Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-03-24
CHAPTER NJ.

Il
TY-TSi were N the streets. Alma anC
E<SJ Harvey Irons went TOWARD
the river. Several times Harvey uie,
10 speak, but Alma would not permit il
winding through the narrower streets
met twice by sentries and giving III,
password, which she knew, Alma LEI
him safely TO the wharf where the hay
boats lay Lanterns moved here ant
there, but most OF the boatmen wer,
asleep Alma knew where the boat OF
Charba OF AshkaF was m0ered and hur
ried to 1t. 1t could not well be mis-
taken, for II was the largest OF the
hayhQatS. and its cargo had not beer
| touched
"Charks." she said ne the two step
ped upon the boat "charka of Ash
kar."
Who calls Charka OF Asbkar?" ask
ed the sleepy boatman as he emerged
from the dingy little box he called hi
house
1T is |. Charla. who purchased your
hay and bargained for you TO deliver +
at Astrabad with passenger"
Good. You were long coming. Til,
hay has been wanted many times. But
] knew you would come, so | did MOI
sell"
M. Irons" said Alma. turning tt
Harvey and putting out her hands. 81
can do no more. Knowing that yor
were In danger OF being killed or OF be
Ing sent 10 Siberia, where your identity
would be lost and all hope OF rescue
gone, ! determined that | would Sc
you free If possible. ! have purchased
this hay, and Charka will deliver it
you. rather 49, 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 ] |
cannot go like this. Give me Just |
moment. Let me take you in my arms.'
Charka. with fine sense Of propri |
ETY., walked back to his little box.
"Oh, If 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 | make you happy, But what
can do? 1t will be impossible for me
to see YOU now"
Some day-some day will come te
you"
Come with me now" raining kisse,
on her lips. Il will not go withou,
you. | will go back and give myself
up"
Dear one, do not speak like that
1t is ungrateful"
your hair, your beautiful hair, that
loved. How did you accomplish my
rescue? Tell me what you did?'
Alma told Harvey the whole story.
Il even gave myself up TO abandon
for your sake, dear one" concluded
Alma. 81 permitted his lips to touch
mjee; ! allowed his arm TO encircle my
waist. oh. the thought OF IL burns
but it was for your'
Great heaven. What n woman
And now YOU want me to leave you tC
their vengeance! Russia does not for
give. You will be sent TO Siberia
You must come with me or shall re
main and fight for you"
And be killed. You must go al +.
once. Kiss me, dear one! 1t may be
the last"
at shall not! Harkl The alarm CUR Z
Of the prison"
The duh boom Of a. cannon smotf
The air ]
Here. we must get out Of this" sai5 !
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 tho
Of reaction. He has search
I'd for us in the palace and. not finding I,
u.s. has gone TO the prison. He has e.
questioned the servants and learned
hat we were there. Perhaps he has /
even discovered that the prince is lock /
nd In a cell. My dear one, hide under q
he hay. Charka. where can he hide, Z
He is your friend, and your enemies
ire after him ,
With sweep OF his hand Charks /
showed them the immense cargo of d
nay. IL rested upon many long panks v
hat met In the middle OF the boat ano
extended some feet over each side
Under the planks was n vacant space. ,
Under there" said Charka. There
Tou will be safe. Hurry The dogs OF
duscovitee will soon be here"