Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-04-07


could be seen. The slight wind thai
had promised so well soon died away
and the boat. now in deep water where
the poles were useless, was amos'
helpless Its big lateen sails fiappeC
against the rude masts, and the meI
/ grumbled- This was not getting tC
Astrabad, and they had had enough OF
watching over the lives of Muscovitt
woman and Il man from what they con
sidered another world. The boat got
| into a current that carried ii out far
Their and farther, and Harvey, feeling
secure In the darkness. called 10 Alma
TO come cut from her hiding place
They sat together in the little deck
house waiting for the breeze that musi
surely come sooner or later.
by this time they are well in pur
suit" said Alma, with shudder. III
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 Of
this old hayboat."
The cayik is faster. dear NJ. Irons,
but would ii be as safef | fear that
storm is coming In that little boat
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"
Of haf A linn A
been long enough trying TO make the
trip. Even now | am a good many
days from my windmills."
Il fear you will never see them
again, dear NJ. Irons"
Not see my windmills again? Why.
III sell them at the big fair at Mini
Novgorod Surest thing in the world.
my darling. Wen 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 MOTT is not like Rus
sian girls"
You are Russian girl no longer
dear AS soon as we get 10 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 flash of light
ming showed him the three men hard
at work trying to control the sails.
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 uSeT he asked. raising
his voice 10 a shout.
Use. Yes you can be Of usew bawl-
cd Charka. Help me and my men"
Charka's voice showed his agitation.
His men were 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.
Now 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 a small boat.
Get it into the water and save Char
kaw
ut cannot be DONE cried one. "He
is already left far behind"
Get out the boat and | will go with
you 10 rescue him"
NO 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 10
us. Ii serves us right for taking an
unbeliever and Muscovite woman on
the boat. That was our curse"
Nonsense. Get out the boat"
The two consulted moment. speak
ing so low that Harvey could not hear.
I'VE will 20 10 rescue Charka." said
the one who had done the talking.
But yor cannot 90. You would bring
us another curse.
Harvey went into the cabin To- get
lantern With the aid Of this he watch
eel the two men get the small boat on
Look well ,or him. lie was good
man" said Harvey.
"He was" came the answer as the
boat moved off we shall not return.
We will not remain on boat with a
sruscovue woman ana an unDeIfeveY