Pittston Gazette

              Ettultl lulled lH.IO. D \ JL. XLV1II. No. 1. ( Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. P1TTSTQN, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 1897. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. • 41.00 |mt War 1 in AChii pleasant fact was brought to his memory with startling abruptness. In the neighboring corridor a rifle bntt was dropped heavily to the floor, voices were heard in conversation, and then a second or two later footsteps approached. work 011 the logs. As soon as a crack had bt'cii excavated large enough to see through he stopped. tives fleeing across the valley heard nothing but the rapid tramp of their own footsteps. In single file they sped over the deepening snow, facing the cutting blast and breathing quickly through clinched teeth. witn comparative iortirune. *or two hours they marched up the bed of the river, stopping for short intervals of rest. The immediate danger seemed to be past. Occasional sounds of pursuit still floated up the valley, but 110 horsemen had approached for a long time, and the lights of the prison had long sinco vanished. k m Z 9B|§« . t—«ci *— ■—— —-— our footprints have hppn destroyed long ago. And besides," he added, "they would never search for us here. It is even probable that when they fail to discover us they will believe we have perished under the snow and will aban Slowly and deliberately they climbed from the ledge to the top of the hill, and standing in the shadow of the seven pine trees glanced back at the darkening valley with its dread associations. "Are there people living uear here?" asked Maurice. "This is the critical time," he observed, after taking a peep. "The stockade is only six feet distant, and at a oertain interval, 110 doubt, a sentry passes through this narrow avenue. Nothing can safely be done until he has gone his round of inspection. We may be delayed half an hour, and perhaps not five minutes." "Oh, yes," replied Platoff; "Siberian towns are scattered all along the pasting route, at distant intervals, of course. We have seen nothing of them because we have kept far back in the forest. It may not be necessary, though,' to take any such risks. Who knows what a day may bring with it?" Fired with a sudden inspiration, Maurice derided to look danger in the face. Pallium the visor of his cap over his eyes, he wheeled round and pacod down the corridor with a slow, regular step. Years ago, before entering college, he had spent two years at a military school, and thCs instructions there received he now put into use. The most rigid martinet oould have found no fault with his bearing as he marched forward to meet the approaching periL Platoff ran at the head, every muscle strained, his ears alert to catch the faintest sound. From time to time he uttered cheering words to his compan- "Forward!" cried Platoff, and turning to the southeast they crossed the. ridge and went with cautious steps down the slope beyond. don the pursuit. We will remain here for a week at least, probably two weeks. Then it will be safe to start." It was a joyful moment when Platoff announced the mines were close at hand, and his prediction was verified ten minutes later when the sharp ridge of the hill appeared before them. They scrambled out of the water and started in single file up the slope past the very spot where Lora Melikoff had been hidden during the eventful interview. The snow was knee deep, but had ceased falling. On the top of the ridge Platoff haltod and pointed to the distant lights of the settlement three miles away. "I have entered thut prison for the last time," be said impressively, "and done my last day's work in youder mines. I will never be takeu back alive." ions. "What kind of country must we travel through?" asked Maurice. "Is it wild?" Alternately eliding and crawling they gained the valley and traveled for an hour or more over the frozen crust. Then a hill loomed darkly before them, and an hour later they reached its crest, weary and footsore. Before them and on both sides was darkness, but looking over their shoulders they saw the twinkling lights of the prison still perilously close at hand. Platoff spoke thus hopefully to encourage the boys. In his own heart the prospect was gloomy enough, and therefore what happened in the course of the next few hours was all the greater a surprise. Platoff became silent, keeping his eyes glued to the crack, and the boys waited in an anxious state of suspense that was almost unenduruble. They knew that in less than two hours at the very furthest their escajie must be discovered, and unless they were clear of the prison at that time recapture was certain—and death by a rifle volley. The least noiBe overheard came to their "Yes," said Platoff, "the valley of the Amur is wild and desolate. The post road follows the river, of course, with stations at long intervals, but we must -ivoid that. There are wolves and deer in the hills and fish in the river, while in the vicinity of Vladivostok fierce tigers are said to abound. But with our arms we need have little cause for fear." Platoff spoke more fully concerning the valley of the Amur, answering the boys' questions with a readiness that proved him to be acquainted with the general nature of the country. Twice Maurice stumbled, exhausted by the fearful strain, but Platoff dragged him to his feet with new encouragement.COPrfllCHt . BY TM1 WOOLFALl PUBLISHING COD k "There!" exclaimed Platoff with a wave of the hand. "Behold the valley of the Amur!" And glancing down the long frozen slopes the boys saw vagnely and dimly the great water highway that flows to the far Pacific, now chafing and fretting under its icy fettere. For some minutes they stood thus strangely fascinated by the splendor of the night. it the boys could see plainly every object in the room. They remained quietly on their backa until it became evident that their fellow prisoner! were asleep. Platoff gave They traveled rapidly that night, covering mile after mile of forest land and hearing constantly the bowling of wolves in different directions. The accounts of the ferocity of Siberian wolves, however, are greatly exaggerated. It is seldom that they attack men, and the government sleighs that traverse the post road have never been molested.CHAPTER XV. The lamp was behind him, no that his face was in shadow, the efTect he had aimed to produoe. It must be remembered that Rome alterations had been recently made in the disposition of the prisoners. Phil and Platoff bad been removed from the central apartment of the prison to a kamera, or separate cell, which they shared with four other convicts, coarse, villainous looking fellows of a low and vicious grade They were locked up securely in this oell every evening, and their sapper was Bervcd to them here on the sleeping platforms. It was a dreary, ill •mailing apartment, with a decoyed plonk floor and one small window crusted with dirt that opened on the prison courtyard. AGAINHT GREAT OIDD& Then Phil gnve out almost entirely, and his companions had to help him along between them. The footsteps were bow close at hand, and suddenly an officer turned the an- ears with alarming distinctness, and "You must keep up," paid Platoff impatiently. "See. we are 011 the downward slope now. The river is not far off. Once there we are compaiutively the signal for action by rising cautious- ly and moving on tiptoe to the end of ' the platform. Satisfied with the inspection, he oame bock and whispered to the boys, "Lie very still and don't make a , sound." with every passing footstep or clank of arms they imagined that all was di*«v-ered. A sharp"Histl" from Platoff turned their thoughts in another direction. "The sentry is coming," he whisper- safe." He was silent for a moment, and then in a more cheerful tone he resumed: "But it is time to seek the cave. We must journey two miles ulong this ridge." Then the impressive silence was disturbed by a sharp cry from Platoff—a cry that echoed swiftly down the valley from peak to peak, as though giants were signaling each other. "Listen. What is that?" cried Maurice, and as he spoke a dull noise was "Hereafter," said Platoff, "I think we will sleep at night and travel in the daytime. The risk will be 'ittle greater, and we can make much better speed." "That will be splendid," said Manrice. "It always makes me weary to bear the wolves howling." "They are more than nsually noisy tonight," replied Platoff, "and they will become more dangerous as we near the Pacific. In daylight they lose their courage and are cowards.'' Then crossing the room, be took the bottle from its hiding place in the wall ed. "Don't otter a sound." At last, after a hearty meal, they went to sleep with a feeling of absolute A faint tramp was audible from without, and then a shadow passed slow ly and approached the sleeping men. Mau- u by the chink in the logs. For nearly five minutes Platoff neither moved nor spoke. Then he attacked the log before bim with tremendous energy, and the security. When they awoke, it was apparently late in the afternoon. It was still snowing, and so thickly that from the mouth of the cavern it was impossible to see any distance into the valley. rice saw him tear a strip of cloth from bis coat and apply it to the bottle two or three times, and immediately a peculiar odor was perceptible in the room. \Wm£ "Won't our tracks in the snow be discovered?" asked Maurice as they started briskly off. CHAPTER XIX. A DISPUTE WITH WOLVES. Platoff's outcry gave the boys a severe fright. When they turned around, the Russian was striding toward a dark object a few yards away. "It will soon snow again," answered Platoff, "and fill up our tracks beyond all discovery. Between now and then it is not likely that any of our pursuers will visit the mines." Platoff rapidly and cleverly applied mortar flew in all directions, covering the boys with a coating of powdered lime. "It's a good thing—this prison—was For several days this storm continued, and the fugitives felt thankful in- On this particular evening Maurice the chloroform to three of the sleeping men and then turned to the fourth, a tall, repulaive ruffian at the name of Jocko, who was lying on his side with bis arms over his face. "It was a foolish thing to shout so loudly," he said. "I forgot the echo. It was done before I had t'me to think. But see, I have made a fortunate dis- ate bis rapper in silence, replying only in monosyllables to tbe queries of Pbil and Platoff concerning bis strange behavior tbat afternoon. bnilt by—convict labor," he muttered The truth of this statement was readily apparent, and the boys followed their Leader with lighter hearts than they had known for many months, walking rapidly to restore the circulation to their benumbed limbs. The way was rough and stony, but Platoff pressed on without stopping, and finally paused by the side of a huge rock. They traveled on in silence for a time. Suddenly Platoff halted and raised his at intervals as he plied his knife; "good for us—1 mean." A moment later he Tbe other inmates of tbe kamera hurried through tbeir meals and retired to tbeir own corner of tbe platform. Maurioe waited until tbe sound of heavy breathing assured bim tbat tbey were asleep, and tben, drawing tbe package from bis bosom, be proceeded to open it before tbe astonished eyes of bis two companions, briefly explaining as be did so bow it came into bis possession. Tbe saturated rag was witbin three inches of bis nose, when he suddenly rose to an upright position, and, facing Platoff, said in a loud whisper: "Not so fast, my friend! I thought something covery." tore the bayonet from the rifle which Maurice had brought with him, and after a few jabs with the farther reaching weapon announced that the Jog wan loose. He jjried the bayonet in one end while Maurice used the wedge at the other extremity. Then working in concert the log was gradually drawn in, until Platoff was able to grasp and lower it to the ground. The hole thus wade was a foot and a half high by six feet. Outside was revealed the thickly falling snow and the gray outlines of the palisade. Hurrying to the spot, the boys were surprised to find half a dozen wheelbar - rows deeply imbedded in the snow. "A year ago or more mining operations were begun beyond this ridge," said Platoff, "so one of the convicts informed me. These wheelbarrows were either forgotten or purposely abandoned, and now they will do us a good turn." was up, and I have kept an eye on your movements. If you are going to leave, I intend to go with you. Ob, don't get angry! You can't help yourself, you see. Be reasonable or I shall oall in the guard. How would you like that?" The lieutenant took a long pull at the contents. gle, a young lieutenant with dangling sword and a pair of eyeglasses tbat gave him a fierce expression. "Yonder are the pine trees," he said, pointing aheaa. "It must be the place, for I have noted the spot while marching to the mines, and they are the only trees on this ridge." All three sprmnj from the stockade to- Tbe outer covering was quickly removed, and tbe dim light of tbe tallow candle burning at tbeir side revealed a strong bladed knife, a fiat steel wedge with a sharp edge, a small sealed bottle and a scrap of paper covered with close writing. Tbis latter Platoff seized and held close to tbe candle. As be read, bis face flushed and his hands trembled with suppressed excitement. ut iher. Tbe boys, trembling with fear at this unexpected interruption, awaited Platoff's answer. They were little prepared for what followed. For a brief moment Platoff faced tbe rufflun, who was smiling with tbe insolence of power, and tben with a fierce leap be clutched him by tbe neck with one band and with tbe other forced the wet rag against his nose. Maurioe ooolly saluted and dropped his rifle to tbe floor. hoard in the distance that seemed to grow more distinct each second. Platoff threw himself upon his knees and put his ear to the ground. "As I thought," he exclaimed, "the mounted Cossacks are coming. They will spread in all directions and carry on the search in squads of three and four. Now is the time to show your speed. Here, give me a hand, each of yon." "In what way?" asked Maurice. For answer Platoff pointed to the long slopo of frozen snow. "Everything right, is it?" asked tbe officer tbickly, and Maurice noted with some uneasiness tbat be bad been drinking.CHAPTER XVIII. "Time is precious," he said, "and to make our way down that slippery incline would be a difficult task. By taking those wheelbarrows apart we can go to the bottom of the valley in two or three minutes. The risk will be slight, for 110 trees or rocks can be seen." "The coast is clear," said Platoff after a brief survey. "The glare from the fires is visible at each end of the passage, but I don't think there is much danger of being disturbed. I don't intend to run any risks, thongh; so you two will remain inMide till all is ready." The party pressed eagerly forward and were soon standing in the shadow of the pint's. The tieeswereindeod sev en in number, all of mammoth size and growing close together on the very verge of the cliff. Hugo rocks were scattered about in all directions. OFF AT LAST. "All's well," be responded gruffly, though his voice trembled in spite of bis effort to control it. "They arc mounted Ci/gsnekg returning from the. senrrh." Under bis -glasses tbe lieutenant stared fixed y, and with a sinking heart Maurice returned tbe gaze, believing tbat bis identity was suspected. The next word reassured bim. deed for their secure refuge. The time passed monotonously, it. is true, but they had plenty to eat and were comfortably warm. Melted snow supplied them with water. "Ah, this is indeed fortunate!" he said, turning to Maurice. " Your bravery has obtained you a rich reward. She is truly a noble girl! Now repeat carefully wbat she told yoa, in order tbat I may know how to form my plans." He dashed off again, fairly dragging his companions with him. Faster and faster they ran, louder and louder grew the trampling of hoofs in their rear, and then with a snrlden effort they checked themselves on the bank at the Kara. With some difficulty the clumsy barrows were torn loose from the frozen snow, and the shallow wooden beds detached from the wheels. r\atofl flung htm a yard or two away, j hand. Far off in the forest a great tumult was heard. It swelled in volume each moment, until the boys could distinguish the howling of wolves and the scurrying of feet over the snow. At intervals a branch cracked sharply above the din. For a few seconds tbe fellow struggled furiously with arms and legs; then, suddenly relaxing in Platoff's grasp, he dropped limply on tbe platform just as Maurice and Phil hurried to the spot to render assistance. He nimbly crept through the aperture, and with the bayonet began to work at one of the big boards of the palisade. "Now for the cave," said Platoff, as he tiegan to go over the ground inclosed by the seven trees, inspecting every stone and peering into each cranny. The boys joined in the search, but in spite of their efforts the location of the cave remained undiscovered. With nervous haste they went over the ground again and again, afraid to confess their own fears. "Russo," said tbe officer, "have you got a drop of vodka about you?" On tho fourth day the weather changed, becoming clear and cold. From the ledge it was possible to see across the valley to the settlement. The prison and many of the houses were in plain view, but at such a distance all seemed peaceful and serene. Platoff chose a good position on the brow of the hill and fixed himself as comfortably as possible in the strange sled. It was evidently a harder task than be had anticipated. He inserted his bayonet first on one side, then on the other, but the board was firmly in place. "And you really think escape will be possible?" asked Maurice eagerly, and in a whisper be related in detail all tbat bad passed, explaining tbe location of the cave and by wbat signs it could be discovered. Maurice felt himself trembling like a leaf, and then, hardly conscious of wbat he was doing, he plunged his band intc the pocket of his coat. Something bard slid into bis grasp, and be drew out a small flask. "It's all right," said Platoff in a voice that showed how deeply be was moved. "Tbe scoundrel can't do us any barm now. It would have ruined our plans to have bad td take bim along. I hope tbe noise of tbe scuffle was not beard in tbe corridor"— "Here we are!" exclaimed Platoff fervently. "There is one important thing in our favor. The direction in which we must go is the very last one that will be suspected. But it will ba a terrible ordeal and full of suffering. Can vnu endure it, do you think?" vvnat do you union?" asked Man - imp, not quite catching his meaning. Then be put too mnch strength into the effort, and his weapon snapped sharply in two. At this critical moment death and disaster stared the fugitives in the face. Their best weapon broken, of what avail would be the knife or the wedge? Platoff flung the fragments on the ground and turned to the boys with a gesture of despair. "Don't start until I am 100 yards down," he said to the boys. "If there is danger ahead, I will shout, and you can alter your coarse." He pushed himself gently off and went skimming down the hill at prodigious speed. "Now, there, off we go!" said Maurice. "Hold tight, Phil, and don't be scared." He slipped over the crest and plunged downward. For a moment the clumsy box grated over the icy crust; then it went off with a rush that took Maurice's broatb away, and his remembrance of what followed was always of the dimmest nature. Frightened by the terrific speed and the stinging force of the wind, he clung to the sides with all his might. Hissing like a buzzsaw, the sled whizzed down the first couple of slopes; then with a succession of heavy bumps it shot over a ridge and entered upon a longer and steeper incline."They are coming this way," said Phil. " What shall we do? Where shall we go?" Late that afternoon, before the sun went down, Platoff pointed to two dark spots approaching the prison from different directions. "Hush. Don't be alarmed," exclaimed Platoff. "Stay just 'where yon are." Motioning the boys back, he crept forward to the brink of the ravine, which they had been abont to cross^ Down this hollow the wolves were evidently coming, and their furious outcries had a significance for Platoff which the inexperienced boys failed to understand. He drew out his revolver and examined it carefully. Then turning to Maurice he called out guardedly, "Get your weapon ready—be on the safe side, yon know." The wolves were close at hand, and as Platoff crept a yard or two farther r .'Vda L , Platoff listened intently, keeping meanwhile a watchful eye upon the sleeping convicts. "Ah, you sly dog," exclaimed tbe lieutenant, and seizing the flask be took a long pull at tbe contents and handed it back. Maurioe mechanically restored it to his pocket, and wben be looked up the lieutenant was half way up tbe corridor. A moment later and be vanished around the angle. Finally Maurice crept to the verge of the cliff and looked down. The rock had a sheer descent for a distance of 40 or 60 feet. At its base the hill sloped more gradually toward the valley. Four feet below the edge was a narrow platform on which grew a few scrubby pine shoots. "Listen! What's that?" "It must be the guard," whispered Maurice. "We are lost!" "Did I not read Melikoff's character rightly?" he said wben Maurice ended. "And to be proposes shooting you or sending you to Y akutsk. For my part I should prefer the shooting." "Where is Yakutsk?" asked Maurice. "They are mounted Cossacks returning from the search," he said confidently. "It will soon be safe for us to leave." "The water," was the reply, "the icy channel of the river. We must wade for several miles. It is our last and only hope." "Yes, you are right," said Platoff. "Tbe footsteps are ooming tbis way. It is too late for conoealment He will smell tbe chloroform. Qet behind the door there, quick! Such a chance of escape is worth great odds, and I'm going to take them.'' "I fear we are lost," be said hoarsely. "The stockade is firmer than 1 supposed. It is impossible to loosen any of the planks without tools. And even now onr time must be nearly up." Impelled by a singular impulse, Maurice cautiously lowered himself to this edge, and stooping low was confronted by a hole of impenetrable blackness."But will they give up the pursuit entirely?" inquired Phil. "It is a province 1,000 miles to tbe north of Kara," replied Platoff grimly, "inhabited by a barbarous, half civilised race, who dress in skins and live six and seven in one small but. Tbe exile who goes there is domiciled with one of these families and suffers a fate worse than death. And yet," added Platoff, with bitter indignation, "I have known Russian women of refinement and education to suffer this most degrading of punishments. But keep up your courage, my boy. You shall not go to Yakutsk if I can prevent it I must say that circumstances are strongly in our favor. In fact, we could bope for nothing better, for if once we get away from this prison tbe cave will afford us a secure biding place nntil, as tbe girl says, the pursuit has spread far from here. Tben for tbe valley of tbe Amur and Vladivostok, and I for one ■ball never be retaken alive." Overjoyed at bis marvelous good fortune and hardly able to believe it true, Maurice waited until tbe sentry in tbe next corridor bad passed through hi* interview, and tben hurried to tbe cell door. He drew tbe bolt noiselessly and gave a slight rap on the panel. A moment later it opened from within, and Platoff's bead appeared at tbe crack. He shook with excitement wben Maurioe related wbat bad happened. Little wonder that the boys recoiled at this prospect - They were suffering intensely now from the bitter cold. Platoff gave them no time for deliberation."Yes, so far as concerns the soldiers in garrison at the mines," answered Platoff. "Of course our escape, with full descriptions, has been telegraphed all over Siberia, and at every village and posting station they will be on the lookout for us, but we will keep away from all such dangerous places; trust me for that." "Ah, I have a plan," whispered Maurice. "The stockade cannot be more He bad no time to say mora As Maurioe and Pbil darted to one side tbe door creaked and opened. A bar of light shone in from a lamp in tbe corridor and was followed by a sturdy Cossack, wbo entered in a stealthy manner. His suspicions were well founded, as he must have realised a moment later, for Platoff's muscular arms fastened on his throat, and he was pressed bodily to tbe floor, unable to utter a sound. "The cave, the cave!" he cried, and Platoff and Phil were quickly at his side. than 16 feet high. Take this log outside He plunged sturdily off the bank into and stand it on end. 1 will monut the the running water, and they followed log, and yon, PL.toff, shall climb over without hesitation. The Kara is a river my back to tbe top. Yon are strong j only in name. The channel is shallow «notigfc- w' pathos both after yon, are-Mnd "CD' more than 80 yards broad at *'■" ViiU'i-'f- JiHlt TL.wulor flnun ly over a gravel lDed and among big stones that rise in profusion above the surface. Being fed entirely by mountain springs, it never freezes in winter, though a fringe of ice forms on the edges and floating cakes are borne down with the curjuit. The fugitives waded into midstream through water waist ieep. Together they crawled into the opening, which led downward at a sharp angle. The passage became wider and higher, and in a short time they reachtnl n tvvvl — , ' ' - ■ you not?" The change in Platoff during the "We are saved," he exclaimed, "my noble lad. You have effected onr salvation. I shall never forget it The officer of the guard will not make another round for an hour and a half or two hours. In that interval we should reach the cave unless some unforeseen complication occurs. But came in and close the door. All Is in readiness for the start" CHAPTER XVn. "I have found something," exclaimed Platoff, who was ahead. "Clothes, firearms—yes, and matches," he added joyously; "a tin box of matches." actually seemed to have grown taller, and the weary, hopeless expression had departed from his face, leaving it bright and sparkling with animation. His taciturn, moody disposition was gone, and he beguiled the weary hours spent in the cavern with tales and incidents that were absorbingly interesting to the boys. Thus the time went swiftly by, and they woke ou the sixth mornjug to find the air mild and damp and a drizzling rain coming down steadily. ered this half mi leaped into the air. Maurice cried aloud as he felt himself falling and clutched the sled all the tighter. A crash—a crack—a blinding shower of snow—and then he knew that the ride had ended. port echoed thror.gh the ravine the deer was seen to fall, but it rose again quickly and aped on in flight. That brief delay was fatal. With wild howls half a dozen wolves burst from the forest, and overhauling the fugitive in half a dozen leaps bore it still struggling to the ground not 20 yards from where Platoff stood. "Yes, yes,"exclaimed Platoff. "Was I blind not to think of it before? Pass me that log out as quickly as possible. Put it is more dangerous," he added. "From the top of the stockade we may be seen by the men 011 guard m the sou- The boys heard something rattle, and then their eyes were blinded by a bright light They were able to see clearly in a moment, and the sight that met their gaze was a strange one. They were standing in a circular cavern 20 feet in diameter and 6 feet or more in height. The floor and walls were dry, and the atmosphere was warm and pleasant. "The chloroform—quick!" whispered Platoff. Maurice seized the rag from the platform and at his bidding held it to the soldier's face. Overhead he saw the stars shining, and struggling through the masses of light, powdery snow that enveloped him he gaiued the edge of the crust and climbed iuto the open air none the worse for his adventure save a alight Kusation C«f dizziness. A dark figure was visible some distance away, and an instant later he was clasping hands with Platoff. try boxes outside, but it is our la"t chance. We must not think of th« risk." "We must throw these bloodhounds off the track," said Platoff, "and I think I know how to do it" "There, that will do," said Platoff. and he laid his burden quietly down. Maurice entered, to receive a warm welcome from Phil, while Platoff, after waiting a moment in the doorway to assure himself that the ooast was clear, joined his companions. He turned to Maurice, bis faoe white and ghastly in the lamplight "If they discover us now, we will be shot," be gasped. "Tear off your clothes,.quick! Don't lose a second! There is but one chance left to us. We must try it" During this conversation Platoff wan standing in the narrow avenue in plain view of any sentry who might chance that way, and just around the angles were 20 or 80 armed soldiers. Maurice and Phil lifted the heavy log and shoved one end at right ansle* ujruugn ine opening, it siuck last several time*, but Platoff by main force dragged it clear, and lifting it in his arms placed it at a slight angle against the stockade. The boys, hearing the outcry and not knowing what was taking place, were inclined to run, but Platoff turned around, his face aglow with triumph, and shouted: A fearful expression that the boys bad never seen there before appeared on Platoff's face. He led the way across to the other shote and climbed oat on the bank. "Now come with me," he said to Maurice. "No, you stay here, right on this rock," he added to Phil, who started to follow. "Two of us will be enough." "This puts an end to all pursuit that may still bo going on," said Platoff. "It is impossible for horsemen to trav el through the slnsby snow. Today we will spend in packing up and preparing for the start." "Here are the things which that brave girl has provided," said Platoff, pointing to a heap on the floor. "She has overlooked nothing. There are even candles." And taking one from a box he lit it with the burning match and placed it in a crevice on the floor. With trembling hands they turned over the articles, uttering cries of delight at every new discovery. "I was only waiting for your signal." be said. "I have just renewed tbe chloroform on those fellows, and on the Cossack too." And be pointed to tbe soldier's motionless figure stretched on tbe platform. "But now," be continued more calmly, "we must consider tbe most dangerous and important step. We are not yet out of tbe prison, and whether we ahall ever get out depends on our own ooolness and daring. Without this paper it would be hopeless, but here, you aee, is a description of the prison, which makes our task much easier. "Follow me now. We can easily drive off this handful of wolves." "What do you mean?" demanded Mauridb in bewilderment "Phil—where is Phil?" he demanded anxiously. Then he vanished down the ravine, pistol in hand. Maurice cocked his revolver and followed, shouting to Phil, who was armed only with a knife, to keep in the rear. He reached the bottom of the gully almost at Platoff's side, and his hasty glimpse of the struggle made plain the Russian's eagerness for the conflict. He dashed off at right anglos to the stream and baited 80 or 40 yards from the bank. Then, still facing forward, he began to take great strides backward toward the river, bidding Maurice to do the same. "But how can we travel better than horses in such weather?" asked J*' Plutoff made no reply, and together they ran over the crust A black hole yawned before them, and leaning over the brink Platoff inserted his arm and helped out the missing boy. Phil opened his eyes and then his mouth. "Well, that beats all the toboggan slides ever I saw!" he said, looking up at the hills behind him with such a comical expression that his companions laughed. "This," whispered Platoff, fiercely pointing to the unconscious soldier. "That man is about your sice and weight His uniform will fit you nicely. The captain of tbe guard will pass through yonder corridor in a few minutes. You must be there to reoeive him with this Cossack's uniform and gun. Do you understand now?" "I put your garments onbim, "be added. "When be wakes up, he'll know bow it feels to wear convict clothes." "Wait till tomorrow,"  knowingly. "There may be a change." The Russian's prediction was still unfulfilled when evening came, but some time during the night Maurice woke and sat up shivering. Outside he heard the wind roaring, and a cold air was drifting down the cavern's mouth. Wrapping some of the abandoned clothes about him, he fell asleep again. Then he began to dream. He was riding on horseback over a snowy plain that stretched far in the distance. By his side, mounted on a black horse, was Lora Melikoff, her dark hair streaming in the wind, her cheeks aglow with excitement. A steady tramp, tramp was ringing in hi* ears—the din of the pursuing Cossack*—and ever and anon rifles cracked sharply and the whistling bullets hissed overhead. But suddenly tho plain vanished, and a great black gulf was before them. Faster and faster sped the horses, still closer came the awful chasm, and now they were treading on the brink. Crash, crash! They toppled over the C"ige. Then came a ringing voice in his ear and a hand on his shoulder: "Now come on," he whispered, and assisting Maurice through the hole he lifted him to the top of the log. Bidding him cling firmly to the boards, he movnted behind him. A clever spring landed him on Maurice's shoulders, and a second later be was straddling the stockade. There were three complete outfits of clothes, coarse, heavy garments such as are worn by the Russian peasants, including trousers, flannel shirts and thick warm coats. In a canvas bag were two silver mounted revolvers, with accompanying boxes of shells, and a sharp knife in a sheath, while another and larger bag contained a supply of provisions, bread, tea and dried meat, enough for two weeks at least, Platoff declared. "This is what tbe girl says: "And shall I keep the uniform on?" demanded Maurice with surprise. "It will appear as though there were four of us," be remarked, "but no one will notice that." " "The prison lies in a large courtyard, inclosed by a stockade on three aides. This courtyard is broad and constantly guarded by armed soldiers, but tbe western end of tbe prison is built close to tbe stockade, and tbe narrow avenue between is visited only at intervals by a single sentry. With the bottle of chloroform stupefy the inmates of your celL With the tools loosen a board }n tbe floor and crawl under tbe prison, which is built on piles. Gain tbe western end, scale the stockade and go straight to tbe Kara river. Destroy this writing.'" "Yes," said Platoff. "It may be of some aid to you; wbo knows? And now we must be off. Look! This is what I have done while you were on guard duty in the corridor." The first glimmer of dawn shed a dim light on the scene, and the gray forms of the wolves outlined against the snowy whiteness of the ground afforded a fine opportunity for aim. "But what will they do when they come to the end of our tracks?" asked Maurice. "Thank heaven we are safe!" said Platoff. "That was a perilous trip." And he pointed to the sharp cliff 20 feet above them over which the sleds had plunged. CHAPTER XVL A DARING EXPLOIT. He pointed to a hole in tbe floor close to tbe platform, from which two planks had been ripped up. "Is the coast clear?" whispered Maurice."They won't wait that long," laughed Platoff "If they discover that we have crossed the river at this point, they will dash off at full speed without attempting to stick to our footprints. " Maurice attempted to speak, but the words stuck Xi his throat He was positively stunned by the daring of Platoff's plan. And yet what if it were possible to carry tbe ruse through? Its supreme audacity was really in its favor. The struggles of the wounded deer were over, and his assailants were swarming over its body, tearing the flesh with such ferocious haste that the approach of Platoff and Maurice was unheeded. Platoff made no reply. His face expressed sudden terror, but tho darkness ooncealed this from his companions. The distance from Maurice's head to the top of the stockade was less than four feet. Bending down in silence, Platoff grasped the lad's outstretched hands and drew him quickly to the top. Phil instantly gained the vacant place on the log, and in less time than it takes to tell he, too, was safely on the summit of the stockade. "Now," he continued, "I will go first and you must follow at once." "'All's well that ends well,replied Maurice. "I wonder if wo lost Hiiything on the way." Nothing was missing, however, and, after a hrie rest, all were ready for the start. A sue cession of slight hills and ravines now separated the party from the river. He glanced again through the cell to assure himself thfct no precaution had been overlooked, and then dropping to tbe floor h«s slipped through the bole and disappeared. Phil went after him, and Maurice brought up the rear. In addition theie were a dozen candles, while it remained for Maurice to make the most important find of all, in Platoff's estimation—a leathern bolt, which proved to contain 100 rubles in silver. They soon reached the water again, much to Phil's relief, who could not imagine what they were trying to da "We must have that meat," whispered Platoff. "It will keep us for weeks." And raising his revolver he aimed at the nearest wolf, a huge, gaunt brute, who toppled over simultaneously with the report. At the same instant Maurice fired, but unfortunately made a miss, and the remaining wolves, angered at this interruption to their feast, sprang in a body at the daring intruders. "Did you bear me?" hissed Platoff, grasping him roughly by tbe shoulders. "Nerve yourself, or all is lost! Our only salvation lies with you." The mounted pursuers were alarmingly close to the river by this time. Without a second's delay Platoff started up tho channel, followed closely by tho boys. Their sufferings were almost forgotten in the fear of rC■capture. They pressed forward over the slippery stones, waist deep at times, but mostly barely knoe deep. "That last injunction is important," said Maurice "How shall we do it?" "Somewhere below us lies the post road," said Platoff. "Itwill not be safe to approach any nearer. We must keep back along the edge of the valley. Our ride down hill has given us a big start We can gain a safe hiding place before daylight." } j. The journey was resuipod in single file, Platoff assuming and for hours they traveled over slippery ridgea and through dark, thickly wooded hollows. The cold was intense, but they moved at too rapid a pace to suffer from it At the first appearance of dawn Platoff cast his eyes about for a hiding place, and finally chose a deep, secluded valley with a forest of spruce and fir on all sides. They slept at intervals during the day, and in spite of the risk a fire was kept up and fed with branches from the trees. One of the party remained constantly on guard. At night the journey was resumed over the hard crust. "Just a moment now," said Platoff. And drawing bis bead and shoulders back iuto tbe cell be lifted the twc planks into position and let them drop behind him into their places. "Not that it matters much," he observed, "for they will soon discover how we escaped, but it may give us more time." "With that money," asserted tho Russian, "we can purchase food along the way, and we shall be regarded with less suspicion. Everything is now in our favor. I believe that we can reach Vladivostok in safety. Heaven bless that noble girl!" Platoff broke off abruptly, and covering his face with his hands sank to the floor overcome with emotion. for answer Platoff placed tb« nrrap of paper in his mouth, and after chewing it for a moment Bwallowed it witb a •light grimace. These words roused Maurice from his stupor. He alone could retrieve the disaster that confronted them. "Yes,"bewhispered, "I understand. I will do what you say." With a firm hand be' tore off his prison garb, tbe ugly gray shirt and trousers. Platoff bad already stripped tbe Cossack of his uniform, and with feveriab haste be assisted Maurice to pull on tbe dark green blouse and trousers, tbe high boots and tbe low cap. "Not a sound for your lives!" whispered Platoff, and with a trembling hand he pointed through the driving snow to a dark object some 20 yards distant."That disposes of that question," be aaid, "and now we must find a biding place for our treasures." It was snowing so fast and thickly that only the merest outlines of the shores could be seen. Crack, crack, went Platoff's revolver, and down went the foremost animal, staining the snow a dark crimson. His second shot crippled another, who retreated with a mournful howl. This was by no means an easy matter, but after much consideration tbe knife and the wedge were driven into tbe underside of the platform far back from the edge, and the bottle was placed in a crack in the wall and covered witb a piece of dry plastering taken from another locality. Just at this point the candle exhausted its last drop of tallow and went out, and at tbe same timo tbe tramp of the guard was beard in tbe oarridor. The situation in which the boya now found tisemselves was anything but "The sentry!" ho whispered. "His back is turned. We must drop together and run. Don't lose sight of me." "Come, get up. The morning has come and the rain is over." As Platoff had predicted, the tramp of the horses now seemed to come from various directions, as though the troopers were spreading over the plain. The boys, too, lost all control of their feelings. Phil sobbed aloud, and Maurice, with an overflowing heart, knelt on the rocks and uttered a grateful prayer. Maurice sat erect, rubbing his eyes with his fists. "Lora—where is Lora?" he asked. agreeable. The space between the ground and tbe flooring wan not more than three feet, and from the unpleasant odor that sainted their nostrils it At this moment, when the danger was most critical, a startling interruption came from the prison yard, ittmnd the front angle strode a sentinel, rifle on shoulder. He marched down the avenue beneath the very noses of the frightened fugitives, staring straight ahead under the visor of his cap. He failed to m*e the log projecting from the stockade, and, catching his foot on the end, down he went with a crash full length on the ground. Maurice, who remained admirably oool under this trying ordeal, killed a third by oareful shooting, and the remaining uninjured brutes, two in number, very wisely retreated up the slope. The wounded wolf had crawled away under cover. "Now," he whispered, "take the gun and go out in the corridor. Bolt tbe cell door and pace slowly up and down. Keep your face away from the lamplight wben the officer of the guard comes past. He may say something to you. If be does, answer as best you can and in a gruff voioe. Above all be cool and resolute. If tin officer passes without suspicion, draw the bolt of the door and give a slight rap with your hand. Now go. Every second is precious. A stray light was visible here and there, and occasionally the cannon boomed above the uoiso of the water, spreading farther and farther the news of the escapo. "Ah, you have been dreaming," said Platoff, with a merry laugh. "Come out to the ledge. Did I not predict a change in the weather? Well, it is already here, aud tonight we may bid farewell to our cavern." At last Platoff rose to his feet and dashed the moisture from his eyes. appeared to have been used as a receptacle for all sorts of refuse, no doubt dropped through boles in the floor. "We had better change our clothes," he said, "or we shall be ill from that long journey in the water." This suggestion was welcomed, aud the boys flung off their wet garments with all haste. Their new attire proved to be an excellent fit, so much so, indeed, that Platoff's curiosity was aroused. "This is the critical time," said Platoff. "Don't make any noise, but stick close to me. The first thing is to gain the west flank of the prison." Before the first of tho horsemen reached the river the fugitives were some distance up stream, and it was impossible to tell whether their tracks were discovered or not. At times the sounds of tba pursuit seemed to die out in tho distance, only to return closer than before. Beyond a doubt the Cossacks were on both sides of the stream, aud the general location of the fugitives seemed to be suspected, for the horsemen could be heard galloping to aud fro within a limited space. He led the boys to the opening, and the first to&sh of the cold, piercing air made them shiver. A cry of astonishmeut burst from their lips. .The sky was intensely blue and clear, and in the sunlight, »s far as the eye could reach, hillside, valley and plain sparkled like myriads of diamonds. "Hurrah! We've done it," cried Manrioe with pardonable glee, and as he spoke a loud outcry was heard from Phil, who bad remained on top of the slope. Platoff was off like a streak, with Maurice at his heels, and, gaining the ridge, they were horrified to see the lad struggling with one of the fugitive wolves. The crust had broken, and both were floundering about in the soft snow beneath. "No more talking now," whispered Platoff, "or we will be suspected. Tomorrow night we will make the attempt. Keep up your courage and spirits."Crawling on hands and knees, the boys followed their guide through the Intense darkness. A faint glimmer of light was presently seen, and a moment later Platoff baited. "Jump quick," whispered Platoff, and all three sprang from the stockade together, landing heavily on the snowy crust below. For nearly two weeks the weather remained pretty much the same, and the fugitives made satisfactory progress. They kept far back from the river, and although they frequently saw wolves at a distance and heard them bowling among the hills the brutes made no attempt to molest them. No signs of pu Morning came, a cold, dreary day, with the snow still falling at intervals, and tbe convicts started as usual for the mines. Tbe boytD found it a difficult matter to conceal their feelings under tbe watchful eyes of the overseers, but they managed to pass through tbe ordeal remarkably well, and nothing occurred to arouse the suspicions of their companions or of tbe guards. They assumed a dull, listless expression at work and devoured their lunch with an apparent greed which they were far from feeling. He pushed him gently into the corridor and closed the door softly. A sudden shudder of fear passed over Maurice as he realized bis situation, and then his presence of mind returned. He softly drew tbe bolt into its socket, and placing the rifle on his shoulder began to pace the oorridor, which was probably 40 feet long by 10 in width. Six doors opened upon it, three on each side, and at each extremity lay other corridors running at right angles. "If that girl knew nothing of your companions," ho observed shrewdly, "how did she choose 6ucli suitable garments?""The cold is intense," remarked Platoff, "but it has done us good service. An icy crust has formed on the snow overnitiht that will bear us. At, the sntue time it is not strong enough for horsemen. Our opportunity for escape could not he better. At sundown we will be off—off for Vladivostok aud freedom." "Wait a little," was the reply, "until I oan pick a crack through these logs." "Where are we?" asked Maurice. "Don't rise," said Platoff. "Follow me on bands and knees." Ho crawled away into the darkness at a speed which j the boys found difllcult to equal. Glancing to their right, they saw the sentinel still motionless at his post. Whether he was facing them or not it was impossible to tell. Foot by foot "She probably had seen both Phil and me," replied Maurico with a smile, "and knowing that my third companion was to be a Russian she naturally procured a larger set of clothes. You Russians are a big race, you see." Platoff reached the snot in a connle Continued on page four. He worked industriously with his knife, making tb« dried mortar fly at every stroke, and then applied his eye to the orifice thus produced. "Ah," he muttered, "this is the front of tbe prison. It is snowing fast outside, and the guards are standing around the fires. Everything is in our favor if only we are permitted to have time enough." The darkness of the night and the driving snowstorm placed the odds against the pursuers. suit were encountered, and with each night's journey they felr. more hopeful of ultimate escape. over NAT.S^TOI Hr of tN: Globe for I rheumahsmI NEURALGIA and similar Complaints, I and prepared under the stringent MEDICAL IWS.M prescribed by eminent phyBicians^^^B In) DR. RICHTER'S (wjA fPAIN EXPELLERl I World renowned! Remarkably successful! 1 ■Only (renuliie with Trade Mark " Anchor,"® ■ K. Ad. Rlehter&Co., 215 IVarlSt., Sen York. I 3( HIGHEST AWARDS. I 13 Branch Houses. Own Glassworks. ■ Endorsed & ret onimended lnJM rarrer & Peck. 30 Lnzcme Avumie. O. C. Uliclt. 50 North Main St. H Honck. 4 North Main St Pitttston. Pa mCHTER'8 I "ANCHOR" STOMACHAL beat fori Stomach Complain!*. I It was now early in the month of March—a whole year since the boys had first crossed the Russian frontier. Their main sufferings had been from cold, but they were cheered by the hope of warmer weather. In a month or more, Platoff said, spriug would come, and their discomforts would then be over. By great economy the supply of provisions had been made to last, but now, in the beginning of the third week of their flight, barely enough food was left to last them two days, and the future outlook was dark. they left the stockade behind, and still tbe alienee was unbroken. Then on the night air rose a single loud cry. It was answered by a shout, and then another and auother boom thundered from the little cannon in the courtyard and tbe echoes quivered through tbe valley. Platoff leaped to his feet. "The alarm gun!" he exclaimed. "The whole settlement knows we aro free. Run as you never ran before and keep me always in sight." "They will never think of looking for us in the water," remarked Platoff. "We are safe here if we can only hold out." "Yes, yes, that's it," remarked Platoff, well satisfied with the explanation.The bravo Russian's voice shook with emotion, and a tear trickled slowly down his cheek. Brief as that flay really was, it seemed au eternity to the impatient fugitives. The provisions— of which a considerable supply remained—were divided into packages, one for each man. A rude lamp hanging from the ceiling dimly lit up the scene, and at intervals from some of the neighboring cells could be heard a cough, or a fragment of whispered conversation. How the brave maiden had succeeded in getting the things and conveying them to the cavern was a problem none could cleariy understand. It had undoubtedly been accomplished with considerable risk to herself, with help from other arms. From that moment Maurice felt that in spite of his unjust treatment he would always have a soft spot in his heart for a nation that could produce such specimens of young womanhood.As for Platoff, he kept purposely away from them ail day and joined the ptber gang on the return march at night. Tbe evening verification was another (treaded ordeal, but it passed without Incident, and five minutes later Maurice and bis six companions were eating supper in their cell. Tbe chosen time Was at hand. That was a formidable "If," however, aud the sufferings which the boys endured that night they will never forget. Toiling painfully from rook to rock, they crept up stream through an icy current. At first tho pain was agonizing, but presently their limbs were benumbed and weak, and they found it difficult to move. Sometimes they crept out on big rocks and stamped up and down or rubbed their legs with their aching hands until they were able to proceed again. Several times mounted soldiers passed close by along the shore, and the fugitives bent low among the stones until the danger was over. Not a murmur escaped Platoff's lips. "I supposed this space opened on tbe courtyard," said Maurioe. "Instead of that it Beems to be hemmed in with logs." With feelings that can be better imagined than described be continued bis solitary vigil. From his own cell cams no sounas at an, But ne nan no oouDt that Platoff and Phil were hard at work. Platoff took one of the revolvers and the belt of rubles, giving the other revolver to Maurice and the knife to Phil. "Don't let that annoy you," replied Platoff. "Tbe building is old, and we will have no trouble to break through. I can loosen any one of the logs in five minutes. It is an easy matter now to get our bearings." Occasionally he heard the tramp of the sentries in the other corridors, apd once from tbe main portion of the prison came a clink of glasses and a coarse laugh. With great strides he plunged forward over the snow. Close at his heels came Maurice and Phil, amazed at their own speed. The sentry, catching a fleeting glimpse of the fugitives, raised his rifle and fired. The bullet whistled overhead. He fired again and again, shooting aimlessly into the night. The Cossack uniform and the prison clothe*, which might have done good service in case of cold or wet, they wero compelled to leave in the cavern. To take them along would have imperiled their safety and afforded a sure means of identification. All day long Platoff lay at the cavern's mouth watching the valley. Tbe dishes were taken away by one pf the guards, and the door was bolted on tbe outside. Platoff waited until all WP?e stretched on the platform, and (ben he blew out tbe candle, leaving the loom in apparent darkness. It was not entirely so, however, for a dim glare shone through the window from tbe fttes in the courtyard, which the guards had built to warm themselves, and «kaD their area became accustomed to The day had been spent in hiding at the foot of a rocky bill. Water was close by—a mountain spriug that was too cold and rapid to freeze. At suuset Platoff shared with the boys a scant supper of bread and dried meat. Sleep was impossible under the circumstances, and all remained awake until a faint gray streak shiniug into the cavern announced the approach of dawn. Platoff crept to the entrance to make a reconnoissance. They started off again, guided by the wall of logs, and in a short time the angle was reached and turned. Platoff led on far a dozen yards or more before be came to a stop. "This is the place," he said. "Don't be impatient, but sit quietly down." "They won't be inclined for merrymaking a few hours from now if all goes well," thought Maurioe with grim satisfaction. Then his thoughts turned to Lora, and in trying to imagine her joy on learning of his escape he forgot the ordeal in store foe him. Thai, na- "Tomorrow," he said, "we must obtain food in some way. If we do not succeed in shooting any deer, extreme measures will bo necessary. I shall endeavor to find a village and buy provisions."si* times the rifle cracked, and the red flash blazed briefly athwart the | darkness. Then came silence, an ominous. fateful calm, and the daring f uni- He went resolutely forward, seeking out the easiest channel and showing the [ boys the way. The force of his example I helped them to endure their sufferings "All is well," he declared on his"return. "Our hiding place is perfectly safe. The pine scrubs on the ledge hide it completely. It in snowing hard, and Not a creaturo came that way, and wheu the setting sun was succeeded by a misty twilight be gavo the word to start. He drew his knife and commenced