The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-10-16


Christabel might be. rom the position
of the window at which he had seer
her stand.
But he was not alone, for Aksakoft
who evidently had no intention of let
ting him out of his sight, was at his
heels. AS they moved along, door
opened and two women came out OF
room. One of them was Christabel
the other was her attendant and
jailer.
"Christabel!" cried Norman, in q
great voice of gladness, running to
wards her; "Christabel!"
In a moment she was in his arms.
Il believed you would come" she
said. Afterwards she told him that
she had not seen him, or had failed
to recognize him, as he was covered
with blood and dust after his fall in
the garden, but had felt confidence
coming from whence she could not
say, that he would not fail to appear
at this crisis.
This is your opportunity" hurried.
ly said Aksakoff to Norman. ''Take
her away as quickly as you can. Every
moment expect to hear the bugles
of the soldiers, and there is no time
to be lost. You know where the
motor-car is. Go back to it, and make
good your escape"
"And yOu?" asked Norman
Never mind me-" said Aksakoff.
with a grim smile. my work is not
finished here, and can look after my.
self. beg you to go at once"
But there is Mary-Miss Sister
son." said Christabel, quickly. "She is
still here"
Aksakoff spoke few words to the
Russian woman, who told him where
Miss Sisterson's room vast was
on the floor below in different part
OF the house.
Il cannot leave her in this way"
said Christabel to Norman. 81 must
go to her."
There is no time for words" said
Aksakcff. You should be off at once,
l shall do what l can for Miss Sister,
son."
Norman looked helplessly at Christa.
bel.
Il cannot go without her." said
Christabel, with determination.
There is no time," repeated Aksa,
kotf, when he was interrupted by a
Sutldan o0nn,ot;oo II, Tho ,,o,,.~. 49,
Dmitri Anatovitch came swiftly up to
them with body of yelling revolu-
tionists in hot pursuit.
His bloodshot eyes seemed to be
swollen, his cheeks were winter than
SHOW, drops of blood streamed from
him, and he carried a smoking re-.
volver in his hand. AS he saw
Christabel he aimed, and would have
fired at her had not Norman sprung
upon him and borne him to the floor.
For a moment they g1appled; then
with groan Dmitri threw up his
hands as bullet from Aksakoff went
through his brain.
Come, dearest" said Norman to
Christabel. This is terrible for YOU"
But Mary! No, cannot go without
her." exclaimed Christabel.
Aksakoff again spoke hurriedly to
the Russian woman, and led by her
they made their way through the host
OF revolutionists, who were now vent
ing their fury on any object they en-.
ccuntered, to Mary Sisterson's room.
Christabel entered first.
There, on the bed, lay Mary, dead.
The body was still warm-these last
frightful scenes had stilled her Door
heart forever. In silence Christabel
gazed at her.
"She is dead" said Aksakoff, quiet.
". "You need not take her with you
now. A Greater has taken her." added
this singular man.
Christabel stopped over the quiet
figure of her friend and kissed the
dead lips, while her tears fell fast.
Many days had passed since she had
last seen her-and this was the end.
Now I beg of you both to go-to
leave Sulja," urged Aksakoff. again
tell you there is no time to spare.
as the soldiers are sure to be here
very soon."
Come, Christabel." gently said
Norman, taking her by the hand.
ITO Be contInueo.)