The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-03-31

The night had grown dark; ram
was falling, and lightning darted
through the heavens; the guests,
with flying feet were seeking
shelter.
Calm, stately as goddess,
Princess Wanda walked through
her fathers halls. She was pale
as death.
Verenine crossed her path. She
reid out her hand took his, press ing
1t affectionately. Farewell" she
said.
where are you going, Wanda?
What ails you? Are they forcing
you to marry this German"
81 shall not marry him." she re-
piled; II am going away"
"Where?"
ITO Siberia, perhaps"
II will go with you, aWnda, If you
will let me-"
IT will not let. you. Goodby."
"Wait one moment, Wanda; you
will get your feet wet"
ooh, no matter" she answered.
But Verinine, to her astonish-
mesit, took her up in his arms, and
tfre her through the driving storm
Vher own cottage.
N really did not think you were
10 strong" said Wanda. laughing.
"You might be of some use to US"
SHALL l 60 with your" he asked,
anxiously.
mo, not now. But meet me at
Kieff the day after tomorrow, at
Countess Kousmine's. See that you
ten no one where ! shall be-"
Everything was ready for her
flight. She put on her dark travel
ing dress-her wedding dress. Then
she unfastened her hair, and let 1t
fall in all its beauty upon her shout
ders. 1t touched the ground.
"Cut It off, Katia." she said.
Katia hesitated, and Wanda, impa-
tiently taking up the scissors, be-
gan the work of destruction.
1T Is no time now, Katia," she
said, "for sentimental nonsense. Cut
II off, and be done with II"
II was soon over. A red wig was
placed upon her head, and pair of
rblue spectacles upon her nose.
Then, clothing herself IN her water
proof and a large bonnet, she went
C,rt into tho storm
II was midnight. They reached
the park gate unmolested. A COW
cred carriage was awaiting them,
drawn by five spirited horses. Two
men were seated in the carriage:
one held the horses. 1t was Koro-
left.
Wanda recognized Litzanoff
seated by the side Of Chabert.
Here you are, all three" she
said.
Eyes, Federoff has arranged 1t
ALL" answered Stepane. "He thinks
we had better come with you, as we
may be attacked"
They got into the carriage; Koro-
left mounted in front, and they
drove off at furious pace. They
had no luggage. Katia held on her
knees a little trunk containing
Wandas Jewels and large sum Of
money. Otherwise they were unin-
numbered. What good would trunks
of fine clothes do them?-to them,
entering now upon the apostles
life, a life without rest, without
peace?
Gradually the storm died away,
and the two young girls, utterly
worn out, fell asleep.
They were entering a dark wood,
when they heard pistol shot be-
hind them; then the galloping of
horses.
"What was that?" asked Wanda,
waking up.
There are probably soldiers hid
den in the woods" answered Litz-
anoff; and he instantly loaded his
revolver, as did also Raymond and
Koroleff.
A second shot was fired and four
mounted soldiers surrounded the
carriage.
"Stop!" they cried. But Koroleff
urged his horses on. The soldiers
struck spurs into their beasts,
rushed past the carriage and fred
all at once. One of the horses was
shot through the head; the others
galloped madly on for a few min
utes, when second h orse fell
Then Korolen stopped. Litzanofl
and Raymond fired.
Wanda and Katia held Their
pistols In their hands, loaded and
ready for action.
do not fire!" said Stepane
"When we have discharged our re
vOlvers you can hand us yours.
Litzanoff and Raymond free
again.
One of the soldiers fell to the
ground, and his horse gallopet
away.
THAT is all right" said Iitzan
of; I'VE are now even; thres
against three"
Day began to dawn In the east