The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-04-21

we struggled desperately, sWayInB W
and fro, he trying to throw me, while /,
at every turn, practiced upon him the
tricks learned in my youth. It seemed
an even match, however, for he kept his
feet by sheer brute force, and his mus
cles seemed hard and unbending as steel.
Suddenly, however, as we were striv.
ing so vigorously and desperately, the
English girl slipped past us with the
carbine in her hand, and with quick
movement dragged open the heavy door
that gave exit to the lake.
At that instant I unfortunately made
false move, and his hand closed upon
my throat like band Of steel. I fought
and struggled to loose myself, exerting
every muscle, but alasl he gained the
advantage. l heard a splash, and saw
that Elma no longer held the sentry's
weapon in her hands, having thrown it
into the water.
Then at the same moment heard
voice outside cry in low tone: "Cour-
age, Excellency! Courage! I will come
and help YOU"
II was the faithful Finn, who had
been awaiting me in the deep shadow,
and with a few strokes pulled his boat
up to the narrow rickety ledge outside
the door.
"Take the lady!" I succeeded in gasp
ing in Russian. "Never mind me-" and
I saw to my satisfaction that he guided
Elma to step into the boat, which at
that moment drifted past the little plat
form.
/ struggled valiantly, but against such
man of brute strength I was powerless.
He held my throat, causing me excruci-
ating pain, and each moment I felt my
chance of victory grow smaller. My
strength was failing. While held his
arms at his sides, | could keep him sc.
cure without much effort, but now with
his fingers pressing in my windpipe I
could not breathe.
/ was slowly being strangled.
To be vanquished meant imprisonment
there, perhaps even death. Victory
meant Elma's life, as we'll as my own.
Mine was therefore fight for life. A
sudden idea flashed across my mind, and
! continued to struggle, at the same time
gradually forcing my enemy backward
toward the door. He shouted for help,
but was unheard. He cursed and swore
and shouted until, with sudden and
almost superhuman effort, l tripped him,
bringing his head into such violent con.
tact with the stone Intel OF the door
that the sound could surely be heard a
considerable distance. For moment he
was stunned, and in that brief second |
released his grip from my throat and
hurled him backwards beyond the door.
There was the sound of the crashing
Of wood as the rotten platform gave
way, loud splash, and next instant the
dark waters closed over the big, bearded
fellow who would have snatched Elma
Heath from me, and have held me pris.
oner in that castle of terrors. He sank
like q stone, for although I stood watch.
ing for him to rise, l could only distin.
guisl' the woodwork floating away with
the current.
In q moment, however, even az I stood
there in horror at my deed Of self.de-
Tense, the place suddenly resounded with
shouts of alarm, and in the tower above
me the great old rusty bell began TO
swing, ringing its brazen note across the
broad expanse Of waters.
The fair.bearded Finn again shot the
boat across to where stood, crying
slump, Excellencyl For your life,
jump! The guards will be upon us!"
Behind me in the passage saw light
and the glitter of arms. A shot rang
out. and bullet whizzed past me, but !
stood unframed. Then ] jumped, and
nearly upset the boat, but taking an
oar | began to row for life, and M W.
drew away from those grim, black walls
the fire belched forth from three rifles.
"Row!" I shrieked, turning ~ see II
my fair companion had been BIT.
Keep cool, Excellency," urged the
Finn "See, right away there in the
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