The Press., 1912-06-12


 In the sleigh were warm fur rugs, pro- visions, bottle of liquor and an arma- ,ment of rifles and pistols. The latter were to be used in case the escape was dependent upon resistance. for Peter argued that to be caught meant Siberia flor him and possibly for Sonia, and the Ipunishment could not be worse if he killed a dozen people. Should the pur- suers come to close quarters he would fire at them. trusting to disable the horses or those attempting to overhaul him.
 The autumn had set in, and already there was plenty of snow, well beaten for easy going. The pursuing party lost time by taking a wrong road and hay ing to retrace their steps. It was there fore near midnight before they came into the vicinity of the fugitives. The moment Peter heard the sound of bells behind him ringing in gallop tune he heard the bark of single wolf ahead, then another and another till a whole pack were bowling.
 1 Sonia and he turned and looked at each other, Sonia with despair. He well
 
 ger. If they drove on they would be eaten by the wolves. Behind them were capture, separation and Siberia. Peter, rising to the occasion, gave the reins to Sonia and took up such arms from the bottom of the sleigh as he might have occasion to use. He had intended them for human. pursuers. Now he
 
 wolves.
 The lovers heard the jingling behind sIacken. Evidently the barking had been heard by the pursuers. But it was not long before the bells again bespoke gallop.
 Its the count" said Peter. "I know him we'll. He would face certain death rather than forego an act of tyrrany." AS they drew nearer the wolves the barking not only grew louder. but came from more throats. The moon was near the full and lit the dark bodies of the animals coming to meet them. The horses, frightened, started to turn, but Peter gave them the whip, and they continued in their course. Handing the whip to Sonia, he seized rifle, and as they shot through a dozen wolves one making a lodgment on the sleigh was driven off with the iron barrel brought down on its head. The next instant another spring1ng at Sonia received bullet in its breast be- tween its fore legs and dropped dead. This gave the pack two carcasses to l fight over and the fugitives brief res pite.
 Meanwhile the sounds of the ap- preaching party behind them grew nearer. Peter attributed the counts pressing on, knowing that he was chas- ing pack of wolves which would turn upon his party and devour them, to his mad desire to get possession of Sonia and send him and probably her to Si- beria In this he did the man injus- tice. Doubtless if he caught them he would take his revenge, but he was brave man and ready to risk his own life to save that of others. AS soon as the wolves had devoured the two of their number that had been killed they came on again. It seemed to the fugitives that coals of fire were pursuing them, the eyes of the beasts shining out brightly. Again they over took the lovers, and again Peter fired into the pack. But by this time, while the double danger added to his des peration, his nerves were not so steady as at first. He fired three shots before more.
 Sonia laid on the whip, though it was not necessary, and the lovers drew away, while behind them they could hear their pursuers approaching | the wolves. Then there was 8 crack ing of rifles, a yelping of wounded animals, the cry of a horse, and the sound of bells ceased.
 "The brutes have saved us," said Peter exultingly. 'They have downed horse"
 The fugitives sped on, hearing again and again the cracking of rife till at last either the firing ceased or passed out of hearing.
 The count and two of his servants had not been as fortunate as those they followed By the time they reach ed the pack the number of wolves had doubled. They fought well, but one of the wolves sprang at a horses throat and disabled him. Overwhelm. ed, the three men. one after another, succumbed.
 And so 1t was that a man who was | trying to recover a fugitive serf lost his life and carried down with him the lives of two other persons. ,as
 The lovers, being freed from their pursuers. proceeded with deliberation. The next evening they reached the Swedish line. at the head of the gulf of Bothnia. where they left their con- veyance at an unfrequented spot, on the east side of the TOrnea river. and. crossing. found themselves in Sweden. From there they made their way to Christiania and from thence to Amer lea. Setting out toward the west. they at last reached the new territory, which is now the state of North Da- kota. where they found many of their countrymen and became prosperous farmers and Peter one of the principal inen In tlInt region.
 The PIxy of Is.