Pittston Gazette

              * I EntalDll«liC-Cl 1 X.I (I. i VOL. XLVIIl No. It. t Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, AUGUST i3, 1897. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. ) #1.00 i»er Year / in AdvaiHH*. C*— V C  '»♦,.. ,.' erH fOPY».Olt. •»«»• BT THf WUOirALl publishing Co. , course I dare not take yon oiear to Vladivostok. That is understood. Bot let as waste no more time. Our clothes are dry, and we can eta»-t" "Rather a meager description," said Platoff, laying the paper aside. ing on his lingers, "there are tour peasants, and two soldiers, and a Cossack lieutenant, and three drunken buriati, and a merchant from Tomsk, and a dog"— that examined their passports that morning. He held up the light and scrutinized their faces. ties will not discover tor some time wno my strange passengers were. Your disguise is effective, and the fact that a third man was concealed in the sledge will never be known." from this source was slight, bnt because they were now in a neighborhood frequented by large and ferocious tigers, and a casual enoounter with one of these monarchs was not at all improbable.first glance brought despair to nis neart. Overhead were steep and barren rocks, rising many feet in air, and here and there a stunted pine tree. "Ab, but their clothes," exclaimed thestarosta. "That is a sure identification. It is impossible that they could have procured others." The boys could barely realize at first the full measure of their good fortune. A moment before the tidings that the Cossacks were on their track had filled their hearts with despair. Now a merciful hand was stretched out to save them. Platoff's heroism had brought its own reward. "Ah, yes," he said, "I remember you. You just came last evening." "Yes," replied Poussin. "We have been tnrned out of our beds." And he related in good hymored tones how the expected arrival of the government inspector had deprived them of their room and started them off a few hours ahead of their usual time. "That will do," interrupted Poussin. "I don't want to hear any more. I see that the moon is shining. Traveling will be good. Fetch me a relay of the best horses you can get, and at onoe, mind you. We will start immediately and make up for loss of rest at the next station we reach." In spite of Platoff's continued entreaties, Poussin remained firm. To ascend this place was impossible, for the rooky ledges jutted out from the face of the cliff. " Were the convicts still wearing the prison clothes when seen near Toluar?" asked Poussin suddenly. Once huge footprints were seen in the snow, and the boys felt their hair beginning to rise on end. Holding the horses with a skilled hand, he urged them on unsparingly, and the sledge skimmed over the frozen ground at a speed which made the landscape on each side one dizzy blend. Hour after hour passed on. The dark sky paled gradually, and a gray light stole over the frozen plain until the distant hills were dimly seen. Morning was close at hand, and yet no trace of the pursuit was visible. Eastward the rugged hill tops were flecked with pale crimson—a rosy mist beneath which the morning sun was creeping upward. The atmosphere was clear and radiant, revealing every tree and rock for miles around. Still the horses sped on untiringly, their nostrils white with foam, their glossy flanks damp and steaming. Platoff and Poussin were on the front seat, Maurice and Phil behind. All were grave and silent, scanning the landscape intently, straining their ears to oatch the slightest sound. He turned and ran at full speed, searching vainly for some nook to bide in or a break in the rugged precipice that would allow him to ascend. He tore through thorn buF.hes and bruised his feet on sharp stones, but these mishaps were unheeded, . of he imagined oonstantly that the Cossacks were on his track. "It was not the men who were seen," said the starosta, "only traces of them, a trail in the snow—and hot ashes of fire." On a closer examination it was seen that the marks had been made during the last thaw, perhaps a month before, and were frozen solidly in the crust In three whole days they met neither tigers nor other peril, bat marched on steadily to the south, sleeping at night in crannies among the rocks. The fourth morning the air was warm, and a thin rain was falling. The long delayed spring had oome at last. It was impossible to donbt Nicolas Poussin's sincerity. His frank, open face, his honest, gray eyes, were truth itself. "Then you are not connected with his excellency's party?" asked the officer.Platoff darted a reassuring glance at Maurica "But, your honor," stammered the starosta, "I am afraid—horses—they are scarce, and his excellency will want"— Here be paused and glanced over his shoulder, but the Cossack, having lent his presence to the edict of expulsion, had made his way unnoticed into the courtyard. "Well, my good man." broke in Poussin, "depend upon it the rascals will be captured, and serve them right, and now be sure to havo a fresh relay of horses ready at early dawn. I must reach Vladivostok before a warm spell sets in." "Why, no," said Poussin, thrown off his guard by the question. Quickly the dry clothes were donned, the fire was smothered with wet snow, and they climbed into the big sledge. Under its front seat was an empty spaoe Just big enough for Phil, and he was snugly tucked in place with rugs. CHAPTER XX A GOOD SAMARITAN' netted atireast. me one inmate, a bearded man, muffled to his nose in fur*, was tugging fiercely at the lines with an expression of terror on bis face. These details the boys noticed at one sweeping glance. "But your oompanions are," said the offioer, and, pulling a document from his pocket, he hastily unfolded it The path now became blocked with loose bowlders, and in his haste among these he tripped and came heavily to the ground. As a more effective safeguard Platoff led the boys deeper into the forest, and they plodded on for some miles before stopping even to eat Refreshed by a hearty meal, they then traveled until nearly evening and camped in a sheltered hollow. "I find both your names here," he said, looking at Platoff, "Louis Miroff and Serge Lyapin. This is a list of the inspector's party brought to me an hour ago by the captain of his excellency's advanoe guard in order that I might copy it for my monthly report Seeing your names upon it, I supposed you had preceded the inspector. May I ask why you are leaving again before his arrival ?" Poussin readily interpreted these little maneuvers. ' 'Get me the horses, and I will give you 10 rubles extra," be said. "I want provisions also Put me in sufficient for five days' travel. One cannot procure food fit for a dog to eat at the stations between here and Vladivostok. '' "It's useless to travel," said Platoff, "in this slush. We oould not make half a dozen miles. We will stay right here until the weather changes. Vladivostok is less than 100 miles distant Let that be a consolation to you." He rose painfully to his feet—rose to find himself face to face with a monstrous tiger—a huge tawny beast that lay supine on the ground. "Wear these," said Nicolas Poussin, handing Platoff a pair of green goggles and Maurioe a huge far cap and tippet "Sit there." And he motioned to the rear seat under the leather hood. The starosta promised obedience and left the room. •'The horses are running away," exclaimed Platoff, and that instant the frightened brutes, unable to round the bend at their terrific speed, plunged down the slope, dragging the heavy sledge behind them. The mouth of the stream, with its fringe of treacherous ice, was just at band, but they dashed madly forward, and with a mighty crash horses, sledge and driver went through into the dark waters. Platoff turned to his companions. "A good sleep will be necessary," said Poussin. "We shall have a hard day's journey tomorrow." He spread bis rugs on the floor and stretched himself flat. Platoff filled his pockets with bread and meat and hurried away to give Phil his supper. He was back in ten minutes. The disturbed brute lifted his head sleepily and surveyed the intruder with glittering eyes. His long, spotted tail twitched, and from his throat issued a deep growL Of course a fire was necessary not only for warmth, but to keep off prowling wolves. The night was divided into watches, each taking his turn at guard duty and feeding the fire. "Remember," he added, "your names are now Louis Miroff and Serge Lyapin. Don't forget" Fortunately the camping place they bad chosen the previous night was eminently suitable for a protracted stay. It was a shallow cavern hollowed from the base of a high oliff and ranning back half a dozen feet, its face open, of coarse, and protected from wind and rain by a thick screen of young fir trees. Thanks to Poussin's generosity it was needless to worry about food. They bad plenty and to spare. Still it waa a drear thwt rocl- "But food is even scarcer than horses," said the starosta with a greedy twinkle in his eye. "All that can be procured will be consumed by his exoellency and party." He climbed up in front and seized the lines. The horses dashed away oh a gallop, jingling their belli, and the sledge scraped merrily over the frozen crust—toward the Pacific. Platoff's courage rose to meet this trying emergency. "We belong to his excellency's party," be answered in a firm voioe, "my companion and I. We are traveling incognito for reasons that must remain secret." The tiger made no attempt to rise. He looked at Maurice, and Maurice looked at him, and in this position they remained for a full minute. Maurice slid his hand cautiously toward his belt, and the revolver was already in his grasp when be suddenly remembered that even should he succeed in shooting the tiger, which was improbable, the shot would at onoe draw the Cossacks to the spot, and he would be in a worse plight than ever. For half a week more they journeyed on without incident, and then a spell of wet weather set in, which continued several days and made traveling impossible. But It soon grew cold again, and • crust formed on what little snow remained."The boy is all right," be whispered to Maurice, "and the sledge is in » safe place. It won't be disturbed." They carried oil a whispered conversation for a few moments, with Poussiu snoring heavily at their side, and finally both fell asleep. It was Maurice who sounded the alarm. His sharp cry echoed on the frosty air. His arm pointed straight to the northward, and, turning qniakly, all saw on the rolling crest of a distant hill a single black streak moving in a serpentine course down the slope. " Provide what I want, and I will pay your price," replied Potussin. "Make haste, now, and get our sledge ready. We will start at once, and his excellency can have this room." "Stay here," be said. "I gave that man." And bounding across tbe road he ran down the slope to the river. Tbe true nobility of this deed did not occur at onoe to tbe boys At any moment other sledges or troops of soldiers might pass along tbe road, and, as for tbe man straggling in the water, be was very likely a Russian official who would put pursuers on their track and drag them back to a living death at tbe mines. Tbey realized tbe danger, of course, and felt momentarily angry at Piatoff for imperiling at one move tbeir dearly purchased freedom. Then more generous impulses came to the front, and breaking out of tbeir biding place they ran down the bank, catching up with Piatoff at tbe very water's edge. CHAPTER XXI. A MIDNIGHT AULKM. They traveled 40 miles that day, reaching at sunset a wayside post station, a one story log building. Close by were a couple of houses and a telegraph offloe. Tbe starosta, or station master, provided a warm supper and a bed in one corner of tbe room. Tbe sledge was hauled into the yttrd, and under half a dozen big furs Phil passed a fairly comfortable night In tbe morning a Russian officer demanded tbe passports. They were returned without comment, and ten minutes later tbe sledge, drawn by a fresh troika, was speeding to tbe eastward. Then, seeing that the officer hesitated, he added: "You saw the passports properly made out in our names. Sorely that is sufficient" "Cossacks!" ejaculated Platoff. "A whole company at least. They are coming at full speed." four daya that they spent ib  do bat eat, Tbis good weather lasted for two weeks, and tbe fugitives took advantage of it to travel rapidly and steadily. Tbey subsisted mainly on the veuisota, but tbe bill of fare was varied occasionally by a rabbit or a pheasant which Piatoff suooeeded in knocking over. At times during tbeir march tbe Amur was bi sight, and tbe .elegraph poles that follow tbe post road could be dimly made oat. But for tbe most part tbey kept well back in tbe hills and had the rare good fortune to avoid meeting any one, though signs of human beings were frequently encountered. Mauiice woke some hours later with a confused din ringing in his ears. He sat up, listening intently, and presently the vague Bounds resolved themselves into a clatter of hoofs, the tread of hurrying feet and a babel of voices. A yellow glare was shining into the room, and, rushing to the window, he saw a dozen mounted Cossacks standing in the station yard. "Yes, your honor," said the starosta, "I will do my best." And, bowing low, he departed. Poussin carefully oloaed the door after him and crossed the room. Perhaps there was an ill suppressed touch of eagerness in Platoff's voice. The officer's suspicions were plainly aroused. "Be calm," said Poussin. "They are fully two miles distant The time has come to part" "You heard all our conversation ?" he asked abruptly. The tiger solved the difficulty by slowly rising, and that broke the spelL Wheeling around. Maurice darted at the top of his speed back along the cliff. A hoarse growl warned him that the tiger was coming in pursuit, and in desperation he cast his eyes about for a refuge. He touched up the horses, and they dashed at a furious gallop over the level ground. His companions, turning in their seats, watched the approaching soldiers until they gained the plain and vanished behind the gentle undulations of the road. A moment later the sledge swept over a ridge, and Poussin drew up the panting horses in the hollow of a wooded ravine. A bubbling mountain stream poured down from the hills and emptied into the Ussum, some yards distant "Yes," said Platoff. "Thank heaven we are safe! It was a terrib'e fright, and I was sure that all was lost Your coolness preserved us from a fatal blunder. You are a wonderful man I" Without rep'y ing be held his lantern to Platoff's faio and then turned it on Poussin, who sat white and miserable on the front seat That woebegone countenance confirmed the officer's doubts. Two or three peasants were holding biasing torches, and a fast increasing crowd was pouring in at the gates. At that instant Maurice felt a hand on bis shoulder, and, turning, he saw Platoff. "Lost!" hissed the Russian. "We are betrayed. The soldiers are seeking us. Look at that scoundrel!" And lie pointed to the starosta, who was standing at one side convening with the captain of the Cossacks. "Yes.it is true that we are safe for the present," answered Poussin, "bat what I have just heard baa a hidden meaning that I only could understand. You remember my telling you that I journeyed from Irkutsk to Toluar in company with two men under whose names and with whose passports you are now traveling?" Such a place met his sight instantly, a deep crack in the very edge of the hill, running parallel with the ground. It was possibly wide enough for him to crawl in, and without stopping to weigh the chances be threw himself flat and ran his bead and shoulders into the crevice. It was a tight squeeze, but with a prodigious effort be managed to drag his whole body inside and crawl back a few feet from the opening. This be had barely accomplished when the pursuing tiger pounced angrily upon the spot and thrust his great jaws into the hole, growling horribly all the while. Maurice, seizing a loose fragment of stone, dealt tbe brute a violent blow on the nose. "I must put you to the inconvenience of a brief delay," be said. "No doubt all will be explained, but I dare not assume any risks. I will dispatch a man at onoe to bring the captain of the Cossack guard. He will know you, ol course." Thus for a whole week tbey rode on across Siberia, each hour drawing nearer to safety. Nicolas Poussin spoke but little. He preserved a grave and silent demeanor and drove his horses with an unsparing band. Spring was not far off, and he was anxious to reach Vladivostok before tbe mild weather made sleighing impossible. Smuggled up in furs, Piatoff and Maurioe sat far back under tbe leather hood, while Phil, cramped and uncomfortable, remained in his narrow place of ooncealment They passed many travelers on tbe road —Tartars, merchants, peasants and occasionally Cossack soldiers or Russian officers—but no unpleasant incidents ooourred. Nicolas Poussin's passports carried them through all dangerous places. Tbe boys endured tbeir sufferings and hardships with a stoicism that excited Playoff's admiration, and their health remained good. He looked at tbem with an approving glance instead of the rebuke they had expected. As tbe first of April drew near they togan to hope for milder weather, but as yet no change was visible. It remained oold, with occasional snowstorms of brief duration. "Be ready when I need you," he said, and plunging instantly into the water be swam toward tbe driver of the ' 'There is no time to lose," said Poussin as the fugitives sprang to the ground. "Take these provisions, take a rug apiece, strike back into the heart of the hills and wade up the bed of the stream nntil the road is out of sight Make a wide detour to reach Vladivostok. God be with you and help you to escape! There will be plenty of vessels in the harbor at this time of year Vladivostok is now but 170 miles away by the road. Do you need anything else?" "Yes," Raid Platoff, "I recollect" The offioer moved quietly forward and caught the horses' lines, while three soldiers with rifles in their hands came out of the station and stood near the sledge. "They shall not take me alive! I swear it!" he added fiercely, and, springing across the room, be tore bis pistol from bis coat. "Weil," resumed Poussin, "those men, Miroff and Lyapin, are both Russian officers, although they traveled incognito, and the passports made no mention of their rauk. From Irkutsk tbey were sent ahead by his exoellency tbe inspector, aud when we arrived at Toluar a telegram reached them containing Instructions to await the arrival of tbe inspector at tbat station. They traveled with me, you see, in order that their rank might not be suspected. His exoel lency was not due at Toluar for some weeks, but it appears now tbat be baa journeyed with unusual rapidity. He will be here in an hour or two. Miroff and Lyapin are with him. An examination of passports will lead to tbe diaD oovery of our ruse, and disaster will follow."sledge, who was clinging to tbe fore end, uttering feeble appeals for help. Tbe ice had broken for some yards around, and the swift current was dragging hones and sledge toward tbe lower rim, which was firm and solid. A few strokes brought Piatoff to tbe half unconscious man's side, and, tearing bim loose, be took him by tbe oollar and swam back toward tbe shore. Tbe distance was slight, but both men were burdened with heavy clothes. Platoff's tremendous strength prevailed, however, and be gained tbe bank in safety with bis burden. The tight caused him to crouch deeper in the buthet. One evening, after a weary march of SO miles or more, tbey discovered a deserted cabin on tbe banks of a mountain stream. Tbe wall was fitted with bunks, and in tbe closet was found a hard loaf of bread—a welcome discovery, for food bad been very scarce daring the past week. Soaked in water, this made a palatable meal, and tbe last crumb was devoured with a relish. "We can keep warm without a fire tonight," said Piatoff. "I am afraid we are near habitations." " Yes," said Platoff. "He will know us. Ob, yes, tbe captain will know us." His lips trembled, and be caught Maurice's wrist in a convulsive grasp. sleep and talk. It rained hard day and nigbt; the snow faded away, the ice melted and tbe grass underneath began to spring up with amasing rapidity. In four short days winter yielded to spring, and frozen Siberia was bios soming a paradise. Maurice, pale and trembling, turned from tbe window. "Quick!" exclaimed Platoff. "Follow me. We may escape through the rear." He moved toward tbe door as be siDoke, but before be could reach it Nicolas Poussiu came sleepily forward. Poussin pever turned his head. He was trembling like a leaf. Ten second* —twenty—half a minute. He drew back instantly, screaming with rage, and Maurice took advantage of this interval to squeeze still deeper into the crack. The floor was of soft, sticky clay. The roof, which pressed down on his bead and body, was covered with stalactites, and from these fell water with a constant drip. His situation was decidedly uncomfortable. He conld scarcely move his legs, and he had the restricted rise of one arm only, while the icy water chilled him to the bone. Meanwhile the tiger, squatted outside on the ground, was working himself into a terrible rage. Presently be sprang to the mouth of the crevice, and, rolling half over on his side, made a vicious dig at Maurice with bis fore paw, catching tbe lad's arm and ripping open the heavy sleeve from the elbow down. The sharp claws tore tbe flesh, and the smell of blood rendered the beast fnri- With eyes that shone like fire and tug ferociously he tried again and again to reach his victim, jamming bis head against tbe stalactites and stretching his great claws like india rubber. Maurice drew himself as far back as possible, expecting each moment that the great paws would seize him and drag him out. "No." exclaimed Platoff. "We have everything. Heaven grant tbat no harm comes to you! I have known many brave men in my time, but none that would have dared to do what you have done*'— "The ice ia breaking on tbe rivers," said Platoff, "and in tbeharborof Vladivostok. The ships will anchor now in the Golden Horn, and the flags of all nations will float in the breeae." Sometimes tbey slept in tbe same room at night with soldiers or dined with them at tbe same table. On such occasions Nicolas Poussin conversed for bimself and bis companions. No one moved or spoke. "Hat How's this? What does *11 this noise mean?" be asked. Bnddenly Platoff straightened up. With one quick, marvelous leap be sprang behind Poussin and snatched tbe lines and tbe whip from tbe nerveleas fingers. He shouted fiercely and brought down tbe lash with stinging severity on the spirited horses. Tbey reared in tbe air, tore madly from the officer's detaining grasp, and before the amaaed soldiers could realise what had taken place tbe sledge was dashing like a meteor into tbe gloom. Platoff dragged bim to tbe window and pointed to the soldiers in the yard. "Go!" said Poussin huskily. "Don't delay. Remember I must lead your pursuers far off the track that you may have time to escape." "How far have we come," asked Maurice, "and how far do you suppose it is to Vladivostok?" "That is a difficult question to an■wer," replied Piatoff. "We have been traveling in such s zigzag course that the Journey has been necessarily lengthened. I have tried to keep a mental record, though, and I can give you a fair idea at what we have done. We have been on tbe road nearly seven weeks, and I think we have averaged nearly 100 miles a week. Taking off 100, which is a good allowance for our deviations, we bave marched 600 miles down tbe Amur and are only 400 miles from the ocean. Bear in mind, though, tbat our most dangerous journey is ahead, and that we may bave to make ■till greater circuits." "Then we are at least half way?" •aid Maurice. "Rub bis bands and face," he shouted to tbe boys. "Keep bim moving." And darting off again he reached tbe lower edge of tbe ioe just as the current swept tbe horses to tbe spot Grasping tbe nearest one by the bridle, be turned his head toward shore, and by dint of shouting and hard pulling urged tbe whole team forward until tbey could touch bottom. Tbe rest of tbe task was easy, and soon tbe sledge was standing on firm ground none tbe worse apparently for tbe aocident "They are seekiug us," he said. "Some wretch has put tbem on our track. It is not too late yet to escape, provided a way is open in the rear. My only fears are for your safety. How can you explain? How can you extricate yourself from your perilous position?" On the morning of the fifth day tbe march was resumed. The son was shining from a cloudless sky. and birds were singing sweetly in the forest. Phil had tbe hardest time of all, Bleeping at night in the station yards and eating such food as bis companions could smuggle out to bim, but he bore all without complaint One at a time they clasped the brave merchant's hand fervently and with tears in their eyes. The fugitives pressed forward with elastic step, snuffing the crisp, cool atmosphere and bathing their faces in tbe warm sunlight that penetrated the foliage. Poussin threw himself on a chair and wiped tbe perspiration from bia brow. Day by day traveling became more difficult, and it was well that Nicolas Poussin was able to procure fresh troikas each morning, for when night came the horses were often completely worn out from dragging tbe heavy sledge over bare places in the road and through the slushy snow. "Goodby, goodby!" they called out chokingly. "I do not believe tbe soldiers are here for tbat purpose," said Poussin in a calm voice, but the pallor of bis face belied his words. "I advise you to wait before you attempt anything rash." "A bad state of affairs indeed!" said Platoff. "What can be done?" "Little, I fear," replied Poussin. "I have ordered tbe sledge at once, and we may sain some hours on his excellency It all depends, however, on a single tbing—the examination of the paasportsi It is possible that no snob inspection will be made, since the Inspector and his party are of sucb high rank. In that event all will go well, and. by hard traveling we can reach Vladivostok before the inspector, but if tbe passports are requested by the offioer who examined ours last night, and be bears the names of those men, the coincidence will at once strike him, and diaoovery will follow." "Down!" Platoff shouted to Maurioe. And, sweeping Poussin into the bottom of tbe sledge with one arm, be tightened his grip on the lines and dropped low himaelf. "Farewell!" said Poussin. "God be with you!" And, bringing down tbe whip on his restless horses, be swept up tbe ravine and vanished from Bight over the pine crowned ridge. At noon they halted beside a spring of ice water. They ate a hearty meal, and then, slightly fatigued by the brisk morning walk, dropped lazily on the short grass for a brief siesta. "They are coming," cried Platoff, as footsteps were heard in the next apartment und, rushing to the door, he propped his huge frame against it, calling on Maurice to assist. Tbe boys meanwhile were trotting tbe rescued man up and down. He was shivering so intensely from his oold bath that all attempts to speak were vain. When be saw tbe sledge safely on shore, he tottered up to it and drew from one corner a big fiask of vodka. He took a hearty gulp and considerately passed it to Piatoff, who was now shivering in bis turn. On tbe seventh evening, Just as tbe sun was going down redly over tbe pine crowned bills to tbe westward, tbey reached a small Siberian village, Vastak by name, and drove into tbe spacious yard of tbe station. Sleepy looking peasants in gay costumes were standing about in tbe street, and a few soldiers were visible. Tbe station bouse was larger than many of its kind, and at Nicolas Poussin's request tbe starosta gave the travelers a small private room, and presently brought in dishes of bread, meat and cheese and a steaming samovar. In the middle of tbe repast a Russian officer entered, and with many apologies requested tbeir passports.Crack! crack! crack! crack!—for two or three minutes tbe rifles popped continuously 011 tbe frosty air, and the bullets tore through tbe leather hood and splintered the woodwork on all sides. Then the last shot echoed and died away, and tbe flashes of red fire vanished, leaving tbe night darker than before by contrast Tbe halt had been of less than two minutes' duration. The Cossacks were still two miles in tbe rear, and the chances of escape were good. CHAPTEB XXIV. BKSIKOEO BY A T1QER. When Maurice awoke, boom time later, both of his companions were sleeping soundly. The sun was far to the west, and the air was chilly and piercing. He threw off the rag and sat a p. A rustling sound not far away attracted his attention, and, looking across the forest, he saw a deer—a big bock with branching horns—strolling past an open glade, 80 yards distant OUS. "Be careful, be careful!" said Pous■in nervously. "Dou't go too far." The fugitives bad climbed out of the sledge on some loose stones that bordered tbe stream. A sharp rat-tat-tat was heard ou the panels, and, as no one answered, the familiar voice of the starosta culled ou them to open. Platoff led the way carefully down to the water's edge, and, stepping fearlessly in, they waded briskly up the shallow channel, thus leaving no trace behind to show that the sledge had been relieved of its load at that point "Yea, half our Journey is over," replied Piatoff. "Heaven grant us equal prosperity during tbe remainder." Tbe fiery fluid put warmth into their bodies at once, and tbe stranger burst into a profuse declaration of thanks. With a sudden change of demeanor Platoff seized the handle and flung the door far back. CHAPTER XXIII. PURSUIT AMD ESCAPE. "Either Cossacks will then be sent in pursuit or orders will be telegraphed to the next station to arrest us on our arrival. " Platoff's brave deed wonld probably have resulted disastrously bad it not been for the presence of mind which prompted him to drag his companions to the bottom of the sledge. This, no doubt, saved their lives, for although the bullets whistled by on all sides no one was struck. He made bo fnrther attempt to strike the brnte with the stone he still held in his hand, fearing it would only incite him to greater efforts. Tbe boys were agreeably surprised to bear this. Tbe whole distance covered seemed to tbem very large. Tbey did not think of tbe long marches patiently endured through nearly every day of these seven weeks. For fully a mile they remained in the water, penetrating deeper and deeper into the forest. "Never mind," said Piatoff, "it was nothing. I could not bave done less. Build a fire quick," be added to tbe boys, "a big, large one, some distance up the ravine." The torch gleam from the yard revealed the starosta and a burly captain of Cossacks standing on the threshold. With sodden excitement be extended a trembling hand for his revolver and rose to his feet He was hungry for fresh venison, and here was too good a chance to be neglected. The canned food and musty cheese pat up by the starosta was beginning to grow wearisome."But the chances are in our favor," exclaimed Maurice eagerly. "At least so it seems to me. If these men had procured other passports, and these passports had been examined at various points along the route—points at which our passports had also been examined— would not this discovery have been made long ago?" The weather was slightly milder, bnt the snow was still covered with a firm crust, and their feet made no impression on it as they turned aside from the stream and ascended the hill. All this time the loaded pistol was still in his belt, but be dared not fire. He oould easily reach it and no doubt be could kill the tiger without difficulty, but the report would surely bring the Cossacks to the spot If bis life was In actual danger, he determined he would use the weapon, not before. He little thought bow soon the alternative would be presented. For five minutes or more the tiger thrust his claws repeatedly into the Then be drew off a yard or so and sat on his haunches, licking his bloody nose and whining angrily. Hope sprang np anon in Maurice's breast, and he began to think that the brute would leave him in peace. But suddenly, with a hoarse growl, the tiger bounded forward again, and with its powerful fore paws began to dig furiously at the soft, miry clay about the mouth of the hole. The loose chunks of dirt flew in every direction, and the cavity grew larger every second. CHAPTER XXII. A DARING DEED. The starosta evidently failed to notice the consternation that his visit had prodnoed."lathe morning," resumed Platoff, "we will go down this stream toward tbe river. Our rabies must now be turned to some account Food we must have. If we oontinue eating this half raw flesh, we will be ilL" It required but a few moments to execute this order, and the weloome blaze was soon sending out a grateful warmth. Tbe stranger brought from his sledge a dozen fur robes, and, discarding their wet garments, be and Platoff wrapped themselves snugly in these. Tbe horses were stauding quietly by tbe roadside, looking very forlorn in their dripping oondition. He glanced tbem over briefly and bowed his way out When the firing ceased, Platoff rose to his feet and looked back. The lights of the military post had vanished behind a slight crest In the village beyond, which was on somewhat higher ground, a few scattered lights could be seen. As tbe door closed Nicolas Poussin drew a small map from his pocket and spread it out on the table. The country was wild and rugged, more so than it had been at any time. The forest was gloomy and dim, and the hills were gaunt and rocky, full of precipices and dark chasms. He delayed for a moment uncertain whether to awake bis oompanions or not "Pardon, a thousand pardons, your honor!" he exclaimed volubly, addressing Poussin, who had pushed his way to the frout "I am sorry that I must disturb yon, but I really have no choice, as your honor can readily see for yourself. This is a government position, yon know, and of oonrse I must be very careful"— "I will show yon where we are," be said abruptly. "You remember that we left tbe Amor some days ago and turned up the bed of the Ussuri. Here, you see, is the Amur running to the northeast, while the (Jssuri flows directly north. Consequently we are traveling south. We have reached this point," designating a spot on the map, "and now Vladivostok is but 300 miles away. I have brought you farther than 1 hoped to do. You see it will be dangerous to oontinue the use of these passports, for the men whose names you bear are known to many of tbe officials between here and the Pacifio. For your safety and mine we must part. 1 will provide yon with sufficient food, and if you are cautious yon will reach the coast in safety." That was a long to be remembered night. Tbe cabin was snugly sheltered by the bills, and all enjoyed a restful, unbroken sleep until morning, dispensing entirely with guard duty. They were off at daybreak, after a hasty breakfast, and traveled rapidly down the stream through a thickly wooded and rack strewn ravine. It was at least four miles to tbe river, but a little more than an boor's march brought them in sight of its frossen surface. The hollow was thickly wooded with pine and apruoe, and under its welcome cover tbe fugitives felt little fear. "Yes," assented Poussin. " Better let them sleep," he thought "I won't be gone long." "And in that event," resumed Maurice, "would it not have been a simple matter to telegraph orders for our arrest?""We are very near the Chinese border, " said Platoff. "That is why the scenery is so wild and lonely. The country is uninhabited." "Are they coming?" asked Poussin as he rose and climbed on the seat The deer by this time bad crossed the glade and vanished in the forest beyond, so Maurice started off briskly, intending to make a wide detour and get ahead of his victim. "Tbe brutes were scared a mile back at a cowardlv wolf that crossed the road," said the stranger. "Had yon not come to the rescue I should now be at the bottom of the Amur. I fully appreciate your kindness, much more than you think possible." And be glanced keenly at the fugitives. Again Poussin nodded assent. "No," said Platoff; "I can't hear any sounds of pursuit Tbey have no horses, you know." "Very well," said Maurice triumphantly; "it is plain that their passports have not heretofore been examined. Why, then, would they be at this particular point?" Fortified by their long rest, the fugitives traveled all that day at a rapid pace, covering at least 25 miles, and when twilight came on they halted among a heap of loose stones and made themselves comfortable with the rugs that Poussin had given them, and whioh tbey had carried on their backs all that day. Not daring to light a fire, they ate their supper cold, and then, not being able to sleep, talked for an hour or more over the situation. "What are yon talking about?" interrupted Poussin angrily, glancing anlaut at his companions, who bad across the room, "apeak and explain yourself.""All seems quiet behind us," Baid Maurice, who was leaning over the back seat He ran up the valley for nearly a quarter of a mile, keeping close to the base of the bill, and then crept cautiously down into the hollow, peering ahead through the leafless branches of the trees. "That is clever reasoning," said Poussin. "You are right The chanoes are greatly in our favor. Moreover, it is barely possible that these men are not with his excellency at all. One cannot tell what may have happened. Perhaps they were sent back to Irkutsk or ordered to remain at Toluar, bnt we will take no chances on that To stay here an hour longer is dangerous." "What's the matter? Who was shooting?" demanded a smothered voice, and Phil poked his bead and shoulders from under the rugs. "I told you it was nothing," answered Platoff coldly. "By chance we beard your cries and came to the rescue. We are fur hunters, and we live a few miles up tbis stream." "Why, don't you know?" said the starosta in a surprised tone. "Didn't you bear the noise and see the Cossacks in the yard? His excellency the government inspector will be here in an hour or two, and this room must be made ready for him. He was not expected so aoon, but it seems that he fears the warm weather will set in before be reaches the Pacifio. He has come clear from St Petersburg. This is the commander of the Cossack advance guard, who always precedes his excellency some miles." And the starosta indicated the officer at bis side, who at once muttered out an apology for disturbing the travelers at their rest. In this sheltered retreat patches of snow still lay here and there on the ground, and through one such spot—an open glade — Maurice tramped heedlessly."Ah, there is the post road," said Platoff, and be pointed through a break In tbe trees to a couple of tall telegraph poles. They crept to its very edge, and tbe boys looked with curiosity at the smooth highway scarred with recent aled tracks. A solid bridge of logs was built across tbe stream, and not 20 yards off, down a slight incline, was tbe Amur. Not a habitation was in sight, only a barren stretcb of ice and ■now and wooded hills. Below tbe road faded Into tbe dim distance, but up stream a sharp curve rut off the view. Platoff briefly explained what had just taken place and then turned his attention to the horses, which had stuck to the road in spite of the lack of guidance, and were dashing forward at a tremendous pace. In a very short time the tiger would be able to enter. Maurice realized that if anything was to be done it must be The stranger made no reply, but kept bis keen gaze fixed on the party. He was a fine looking man, heavily built and light bearded, while his manner of speeoh proved him to be intelligent. Platoff endured this scrutiny with secret uneusiness, glancing from time to time toward the road and anxiously feeling bis wet clothes, which were drying over the fire. Platoff was much distressed about Poussin. Still be saw no trace of the deer. He paused and listened Intently, but the forest was very still. He drew back into a clump of bushes and sat down on a fallen log. "Yes, you are right," said Platoff with emotion. "Tomorrow we will leave you. Better that we should take the risks of recapture than"— "I fear that he will be punished severely, '' he said. ' 'The government will never overlook such a thing as this, and yet he spoke as though he would be able to make a satisfactory explanation."done at once. "Hand me the lines," said Poussin. "I will drive now." And with a touch of the whip be spurred the horses to still preater efforts. Either be must slay the animal at the risk of being recaptured by the Cossacks or be must be torn to pieces and devoured. He cbose the first alternative. At that moment faoe to face with the brute's bloodshot eyes and lolling tongue, even the mines of Kara seemed preferable to such a death. At that instant a rap at the door was beard, and a second later the starosta entered. "Stop," said Poussin. "You forget I wish to hear nothing. I don't know who yon are, understand, or where you are going. You saved my lifa That is all I choose to remember." The minutes passed on without interruption, and be bad about made up bis mind to return to his oompanions when a sudden crash echoed through the forest, and he sprang to his feet In wild excitement just in time to see the frightened deer go past him like a streak. "All is ready," he said, "the fresh horses and the provisions. Ah, your honor, you little know with what difficulty I procured them. If it came to his excellency's ears, I should lose my place." "Stop!" said Platoff. "For your own safety you must put us off by the road. Your peril is too great already. It will be increased if you are caught in our company. Pat us off right here, and we can easily escape to the hills." "Yes, he did," said Maurice. "Perhaps be has some influence at Vladivostok.""I beg your pardon," be said deliberately, "but tbe horses must be driven hard if you would avoid any ill effects of their cold plunge. Tbe ice is forming on them already. I wonld advise yon to lose no time in starting for tbe next pasting station." With some difficulty he drew the revolver from bis belt and succeeded in cooking it Platoff stood as though in deep thought, scanning the wintry landscape, and the boys hesitated to disturb bis reverie. 8uddenly from round tbe curve above was beard a sharp jingling of bells, faint at first but rapidly growing louder. Platoff excitedly pushed the boys back into a dC-use spruce thicket that bordered the road. A commotion was saddenly beard outside, and he turned to tbe window. Tbe interest depicted on bis faoe drew his companions to tbe spot Out in tbe station yard a Cossack surrounded by an inquisitive crowd was nailing a big white placard to one of the gateposts. Tbe distance was too great to distinguish its contents. Maurice and Platoff exchanged significant glances, but before they oould speak the starosta flung open the door and entered. Back in the shadow of the wall Platoff and Maurioe drew a sigh of relief that was audible in the doorway. Poussin, too, was overoome by the sudden transition from despair to hope, bnt he retained his self possession admirably and replied with a well assumed touch of indignation: ' 'Either that," replied Platoff, "or he is a man of wealth and can bribe the officials to overlook his indiscretion Money is a powerful agent in this part of Siberia, 6,000 miles from St Petersburg.""You are an extortionate rascal," said Poussin coolly. "You can tell lies like a buriat. I won't quarrel over the price, though. I am in baste to leave. Here is the money for the horses, including the ten extra rubles. How much for the provisions?" "No," replied Poussin; "I will do nothing of the kind. At present there is no danger. The military outpost is nearly half a mile from the post station in the village. To give the alarm it is necessary for one of the soldiers to go there on foot Of course the Cossaoks will at onoe start in pursuit but their horses are pretty well worn out, while ours are fresh. The next station is 60 miles distant I can keep in advance of our pursuers at least that far. When daylight comes, I will let yon out, and you can seek safety in the hills. Yonr absenoe will not be discovered until I reach the station, where, of course, I shall be arrested at once." Something bad soared the animal badly. The tiger was still pawing away with undiminished energy, and even now the cavity thus made seemed to Maurice's eyes fully large enough to admit the brute's head and shoulders. The possibility that a tiger was lurking in the vicinity made Maurice's blood ran oold, bat on second thought he was inclined to believe that his companions were awake and searching for him. "What will you do?" asked tbe stranger quietly. "How about the pursuit?" asked Maurice. Platoff's faoe flushed, and in visible embarrassment he attempted to frame a reply. "Well," raid Platoff, "of course they will make an effort to scour the country, but we can readily avoid the soldiers. The coast will be closely watched, though, and that is where we will encounter the most difficulty. At present we have little to fear. You must remember that our identity may not even be suspected yet, although the discovery must be made sooner or later. Don't worry over the situation, but keep up your courage." And with this admonition Plutoff wrapped himself tighter in his rug and went calmly to sleep. Btill, although in the very jaws of death, as it were, be hesitated to fire. "Keep low and don't make a sound," be whispered. "It ia shameful that travelers should ■offer these inoonveuienoes, but since it ia hia excellency the inspector who "Eight— eight rabies," stammered the starosta. "I assure yon, your honor, they cost me 7}^"— Maurice, who wu watching him closely, saw liia eyes flash and anticipated trouble. Under this impression he was aboot to leave his hiding plaoe and start up the valley when a sight met his eyea that caused him to crouch deeper in the bushes witb a shudder. Then he remembered that, with one ■ingle sparing, the tiger could reach him, and in sudden terror he pointed the revolver full at the savage eyes. His finger was already pressing the trigger when an inspiration flashed into bis mind that changed the whole ooarae of events. From their retreat it was possible to aee the curve in the road, and on this all fixed their eyes expectantly. The jingle of the bells came nearer and nearer, ringing ont as though the horses were running at fnll speed, and now •bore their olatter was heard a voice raised to its highest pitch. "A courier has arrived with proclamations," he said breathlessly. "It seems that the escaped convicts who were seen near Toluar have elnded pursuit and cannot be found. Of coarse they have not reached this neighborhood yet, bnt the government wishes to be on the safe side, and so they are posting notioes from station to station." "They didn't cost yon trwo," said Poussin scornfully; "but, here, take your money." And, dropping the ooina into the outstretched hand, he led the way out, followed by Platoff and Maurice, bearing the rags. '' Hold on," said the stranger. '' Keep cool. I have something to say. My uame is Nicolas Ponssin, and 1 am a merchant of Vladivostok. I have been to Irkutsk on business and am on my way home. Two friends acoompauied me as far as Toluar, a town 60 miles behind. In their haste they left their purports in my possession, and I have them now. Beyond Toluar I met many Cossacks, and I was informed that throe 'politicals' who escaped some time ago from Kara had been seen in the vicinity, and the soldiers were on their track." He paused and looked his hearers fall in the face. Through the forest, leas than 40 yards distant, came a burly Cossack, resplendent in his green uniform. It was 2 o'clock in the morning. The postyard, lit by the glaring torohea of the soldiery, was weird and unnatural. A splendid troika — three powerful black horses—was attached to the sledge, and the restless animals were stamping impatiently. Platoff and Maurice took the back seat and drew the furs around them. A slight movement of the rugs in front showed that Phil was still safe in his retreat Ue doubtless was curious to know what was going on. "The pepper!" be exclaimed aloud. "I'll try it" And, lowering the weapon, be thrust bis band into bis coat pockfet. "Ah, my friend, escape with us," implored Platoff. "Together we will reach the coast and sail on some friendly vessel to a better country than this. Don't trust yourself to the mercies of these tyrants. They will inflict some terrible punishment"— In one band he held a rifle, and with tbe other he led his horse. "Something is wrong," whispered Platoff, and as the words left his lips a huge sled burst round the curve at full •peed. It was a clumsy vehicle, with a Close behind him was a second soldier, also 011 foot and leading his steed by the bridle. "Ah," said Poassin ooolly, "we have heard something of that on oar way. And so they have slipped off from the soldiers, have they* Well, they will be caught sooner or later. Have yoa one of the placards with yon? It would be wise for as to read the description* in case we ran across the fellows." It so happened that among the provisions provided by the starosta had been a small bottle of red peptDer. J$L Maurice and Phil did not remain long awake. The spot they bad chosen was a sheltered nook between a dozen big rocks, into which no oool wind could penetrate, and all slept as only weary men can, waking strengthened and refreshed at early dawn. xney advanced into tiDe open giaqe, bending over the ground ly conversing. Like a flash entered Maurice's mind. covered his footprints it snow and were following and'apparent- . on page f, iur.  1. the truth _ - -  They bad dis- NA„ the patches of I up his trail. of the Globe for himself up for W DUCIIII I T I ft II 1 between him f nflCUIVIA||OlTl.B retreat up ■ NETOALQIA and ginilar Complaints? I fle footmarks «nd prepared under the string* ut M ad taken, and Lcerman medical uws.^ "«ry at any by eminent physicians "ANCHOR'7^ Fain expeller! y COnld DOl ■ World renowned! Remarkably succpwfn!! V «d at loot feaflBSK^^SSaKI mto htob.it, I 31 HIBHEST AWARDS. J. :"" ■ lSBnukH~». Ow* Qlusworkt. ■ .... & SOc. Endorsed & recommended by until the ene- Fairer ft Peck. 80 Luzerne Avenue, aen rising to 9'( - G"Ck, 50 North Main st • Houcif, 4 N(irth Main St ♦be valley Pitttston, Pa  him to rising  I w forl A Kin tv tfsashasBi^asas£fcc"'nr'a'"u- * Continued "I do not fear," Interrupted Poussin. "I can make an explanation which I think will save me. 1 have not time D/,*• For a moment be gavt lost. The Cossacks were and bia companions, so that the valley was oat off. T showed the direction be L. be was In danger of discov moment Platoff, with a livid countenance, leaned over and drew Maurice's revolver from his belt. He cocked it and laid it on his knee. "Now, wfaat next?" he said. "Go on with your story." The starosta rushed out of the room and into the yard. "Keepoool," said Poussin. "There la not the slightest cause for fear. I saw these placards a month ago." The fellow was back In an instant, paper in hand. "Here, yon read it; my eyes are bad," aaid Ponaain, and he handed J t to Platoff. Platoff slipped away on a reconnoissunce and returned in half an hour with the welcome news that no intruder! were in the neighborhood. Poussin deliberately made an inspection of the food be bad bought to see that everything was there, and, finally climbing to his seat, be roughly ordered the station attendants out of the road and chirruped to the horses. "Well," resumed Nicolas Poussin, without the least show of fear, "one good tuin deserves another. My sledge is roomy, and my horses are strong. If you have any desire to journey toward the Pacific. I will take you with me for some distance. The extra passports that I have will serve for two of you. The third can be bidden in the bed of the sledge. I prefer that yon should give me no information. I don't want to know who you are, yon understand?" ,4T thinV vtra f»»n rialr « lift:lx» morning," he said, and gathered a few pine cones and dried tips of branobes. He lit them and held a tin flask of cold tea in the flames. He had presence of nD remember the steep and behind him. If he ooulCD climb up the face, be migl all. The Coesacka certain follow him on horsebaok, the chances were even. They trotted through the yard, and, turning the angle at the gate, under the very eyes of a dozen Cossacks, dashed off down the frozen, deserted street The low bouses, dim and gloomy, shot past like streaks, and, skimming over a slight ridge, the darkness was relieved by a bar of light shining from the mili-1 tary outpost—a small wooden structure D by the roadside. Maurice, to conceal his emotion, turned to the samovar and drew a onp of tea, but Platoff ooolly took the paper and read aloud in a firm, clear voice: TWO THOUSAND RUBLES REWARD The above mm will be paid for the arreat of three con vietw who eecaped In February from the mlnett at Kara; one tall and light haired, his companion* of medium height, and dark. At the time of their eeoape two of them wore the prison garb; the other waa attired In a Cossack uniform. Platoff seised the handle and flung the door far back. He smothered the fire with snow, and the warm beverage was a grateful addition to the breakfast. wishes our apartment we will gladly give it up. Convey to him our best regards on his arrival. And now where oan we sleep for the remainder of the night?" On that day they first journeyed two or three miles to the westward, drawing still closer to the borders of Mongolia, and then headed slightly to the southeast, where Vladivostok lay. The same wild and barren country prevailed, and Platoff marched with great caution, keeping his revolver ready for immediate use and bidding Manrioe do the same. This was not from any fear at aneetinc the Cossacka. for dancer Thrusting the revolver he dropped on hands i crawled off into the forest my were oat of sight. Tl. his feet, be dashed off acroa at full speed. "1 can put you on the floor of the postroom," raid the staroeta doubtfully, "if your honor doesn't object to the other occupants." "God bless you," exclaimed Platoff, embracing tbe worthy man's hand. "Forgive my suspicions. But yon an a risk—a terrible risk." "I forgot all about that" muttered Poussin as he pulled up his horses in " Who was ehooUnft" demanded Phil. to explain now. What I have done for you was only a debt You raved my life. I hope I have saved yours. Remember your identity is unknown to aaa. it to even poaaifale that the authori- JL fmo atroke* brought PUitoff to the half tmeonscioiM man. They are journeying down the Amur valley, and all persons are hereby warned to extend I bo rjA whatever under the aevweat penalties. Uninii. Miuxorr, " And who else is there?" asked Pous- obedience to the stern command to halt Two or three soldiers were lounging i inside, and the officer who came forward with a lantern waa the aaate man A short ran broaght ground, and be pressed on faster than ever and soon level stretch at the base of lit Inn bond over tbe rear end, drawn tyatMika* a team of three horses har- "Never mind about that," replied Poussin. "All I aafc ia aaotfcm. Of "Well." replied the staroeta, count-