The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-10-09

NVIM0u CuXleU TWlt0 excitement a
he walked back to his hotel, hoping
that he would see Christabel again
next day, and not forecasting too Sc.
riously what might happen to him in
/ the, company Of Aksakoff. According
to his instructions, he stated at the
office Of his hotel that he was motor.
ing to Sulja during the night to see M.
Anatovitch, the managing director Or
the Sisterson works, and might BE
gone for day or two.
Shall order motor car for your"
asked the English-speaking clerk
whom he addressed.
THANK you, but I have already ar.
ranged for car" he replied. The
clerk bowed and no more was said.
1t seemed an age until midnight,
but at length Aksakoff appeared, SO
disguised by his goggles and motor.
coat that it was impossible to recog-
nize him. In silence they swept. out
of the city and gained the country,
making straight along the dusty roads
for Tiraspol, whittier they were first
to go. The night was cool and delight
full, and once they were we'll away
from Odessa no sound broke the still
ness save the humming of the motor,
which was working easily at some
twenty miles an hour. Before three
o'clock in the morning they had gain
ed the outskirts Of Tiraspol, and there
they stopped on being met by a man
whom Aksakoff evidently expected to
see.
Aksakoff conversed with the man
for some minutes and then started off
again, now heading the car south.
wards for Sulja. They had gone three
or four miles when lights were seen in
front of them, and Asakoff slowed
down his speed.
Soldiers" said Aksakoft to Norm.
an; but I think they will let us go
on. You have your passport with
you? Yes? That is we'll. They will
ask to see it, and l shall tell them
that you have important business with
Dmitri Anatovitch that will brook no
delay. Then you are English, and I
think that will SUFFICE"
On being challenged the car stopped,
and Norman, sharply Intercepted,
thought that Aksakoff had been too
confident, but he produced his pass.
Fort, whereupon Aksakoff broke into
voluble explanation, not one word
OF which was understood by Norman.
The soldiers, however, did not seem
TO be satisfied until Norman, remem-
berlng what wonders a handful of
roubles had worked on his arrival at
odessa, produced roll Of paper mon
ey, which he handed with q flourish
to Aksakoff, signing him to give it
TO the soldiers, as he was in a hurry.
After another torrent of talk from
Aksakoff the money was accepted, and
the car was permitted to proceed.
You know one of the weaknesses
OF the Russian" said Aksakoff, once
out of earshot of the camp. "The
rouble is almost omnipotent with high
and low" And he signed deeply. "Ah.
If our cause only had money!" he said
You talked a good deal to the SOL
dlers," said Norman, as Aksakoff nut
on top speed.
They said it was dangerous to go
to sulja, for the workmen were on
strike, and they told me some other
things which I knew already" replied
Aksakoff. "They wished me to get out
OF the car to go before the officer Of
the watch; but that 1 had no desire
OF doing, and it might have been awk.
ward, when, just at the right moment.
you gave me the money and the
scruples of the soldiers were over.
come l told them that like all Eng.
llshmen you were mad, and must have
your way" he added, with a laugh.
But see, what is that?" he asked.
pointing to sudden ruddy glow that
colored with rose the morning l;pht
1T looks as if there was a fire"
said Norman, as the ruddy glow
spread higher and wider and the car
drew nearer.
Some one has bungled," said Aksa.
koff, with fierce look on his face.
1T is before the appointed hour"
What is?" asked Norman.
"The burning of the Sisterson
works." replied Aksakoff.
Ito Be continued.)