off
Ger that half dozen messengers be-
sides myself had been sent, and he
rightly judged that most Of them had
fallen into the hands of the enemy. !
Though your order was in cipher, The |
Russians would surely find some way !
of interpreting II, and they would ex-
pcct an overwhelming force from Cred |
skov. Therefore. as the cooperation |
for the taking of Vladikaukas had fail |
ed them. they would prepare for re-
treat, slipping around that city, and at
the sight of force OF cavalry. appar- |
emily the advance guard Of an army, |
they would quit this field which is ex-
actly what has happened"
"Still | do not understand" said |
Vera.
III he had sent a stronger force" |
replied Darrell. you would have been
encouraged to attempt TO hold Vladi-
kaukas and would have again ordered |
the advance OF his army. Now you |
cannot do il. You will be forced to fall |
back upon Gredskov. which is what he
desires"
But why move Southwark" she |
persisted why retreat?'
Il would not like to give an opinion"
answered Darrell. ITO my poor view /
Gredskoy is trap. The Russian
forces moving up from Tifis win hold