The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1911-03-28

man"
Between our encampment and the
city ran broad river, full OF strange
and unexpected currents and OF lm-
mense depth, so Organ told me. The
city Law obliquely TO the river In the
form Of rough triangle. the city gates,
as | afterward found, being situated
at he angles at the base OF this tri-
angle, and the city rose from this base
gradually toward the huge rock which
formed the apex of the triangle. This
rock. which was the only part of the
city which actually touched the river,
rose sheer out of the water for mt
l.ast COO feet. with hardly BIRDS
foothold upon it. II was the dominant
feature, towering above the highest
part of the city. presenting problem
rs TO how access was obtained 10 the
fortress browning the summit IL was
problem l was destined to solve later.
The fortress seemed to be cut out or
the solid rock.
For several days we encamped idly
before Yadasara. The enemy had re-
crossed the river by means of bridge
of boats nearly two miles higher up the
stream. but we made no attempt to fol-
low them. l was doubtful If they had
ever crossed II in great force. As far
as one could judge, there was no ex-
element in the city.
/ spoke TO Walen about II.
"If we are not TO attack the city
why are we here?" / asked.
"rhe enemy have reiterated. Proba-
bly, the count thinks that victory
enough"
IL do not wonder that the war has
been such n long one IL 1t has been
carried out in this way"
"No wonder YOU are impatient. my
dear VERBAL. so am !. But. then,
Vasca commands. 1t is not without a
certain pleasure that l see his COM
parative failure. Her highness may
next time intrust her forces TO ADLER
| hands"
could not mistake his meaning. l
could not afford to underplay my part.
at shall be no laggard's campaign.
then, promise you, Sir Walen,' l an
swered.
That night, being sleepless. stole
out of camp to the river. Suddenly
there was sound near me. l stepped
back quietly into the darker shadow
of tent and listened. There was no
installing the sound now-stealthy
feet-and the next moment two figures
hurried past me toward the river and
disappeared over the bank. / opened
| 10 erfu ~ a
heard the first dip of an oar. but he
fore I could cry out third figure was
at my side.
1t was Count Vasca.
as it treachery?" he whispered.
I pointed to the river, where the din
outline of boat was just discernible
as 1t crept into the shadow of the grea
rock.
IT heard the sound of footsteps and
followed" he said. How came yot
here?"
81 could not sleep"
He was silent for moment
Better let them think they have go
away undiscovered i will at once
have sentry placed here. We will
not give the alarm tonight. Let's t.
bed, Sir verrall. This means actor
at last"
"When?" / asked.
"Soon surely since they take tc spy
ing upon us. You grow impatient
would that could trust all as l trus
YOU. There are white livered knight
} among us, Sir Verrall, or we had mad
more progress"
! He left me at my tent and with
good night went on toward his own.
} told Organ what had happene
and repeated the counts words.
"There has always been a sentry b
t the river" he said thoughtfully. "Pe
| haps he knew who the fugitives wei
, and had made arrangements for the
, easy escape"
"Aye, and was so anxious about thel
that he followed to make certai
! that they got away safely"
"We must keep close together. We
: rail-, fighting or not Lie down al
sleep. I'll watch. Well not bot
|. sleep at the same time again."
T In one respect at least Vasca ha
G prophesied truly last night. Qui
: early i'm the morning it was evidel
Il that the day was not TO be an idle on
Troops of men moved along the opp
lite bank of the river toward Il
a bridge of boats two miles up Il
t stream, bridge which had been co
e. ,tantly defended and which we hi
It never attempted to force.
y II appeared as If neither side want'
le an engagement. They made no Q
II tempt to drive us off, yet had they O
tackled us in full force l doubt If v
'r should have been able to successful
resist them.
lie Some thought of this kind was e'
IDENTIFY in Vascas mind when he 50
* the enemy i'm motion.
!. "They haye made up their minds
last" he said TO us who were w
In him. 1--WE must prevent their GRO
. ing the river. We are rather the ,
~ Tending than the attacking pal
he now"
We rode toward the BRIDGE good
company, the morning sunlight fiat
ok ing back from polished helmet and
nm NOR. At intervals a jest gave biz
lie to laughter or a deep oath was gro'