Cupyrighled, 1886, by BIADLI AND AnAun. Enured m, u”, Pm: (Min u .va \ k

 

V0].I X. 02.50 Publlshed Weekly by Beadle and Adams, lrrg-el-Ml- No. 

" Ye“- No. 98 WILLIAM 87.. NEW YORK. “W

A HOT TRAIL;  Claife‘iffti‘fii mug

A COMPANION STORY TO “FROM MOSCOW TO SIBERIA.”

 

BY CHARLES MORRIS

\r_ \‘j > ‘ ‘
“m our, In HEARTIESI" cmnn mm mmnm vmma AMERICAN. “ IT‘S HEELS NOW
mn‘u. wm, NOT mums.”

 

 
 

 

A Hot Trail.

 

A Hot Trail;

Clark Gloverly Among the Tartars.

A Companion to “ From Moscow to Siberia.”

 

BY CHARLES MORRIS,
AUTHOR or “flower HARRY," “ran YOUNG
amass-r," “an passer novnn,”mro.

CHAPTER I.
IN rim HEART or BIBERIA.

INTO the heart of a town in South Siberia
rode three horsemen. It was early in the month
of October, but the winter of that icy climate
had begun. The trees, which a month ago were
in full leaf, were now hung with icicles instead
of, blossoms, and the yellow harvests of the sum-
mer had “given way to bare stalks and frozen
clods. The road-bed was white with the first
snow of the season, and the feathery flakes were
still falling from the skies in a graceful yet
shivery fashion.

Two of the travelers were evidently Russians.
That was shown by their spare faces, their high
cheek-bones, and small, twinkling eyes. They
were inth shrewd-looking men; t 9 one of them
a. tall, thin fellow, with brick—red hair. and a.
face as raveas a statue; the other with light
hair an blue eyes, and an expression of great
energy and decision.

Their companion was little more than a boy,
but he had a man's look on a boy’s face. A slight

 

growth of hair on his upper lip was the first

promise of acomin mustache. He was tall,

' and gracefully buil , while his handsome face

Seemed to overflow with youthful spirit, and

' witha daring that would stop at no obstacle

As for his nationality, that was not easy to
make out. He was dressed in full Russian cos-
tume. and much more expensive}; than the
common attire of his companions. is com plex-
ion and features were also like the Russian, yet
there was something about him 01! a foreign air.
He looked like one who had been used to do as
be pleased all his life, and had not been accus-
tomed to the slavery of the Russian govern-

ment. ,
, “So this is Trobilsk,” he remarked in good
Russian, though with a foreign accent. “ There

«isn’t much of it to swear by, that’s one thing

sure. Bless my eyes, what a. shivery place it
must be when it gets cold enough to freeze the
skin oif agoat’s horns] You’ve been here be-
fore, Peter, you so 1'

“ Yes," answers the red-haired Ru ‘sian in a
grave voice. “And I’m afraid l’ve been here
once too often.” He looked around him with a
frightened aspect. “ It may be well enough, to
pla with the bees; but it isn’t wise to jump in-
to t sir hive.” ‘

“ Drop that. Eater. You’re enough to give a
baboon the blues,” answered the youth with
cheery recklessness. “Do you think I don‘t
know we’rein danger? What of that? Dan-
‘fer’s the very spice of life for roving blades

ike “I. ' What do you say. Ivan?” ,

/

 

“I don’t scare easily,” answered the second
Russian. “At the same timeI think Peter is
right. There 18 no use to plun 6 into a hornet’s
no .t when you can fly around t.”

“ liless your sweet eyes,” answered the youth,
with a gay laugh, "dont ou know that the
best Way to cheat suspicion s to braveit bolrllv.
if we Went creeping about every fool of a Si-
berian would take us for escaped convicts. But
they will never suspect that chaps of our sort
would ride into a garrison town. I bet you
high I putit on them that I’m the emperor
truvelin in disguise.”

“ Bus I” warned Ivan.
townsman.”

The manwho came up, a. stupid-faced peas—
ant, hardly raised his heavy eyes to the travel-
ers as he passed. The young man stopped him
with a sharp summons. '

“Hold up, moujikl” he cried. “Just turn
and show us the traveler‘s rest of this town,
and we’ll see if I can’t fish you up a kopeck for
the service.” '

“ Haven’t time,” answered the peasant stolid-
ly. “ Ride on. You’ll find it midway this
street.”

“Follow my nose, is it?" rejoined the youth
sharply. “I could have done that without your

“ Here comes a

advice. Come on, lads. I’m as hungry as a -

Russian wolf.”

They rode briskl down the snow-covered
street, through the ailing flakes. Few persons
were abroad. The sudden change in the tem-
perature made the townsmen hug their stoves as
yet. Within th 5 past week summer had given
place to winter.

“ There it is,” cried Peter, at length. “ That
wooden building, with the porch and pillars.
And a good hotel, too. for this out-of—the—way
town. l’ve eaten a spicy chop there before.”

A group of soldiers was standing on the porch ,
of the Siberian inn, who looked with curitélés in- .
ran- -

terest at the travelers as they rode up. _
gets were not an everyday sight in that

town.

But without the least attention to them; the
youth rode up and sprung from his horse to the
ground, throwing the reins to Peter.

“Jump down, Ivan,” he cried, “and stir up
the hostler of this caravanseryi The folks here
seem all dead or aslee . Be alive, now. See
that those brutes are we I cared for. ’

There was a tone of command in his voice
which indicated that his companions were Serv-
ants. This was also displayed in the difference
of dress. Inn and Peter w re the coarse attire
of the Russian mmvjik—sh epskin coats, with
the woolly side turned in, and heavy, wide-
zapped boots, into which their pantaloons were

rust.

The young man, on the contrary, was dressed
in a handsome cloth cloak, lined with furs, while
the rest of his attire was of the best French cut,
as affected by most of the richer Russians.

He strode past the gazing soldiers without a
glance toward them, and entered the hotel with
a proud, free step that seemed to betoken a per-
son of consequence. ,

“ Landlord!” hepried im atiently. “Groom!
Moujikl Where is every ody’i Are you all
asleep around this establishment? I hope you

 

 

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.t.

_ n9?

w-v‘m _—._.._—..._ : .

‘ will on]

AHot Tran. ’ 3

 

aren’t like your Northern boars, all going into
a winter snooze as soon as the first snow
falls.”

This energetic summons soon brought several
persons into sight.

The landlord—a follow as fat as an English
alderman—with a long pipe in his mouth; the
landlady, as thin as charity, and with a nose
like a crochet—hook; and several dull-faced servi-
tors, who looked as if they had no: more than
half a brain between them.

“ Here you all arel” ho energetically exclaim<
ed; “ Yakob, Susanna and the cook. Thought
I’d fetch you. Stir your stumps, my hearties;
make a raid on your grub chest; behead a brace
of chickens; wake, up1 your ovenl I haven’t
eaten the size of your and for a week, and I’ve
got two follows outside who are good fornsheep
at a sitting. Dinner now sharp in half an hour.
It you keep me waiting longer, 1’11 eat the cook
for a lunch!"

He looked so much in earnest that the cook
who was one of the persons present, backed
hastily oil', as if not sure but the hungry guest
might be a. cannibal. The others, too, stirred
briskly7 around, While the youthful traveler flung
himself into a. chair, threw his fur-lined cloak on
another, and stretched out his limbs with the
ease of a person to whom all the world is a
home.

There was a twinkle of fun in his black eyes
as the group nieltndaway before his commands,
like a snow-heap under a hot sun.

“ I suppose they take me for the great Nabob
at least,” he laughed. “That’s the way to get
along in this world. Stir it up hot wherever
you go. Act as if you had just bought and aid
for all creation, and half the people wil be-
lieve you. Good Heavens! how cheek does car-
ry a man through thick and thin! I hope it
carry me sale through this town.
I’ve got into it, but I haven’t got out of it yet.
1t might turn out to be Peter’s bee-hive or
Ivan’s hornet’s nest.” '

He sat deeply cogitating, his chin on his
hand, while changing expressions marked his
handsome face.

“ Haven’t I cut it fat?" he began again.
“ Here am I, Clark Cleverly, only a. boy, but
I’ve got into and out of more scrapes in the last
year than any three men in Russia. I’ve learn-
ed the secrets of the Nihilists, and escaped from
a St. Petersburg risen; l’ve ridden through
Russia and snappo my fingers at the Cossacks;
I’ve gone into the Siberian mines and rescued a
convict; I’ve hunted sables with the Samoides,
and railroaded on a reindeer sled with the Lap-
landers; and I’ve brought my two boys down
south through Siberia without losing a hair,
though we’vo had some close scra es. and squeez-
ed through some narrow holes. are we are now
in the garrison town of Trobilsk. Howto get out I
don‘t know; but you can bet high that sha’n’t
spml my appetite for dinner. I’m Yankee clear
through to the backbone, and no genuine Yan-
kee ever says die while he’s got a drop of blood
in his vems‘or a mouthful of air in his lun
’Tain’t no easy job to take the kick out of ti
heels of a. true-grit Yankee.”

His solilouu: was interrupted by the entrance

of his two comrades, Peter and Ivan, on then
return from the stables.

“ Glad to see you, ladsl” he exclaimed.
“How are the beasts doing? Hope you’ve got
2 them a fair show of oats.” ,

“They are feeding high,” answered Peter.
" The creatures are hungry as bears.” .

“I hope you won’t founder them. We may
want them in prime condition for a sharp burst
before the sun kisses the west to—night."

“ You don’t know a Russian horse,” answered
Ivan. “ They can fast for a week, and take a
week’s feed at one spell.”

“ And a Russian man can do the some. I am

etting a good dinner in shape, lads. Bet you
Instonish these Silierians, when I get at it!”

“Siberians are not easily astonished in that
direction,” answered Ivan. “They are born
gourmunds.” /

Peter and Ivan quickly withdrew to the wall,
and stood in a. respectful attitude, with their
on ps in their hands, as footsteps were heard ap-
proaching the room.

The door 0 ened and a person entered, at
whom they a] lc-oked with a show of surprise.
He was dressed in the uniform of a. lieutenant
in the Russian service. He removed his hat as
he entered. and bowed to Clark with great
liteness. The latter returned his salute easi y,
without rising.

“Pleased to see you,” he said. “ To What do
I owe the honor of this Visit?”

“ The commandant has just heard of your ar—
rival,” rejoined the officer. ‘You will please
wait on him at once and have your passport
yiseg. He desires your presence without de—
ay. 1
“ No objections whatever,” answered Clark,
easily.

Pets, and see if the grub is ready. Take a seat,
sir.

“ I have no time,” replied the oflilcer, stifliy.
“ As for you, sir, the commandant’s orders are
peremptory. He is not used to listen to excuses
“E‘é‘day‘, i to d I \

‘oism a tte rem r an am

not used toy e353 colxde diggers?“ answered
Clark, with equal stifl’uess. “ Well, Peter, how
is it? Is dinner ready i” .

“ It is on the table, smoking hot,” replied
Peter. who had just returned.

his hand. “ Will you join moi” -

“No, sir. Nor can I take back that an-
sWer.” , '

“ I’m afraid you’ll take no other. What! let
Imy dinner get cold while I’m dancing attena
; dance at a commandant’s heels? I wouldn’t do
1117 for the Governor-General of Siberia! You
; can take that back for answer if you like. My

assport will keep cold, but my dinner wont
. eep hot. Tell our commandant that. If he
, thinks I am like y to flitpbetween two bitel It

 

l a chicken’s winghhe has his regiment. He can .

patrol the town.
“Is that our answer!”

“Yes; y Julius Caasar, it is! ’Wh ,

I’ve been summoned before the emperor in .
, Peterswa with lens fuss than this. '

“Only I’ve not had my dinner, and ‘ I
have been fasting since yesterday. Stir out, , 

“You hear sir,” said Clark with; yavo of r

Mdyoq~ H

I.

 

    
 

‘ .

 

A Hot Trail.

 

can retail every word I say to your com-
mandant. Come, will you join me at dinner?”
Clark rose, and bowed toward the dining<
room

“No, sir," was the angry reply. “And I
much fear you will find your way to the com-
mandant’s quarters between a file of soldiers,
for this message.”

“ All right. Let him send a regiment it he
wishes. Au revoirl 1 will think of you at din-
ner.

Clark walked easily away, followed by his
companions, with scared faces. The lieutenant
angrily left the hotel.

“ You will spoii all,” cried lvan, in a despair-

‘ing tone. “ You don’t know the sort of man
you are dealing with.”

“I‘ll let him see the sort of boy he is dealing

' with,” said Clark, sharply. “ Come, lads, din-
ner’s the word. Don’t let that starched ape
spoil your appetites.”

 

CHAPTER II.
.aow CLARK PLAYED HIS FISH.

THAT the hungry travelers enjoyed their din-
ner need not be repeated. It was one of the
things which, in the French idiom, goes without
saying. An abundant and attractive meal
smoked on the tables. Clark being Seated in
state at the central board, while his companions

. occupied a servants’ table at the side.

The landlord had overheard something of
Clark’s reception of the lieutenant, and at once
concluded that he must have some great lord to
deal with. For a marvel he laid aside his con-
stant comrade, the pipe, and himself waited on
his guest at table. .

“ What can I help your honor to? You Will
find that fowl very tender and toothsome. It is
of my own raising. A salad, did you say?”

“ No, thank you,” answered Clark. “ I want
something that fills up fast. No leaf or grass

rovender, if you please. That’s prime mutton,
landlord. Of your own raising, tool” _

“ No, my lord. But if you’ve been long in
this country you know that there’s no equal to
Siberian mutton. Traveling westward, 1 pre-

v , sumo.”

“Yes; the potatoes, if you please,” rejoined
Clark, in an off-hand manner.

The inquisitive landlord drew back abashed
at this choking OR of his curiosity. Clark eon-
tinned his dinner with all the appetite he had
promised. Meanwhile Peter and Ivan, at the
side—table, were doing full justice to the proven-
dei'.

At this moment there came the sound of foot-
steps from without. They filed through the
passage, and into the dining-room. Clark look-
ed around with his usual unabashed ease. There
stood the lieutenant, with a squad of bearded
soldiers at his back, whose muskets came With
a crash to the floor. '

, “Ahl” cried Clark easdy. “You have
thought better of it, I see. Glad to have you.
There’s enough for two yet. Sit down and try
this caponl” ‘ ' _ .

A “I have already declined your inVitation,”
rejoined the oflioer stiffly. “ You Will 80 With

/

' he Went, arm

 

fine instantly. Such are the commandant’s or~
ers.

“And you've brought some persuaders with
you, I see. But, isn’t it slightly impolite to in-
troduce such rough boon c impunions into a gen-
tleman’s dining~rooml Keep cool, for a few
minutes, my dear sir, and I am at your ser-
vice.”

Clark continued his meal, without a symptom
of haste.

“Now, sir,” cried the lieutenant in a rage,
“ if you are not ready in a minute, you will go
lzke a culprit between a file of soldiers.”

“ \Vill I, my friend? If I do, I promise you
to make it as hot for you as if you’d poured red
pepper into your veal-pie. You may he a little
mislaken in the man you‘re dealing with.” He
continued to eat, while the oflicerlooked a little
undecided at this threat, and the imperturbable
boldness of the traveler.

“There,” cried Clark, springing up. “That
will do. I am obliged to you for waiting.
Your arm, my dear sir. I shall accompany
you with great pleasure.”

It had been the intention of the lieutenant,
who had been angered by the youthful stran-
ger’s disluin of his authority, to march him
through the town like a culprit, in charge of a
file of soldiers‘ but he did not know the metal
he had to deal with. Clark Cloverly was not
the sort of chap to be handled in that fashion.
He took the lieutenant’s arm in such a. decisive
fashion that the latter could not readily shake
him off.

“ At your service now,” he said. “ Lead oli’.
Why, you do not know how I appreciate the
honor of your company. And i am ever so
anxious to meet your courteous commandant.”

‘l‘he lieutenant unwillingly allowed the impul-
sive youth to lead him away, while a look
of awkward spite marked his broad face. But
it was not easy to escape Clark‘s dashing earn-
estness. Down the street of the Siberian town
in arm with the lieutenant,
while the squad of soldiers walked whind like
an escort. It was a very different state of af-
fairs than the spiteful officar had intended, and
he continued sullen in spite of all Clark’s lively
sullies of wit.

“These are the quarters of the commandant,”
the lieutenant at length remarked, with a.
triumph-Int sneer. “We will see now what
comes of your disdain of his orders. General
Skobrlofl.‘ is not the man to be played with by a
trawling boy.”

Clark looked up curiously at the handsome
house before which they had stopped. He then
to ik a quick observation of the surroundings.

“ Don't you go into a brain fever about it, mv
friend,” he rem-irked, dropping the lieutenant’s
arm. “The general and I will settle all that.”

The Russian sullenly led the way into the
mansion before them: They passed through a.
wide passage, and into a room at the right,
which was fitted up as an oflice, and strewn
with an abundance of oflicial-looking pa. ers.

In an easy-chair, behind a table-ties , sat a
stout, florid-fucei individual, dressed in all the
splendor of a Russian general’s uniform. He
looked up with an expression of wounded pride
and dignity.

.c-

     

   

  

 

 
 
  
    

 
 
 
 
  

  

lye

A not Trail. 5

 

“ Is this the man that dared refuse my sum- : “I beg you will do nothing of the kind,” un~
mom?” he sharply asked. l SWered Clark. “ I played with him a triflo. I
“Yes, sir,”answcrccl the lieutenant, touching i admit. Where is he? I should like to make
his mp  friends with him. I have no doubt he is a. very
“It seems to me, young sir, that you do not clever fellow at bottom.”
know much of the lilWSUf Russia, or of the man “But stupid—dog stupid. Ho is 03 again on
you are dea‘ing with," conlinucd the general, some business of his own, I warrant. Do not
soVPrely. “ Il~ive you not learned that it is the hurry, sir. I should be glad to have you spend
first duty of a traveler to show his passport!"  the alicrnoon with me, It is not often we meet
“ Pardon me, general,” rejoined Clark, easily, a person fresh from Petersburg in this out-of-
as he quietly helped himself to a chair. “ ln ; tln- way place. Here is your passport."
my country it is the first duty of a hungry man It was no easy matter to get away from the
to eat his dinner. Every country has its r... h- commandant, who became profuse in his apolo-
ions, I suppose. But I'll set mine against yours gies. He kept Clark for an hour, answering his
for common-sense, any day.” questions about St. Petershurg, and supplying
He was as easy as if they had met for an nl'< him with all sorts of gossip about the court and
dinnry convm‘sation, while the frown of the ‘ capital. Finally, the somewhat uneasy visitor
general was utterly wasted on his reckless hu- 1 got away, declaring that it was necessary for
mgr. him to look after his servants and horses. In
“You take it very coolly, young sir,” was fact, Clark was not quite easy in his mind about ‘
the severe answer, while the heavy brows of l the. business of the lieutenant. There was no
the general frowned oininoUsly. “Do you , telling what mischief might be hatching.
know I could send you to prison, without seeing f‘ Good-day, then, my dear Mr. Herbert,”
your passport, for contempt of authority?” crled the commandant, shaking his hand very
“I don’t reckon there‘s much danger of that, warmly. “Your visit has done me a world of
general. You’d only have the trouble oforder good. You must come buCk again. you really
ing me out again. And I’m one of those easy- must. Take tea with me. I will introduce you
going fellows who are at home everywhere. to some pleasant fellows of officers.”
Mercy on us, sir, I can see you know what a. “I cannot say,” answered Clark. “My time
good dinner is yourself, and you are never the is limited, and I must be on the road again with
man to condr-nm a hungry miwlnr m :1 cold little (leluy. At any rate, I will call on you
mess, when there's a hot one :dllulilng before before leaving,”
him. Here is my passport. I reckon you‘ll find He walked down the street of the little town.
it all right.” The snow-storm had ceased, but there was an
He drew the official dorument from his pocket inch of snow on the ground. A smile came to
and laid it before the general, whose heavy face Clark’s intelligent face.
had worn various expressions during Clark’s “ He’s like all the rest,” he remarked. “ That
speech. He was apparently a little puzzled by passport doesn’t come within a mile of describ-
the sort of man he had to deal with. lag me, yet they all swallow it wholesale.
He looked again at his imperturhable visitor There’s nothing like carrying things of? with a’
through his shaggy brows. Clark played with stifl’ upper lip. It’s astonishing how for a little
a paper-knife which he had taken up, and looked brass goes in tnking a man through the world.
as if half-inclined to whistle. Hal there’s Prior, with a face as solemn s 3
There is always a possibilityof picking up the graveyard. What’s liu’sted now, I wonder;
wrong chestnut-burr, and getting more slings Peter met him near the steps of the hotel,
than nuts for your pains. The commandant looking pretenuturally grave. It was very
evidenin thought it might be best to find out clear that something had one amiss. ,
who this easy-going young gentleman was, ere “What is it!” asked lax-k, hastily. “You
proceeding to extremities. haven’t more than three grandfathers to bury
He opened the passport and cast his eyes over today, I 11:) e_” ‘ ,
its contents, looking up occasionally at his visi- U 1 fear men’s the 01d Nick to pay,” rejoined l
tor “S. “1‘0 see if his “Pi‘i‘flmnce agreed With the the solemn servitor. “The stable has been
descnptmn- , I entered, and our saddlehags searched. That
“ Allen Herbert, attache to the British E n- neuronal“ has boomhere “guiny .
bassy,” he read, with a sudden change of ex- uwhutg» cried Clark, sharpim “Anythin
“5.5m”: ” vae“ lg 0“ 3 919351“? .“XCUFSW‘ taken? What were you doing—you and Ivan
"3 Slberla- Men‘y 0'1 115. Sin Why dld you “‘35 “ It was while we were still at dinner. « The
give your name and rank at once, and save this package of papers you had in your saddles
un leasaut misunderstanding!” _ . porket has gone.”

18' 1‘ W85 Enpping his finger'en‘ls lightly with “ Then the devil has broke loose, sure! Hang
thg Paper-Fulfe- , , , our appetites. that take Lu 0 hours to a dinner!
“ 0b. mistakes wxll happen,” he smri. ensfly. t’s lucky if the m isn’t all in theflre through

I knew 0“ woum be ready to “DOIOKW‘ When ‘ your stupidity. Come with me.” -
you foun the sort of stray sheep that had got He led the way hastily to the hotel,

into vourpastures.”
“ ertamly, sir. Certainly I apologize,"cried CHAPTER III.
A BREAK FOR LIBERTY.

the general, profusely. “ I um so sorry you did

not call on me at onge. Should have been_ ha . Tm: visit of Clark Clovarly to that southern
PY ‘70 have you ‘0 dinn?“ The m1“,th ’5 a 1 Siberian town had other oij-cts than a more
though that 3t“ id Lleutenfln‘ Krlb‘iCh- 1’“  ride through Asia, or an effort to escape from .

make him sweat 01' this? the Russian authorities. In previous stories we. _

 

 

 

      

    
 
    
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
   
   
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
       
  

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6

 

Anot'l'ran.

 

have described some other events of the Ameri-
can boy’s history, and particularly his ride
through Russia, and his rescue of Ivan Stretz-
lite from the convict workshops of Siberia.

He had, after the exploit, made his way to
the count of the Laplanders. From there he
could rea ily have escaped to Norway and
Sweden; but he had first sent Peter south to
communicate with his father in St. Petersburg‘,
and had received an answer that changed all his
plans.

In fact, a trusted servant of Mr. Cloverly
had turned rascal, and absconded with cash and
securities of considerable value. This man,
Thomas Mason by name, had been traced to the
borders of Siberia, and there lost si ht of.

“ He must be captured,” wrote r. Cleverly
to his son, “or I am ruined. I will do what I
can, but he seems to have completely hidden
“a track. Can you not take a journey through
Siberia. in search of him? He is likely makin
for the far East. Perhaps for China. I sen
you a passplort which ought to carry you safely
through. he gentleman named in it got it for
me out of friendship.”

It was this unexpected news that brought
r Clark back into Siberia. His two companions

had insisted on going with him. Ivan, the es-
,caped convict, felt that he owed his life to the
oung American, and was ready to give it for

im. As for Peter, he would have run his head

into the fire for his young master:

They had alread traversed more than two
thousand miles of iberian soil, with many hair-
breadth swims from arrest. So far, however,
the passport ad carried them through. Of the
fugitive thief they had as yet learned nothing,
and it began to look as if they were on a wild-

. goose chase. .
i We give these explanations to show how
Clark Cloverly came to ride into the town bf
'l‘robilsk on that October morning, instead of be-
'ing on the deck of a vessel bound for the free
shores of America.

He well know the consequences if he should
be recognized. He would probably pass the re-
mainder of his life as a convict in the Siberian
mines. It was a terrible risk, yet the object of
his journey was a highl important one.

As Clark re-entered t e hotel, followed by the
dejected Peter, he met IVan, with a look of in-
tense satisfaction on his face.

“The best of luck,” he cried eagerly. “ The
trail is hit at last, if I am not badly cheated.
_I have been inquiring for Mason. I have
found—”

“ No matter what,” Clark hastily interrupted.
" That news will keep. To get out of this town
without a rope around our necks is our present
business. I was fool enough to leave papers in
my saddlepocket that will sell our whoie game.
And that jackanepes of a. lieutenant has got
them.”

“The deuce!” cried Ivan, growing suddenly
.pale. “ We will never get away. Why, the

town is swarming with soldiers.” He looked
around him like a fox that has been out oi! from
his covert.

“ Won’t get away, eh? Don’t you bet on
that. I’m not the chap to give up the" ship till
the water is 00mins through the hatches. But.

an the lieutenant.

 

there’s one thing sure. We've got to work
like beavers. Every second counts while the
pot’s boiling.”

“ What shall we do?” asked Ivan desperately.
“ By this time the whole town may be guarded.
I doubt if there’s more than a rat—hole left
0 en. '

” If there’s half a rat-hole, we’ll try our luck
to get through it," rejoined Clark, with un-
diminished hope and spirit. “Make it your
business, Ivan, to inspect the town. ~See if
guards or patrols have been placed. Report
yourself as quick as possible in front of the com—
mandant’s head quarters."

“And what s'uil I do?" asked Peter.

“ Pay our score to the landlord. Get the
horses saddled and out of the stable. There
may come an order to detain them. Bring
them to the same place, the conimandant’s
head uarters.”

“ hat will you do?" asked Ivan.

“I will call on General Skobeloflf. There’s
nothing like facing the music. I will heard the
lion in his den. Away with you now. There’s
not a second to lose.”

The three parted instantly, each hastenin to
perform his part in this quickly-conceived p an.

t was hardly a plan, indeed, for Clark did not
know what was to be done. But be had made
up his mind on the spot to be ready for the
chances, and to find out where the danger

la .

{less than half an hour had passed from his
leaving General Skobeloff’s office ere he again
entered it, in a somewhat abrupt manner. Ilis
quick glance in an instant took in the situa-
tion. Oppcsite the commandant at the table
Between them was a small
Barcel of papers which they were examining.

lark recognized them as his own, though the
general, with a Very red face, instantly swept
them off.

“Isn’t this an abrupt way of entering a
gentleman’s office?” asked the general, with
mingled confusion and anger.

Clark had on the instant taken his cue.
There was no use to ask for his papers, or ac-
cuse the thief. The mischief was done. Es-
cap.n from the consequences alone remained.

“Excuse me, general,” he answered, in his
easiest manner. “There was no attendant
visible. I was toohasty, I acknowledge. But
the pressing invitation you gave me must be
my excuse. In fact, I find it advisable to con-
tinue my journey without delay, and I prom-
ised to see you again before going.”

He seated himself withodt waiting for an in-
vitation.

“Certainly, certainly,” exclaimed the gen-
eral, with a confused effort to speak heartily.
“ I was taken a little aback, I confess, but your
apology is accepted. Glad to see you so soon
again. You need not stay, lieutenant. We
can finish our business later.”

“ Oh, no! beg not." exclaimed Clark ear-
nestly. “I am anxious to make better ac-
quaintance with Lieutenant Kribach. He will
surely enjoy a chat about St. Petershurg. I
always like a larger audience than one,” he
laughingly 00ncluded. _ v

The lieutenant had risen. with an irresolute

 
  

on

an

~<ku41

M...“—

 

A Hot

8

Trail. _ 7

 

countenance, muttering something about i
dutiex; X

“Dulios to the Winds! Give ahalf—hour to:
pleasure, and you can have all the winter forl
duties. Make him sit down, general. I shall}
not forgive myself if he i~: driven out.” r

“ There is no hurry, Krihuch," answered the =
general, with amcaning look. “You will en- ,

oy Mr. Herbert’s conversation. Sit down. ‘

how was the em eror looking when you saw
him last, Mr. Her ert?”

At this question Clark broke into I conversa-
tion about the emperor and his court, that
proved so interesting to his auditors, that they
$1ickly forgot all their uneasiness and anxiety.

he apparent self-possession of the youth satis-
find them that he knew nothing of their occupa-
tion when he entered.

Twenty minutes passed away thus. Clark
was not only talking, he wash’stening at the
same time. Certain desired sounds came to his
ears. The whinny of his horse. the sound of
voices outside that had a familiar tone.

He ruse quietly and took his hat.

“1 must say that I have passed apleasant
hour. You will please excuse me now. I must
return to the hotel, where I directed my ser-
vants to get the horses ready for our further
journey. 1 leave Trohilsk in half an hour. Fare-
well. If I should return this way I shall be
happy to resume our acquaintance.”

“Goodbv. And a speedy journey,” an-
swered the general, politely rising and bowing.

Clark walked with a free step into the pos-
sage. The two men left behind looked at each
other.

“You are in error, Kribach,” exclaimed the
“The man is honest and a gentle-

“I am not sure of that,” answered the lieu~
tenant, stooping under the table for the fallen
papers.

General Skohelofl walked from the room, and
to the door, with the thought of taking a fare-
well lunce at his de arting guest. What was
his 11 ter surprise to rid three horses drawn up
in front of his mansion, the saddles of two occu-
pied, while Clark was just springing to the back
of the third.

“Why, Mr. Herbert,” cried the general an-

'ly, “ what am I to understand from this?”

“ Only that my servants have been quicker
than I expected, and that Trobilsk is too much
of a den of, thieves for me to care to stay in.
Good-by. I will give your respects to the
Emperor of China.” '

The horses were oi! eta rapid pace down the
snow -mufllod street. The soldiers who stood by
looked on with surprise. They had evidently
received. orders, but the presence of the com-
mandant, and the starting of the cavalcade
from his door, set them astray. It might not
be safe to arrest the departure of the travelers
under such circumstances. -

The next instant Lieutenant Kribach came
rushing from the house, with disheveled hair,
and waving a paper in his hand.

“ It is as I said!” he cried. “ It is the Yan-
kee refugee and Ivan the convict! flare is the
whole story, and a printed description of the
party! Let them be arrested at once!”

 

He thrust the paper into General Skobelofl’s
hand, but stopped speaking suddenly, as he no-
ticcd that gentleman’s dismayed countenance.

“ Are you sure of this, Krlbachi” ‘

“Yes. But what has happened! Who are
those horsemen?”

“ Our late guests,” cried the eneml, with a
burst of anger. “ Hang me, ' they haven’t
cheated us to our noses! To horse gentlemen!
To horse! Stir up the troopers! After the vil-

lains! Run them down, or we are eternally '

disgraced l”

“ They can’t get out of the town " exclaimed
the lieutenant with a satisfied a . “ I have
picketed every road. I took good care toast the
trap for our foxes.”

“ Goodl But after them. That Yankee is
bold as the deuce. He may play us some cun-
ning trick yet."

CHAPTER IV.
ovan AN ICY PATHWAY.

Tun town of Trohilsk was by no means a
large one. At the pace at which the three
riders were passing down its street they would
soon be beyond its boundaries.

“Are we pursued i” asked Clark, looking back
toward the group on the porch of General Sko-
belotPs mansion.

“ There is no need of pursuit,” answered Ivan,

shaking his head doubtfully. “ We are trapped,
and that’s worse.”

“Ah! what do_ ou mean?"

“They are rea y for us. There is a picket
pf horsemen on every road leading from the

own.

“ Wheh! That’s a blue lookout. That con-
founded lieutenant l" '

“I told you we were tools to come here,” said
Peter mournfully.

“ I know you did, Peter. And maybe we
Were. But we’re not going to be fools enough
to stay here, my boy.”

He checked his horse and looked around him.
They were at the edge of the town. It was as
Ivan had said: across the road, a hundred
paces in advance, stretched a. body of horse-
men.

“ The game is up,” declared Ivan sadly
“Every road is guarded in the same way. .A
fox couldn’t get out. We are booked for the
mines again.”

Clark was still gazing in every irection with ‘
a keen eye that took in every tea ureot the sur-
roundings.

“You don’t know much about foxes, Ivan.
Especially Yankee foxes. They are famous for
creepin through ‘sh'm holes. The roads are
guards , but the fields are not. .
stretch to our left. What kind of soil is it?"

“ All swamp land,” groaned Ivan. “ The

horses would sink to their tetloeks at every
7step.”

“ Not much, after last night’s freeze. There’-
a good two inches of ice. And the grass will
make footing for the horses. It will carryul
like a breeze. If it don’t we‘ll die game.” r

“ Here come horsemen down the street,” ex-
claimed Peter. “And the picket is coming up.
We are surrounded.” ,

Here’s a broad. '

 

 

 

  

 

e A Hot min.

 

“Nar time! Not while the swam side is the sun low down in the southwest. A cold
open. urrah. my lads! 8 ur and w ip! To wind blew across the marshes and cut their

the swamp! Sink or swim, o the swamp!”

He gave his horse the rein, turned with u.
shar curve to the left, and rode briskly for-
;var , followed by his faint~hearted compan-
one.

A loud c from the soldiers followed this
movement. hey put their horses more brisk-
ly in motion. Clark answered with a shout
of defiance. The next minute they had left the

hard level of the street, and struck the grassy
plain, that stretched out far before them.

It wasas yet hard, though uneven. The horses
had good footing, and made rapid, headway.
Looking back Clark saw that the pursuers had
drawn rein on the edge of the town, and Were
looking after the fugitives, with laughter and
derisive shouts.

“Let him laugh that wins,” remarked the
bold boy. “They think we are oing to be
mired, and that they can pick us up ike so many
ripe chestnuts. I don’t believe it. That freeze
last night wasn’t for nothing.”

“ Here is the edge of the swamp,” said Ivan.
“ Will it hear us?”

“The troopers thinks it won’t. But they
don’t know everything. Push on, my lads.
It’s neck or nothing now.”

Before them stretched a. broad flat, covered
with long swam grass. Through it gleamed
an icy glitter. he next moment the iron—shod
hoofs of the horses struck something that rung

‘ like iron under a hammer.

A few steps more, and Clark waved his cap
triumph.

“ The ice, my hearties! What did I tell on?
It bears us up ike a stone pavement. An the
grass frozen in stops the horses from slipping.
Good for our side! We can snap our fingers in
old Skobeliff’s face yet.”

The horses stepped gingerly for a few mo-
ments. But when they found that the footing
was secure, they stretched out with a. freer

ace.
p “ Helgho!” cried Clark, flinging his cap into
the air and catching it as it fell. “Never say
die! ere we go, and the best horse wins.”

His companions caught some of his enthusi-
asm, and their faces brightened as they ushed
their steeds brisk! forward. Now an then
the ice cracked wit a dangerous sound, but no
hoof had yet gone throu h.

The Russian troopers ad ceased their jeers.
They stood for a minute gazing with surprised
eyes on the daring venture of the fugitives.
Then the group sud enly broke up. A part of
it rode hack into the town, while the others
dashed forward over the meadow.

“ They’ve caught the wind now i” cried the
reckless youth. “Anyhow. the start’s ours,
and a fair start is half the race. I bet there’s
[not a horse in the town can run us down. Let
out, my hearties!” cried the daring young
American. “ It’s heels now that’s wanted, not
brains. The best heels win. Hurrah!”

Away they went at a free pace over the
frozen quagmire. At a considerable distance
in the rear came on their pursuers. a group of
six or ei ht horsemen.

' The ternoon was now well advanced. and

"EM-Pt

1

 

faces like a knife.

“That’s
stiff ” remarked Clark cheerlly. “What ails
the eggars behind us? They seem to be floun-
dering. ’

“Their are heavier mounted than we,” an-
swered van. “ Their horses are cutting through
the ice. Good! They are drawing rein—they
are iving up the chase!”

“ urra! What did I tell you! We have
thrown the bounds already.”

“You don’t know much about a Russian
sleuthhound if you think so,” rejoined Peter
gloomily. “Look! It is just as I thou'ht.‘
Tgt‘ge go parties out on the road to head as
o .

It was as he said. On both sides of the
swamp re ion ran hi i: roads in a southerly di-
rection. n each 0 these a body of Russian
troopers was now ridin their long lance-heads
glittering in the sun. be sound of their jing-
ing accouterments could be heard.

" Cossack beggars!” growled Ivan—“ hounds
that would spit us on those lances as freely as
they would so many frogs. And they’ve got
the best of the game, with the hard road under
their hoofs.”

“They know what they’re about,” broke in

Peter. “ It’s like! there’s stiff ground ahead.
They’ll sweep in rain the two sides and snatch
us up.

Clark listened in silence to the remarks of his
comrades, while his keen eye took in the situa-
tion. They were probabl right. The pursuers
had the advantage of soli footing. They would
soon ovsrlap the fugitives, and leave themin t..e
rear. What thoughts passed through the mind
of the daring youth he kept to himself.

“ Push on,” was all he said.

The hard ice rung with a bell-like clatter bee
neath their pounding hoofs. Now and then a
horse slipped on the smooth surface, but the
thick grass made a fair footing. The faithful
beasts had done good work that day, but the
rest and feed at Trobilsk had freshened them
11 , and they sped on without a sign of
a r.

Clark’s keen glances continued to take in
every feature of the landscape. Not a move-
ment of the pursuers escaped his eyes. Boy as
he was he felt all the responsibility of a leader.
He had got his comrades into this scrape by
foolhardy recklessness; he was bound to et
them out again by wit and daring, if good or-
tune only favore .

“They have lapped us on both roads,” de-
clared Peter. “ Their horses are fresher, and the
road way better footing.”

“ Their game is p ain enough.” continued
Ivan. “ See! some of them are leaving the road
already, and ridin into the fields at the side.
Likely the swamp ands end not far ahead. By
picketing the edge, on the hard ground before
us, they will have us in a net.”

‘ I see,” answered Clark briefly. “ I’m afraid
the dog’s dead in that direction. There is no
making our best we on this ice, but'I don’t

ve up yet, lads. e’ve one trump card in our

avor.

     

just what we want to hold the ice '

      
  
  
   
    
   
  
    
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
   
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
     
   
 
  
  
  
    
 
   
   
  
   
  
   
 
  
 
   
   
   
   
 

9"»

  

   
    
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
 
   
  
    
  
  
   
  
   
 
  
  
  
    
   
  
 
   
  
   
   
 
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
    
    
  
   
    
 
 
   
   
 
 

".0

 

   

A Hot Trail. 9

 

“Ah! what is that?” they asked simultane-

ous v.

“ Slack up your speed slowly, as if the horses
were giving out. '1 here is no use to waste the
strength of the poor brutes; we may need it for
a burst."

“ Do you think of breaking through their
lines?”

“If nothing better offers. But it wouldn’t be
very safe. I think there's an easier way to dis-
count them. Yonder’s our trump card."

He pointed to the West, where the sun now
lay close to the horizon, in a bank of heavy
clouds.

Ivan looked at him with a growing meanin
in his intelligent eyes, but Peter looked in stupid
wonder.

“There’s nothing there except thi" he
cried.

“And that will be gone in half an hour. And
in ten minutes after it sinks. the night will be
on us thick. It’s a cloudy sky. The night will
he a black one. If we can only keep the C05-
sacks at ba till after, dark, we can give them
the go-by. bet on that.”

His comrades looked up in admiration. It
was as Clark aid. Here was a chance in their
favor of which they had not thought.

“But the Cossacks know that too,” declared
Peter. “They’ll make a line that we can’t et
through without having our ribs tickled With
their long lances.”

“But there are ways of getting past a net
without swimming through the meshes,” an-
swered Clark, mysteriously. “ Slack your speed
still more, lads. The Cossacks are spreading
their line. I’ve a notion the marsh ends two or
three miles ahead.”

They now drew into a jog trot trot that was
little more than a walk. Clark continued to
watch ever movement of the pursuing troops.
He notic , to his satisfaction, that they had
dropped none of their number on the road. The
not was to be spread only in front.

Rapidly the sun sunk lower. The gloom of
evening already began to dim the brightness of
the day. In that high latitude the October sun
sinks early to its rest, and rises late to its day’s

“ And now, Ivan ” resumed Clark, “ there is
another matter to lie settled. What were on
about to tell me when you left the hotel? ave
you really found a trace of our game?”

i think so,” answered Ivan. “ It was that I
was about when our saddle-bags were rifled. I
asked everybody about the hotel, and find that
just such a man as the one we want passed
through Trobilsk only three days ago.” '

“ The deuce on say i” cried Clark, With sud-
den interest. ‘ Did you get his name and de-
scri tionl”

“ 9 gave a German name. Carl Kinnig. He
had red hair, and red mustache and whiskers,
and had a long scar across his right cheek.”

“Bat what makes you think that was Mason!
It is nothing like him.”

“I found a wide-awake chambermaid, who
knew a thing or two. She had seen foreigners
before. and swore that this was no German, but
an Englishman to the backbone. She was sure,
too. that his red hair was false.”

 

"AM That’s prime news! How did she de-
scribe him!"

“ Ila was a fellow of middle hight, with broad
shoulders. He had a shurp-pomted nose and
thin lips. His eyes were gray, and had a foxy
look in them. He walked with an awkward
gait, as if he was not brought up to the good
clothes he wore."

“ By Jupiter, Ivan!" cried Clark. catching his

hand. “l’ll goaten you’ve hit the mark. If
it‘s so it was worth all our risk. Was he
alone?”

“No. He had two fellows with him. He,

cut a great dash. Stayed two days in the
town. and then left on the Irtish road. The
one there to the right.”

“ That is our road then, Cossacks or no. I'll
have Mason, if I follow him to the wall of
China, and if the whole Russian army closed
up the track.” There was a ring of joyful de-
sision in Clark’s voice. “Look yonder, lads,
the sun has pulled in his nose. The gloom is
thickening. In ten minutes more it will be as
dark as all Africa.”

“And the Cossacks are waiting for us,” ro-
joined Ivan, ointing ahead.

It was as 6 said. The troopers had spread
themselves in a long line across the plain be-
tween the two roads.
ly ended. Some of them were pushing back
along the roads, as if to close the gap they had
left in their patrol line. Erect on their horses
in the growing gloom of evening, the looked
like giant statues, but statues that mig t start
into ife at any moment.

The in itives still moved on but now at a
walk. omentarily the gloom deepened. Now
the horsemen ahea looked like dusk shadows.
Now they faded, and disappeared. boy were
swallowed up in the darkness of a cloudy night.

“Now is our time,” said Clark cautiously.

“Turr’i your horses. We must retrace our»
steps. . A
“What is your plan?” asked Ivan, as ho‘ ‘

obeyed.

“The Cossacks have left the road unguarded v

in their rear. They have been too sure of our
going straiiht on. Quick, before they discover
eir mists e.”
Some lights from the distant town guided

them on their way back. Verging to the right '  

they soon struck the harder ground that hor-
dered the swamp. Within ten minutes from
their turn they felt the hard, smooth surface of
the road beneath their horses’ feet.
right. The road was not patrolled.

‘We must take to the fields again ” he said
quickly. “ They may soon discover their mis-
take. But I’ve a notion there’s solid soil on the
other side. Push on.”

Oh they rode, side by side, into the lck
night, leaving their fooled pursuers to potro in
v n the empty meadows in advance.

 

CHAPTER v.-
DRAWING m m 0’ A mm.

A HALF-HOUR has passed since the fugitives
turned back from the line of statuolike Cm-
sacks.‘that like dread phantoms‘of the night

The swamp had evident- .

Clark was ‘

   

      

‘ ‘ that came

     

10

 

A Hot Trail.

 

closed u their road to liber . They have
crossedt eroad and entered t e meadows be-
yond, through which they have ridden sharply
to the south.

The night has full fallen. A pitchy dark-
ness covers the whoe landscape. Nothing is
visible ten paces in advance. Thick clouds
cover the sky. It is necessary to ride cautious-
ly, lest their horses should strike upon some

an erous obstacle.

“ fear it is not all right ahead,” said Ivan,
striving to pierce the darkness with his keen
vision.

“  '17

“I heard sounds— There! Do you hear it
now? The neighin of a horse.”

“Have the co ounded Cossacks stretched
their line across in this direction?”

“Keep an eye open” exclaimed Peter.
“There s a break in the clouds. The moon will
peep throuoh in a minute.”

It prover? as he said. The minute after the
moon broke through a deep cloud cavity, and
shed its silvery rays over the landscape.

The fugitives looked eagerly ahead. There,.

to their surprise and disap ointment, stretched
the line of phantom-like ossucks, their lance-
heads glittering in the moonbeams.

The revelation was but for an instant. The
clouds again swept past, and blotted the moon
from sight. But a whistle of warning from the
soldiers told that they had sighted their prey.
Clark drew up his horse with an angry clutch at
the reins. f _ _

“The game’s blocked in that direction,” he
declared. “The beggars have smelt our game.
and have checkmated it.”

“They were closing in, too,” averted Ivan.
“ The are drawing their net. We are the fish
that are to be found in it when it comes
ashore.” '

“ Don’t you bet too high on that "answered
Clark aha 1y. “ it wouldn‘t he the first net

rfn empt , if they have their pull for
their pains.” .

.“ But what are we to do?” asked Peter help-
”lessly. “ They have not left an o ening.”

“ There you are much mista en, my boy.
{Pig’s mouth of the net is open. And yonder it
is. .

He pointed back to where some faint lights in-
dicated the locality of the town.

' “ Trobilsk!” exclaimed Ivan. “ You don’t
mean—l" _

“ I mean to ride through that town and strike
for the other side.” _

“ Why, they’ll snap us up like a dog snapping
up a bone.”

“ Desperate diseaeee need desperate reme-
dies.” answered Clark, coolly, as he turned his
horse’s head. “ If you’ve a notion to stay here
and be spitted on a Cossack lance, I haven’t.
Through that town I go, or I 0 down in the ef-
fort. The unexpected wins. he won’t dream
of our comin , and we’ll take t e hounds by
sur rise. Fol ow me, if you value liberty.”

3 gave his horse the rein and broke back
over the grassy plain. There was no time now
to hesitate. Ivan and Peter followed him in

. , the desperate enterprise. It wasa forlorn hope.

if Have your pistols ready.” Clark warned.

 

“ And keep you rmrses well in hand. It’s a
touch and g0 job.”‘.

The lights from the town guided their move-
ments, and they rode back with a swift pace
through the darkness.

Meanwhile within the town all was rest and
quiet. Most of the soldiers were lounging about
their quarters. A party of them rusted on the
porch of the hotel. In front of the command-
ant’s house stood a group of horses, their riders
being on the porch in company with General
Skohelofll.

That individual was walking up and down the
porch with short, angry strides, growling to
himself like a chained mastifl.

“ To think of the confounded impudence of

the folio emuttercd. “Why he might as
we’ll have tched my nose and he done with
it

“ You will have your turn, general,” answer-
ed Lieutenant Kribach. “ He will never get
through the line of lances which I have stretch-
ed out for him. You can yot take your twitch
at his nose.”

“ And by Jupiter I’ll pull it roundly!” roared
the furious commandant. “ To think of his in-
fernal Yankee impudencel And playing the
part of a member of the British Embassy! He
must have stolen that passport. W'hy, I never
heard of his match! To bring a runaway cou-
vict under my Very eyes! 1’]! sand him to the
deepest mine in Siberia for this.”

“ First catch your bare before you truss him,”
warned the colonel of the regiment, a grizzled
veteran.

“Don’t fear! We have the bare cut off from
his cover,” rejoined Kribach, in a tone of con-
fidence.

Their conversation was at this instant cut
short by an unexpected noise. his was no
other than the sound of boots, muflled by the
snow on the ground, yet quite distinguishable.
The next instant, to the surprise of the com-
pany, three horsemen broke into view in the

limmer of light that came from the house.
, hat was their astonishment to recognize, at a
glance. the daring fugitives.

Clark, with unparal eled boldness and assur-
ance drew up his horse in front of the porch,
and lifted his hat with a courteous gesture.

“Much obliged general," be said, “for the .

neat surprise you aid out for me in front. But
I don‘t choose to play fish for your net. “You’re
a smart old coon. I give in. but you haven't yet
learned all the sides of a Yankee trick. Good-
by. Any orders for the emperor?"

“ Stop! Villaini Thief! Convict! Stop, on
your life! Gentlemen, to horse! Spread the
alarm! Wing the villain. somebody!’

His words were echoed by the sharp report of
a. pistol. A double report in fact. It was Lieu-
tenant Kribach that had flred. But from the
darkness in front came a bullet from Ivan’s pis-
tol, and the lieutenant tattered back with a
groan. while the bullet from his weapon sung

ar over the head of the fugitive.

The sound of boots again broke for an instant
on the air. The three fugitives vanished again
into the darkness. It seemed as if a vision of
the night had broke for an instant upon their
eyes. and then suddenly disappeared.

    

l
l
i

 

  

  

6.»

 

l
:i
l

A Hot Trail.

11

 

But a mocking laugh came back to their ears.
The smell of powder was in the air. Lieulenant
Kribach loy wounded and groaning against the
wall. All this was reality.

“ To horse, gentleinenl” repeated the general,
as he fired into the darkness, without aim. “ To
horsel Their animals must be worn outl The
daring rusealsl Ride them down, on your lives,
and fetch them to me.” ’

The oillcers had not waited for this summons.
They had already sprung for their horses,
which stood ready saddled before the porch.

At the same time the soldiers, who occupied
the hotel porch, alarmed by the pistol-shots,
were hastening down into the road, in wonder
as to what this meant.

Out of the gloom there broke upon them the
forms of the three horsemen, riding onward at
a furious gallop.

“ Out of our way I” said the foremost of these,
in a harsh tone. “ Book, or we’ll ride you
downl”

They came thundering on. The soldiers drew

back. All but one, who sprung at the bridle of l

the nearest horse. It was a. perilous movement
for him. There came a. keen flash. a sharp
report, and with a cry of pain the risky fellow
fell backward into the snow.

“Downl” warned the leading horseman, in a,
low tone.

The riders bent to their horses’ necks, and
just in time to escape a. volley of bullets that
whistled past their ears. There was no time for
this favor to be repeated. Two more leaps
carried the springing horses out of sight, into
the thick gloom of the night. .

But the peril was yet far from past. The
fuiitives were now in the ver heart oi the
town, which was alive with so diers, and the
warning shots, and the cries of the pursuing
horsemen in the rear, had widely spread the
alarm. Lights flashed here and there. Loud
voices were heard. The rat-tat~tat of an alarm-
druni broke upon the air. The troopers rushed
for their hOI‘SeS and Weapons. The event of the
afternoon had put them on the qui viva.

Yet onward rode the fugitives, grim, silent,
and shadowdy. Their horses roused to their
utmost spee , rushed side by side, in a dashing
gallop down the broad, snow-covered street.

here was no need of whip or spur. The intelli-
gent animals seemed instinctively to know what
was required of them, and put out all the
strength of their limbs. They were horses of
the steppes. and had been trained for s eed and
bottom. They were good for a. ride 0 twenty
hours on a stretch.

A bright light broke out at the end of the
town they were approaching. It was in this
direction that the alarm-drum sounded.

“ “The barracks lie there,” declared Ivan.

We shall have the regiment to face. Shall we
not turn into the side street ahead 1”

“ The road lies past the barracks?"

A Yes.”

“Then we must ride past them and take our
chances. A lost second now is a lost game. See,
there’s only the one light. and that’s held by a
fellow on the platform onder. If it waspnt

. out we might dash by in t e darkness. You are a

prime shot. Ivan. Can you hit it?”

" I can try,” answered Ivan, confidently.

They were not twenty paces distant. The _
light already revealed their approach. The ‘
soldiers were rushing from the barracks. grasp-
ing their curbines.

A quick aim—a. flush—a report—the lamp
fell from the hand of its holder to the ground,
i shuttered into a hundred fragments. Darkness
fell over the scene, doubly deep for its sudden—4
ness.

Three great shadows broke for an instant into
I sight. A line of soldiers who had hastily
‘ stretched across the street, were ridden down
i like grass—blades. The shudowsvnnished again.

Darkness once more resumed its reign. Tue
' armed soldiers poured a hasty volley from their
1 ChrhinCs down the street. It only brought
back it disdainl’ul laugh. It we. too wild to be
ell’vctive.

Ere it could be repeated, with better aim,
‘ the squad of pursuing oil'lcers rode briskly past.

' “ W here are they?”

“Nut two hundred yards ahead.” _

“ W'e will bring them. You need not turn .
‘ out.” I

l The chase swept on into the darkness. The
1 sound of boots was for a. minute audible. Then
I all vanished, sound and sight. The night had
I swallowed up its prey. ‘

The road they were on was one that led to ~

the northeast. The picket which had been

placed on it in the afternoon had been with—.
, (:ruwn ere night, when the fugitives had ridden
‘ souzh. It seemed now aquestion ol‘. power of
‘ horse-flesh. .

The squad. of oflimrs were well-mounted, and .
j rode furiously onward, cursing the logging
J moon. ‘

They expected readily to ride down the fugi- ‘
tives, whose horses must be severely blown.'
But after a profitless ride of flvo or six miles,
they drew up in despair. ‘-

“ They have taken to the open country, for I;
fortune,” exclaimed the leading officer. “ We
have no hope of overtaking them to—nig‘ht. But,
it is impossible for them to escape. The whole
country can be warned to—morrow.” )M V

They turned back. sadly disap inted, and
convorsing about’their ill-luck, an the reckless
boldness of the Yankee. '

“I cannot but admire the rascal,” declared
one. “I would like to lead a regiment made
up of men like that.”

They rode briskly on. .

“Much obliged," came a voice from the reed- .
side, in guard-d accents. “ But I ‘
to enlist in a. Russian regiment yet. .
you’ve had your ride out, and have giVen our
horses (I breathing-spell, we’ll push on, with._
your permiSSion." ,

The fugitives drew up from the deep ‘
sion by the roadside, in which 6 r h I, ‘

’ had stood for the last twenty utes‘wh
I their pursuers bed ridden twice paatwithouhf
' perceivin them. ~, ., ~ 
H A be] to, you"?

‘ see, lads,” laughed Clark gayly. “ We boa
thrown the hounds from our track, and haven '

straight road before us.” I i
i “And where shall we harbor for the night?” .
. asked Ivan. , ‘

 

 

 

stroke is often the best stro

 

 
 
 
 

    

   

convict.

‘ hastily.

‘ V I 'lies.”

12

A

“With the surly chap who gave us a short
answer this afternoon," nuswcl‘cd Clark. “ I’ve
a notion Ican make some capital out of that
sturdy coon.”

A ten-mile ride brought them to the door of
a habitation that stood a short distance back
from the road. Clark sprain,r from his horse,
and struck sharply with his whip-handle on the
door, while the barking of dogs echoed the
sounds.

 

CHAPTER VI.
A CHEAP BARGAIN.

ADl'M oil-lamp shed its light over a room
with sides of logs, and furnished in the rum-st
and most primitive fashion. On one side stood
a great Russian stove, that filled the room with
warm air. On the other was a rough board
table, set out with bacon and coarse bread, on
which three fugitives were making a frugal
su r. .
ear by sat a blackbrowad Russian, his chin
on his hands, and a sullen frown on his face,
watching his guests as it he gave them no good
will with their supper.

"There." cried Clark, with a satisfied ges-
ture. “Rough fare; but hunger is a good
‘Bauce. Guess I‘ll do for tonight. And now
for a talk with the gentleman of the house.”

“The gentleman of the house wants no talk
with you or yours,” answered the host, in a
gruff voice. “Ididu’t ask for your company.
You forced ourself on me. Now take your
sleep, and ta e your leave, and the least said
the soonest mended.”

“You are short and sweet in your welcome,

’ at any rate " answered Clark coolly, as he drew

forward his chair. “But it you won’t talk
maybe you will listen. Do you know who we
are?

“I don’t care who. Some of the emperor’s
pets. I reckon,” was the grufl rcply.

“ Then ou don’t love the emperor’s pets!
So much t e better. Do you know that we are
fugitives from justice? This man is an escaped

lam a—”
“Lord save us!” cried Ivan, springing up,
“What are you about, Mr. Cleverly!”

“About telling the‘truth.” was Clark’s re-

pl . “ We have been pursued by the regiment

'_ at Trobilsk. We havo ridden through the town

in the face of the garrison, and snapped our
fingers under the gmni'al‘s nose. And llwre’s

' . the very Old Boy slirred up behind us. Now,

you’ve heard it all. Yiu can make a iil‘ly-
rouble reward by selling us to General Skobe-
lo "I ‘

The host was now sitting bolt upright, slar-
log at his free—speaking guest with eyes that
seemed ready to start from his head.

“The devilr’ he. muttered. “is this the
trash?”

“I have not ridden across Siberia to retail

“ I didn’t ask you your businesa Why do you
trouble me with m"
During Clark’s abrupt confes‘ion Ivan had

been fuming with disgust, while Peter lay back

in terror in his seat, making a.l sorts of wild
sign: to his reckless younz master. But the
, .

A Hot Trail.

 

daring youth went on without the least atten-
tion to their dismay. ‘

“You have your choice,” continued Clark.
“ You can hmmy us, or rescue us.”

The surly Russian continued to look at him
from between his dark brows. There was a
strange, look in his eyes.

“1 don't intend to do either,” he said. “I
don’t love soldiers, and won’t help them. As
for you, you lounc’. your way here, and can
find it away, again. I bavo given ou your
supper. A hell is ready for you. ‘ake your
snooze and be (.ll‘. 1 will rouse you two hours
before daylight. You will want a mud start
if that devil bkohelull‘ is on your track.”

He turned his back as if he had nothing more
to silly. But Clark was not to be choked ofl’ so
can v.

" You are an old hunter? You know the
country liereaways?”

“ What if I do?” snapped the Russian.

“1 want you for guide.”

“ Never. You mav guide yourself.”

“ See here, Paul Previisch, 1 know you.” con-
tinued Clark, with a sharp accent. “I have
two things to say to you. You will not betray
me to General Skoheloflf. us you think of doing,
because, il’ you do, I will report you to the gen-
ernl as n runaway convmt from the Nertchinsk
mines.”

The Russian sprung to his feet with aterrifled
look on his bronzwd lace.

“ It is a lie! How—J’

“It is no lie.” broke in Ivan sternly. “I
have been in tho mines myself. I don’t forget
a face.”

l’uul Previisch sunk back on his bench, and
covered his face will his hands, thoroughly
dismayed by this discovery.

“Don't be Scared,” continued Clark. “Deal
square with Ire, and I will with you. You are
a hunter. You know the country. Guide the
safely out of this peril and it will be a hundred
roubles in your gecket.”

At this Lffe-r nullified his head, and stared
steadily at his guests.

" A hundred roubles?” be repeated.

“Just so. Half down. Half when we are
clear of the danger.”

Paul continued to look at him.

“ It is a doubtful business.”

t “shppose it is. We are not babies or kit-
ens.

“ You don‘t know Skobelolf like I do, or you
wouldn’t have drawn rein while your horse
could creep. If you twitted him as you say, he
will rouse the whole country against you. By
this time tomorrow there won’t be a soldier
within fifty miles that will not be on your
track.”

“By this time tomorrow. then. we must be
more than. fifty miles away. We must run
faster than the news can follow. You will
guilln usi"

“ One hundred roubles?”

“Fifty when we set foot in stirrup. Fifty
when we are safe away.”

“ If we are caught we will all go to the Next-
chinsk mines,” said Paul doubtfully. “ Do you
know what that means?”

M No,”

/

       
   
  
   
   
   
    
 
   
   
 
    
  
  
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
  
    
   
 
  
   
 
   
  
 
 
     
   
  
 
  
  

(‘4’

      

go

(‘3

A Hot Trail.

13

 

“ it means hell on earth. Fur holler the Collin
than the mines. It means the whip for a
thought; the dungeon for a word; the bullet
for an effort to escape.”

“1 would begin, then, with the bullet,” un-
swered the bold American lad. “See here,
Paul. I have yet another fish to fry. 1 “'1”
double the reward if you help me in it.”

“ Ha!" cried Paul, with new interest.

“ i am in pursuit of a runaway thief. Eng-
lish. Red hair and heard. Passed this way
within a week.”

“ I saw him,” remarked Paul.

“ You did?”

“ Yes-’1

“ Put me on his track and I will make your
reward two hundred roubles."

“Say three hundred, and I will promise to
run him down,” answered I’..ul confidently.

' “ He is making for the Mongoli 2n steppes. We

will find him Somewhere among the cattle-
drivers. For that money 1 will cut loose from
Siberia, and spend the rest of my days in a
safer and happier land.”

“ It is a bargain,” answered Clark, joyfully.
“ And I will add another hundred to it if I find
him with his plunder on him. You are our man.
And now, what is the programme?”

“ We must leave here three hours before day-
light. Our only chance is to take to the mount-
ains. It will be a dark ride, but I can set you
at their foot by daybreak. And then for crag
and chill. and mountain pass. We will be bozly
chased. Old Skobeloff will hunt you like a wolf.
Your money will be well spent, for there is not
a man within fifty miles would take the risk
that I am doing.”

“ Bless you, I’ve taken a worse risk inside an
hour, and here I am with a whole skin. But
sleup's the word now, my lads. We want fresh
horses and fresh brains for our work to-mor-
row. ’

In a half-hour afterward every soul within the
roadside edifice was lost in deep slumber.

Clark had made a. lucky bargain, and he knew
it. Ivan had seen the man the year before in
the mines, and recognized him at sight. Of
course he might have gained his freedom by

and conduct; but there was a. chance that be

ad made his escape. Clark worked on that
bare chance, and luckily hit the mark.

They all slept now as soundly as if they had
been in an American bed. There was a noose
around their host‘s neck that saved them from
all danger of treachery on his part. The long
night passed on. The wind rose and howled
shrillv without, but it was warm as toast with-
in. Still they slept on, and the night was verg-
ingr rapidly toward its end.

But their Siberian host had not forgotten his
bargain. He was early astir, and called them
up with a loud voice.

“ Com ,” he cried, in atone that was natur-
ally hars 1. “ You’ve had your snooza out. It
is time to be astir. Awake. The morning draws
near.”

UWhey sprung at the summons.

“ hat is the matter?” exclaimed Peter, rub<
hing his eyes. “Did you say you wanted hot
water for shaving?”

A loud laugh called him to his senses. The

 

,- I,

poor fellow had been drosminnr that he was a

gentleman’s valet in St. Peters urg. ,
“The minutes count now,"declured Paul, in ‘ ‘

a quick, decided tone. “ Look after your horses,

and got them ready for the road. will make

my preparations.”

“ Como!” exclaimed Clark briefly.

Haluft the house, followed by his two com-
panions. It was yet quite dark, but the low- .
down moon broke faintly through the dim mask - J
of the ('lUULlS. a

A loud neigh from the horses as they entered
the stables showed that they were awake and . .
ready for the road“? There was a fourth horse - ‘ ‘
in the stable. that belonged to Paul, a long-
iinlhnd, full—chested roadster. ,

“L mks as if. he had wind and speed,” said '
Clark. “We want that, for it will take a; ,
prime gear to keep pace with our horses.”

In lmlf an hour afterward they were on the
road, having hastily eaten a frugal breakfast.
Paul took the lead, on his strong beast. over, _ a
whosn crupper he had hung a heavy parcel. i,

“ The moon is low in the Westl” he remarked, 1'
“ but it will give us an hour’s light yet. Then I
for another 5 ‘ell we will have the dark hour be- ;
fore day. e must make the most or these two I ' ».
hours of night. Away.” ‘ a

063 they rode, ovar the snowy ground. The .
faint moon-rays, and the white surface, gave ,2"
light enough for them to make rapid speed. V4;
The horses had fully recovared from their fa- , 3.
tigue, and were fresh as deer. Yet thawind. ' -'
null blew shrilland cold. The weather Was freez— ‘:~
ing, and they felt it bitterly in their lflrst mos .v.
menls from the steaming heat of the room in
which the had slept. " -

“ You ussians must have cast-iron constitu- ‘
tions,” remarked Clark, with a shiver. >,“,Y0u l.
sto from an oven into a snow bath as we would‘
wa k from room to room. It is always too hot”
indoors, and too cold out of doors, and your
confou’iided climate is brimful of roasts and
agues. ' \ . ,.  .

“We are brought up to it,” laughed Ivan. ‘3 2’
“Ihave taken a night’s sleep one 3110ka ’
before now.”

“ Hang me if I would care to be. such analo-
mander.’ ‘ 'r

Paul led for a short distance on the r d that
passed his house. Then he struck eastward . '
alicrolss the fields, which here were open andr‘ ,-
eve . ' 

After three or four miles of this field work“1 .
they struck a narrow lane, or horse track, that ‘wxf‘.
led to the southeast. ‘ . .: ”’

In an hour, as he had said, the moon 311th
how the horizon, and the darkness ‘grew much

ee er. , . _ 7
e pointed off to the west, wheres. faintlight. -‘
shone from what seemed along distance. I f I,

“ Do you know the place?” he asked. 

“ No. ’ x ‘27

“It is Trobilsk.” 1 _ . ’ '

“The deuce!” v , 

“ Likely they are astir by this time and fro-
paring to send out their foraging parties.~ or:
tunately we have ten miles’ start of them!” .

Silence folIOWed. They rode briskly on.
Dark as it was,_Paul Seemed to have the eyes“
a cat. The white surface made the rosdfa‘intlv- ’

.. \_

 

 

   
   
 

 

 

,0“

  
  

 

x

 

  

14

A Hot Tram

 

visible, but only one thorough] familiar with
the way could have kept on at h s reckless pace
through such darkness.

A hall-hour more passed by. The shadows
seemed to grow yet denser.

“ The sun ought to be touching the sky by this
time,” said Clark; “ but it is as black as ebony.
There seems to be a cloud of charcoal settled
down Iyonder ahead of us.”

Pun laughed grimly.

“ It is for that cloud we are heading,” he r
marked. “ That is the mountain chain.”

“ The mountains? Then hey for liberty! You
are a prime guide, Paul. The darkness is noth-
ing to your eyes.”

“ Hush I” warned Paul, in that tone of caution,
“ I scent trouble ahead. Be still as mics. Keep
your horses on the snow. Their tread must not
he heard.”

"‘ What is it?”
“ Hushl you will soon know.”
He drew up his animal to a slow trot, and

‘ craned his neck ahead, as if seeking to pierce

the darkness of the night. .
Clark’s quick ears now caught the sounds of a
taint stir and of low voices. Something was
moving in front of them.
Suddenly there came the loud neigh, of a

' f horse.,. It was answered by one of the steeds of

the fugitives.

“ Drat that brute I” cried Paul savagely.
“ The o’s up. Whip and spur, pistol in hand,
and ri o for your lives!”

The horses touched by the whip sprung brisk-

, ly forward, and broke into a sharp gallop. In

a moment they rounded a slight bend in the
road ahead, and were in the midst of a party of
men, who were hastily rising as from a bivousc
slumber. Some of t em were rubbing their
eyes as-if not yet awake.

The next instant the horses were among them.
Down they went to right and left, one of

 2, them felled by a sharp blow from Paul’s whip«

handle.

Ere they could well know what had happened,
the horses were past, and left them tumbled in
heaps upon the ground. Curses and groans fol-
lowed, ]oud cries and the spiteful patter of one

- or two pistol shots.

' - “Who are they?" asked Clerk in sur rise.
“A Russian icket. One of Sheba ofl’s ad-
vance parties. ush on. They will be on our
track within two minutesl”
' “Lordl didn’t we take them on the wing?”
laughed Clark, as he gave his horse the whip.

CHAPTER VII.
A BLIND ALLEY IN ran noumuns.

“  1A BROAD, clear streak upon the eastern sky
, ' told the story of the rising sun. The clouds had

thinned as mornin drew nigh, andafaint light
already made dim y visible the features of the
landscape.

' It was needed. There had been little dificul-
ty in goin across the level country, with its
every hol ow filled up with frozen snow, but
they had ft the level and were now in the
mountains, where danger lurked at every

strip. _
‘ or half an hour, since their surprise of the

Russian picket. they had pushed onward. over

 

a truck that rose at every step. Now and then
the horses stumbled on a concealed stone, or
slipped in a crevice.

boy were obliged to check their speed, and
proceed cautiously. Only for Paul’s intimate
knowledge of the country it would have been
impossible to proceed at all.

“There comes the glimmer of day i” cried
Clark joyfully. “This climbing mountains in
the darkis the worst sort of played-out nonsense.
Where are the troopers? On our track?”

“Not a bit of it,” answered Pauldecisively.
“ They won’t dare stir till daylight. Only that
I know the pass, we might have broken our
necks before now.”

_“ You’re a. prime guide, Paul. It was a lucky
hit to light on you. Mercy on usl didn’t we
tumble that picket over neatly?" 1

He burst into a gay laugh at the thought.

“ I’d give my horse if we'd never seen them,"
rejoined Paul, with a gloomy shake of the
head.

(5 Why?"

“Because it puts the soldiers on our track.
Only for that, they might have lost hours in
trying to trace us.”

“By Jove, you‘re rightl” exclaimed Clark.
“That way, it was unlucky. But never say
die; we‘ll fling them yet. There’s many a bid-
ing-place in the mountains, and manya natural
fort where four men can defy a regiment.
What say you, Ivan?”

“ We’ve come through many a danger. We
can risk a few more.”

“ And you, Peter?”

“You have a lucky star, Mr. Clark. We
are safe while we follow it.”

“ Bravol That’s the talk I like. And see
yonder. The sun-rays have just touched that
snowy peak. The day is before us, with all its
dangers and its hopes. Push on merrily."

The light had now grown much stronger, and
they could plainly make out the surrounding
scenery. ’1he plain had disappeared. The
were in a narrow mountain pass, with a braw ~
ing stream rushing down beside them. On each
side rose a rocky wall, of dark, frowning stone,
whose summits seemed to pierce the sky. Far
onward, up the pass, could be soon the distant
peaks of the mountain chain. On one of these,
that was white with snow, the first rays of the
sun had just fallen and it shone with a rosy
luster, like a beacon—light to lead them onward.
There was hope in that glowing torch of the
morning.

Paul led the way. The others followed in a
line, along the narrow path, whose dangers now
became Visible. A false step would have flung
them into the brawling stream, that roared like
a torrent as it ran over the rocks.

The way led upward, at a sharp angle. They
had to go forward at a walk, picking their
wa over the rough stones that covered the
pat way. At one point they had to spring
rom their horses, and lead them around a jut-
ting rock. At another it was necessary to cross
the stream. This was done with great diflicul-
ty, and Peter and his horse came near being
swept downward, by the torrent. Only that
Ivan caught his bridle, and dragged him up on
the rocks. he would have been lost. '

      
   

     
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
   
     
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
    
  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    
   
  
 

.. "aura-son mm, ._ . .-.-

"figr'fffi .; ,1 .’ ‘

          

can

A H» run. 1.5

 

“ By thunder, it is enough to set one’s teeth
on edge I” exclaimed Clark. “ ls there much of
this sort of road?"

“That’s one of the worst bits,” answered
Paul. “ We can make better headway now.”

The path here was broader and more level.
They put their horses intoacanter and rode
bris 'ly forward. There was something exhibi—
rating in the fresh mountain air, that put them
all in spirit despite the danger.

Yet it was not easy to forget that the Russian
bulldo s were on their track, and that for mils
aroun , the whole country would be soon roused
against them.

“But let them come. We’ll give them lead
pills to cure their dyspepsia,” said Clark, as he
laid his hand on the rifle that was swung over
his shoulder.

Each of the party was armed with a simi-
lar weapon which they had obtained at Paul’s
cottage.

They were now on the summit of a slight
eminence in the )ath. Paul came to a halt and
looked back. he mountain ravine lay open
for a long distance before them. Afar off some
faint figures were visible, creeping iike ants
alon the edge of the rock wall.

“ t is as I expected.” declared the guide.
“ Yonder come the sleuth-hounds. They are on
the track of the deer. But, by Heaven, they
may find their deer turn to tigersl They wil
not take me like a bird in a net.”

“Nor me,” cried Clark. “Hurry on before
they see us.”

“It is too late. They have seen us already.
They are pushing on with the hope to catch
us in a trap.” Paul had a glass to his eye as
he spoke. “Lucky I know something about
these mountains. I have not hunted them a
year for nothing.”

They pushed onward, as rapidly as possible,
up the pas... In some places it was necessary
to go at a walk. In others they could move
more rapidly. The sun rose in the sky and
poured its light down into the ravine, touching
the fleecy foam of the down-rushing torrent;

For two hours they picked their way onward
in this manner. They were now high up in the
mountains. At length they came out upon the
summit of a rounded knob, far above the
stream, that dashed through the ravine be-
neath.

“I have climbed this peak on purpose ”re-
marked Paul. “See. The pass we came by is
not visible from here, but it opens on two other
passes, to the right and the left. I know what
we have before us. I want to know what we
have behind us.”

He took the field glass from his pocket, and
adjusted it to his eyes. Each of the two passes
was closely examined. To Clark and his com<
panions there was nothing visible but dark

rocks, and the occasional glint of water with .

here and there the waving foliage of a c uster
of pines. Clark looked at Paul, who shook his
head grimly.

“The country is up,” he said. “Look for
yourself.”

It was as he said. The glass brought into
view I. line of moving figures in either pm, .

“ Bkohelofl is a shrewd old hunter.” exclaimed

Paul. “Ho pickcted every road and 5 last
night. The picket we lode through as sent
word to the guards of the other passes. They
are all in motion, drawin in on us from three
directions. I tell you, t are is a hot business '
before us.”

Clark closcd the glass and handed it back,»
with a gesture of de sncc.

“ At any rate the danger is all behind. There
is a clear field ahead,” he answered. “ We can
push on faster than the news can spread, nnd
lniu’lyie it hot for them if they press us too close-

“ If we were past the mountain chain and on
the open ground beyond,l would feel safer,” re-. 4
plied Paul. “ There is a mountain pocket ahead
of us. A regular blind alley in the rocks. It is
into that the soldiers are trying to drivons.
They fancy they have us in a safe trap.”

“ And what do you think?" ‘

“ There is a way out. But it is a. da crous ‘
one, fit only for the feet oi.’ a hunter. econ.
not take our horses through it.” ‘

“ Then we will go on toot.”

Paul shook his head. . » , . ‘

“ We will want horses on the other side. I
would prefer to make a stand and try to . fight;
them off.” ‘

“ Fight's the word than. if you say it. If bul- ,
lets won’t serve, we will try what fortune there " '. .
is in feet. Have you got a plan laid!”  '

“ Yes.”
1 ‘1‘ ige leave it to you, then. What do you say,
in s -

“ We are with you, Clark Cloverly, to the ’
death,” answered Peter and Ivan, as with one ’~,.
vows. ‘

“ You hear, Paul. Lead on.” x -  ‘

The guide put his horse again to the trot ~ ' “
down the opposite side of the bill they had as- ~ “
cended. There was a stern, determined look 1
upon every face that told of high resolve. They
were not to be taken like sheep in a pen, as the *w‘
Russian drovers were likely to find. ' , »

For three hours they toiled onward, along a,
route that grew more difficult at every step;
The rock walls towered above them a thousand V
feet in hight. away was strewn, hero and

   
 
 
 

 

there, with la fibowiders which worn very ,
:, diflicult to pass. In some places cascades came "
, dashing over the rock walls, from such a hi ht, _
i that they were blown into mist in the Ii. 7 c "
; wind that drew down the ravine was bitingoold,» '
as if it had been chilled by the distant snow- ,
clad peaks. ~ , 13..

They had now reached a great hight in the r
mountains. Their horses were panting with the .
i labor they had endured, and breathed the thin "
. mountain air with some dimculty. Paul sprung
from his saddle. .. ' '

“ The beasts are done out,” he laid. “ We ‘
must trust to Our legs for a while.”

The others followed his example. A tow '
‘ steps more and there came to their cars a rush- _
ing sound. Turningaoorncrin the pass a. re- .r _
‘ markable scene was revealed. ‘ A broad stream 1‘ '
came rushing in foam across their track, ponr- ~ *u
ing out from a narrow ravine that cut into the '
mountain wall, and dashing into another ravine
on the other side of the track. ‘ , .
1 They paused and looked down‘ its course.

  
    
   
 
 

 

   

      

     

18

A Hot Trail.

 

The ravine was about twenty feet wide, but
1vglvas filled from side to side by the rushing
ood.

Paul stood on its banks, looking longingly
downward.

“ I’d give half my reward if i was two hun-
dred :rd’s’ down that channel,” he remarked.

“It opens below, and there is a narrow path
beside the water which leads down through
the mountains. lint it is safer to face the sol-
diers than that torrent.”

“And what is your other mode of escape?”

“It is a goat’s track across the mountains
that is fit only for a hunter‘s feet. You will
need to be sure-footed to try it; and will have
to leave these good horses behind. Do you see
the horned creature yonder?"

. He pointed u the ass. A graceful, stag-like
creature, with grant: ing antlers, was bounding
up a steep rock face, that seemed almost per-
pendicular.

“ That is the Mara], the stag of the mountains.
Where it is going we will have to follow. But
it is not safe footing for a lainsman.”

“It looks as if you he led us into a blind
alle for certain," said Clark discontentedly.

. “ e must either follow a goat’s path up a pre-
cipice, or dive like a salmon through a moun-
tain torrent. These are doubtful games. Have
you§othing else in view?”

“ What is it?”
“To make a stand, and try to drive off the
soldiers.”
, “That’s more in the vein. Where shall the
stand be made?”
“Here.” /
“Herei” Clark looked around him, with in-
quiring glances.
it needed no skill to perceive that the spot
-’ was well chosen. Around them was a broad
swell in the pass. But behind, up the route
the had just traversed, it grew very narrow
an rock-bound. There was a sharp turn in its
r course, within which lay several large bowlders.

Below these the route was for some distance
. . steep and narrow. On eachfge the walls were

nearly perpendicular.

“ It .is gloriously chosen I” cried Ivan, in en-
thusiasm. “Itis a spot where one man might
map an army.” '

be others assented to this. conclusion. No
better natural fort could have been selected.

“ There are three results open before us ” re-
marked Paul. “ If we can beat ofl? the soldiers,
we can return and seek some easier way across
the mountains. If they hold their own, or are
' .too much for us, the track of the Mara] re~
, mains.” r

“And if we are cut oi! from that the way of
the torrent is open.”

.“Hardly,” answered the grim guide. “ I

doubt if horse or man could swim it and live.”
“ Has it ever been tried ’1”
“Not to my knowledge.”
“It may be our busmesss to have to try it,
then. If we drown we will go down like
‘ free men, instead of- living like slaves, chained
ina Siberian mine. At any rate, the game is
laid. We will make this our fort. I wager

that more than one Russian bites the dust before
we are taken. And now let us try some grub.
We may have to go hungry for hours to come.”

They spread a frugal meal on the bare sur-
face of the rock, and ate it silently. The ec-
casion was too serious a one to spend in idle
chat. The horses were also watered, and left to
cm the scanty herbage on the sides of the
roc y inclosure.

An hour glided by. And now, from down
the pass, came the rattle of accouterments. The
pursuit was drawing near.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
sronmno ran PASS.

THE sun had now risen high into the heavens,
and poured its rays into the mountain pass.
Beneath its beams the foam of the torrent
s arkled with jeweled luster, flinging its pearly

rops up to catch the gleams of the sunlight,
and falling back in a shower of diamond dust.
The keen wind lulled, and it grew warm under
the enlivening beams.

But all this peace and brightness of nature
was in strange contrast to the storm of human
passions that lurked in that sunn

Behind the rock portal 0 the natural
stron hold lay the ugitives, rifle in hand, and
with rowning brows and close-set lips waiting
in stern determination the onset of their foes.
In front of them toiled the soldiers up the pass,
the head of the line just in view, in blind uncon.
:eiousness of the danger that stared them in the

ace.

The clear young voice of Clark rung out in
sharp accents on the morning air, bringing the
line to a sudden stop.

“Halt, there!” he cried. “You have come
your distance now. A step more and we Will
check you with bullets instead of words.”

The foremost riders recoiled at this warning.
They had not dreamed of the fugitives making
a stand.

A uniformed oflicer rode to the front.

“ Surrender!” he cried, “or it will be worse
for on. We have our orders to take you back
to eneral Skobelofl, dead or alive.”

“You will not take us alive,” declared Clark
boldly. “And if you try to take us dead we
promise you to kil ten for one. We have the
whip-hand of you. If you are wise you will
draw ofl' your men and save their bacon.”

“Do you know that we have a hundred to
your tour?”

“ [would not care it you had a thousand.
We hold the fort.”

“ Once more will you surrender?”

“Never. Will you take my warnin i We
don’t want to slaughter your men. ut we
have our lives to fight for. Once more, will
you draw of! our forces?" _
“Never. e will have you, dead or alive.”
1‘; Eight’s the word, then. Look out for your-
se . '

The ofiicer turned and gave a word of com-
mand to his men. In an instant a squad of
them put the spur to their horses and charged
briskly up the narrow way. '

There came from above a keen flash, the

 

sharp report of a rifle. and the horse of the ofli-

 

 

Mag‘fiz

.s“'n~ <— z

 

 

. __..;..,?~Qz..;.a:.;.zm_.. 

"Q- A .

"if

 

 

A Hot Trail. 1"

 

cur staggered and fell, flinging his rider violent.
ly o the ground.

The animal had fallen across the narrowest
part of the way, exactly in front of the charg-
ing horsemen. They came stumbling over the
falling mass, not able to check their impetuous
speed. In an instant there was a dense group
of stumbling and crowded horses.

Another rifle-shot rung out. One of the
horses Wildly reared, screaming with pain, and
fell in a dead mass, bringing another to the
ground with him. The fallen officer scrambled
out on hands and knees, with a comical show
of fear. Those singing bullets had taken all the
dignity out of him.

A shout of derision came from behind the
rocks up the pass.

“That’s the sort of corn we have for your
mill. We’ve dropped horses so far. We’ll drop
mennnext, if you don’t take warning and draw

ut

The horsemen drew hastily back, while a vol-
ley of bullets sung up the ravine, pattering on
the sheltering rocks.

There was no reply to this other than a deri-
sive laugh. The four fugitives lay atfull length
behind the bowlders that closed the path their
rifle-barrels extended through slight crhvicvs
between the rocks. It was almost impossible
for a bullet to reach them.

“ By Jove, friend Paul, you have a good eye
for a fort!" exclaimed Clark. “What do you
think? Will they take warning and back out?"

“Not they,” anSWered Paul, decisiVely.
“Why the whole party would be cashiered if
they retired with sound skins from a party of
four men. We will have to leave our mark on
their hides.”

“ I’m the man for that,” cried Ivan, savagely.
“Any one who has been a convict in a Siberian
mine has no Iovs for a Russian soldier."

“ Look outl They are preparing for another
rush,” warned Peter.

The warning was well given. A number of
the troopers had dismounted, and stationed
themselves, carbine in hand, in a partly pro-
tected position, on the sides of the pass. An-
other group had drawn their horses well to—

other for a. dash up the ravine. The two fallen
fiorses, indeed, nearly closed up the way, only
a narrow opening remaining between them and
the rock-wall of the ravine.

A word of command, and a patter of bullets
rained on the rocks. At the same instant the
horsemendashed at full speed up the acclivity.
A second volley of bullets followed, With the
intention of forcing the fugitives to keep under
cover. But they were not the sort to be caught
by any such trick.

“ Don’t fire all at once,” cried Clark. “ Now’s
your time. Give them is dropping fire.”

Paul’s piece rung out shrilly. The old hunter
was not the man to waste a shot. The bullet
passed through the neck of a horse, and flying
on, struck a rider behind. full in the breast.
The animal reared, and turned to plunge down
the path, makin a confusion in the line.

The report 0 Peter’s and Ivan’_s pieces next
rung out. At that distance it was impossible to
miss. Ivan’s bullet brought dawn his man.
Peter's sent a horse crashiuir down on his rider.

 

The momentary confusion in the line wan
ended by the officer, who rode briskly to the
front waving his sword.

" ow, my merry menl” he shouted. “ We
have drawn their fire! Charge, and we have
them I”

Not twenty paces now separated the combat-
ants. A few more leaps of the horses, and the ,
stronghold of the fugitives would be scaled.

But a voice came from behind the rocks:

“ Pon’t be too sure. You may catch a Tar-

Clark’s bullet whistled through the air. Luck-
ily for himself, the officer at that-instant had
his sword before his breast. The leaden messen-
ger struck the glistening blade, and tore it from
the hand that held it. t whirled through the
air with such force that it finally plunged into
the side of a bounding horse, bringing him in a
heap to the ground.

Dropping his half-paralyzed sword-hand, the
gflilcer rode on, calling cheerin for his men to

ol ow.
h“ life have them now. That is their that
8 ct. , 3

“ Is it? I bet you a buffalo you’re mistaken.
You won’t take warning. Take this 1”

It was the voice of Clark, who in an instant
sfirung to the top of the howlder which had
s eltered him, pistol in hand. For a moment
he stood there erect,nnd fully revealed, a. tar et
for all theRussinn muskets. His followers cal ed
‘tio him in an agony of apprehension to come

own.

But the revolver in his hand tool: instant, ‘ ‘ '7

deadly aim. It cracked shrilly, and the bullet.
went crushing through the brain of the
horse. The youth could not yet bear to have
the blood of a man on his hands.

Down came the animal in a. sickening crash.
His rider was flung with a. thud against the
rocks, and lay senseless. At the same instant a
storm of bullets came sweeping up the pass from
the marksman below. ’

But Clark had vanished as quickly as he came.
His whole movement had not consumed ten sec-
ends. The bullets rushed throu h empt space, ‘
as he again sought the shelter 0 the rec ~‘x )

' “ Let them have it!” he cried. “They are
wavering! Let them have itl” ‘

The reloaded rifles again rung out. Pingl ' *1

Bang! Flash! Three ridvrless horses turned and
fled. The assailed party had ceased to fire at
the animals and were directing their fire against
the men.

This was enough. The remainder of- the two
turned and fl~d hastily down the pass, whic «
they left completely choked with the bodies of
dead horses, while several men lay dead or 
wounded on the rocky bed. ‘

The first act of the play had ended, and the ‘,
fugitives remained triumphant. Theyreloaded
their pieces, while the soldiers withdrew out of ,
sight down the pass. ’ ' >

‘Well,” asked Clark, “ have they got . ‘
enough?” . , ‘

“ No,” answered Paul. I

“But the pass is choked. We have them at
0‘15 'Il‘nifmfill at try it on 11' ha k 33w?

e n orse c a

“Hogtheni” ‘-

 

 

13 A Hot ,Trafl.‘

 

“ 0n foot.”

“ Hal By Jove, I believe you are right! But
let them come as they will, foot or horse, the
game is ours. So far they have not reached the
worst pointin the ass. Do not fire, lads, till I
give the word. a can mow them down like

rass.”

“ And by Saint Peter, We will!” declared
Ivan with set lips. “They are after our lives,
and life for life is my motto. This shooting
horses is played out. It is men we have to shoot
now, or it is all up with us.”

This fact was so evident that there was no
need to repeat his words. Each of them resum-
ed his station behind the rocks, conversing in a
low tone. There was no telling when the next
assault might take place, and it was necessary
to be vi 'lant.

All be ow was silent, except for the occasional
neigh of a horse. Fifteen minutes passed with.
out a sign of life. Every soldier had disappear-
ed below the turn in the pass.

But the defendants did not for an instant re-
lax their watchfulness. A moment’s heedless-
ness might turn the scale of victory or defeat.

Suddenly a. group of men appeared in si ht
down the ass, rus ing forward on foot at gull
speed. ild shouts broke from their lips as
they poured on. A constant ping of bullets
struck the rocks, as it with intent to intimidate
their toemen.

Yet not a sound came in response. All was
assilent above asif the defenders of the rock
fortress had abandoned it.

On came the forlorn hope, over fallen stones
and dead horses, clambering with all haste up-
waad. earer and nearer they approached.
Two minutes more would place them within the
fort. Yet all remained in terrible stillness.

It was the pause before the storm. The head
of the assailing party had now gained the spot
of which Clar had spoken. It was a point at
which the ascent grew steeper and more rugged,
while the pass narrowed so that scarce three
men Could move abreast.

When this point was reached the pushing of
the throng behind jammed those in front so that
one or two men fell. The critical moment had

arrived.

“Fire!” came the fatal word.

. A volle of bullets poured down the pass,
into the ease mass of crowding men. They
tell as if in winrows before the scythe of the
mower. But others came pressing on upward
over their bodies.

There was no time for the defenders to re-
load. They drew their revolvers. Again a
storm of bullets struck the dense throng, at
close pistol distance. Others tell. The narrow
way was becoming choked up with dead bodies.
The assault wavered. Again came‘ the 'keen
crack of the revolvers. Agroan of dismay run
through the throng, who were helplessly ex-
posed to the lstols of their assailants. The

/ next moment t ey had turned and were rushing
in wild panic down the fatal pass, leaving half
a score of their party to choke the throat of the

narrow defile.
t enough?” roared Clark,

“ Have you
urinal-z deflan to the summit of the boulder.

 

“ If not we have more of the same medicine,
and can give you another dose.”

The w istlo of a bullet that swept the but
from his head, warned him of his imprudence.
He sprung back to shelter, while the flight con-
tinued down the bloodstained pass.

CHAPTER IX.
THE LAST HOPE FOR LIBERTY.

A HALF-HOUR had passed since the close of
our last chup:er. The silence which had reigned
since the signal defeat of the storming-party
was now for the first time broken. Up the pass
came a group of men, bearing with them a
white flag of truce.

“ What are they after now?” cried Ivan
savagely, grasping his rifle with a threatening
clutch. “ Some treacherous game, I wager."

“ We will soon see,” answered Clark. “ I
think I can venture on my lookout now with-
out drawing a bullet.”

He 5 rung once more to the top of the bowl-
der. ri e in hand.

“Halt!” he cried sternly. “Tell your busi«
ness before you venture another step."

A soldierly-looking man stepped forward as
spokesman.

“We ask the privilege of removing our
wounded,” he said.

Clark turned and spoke for a minute with his
companions. He then turned again to the
soldiers.

“ You can have the wounded if you disturb
nothing else in the pass,” he declared. “The
dead must remain as they lie. We have built
ourselves a wall of dead bodies. It you disturb
it we will add your own to it. Do you assent
to this?” -

it Yes.”

“ Then come on.”

He stepped down from his exposing perch,
but kept a keen lookout on the movements of
the Russians.

“ Be ready, at the word " he warned his com-
rades. “ They are not to be trusted.”

. Yet the soldiers seemed honest in their inten-
tions. They picked up their wounded, and par-
ticularly the body of their captain, who lay
still I!) a dead insensibility, and retired down
the pass in a solemn procession.

They had hardly done so before Ivan sprung
up, and struck his side with his hand in a move-
ment of angry spite. ,

“ The fools we were!” he cried. “We should
have brought the captain in oursebes, and held
him as hostage.”

“ At any rate he has got the fl httaken out
of him,” answered Clark. “ I don t if he leads
another charge to-da .”

His words brought ask a surprising echo. A
bullet struck the rock at his feet, coming so
close as to pierce his sleeve. The report of the
rifle which had sent this shot rung from high
up in the air.

“ By St. Anthony!” cried Paul, “the treach-
erous hounds have scaled the hights and are
firing at us from above!"

He pointed up the side of the pass. There,
two hundred feet above their heads, a shagsglz
boll peered out from a crevice in the rock w

 

W1

(l

ay

.._._....-,>ar : I". __, .,

A Hot Trail.

‘ ........_.. .........-.._._._........_. _..-. J... . - .

19

 

Another bullet came pinging down, and flat-

' town] itself at their feet.

“ The (10:5! They have done this undercover
of their (lag of truce! I suspected somefitreuch-
ery. To shelter, men. We are at the mercy of
of those rascals above there."

The overhanging bowlders afforded ome shel-
ter. but the situation was a perilous one if the
soldiers should charge at this moment.

“ There is but one-—0r two at the most,” do-
clared Paul. “ They must be dislodged. We
are lost if they are left there. Cover the spot
with your rifles, till I see if I can find a point
to reach them from."

The shaggy head that looked down from the
crevice hastily withdrew as three riflesbarrels
were aimed at it. Paul took the opportunity to
quickl retreat up the pass. Reaching the ra-
vine through which flowed the stream he quick-
ly began to climb up a narrow crevice along its
side, that was hardly fit for the sure feet of a
goat. The ravine hid his movement from the
eyes of the party on the opposite side of the

835.

p Several anxious minutes followed. The fel-
low in the rock crevice kept under cover. He
was apparently waiting for something. In a
few minutes there came into view the advance
of a body of dismounted troopers down the
pass. They stood asif waiting or asignal. It
came, in the wave of a ham from the upper
rock. Instantly they hounded forward, up the

PiSS.

p The defenders of the fortress were in a ticklish
pesition. Should they seek to repel this assault
they would be exposed to the fire from the rock.
Should they lie under cover they were lost.
With anxious hope and dread they awaited the
result of Paul’s adventure.

A third shot came from the concealed marks-
man above. It scored Peter’s arm. He had for
the moment incautiously exposed himself.

“ What the deuce shall we do?” groaned Clark.
“ In two minutes more the storming-party will
be on us.” .

The answer came in a sharp rifle-crack, that
echoed from side to side of the ass. A dash of
flame shot out from the rocks a ova their heads.
From the opposite side of the pass came a
scream of: sin, and the form of a man suddenly
sp cared. anging by his hands from a rocky
le ge, and writhing as if in agony.

Fer a moment he hung and swayed between
earth and heaven. Then his hold loosened. and
down he came bounding from rock to rock. un-
til he was dashed in a shapeless mass on the
flintv surface of the pass below.

“ There is only the onel” screamed Paul.
“Repel the stormersl On your lives, don’t let
them up the SS!”

There was no need rf this warning. The fall-
ing bod had struck the base rock directly in
front 0 his charging comrades, so closely that
they were rinklod with his blood.

They chec ed themselvss in horror, and stood
gazing in dismay at this terrible s ectacle.
Their indecision was terminated b t e rattle
of rifles up the pass and the wblst e of bullets

 

In a few minutes afterward, Paul joined his
comrades.

“That little trick is settled,” he grimly to-
marked.

“ Isn‘t the whole ame settled?” asked Clark.
“ They are cured o the game of storming our
fort,1fancy. fl‘hev may return to the town
and report heir failure.7

“Not they,” answered Ivan. “They would
not dare report that four men had fought OR a
hundred. hey may do one of two things.
They fancy we are in a trap here, and may wait
until night and storm our stronghold under
cover of the darkness' or they ma send back
to Trobilsk for a field-piece, and tter down
our defenses. ”

Clark turned to Paul, who stood leaning upon

his ride, his dark face marked with a. uturniue

rown.

“ What do on think!" he asked.

“The wil do neither.”

“ An why not?”

“They hav. a surer game. Within an hour
this fortress will cease to protect us. We must
esca e, or we are lost.” ‘

"t hat do you mean?’ cried they all incon-
cer . '
CI“ ihey cannot take us in front," declared

ar . v

“ But they can in the rear. I discovered '
more than one thing, gentlemen, while I was u
the rock yonder. The bird I brought down is
not the only one on the wing. Far 11 , over the
upper level of the mountain I cough sight of a
party of men. How they climbed there I don’t

now. There must be some pass up the rocks
which I have never seen. At any rate they are
there and within an hour will be in our rear."

A look of dismay came upon all the faces
present.

“ What shall we do then?” asked Clark.
“ Shall we abandon the horses, and try the
maral’s track?” ,

Paul shook his head. f .

“We would be cut oil! it we attempted it.
That is the footwsy by which the arty above
there will descend into the pass beh nd us.”

“ What remains then!” .
They all looked with eager question at the
guide, satisfied that there was something at I

work in his brain.

“ Only one chance remains,” he answered.

He pointed significantly at the stream, that
ran in swirling foam at their feet.

A shudder run through their hearts. It seemed: l: \ 2“

like inviting certain death.

“ No man can do it and live i" exclaimed Peter. /

“ We cannot stay here and live,” answered '
Paul, sternly. “It is a question whether we
are to die by rope or bullet, or try our lack in
the torrent. ’ ‘ _

“There is no question about it,” declared
Clark. "We’ll take to the water. A man
that’s t the heart to take his chances boldly
don’t d e easily. If an of you choose to stay ‘
here wall and good. , 10!“ one, am going to
dive for freedom.”

“ Where you go we will follow,” came from

past their ears. They turned and fled in terror l Peter and Ivan.

from the fatal snot.

Paul stood in quiet resolution.

 

 
    
   
   
    
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
   
   
   
  
    
  
 
 
 
   
   
   
  
   
    
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
    

~ go through safely.

to

A Hot Trail.

 

“ To your horses, then. Now’s the time, while
we have a free field. The soldiers will give us
no trouble for the next hour. They have found
that we can bite, and will keep clear of our
teeth."

During the stirring scenes we have described
the horses had been quietly browsing the scanty
herbage that grew at the foot of the rocky wall.
Their bridles were quickly replaced, and the
riders sprung to their saddles.

Taking a last look, to see that their move»
ments were not observed from below, they rein-
od up on the rocky borders of the stream, and
gazed in silence into the whirling flood. Here
it was but some ten feet wide, but where it en-
tered the ravine below it expanded to the width
of twenty feet.

“ It is shallower there,” remarked Paul. “ If
our horses can only keep their footing we may
Let us move closrly side by
side, and each man take hold of his neighbor's
rein. That will help us to support ourselves
against the rush of the water.”

This advice was judicious, and they arrar ged
themselves accordingly, Paul and Ivan taking
the two outside places.

“ Now, are you ready?” asked the guide.

“ All ready.”

“ Then march."

The horses halted, and for the moment re-
fused to enter the water. But they were urgdl
onward, and soon set foot in the stream. It was
shallow near the bank, but soon deepened. The
checked flood heaped itself up on the daring
riders, until it was pouring in foam over the
flanks of the horses.

On they went, ste by step. Return was now
impossible. The wal s of the ravine closed in on
them at either side. Slowly and carefully trod
the well-trained steeds. The waters howled and
biased by, heaping over the saddles and threat-
ening to bear tho riders bodily away.

The torrent seemed like some great dragon,
with foam for scales. furious at being disdained,
and bent on the destruction of its daring foes.

On went the horses, still side by side. The
rocky. path, by the torrent’s brink, of which
Paul had s ken, was now visible at some dis

tance in a vance. Ifthat could be reached they
more safe.

,But now the stream narrowed and deepened.
The horses lost their footing, scrambled wildly
for amomenf, and then were borne helplessly
away, furiously seeking to swim on the surging

“Every man for himself now i” cried Paul.
“his life or death on the turn of a wave. Who
aim the brink is safe! He who does not per-
uhes! Work for your lives!" _
His voice was nearly drowned in the roaring
and hissin of the mountain torrent that dashed
onward with its prey.

 

CHAPTER X.
m m arm-r or was roman.

MORE than an hour assed by in slowly drag-
ging seconds. Aroun the spot where the .late
ioody fight had taken place all continued silent

~ “death. Noindicationof the terrible strife

 

remained, beyond the bleeding bodies of men
and boy'st that lay heaped in crimson witness
in the fatal pass. The stream foamed on as if
in exuhation over the victims which it had so
recently received within its hungry jaws.

It was the dread silence after the rending
storm. -

But now there came a faint stir from up the
pass. No one was yet visible, and it would
have needed keen ears to recognize the faint
rustle of garments and sound of footsteps which
came from the upper levels. The sound drew
nearer. Finally a face appeared at the neanst
turn in the path, peering heedfully around the
wall of rock.

The refuge of the fugitives was full in view
from that point. The eyes of the gnzer (xpand-
ed as he looked, their expression changing from
curiosity to surprise and utter astonishment.
A few moments’ observation, and he sprung

,hastily into the open path, calling out in a.
voice of loud dismay:

“By the blessed. Saint Nicholas, there’s no
one therel There‘s not a soul left of the whole
ship’s crew of them.”

is voice called several others into sight. A
half-dozen men sprung out from the shelter of
the rocks, rifle in hand, and all gazing in utter
astoundment at the empty stronghold.

“They are in hiding somewhere-s. Look out
for bullets. Give .the signal to the men below.”

A bugle call rung out on the air, as the scouts
withdrew in caution to the shelter of the rocks.
The call was echoed from below, and in a few
minutes there came a rush of soldiers up the

pass.

This time their progress was uninterrupted.
No bullet sung past their ears; no voice hailed
them from the fort. Over the dead and dying
they chambered, and into that natural fortress
which before they had sought to storm in vain.

And before them was only visible a grou of
their Own men, who stood above, returning t eir
stars of surprise With looks of equal wonder.

“Where are they? Did they pass you? What
has become of them i”

“The saints know! They are birds, I fancy,
and have flOWn over the precipice. Or they are
fiends and have sunk into the earth. We found
the place as empty as you see it now.”

“Look out for them up the rocks. They must
have discovered some path, and clnmbered
over.”

Several men sprung forward to examine the
locality, but they were checked by the voice of
the leader of the party.

“ Haiti” he cried. “They have done nothing
of the sort."

uWh g”

“Because their horses are zone. A horse is
not a goat, to climb in a maral’s pathway.”

The justice of this observation was quickly
apparent. The men drew back, while a new
thought became prominent in their minds. What
had become of the horses? That was the ques-
tion now to be decided.

The point at which they had been grazing was
easily perceived. But elsewhere the rack was
too bare and hard to take any impression of
footsteps. After a few minutes’ search, how-
ever. a loud call came from a soldier who had

   

A Hot

Trail. 2 l

 

wandered to the spot at which the torrent
again entered the ravine. ,

“See here!” he shouted. “Here are “1911‘
tracks on the soil at the stream’s edge. And
lending downward to the water. By all that’s

risky, the bounds have trusted themselves to the l

stream, and gone down with the torrent!”

“Impossible!” exclaimed the ofiicer, rushing
forward. “ No man could venture it, and live!”

“ It may be impossible; but it is true for all
that.”

The officer had now reached the spot. and Was
examining it for himself. A single glance was
“Dough (or his experienced eyes. There was no
doubt that the fugitives had taken to the
broom.

"But they will be dashed to pieces! There is
no man or horse living that could stem that tor-
rent. Does any one know the lower reach of
this stream? How does it open out below i"

All present shook their heads. It was un-
known ground.

“But those men are not fools,” suggested a

soldier. “They must have known what was
perm-e them. here may be a safe landing be-
0w.”

"Very well. Will you follow them?”

The knowing,r soldier drew back. He had no
heart for carrying out his own suggestion.

“There is no need of that,” remarked another.
“We have a surer path over the rocks. If they
escape they must pass near the Cossack station
beyond the mountains. The path over the sum-
mit is a. shorter one than any they can take.
We may give the alarm before they reach
there.”

“A good thoughtl” cried the officer. “Two
of you make all haste in that direction. Two
others seek to descvnd over the summit to the
ravine. They may be still in there, or their
dead bodies may be found. Hasten‘, there is no
time to waste."

At this command the four men selected for
this duty hurried away up the pass, springing
over the stream at its narrowest point. The
others turned sndliy back to the solemn duty of
gathering their end, who remained in the
ravine below, the sole evidences of the deadly
combat which had recently raged in that en-
crimsoned spot.

Leaving them to their task we must turn to
another scene of our story, and follow the fugi-
tives in their dread venture into the Jaws of
the mountain whirlpool.

When we left them, at the close of. the last
chapter, the heaving waters had just lifted the
Strugglin homes from their footing, and were
bearing t em helplessly down the ski-ohm. I

The animals sought to swim. but; it was im-

ossible to stem that current. They were swept
ike floating chips down its center channel.

“There are worse rapids below i” screamed
Paul, with a voice that rung above the roar of
the torrent. “ And jagged rocks to close them.
If we reach there it is all up with us. Try and
scramble for the bank.”

The horses had still kept side by side, the
riders yet grasping each other’s rem. This
brought the horse of Paul close to the right
bank. Clark rode next to him in the line.

 

The guide rude a powerful and sazacious,

animal, who struggled with some successto gain
the side of the stream. An eddy here aided
his efforts. His feet struck the bottom at a
shallow place. A sharp fight with the ushing
stream, _whicb sought to sweep him again from
his footing, and the strong brute succeeded in
stemming the current.

Pnul yet firml grasped the rein of Clark’s
horse, and succee ed in drawing him in to the
same place of vantage. But no power could
stay the other horses. The rein which Clark
grasped was torn from his hand, and the two
animals with their riders hurled down the re-
lentless channel, toward the jagged rocks be-
low.

“S‘eady,” exclaimed Paul. “A false step
now, and we will be swept away again. Hold

your beast well in band. Steady. Is he trem-
bling?” 1
“ Yes. Like a leaf. ”

“Then let us stand for a minute, till the ani-
mals gain nerve.”

“ I don’t blame the horse. I am trelnbling
myself,” announced Clark.

“And I also. Man and horse are made of
flesh and blood; not of steam—How goes it nowi
Are you getting nerve again 7"

“Yes. Hal yonder go Peter and Ivan on the
rocks! Poor fellowsl 1 fear they have seen
their last sunl” He shut his eyes to closo out
the vision of their destruction.

"Don’t look at them!” screamed Paul. “ You
need all your courage now to save yourself.
Are you ready?"

“I am. And
the word.”

as solid its an oak tree. Say

“Then for the bank. It is sloping here, or .

there would be no hope.”

Clutching their: bridles with firm handstho
horses were set in motion, their heads turned
toward the bank. This showing of their flanks
toward the stream gave the currentadouble
advantage. The water surged against the side
of Paul’s horse like some mighty engine, pour-
ing over the saddle, and seeking, with immense

force, to thrust the animal back into the seeth- ' K. L

ing channel.

No simple horse could have withstood its
powar. But the two animals moved side by
side, each lending its strength to the struggle.
They touched along their flanks, and trod like
two animals in one.

A step was gained. Another. The Water
rapidly shallowed. A third step. Now the
foam only touched the stirrups of the riders.
A fourth ste . The fore feet ofthe animals
were on the e go of the bank, while their flanks
were still bathed in the hissing foam.

And now came a touch of the whi : a strong r.

surge upward; ascramble u the p bank;
and in a minute the noble animals stood on the
level of the path above, streaming With water,
and tremblin in ever vein.

“Life, on safetyl’ cried Clark, joyfully.
“And these good animals rescued from the
flood. And now for the fate of our comrades.”

He sprung from the saddle as he spoke. and
hastened down the pathway, followed by Paul.

This escape, which ,we have taken no man
words to describe. had passed like a. flash. fl

was not five minutes since they had ridden my. .

 

 

   

23

A Hot Trail.

 

the stream from the pass above. Yet the time
occupied in reaching the solid ground had
sufficed for a very diirerent fate to overtake the
other two adventurers. "

Their horses, borne down the mid-channel like
leaves before a gale, and shot fiercely down the
rapids ware hurled with fearful force on the
jagged rocks that nearly closed the channel at
the foot of the descent.

No living creature would have borne that
stroke and escaped. Both horses were killed by
the blow, and torn with a hundred ragged
wounds. But the unlucky animals had served
as a shield to their riders. The latter were
flung from their saddles to the upper surface of
the rocks, which they des erntely clutched, and
lay in a halt—stunned conc ition.

Fortunately the stream found its way through
crevices between these choking rocks, and only
some rivulets of foam passed over their sum-
mits. Yet there was danger that the grasp of
the clinging men might give way in their partly
paralyzed state, and they drop back into the
seething flood below.

“ Hold your levell”‘cried Clark. on perceiv-
ing the condition of his companions. “ Grip on

'like grim death! Use your teeth if your fin-
gersngive outl We will have you off in 1‘. min-
utel

. , Yet this was not so sure. The stream swirled
here, and ran between the rocks and the shore
in a channel six feet wide. which it filled up to
the level of the bank. The rock beyond was
slippery with moss and slime. The guide gave
a warning cry, but it was lost on the impetuous

: youth, who sprung boldly across the dangerous
interval.

His feet touched the slippery rock. They
shot from under him on the wet moss. He fell
prostrate, with half his body hanging over the

cod. A foot more to the left, and nothing
could have saved him.

“A miss is as good as a mile,” yelled the
reckless youth, as he scrambled nimbly to his
feet. “It was a fool’s jump, but it is sometimes

,. a fool’s amp, or none. I’m on the spot at any
ratesn the ame is mine.”

His strong ands grasped Ivan’s shoulders as
he spoke, and dragged him up to a. safe position
on the rugged rock. He next turned to Peter.
And just in time. The grasp of the half-stunned
fellow had givan way, and he was slowly slip~
ping back down the slimy rock. A moment
more and he would have been in the fiend.

\ Clark Seized his collar with the grip of an
athlete, and jerked him strongly up. He had
at that instant a double strength, and lifted
Peter bodily with his single band, setting him
upright on the rock.

“Safe at last!” he cried. “And now, my
men, at back your breath and your brains, and
we wi I make tracks from these damp quarters.
It is not the safest spot in Siberia.”

Ten minutes passed ere the stunned men were

, fully themselves again. Then Clnrk led them
to the edge of the sock, and with Paul’s he! got
them safel across the perilous channel? A
single bold eap then landed him beside them on

the stony bank.
“ All hunky yeti” he yelled. with a boy’s en-
madam. “ And now. my lads. another break

 

for liberty. We are not out of the frying-pan
yet, it we have escaped the fire.”

 

CHAPTER XI.
ACROSS THE DESERT or TA‘RTARY.

AT the southern foot of the mountain chain
which we have recently described, or rather,
some five or six miles distant from it, stood
a group of habitations. They were almost the
only visible object in the midst of a. vast plain
that stretched out on every side to the distant
horizon.

On the mountain flank which overlooked this
scene sqood a group of man, who were gazing
with interest and admiration upon the scene be-
fore them. They were composed of our four
adventurous friends, who had come thus far in
their flight, through the perilous channels of
the mountains. Two of them, Peter and Ivan,
were on horseback. They had not esCaped the

rocks without some ugly scratches, and their

two sound companions had abandoned the
{gorses to them, making their own way on
Oct.

An exclamation of astonishment came from
Clark, as he gazed upon the mighty level before
him. Paul looked at him with a quiet smile.

“Looks grand, does it not?” he asked. “If
you could only see it all you would say that
vcur Western prairies are but cattle-fields to it.
That is the great Tartar steppe, the mightiest
level on the face of the earth. In the direction
in which you are looking it stretchOS'out for a
thousand miles. But east and west it is four
thousand miles long, and spreads from the Paci-
flc on the east almost to the Atlantic on the
west.”

“ And is it all desert?”

“0h,nol It has its broad reaches of sand,
which it would take the swiftest horse two days
to cross at a gallop. It has its mountain-chains,
more rugged than the one we have just cressed.
And it has its lakes, its rivers, and its pasture-
fields, on which feed millions of cattle and sheep
and horses. It has its inhabitants, the savage
Mon 01s and the wild Kirghis, with whom We
may ave trouble enough before we reach safe
quarters. From that plain came the Tartar
hordes of the great Jenghiz Khan, and of
Tamerlane, who once conquered all Asia and
half of Europe, and who slaughtered millions of
men as we would slaughter ants. Oh, it is a
great plain, and has had a great history.”

The guide grew quite enthusiastic in his de-
scription of this mighty upland plain, which
has indeed been the foster-home of all the civil-
ized nations of Europe, as well as of the savage
tribes whose career the guide described.

But it was not the moment for moralizing.
The Russians were probably at upon their
track, and every second was vs uable.

“ What is the settlement below there?” asked
Clark. pointing to the cluster of habitations on
the plain. _

“ tis a Cossack station, the first of the sta-
tions throuvh which the Russians govern the
wild tribes.”

“Then that is our goal. Hurry onward.
Every minute counts 1” I .

They but themselves again in motion. and

     

 

5

L

rl

  
  

      

.f‘

i.

A Hot Trail.

23

 

rapidly descended the mountain toward the
level below.
A journey of an hour and a halt brought

l
‘ Clark easily. His th'ree companions were listen‘

them to the vicinity of the Cossack station. It :

was one ofa. line of pickets that strniclwd fur
across the plain. fifteen miles apurt, for the
purpose of guarding the wild nomads of the
desert.

“ What shall we do?" asked Ivan. “ They
may have gotten the alarm of our escape. Are
we not venturing blindly into danger?"

“ Whether or no we must take the risk,”
answered Clark, boldly. “ We must have food
and ammunition; and we cannot cross the plain
on tvxo horses. ._A relay is absolutely neces-
sury.

“ But how are we to get it? The Cossacks
may rufuse."

“ Trust me for that,” answered Clark, mys.
teriously. “ I promiso you a i'emount of horses,
and a Cossack escort as well. There are ways
of doing things.”

Ivun looked at him in surprise, but Peter had
the utmost faith in his young master.

“ If Mr. Clark says it, he’ll do it,” cried
Peter, confidently. “I don’t know how. But
what he says he does.” ’ '

“ An escort may be useful,” remarked Paul.
“ We muv meet some of the desert robbers. As
for the picket, it has not been warned yet. But
we have not many minutes to lose.”

‘ “ How do you know that?”

The guide turned and pointed back toward
the hills. Clark looked in the direction indi-
outed. He could perceive nothing but rock and

lain.

“ I see nothing doubtful,” he said.

I fflhook yonder,\below the long slope to the
e t.

The young man looked again. He made out
some faint dots on the brown surface that seem-
ed moving. »

“ It is two men,” remarked Paul, quietly.
“ They are on our track, sent out to warn the

past. But we have a half-hour the start. Will
that be enough to save us?”
“ Yes,” answered Clark, confidently. “Push

on i”

ing. with nervous uneasiness, to this colloquy.
Every minute now was golden.
“I am straight throu h from St. Petersbur ,"

‘ he continued, “ in hot c use of a defaulter w o
‘lms been tracked this far across Siberia. He

 

Ten minutes more brought them into the
station. It consisted of two or three wooden
huts, built on the open plain. Around these
was a group of some twenty soldiers—bold,
Howe-looking fellows, dressed in the Cossack ‘
uniform. 0n the level ground, grazing on the ,
stuntedgrnss, was visible a numbvr of shaggy
horses, short olf stature, but. evidently hardy.

The soldiers looked with eager curiosuy qt
the approaching travelers. Any break to lllGlX‘
monotonous life was welcome. Their officer,
who bore the stripes of a. sergeant, stopped for-
ward. Clark advanced to meet him.

After afew words of greetingand welcome ‘
had passed the youth remarked in an Open, Gon-
fldent way:

“ We have lost two of our horses in the moun-
tains. The poor brutes are food for the wolves
at this moment. Can you give us a relayl”

“That depends,” answered the ofiicercoolly.
“Imust first see our credentials, and know
who vou ore and w ere you are going.”

“Certainly. That is all right.’

rejoined ‘

/

iservice.” .- . 1 ., 7
“Then quase stir upthose lassinzfellon"  5.

Passedihrough Trobilsk only a few days ago.
‘here is reason to believe that he came in this
direction.”
“ Can you describe him?” asked the oificer
curiously. '
“ He was in disguise when last seen. He had
red hair and whiskers, wore a short velveteen
coat, and—"

“ That is enough. N 0 such person has passed .

this post.”
“ Then some one has pasedl”
“ Yes. Two days ago.”
“Will you describe him?"

“This man had black hair and no board. He‘

spoke but a tow words of Russian, and seemed
to be English. He was dressed in iur cloak and
Tartar hut.”

“ Short and stout?” asked Paul. “ With
sharp nose and thin lips, and a. cunning look
about the eyes?”

“ Yes,” answered the oflicer with interest.

“ He had two coni anions? One of them atoll,
spare fellow, dresse in a. khalut?” »

“ Just so.”

“It was our man,” cried Clark eagerly.»

“ Two days gone, you say? To the south?”

“ Exact ”

“ Then
delay. Please order some of your men to’rad-
die beasts for us at once. And 1 want a couple
of Cossacks as an escort.” ‘

The sergeant looked quietly at him.

" I must see your passgort. and your author-
ity to give these orders rat.”

Ivan and Peter were looking anxiously book
over the plain. The two pursuing scouts were

{must follow, without a moment’s”.

'

now plainly visible, little more than a mile dis- ‘ '-

tant. The situation was growing ticklish.
“I have no time to waste,” answered Clark,
haughtily. “ Give the order. I want theirelay

ready by the time you have examined my'

on! hority.”

The sergeant looked at him indecisiver for a. ‘
, moment, and then turned and spoke to his men.
' Several of them hurried out on the plain toward

the grazing horses. ,

“Here is the document,” continued Clark,
drawing the parchment roll from his pocket.
“Idf’uncy you will find I speak from the
car . ‘~

The sergeant’s face changed as be no his

eyns over the important instrument. A 1001: g
of respect replaced his former doubtful expres-

sion.

“ A member of the British Embassy l” he mut- ~

tered.

“ ust so; and with power to command assist-
ance from any post in his majesty’s service, as
you will perceive.”

The sergeant read dulckly on. He then closed _ »
the document and returned it, with a. bow of 3

great respect.

“ You are correct," he said. “ I am at your

 

    

24

  

 
 

A Hot Trail.

 

answered Clark, haughtily. “ Imust make two
or three posts more before night. And order
some of your fellows to get ready as an 63‘
cort.”

The sergeant hurried forward and gave some
quick orders to his men, which produced a
marked change in their movements. In a very

, » short time six horses were broughtin, hridled
' and saddled, and two of the Cossacks were ready
for the road.

Peter could not resist the inclination to look
back over the lain. The two scouts were now
little over a alf»mile distant. Ten minutes

I more would bring them into the picket. Paul
v gave the incautious fellow a pinch that almost
brought a how] from his lips.

“You stupid fooll” he whispered savagely.
“ Do you want to call attention to those chaps?
Find something better to look at."

Peter hastened forward at this admonition
toward the horses, which were now ready. in

- a moment more the party were in their saddles,
. the two Cossacks on the flanks, with their long
spears reaching far above their heads. The
others carried their rifles strapped on their
backs.
"‘ Stop a few minutes,” said the ofiicer; “ here
I v, come some men across the plain. They are
- making signs as if they had some business with
you. Stop and see what they want.”
,_ “They can have no business with us,”an-
swered Clark, decisively. “ Our business lies
ahead, not behind. Good-by: every minute
‘counts when one is on a trail. Away is the
word, gentlemen; and let no grass grow under
your feet.”
- Ofl’,they went, over the hard surface of the
' steppe. Their horses were fresh, strong and
vigorous—the best of these at the station. The
wir animals rushed on at a rapid paCe, over a
stir ace as level and smooth as that of a race-
course.
. , _l , The Cossack escort rode with all the wild en-
ej.- thusiasm of the rest of the party seemingly
 glad to escape from the dull life of the station.
The did not know, indeed, the cause for con-
gratu ation which their companions had in the
. . springy gait of their horses, and in their rapid
fli ht over the lain.
lark looke cautiously back. The two
scouts were cloae to the picket. running at full
speed, and making frantic signs at every step.
“This is life, my merry menl”he shouted.
“Ahead! aheadl is the word. And a fig take
all behind. Onl onl through the free air of the
desert!”
‘ The horses seemed to catch the fire of his
1 \ words. and strode forward at a pace that would
'_ have done credit to a race-course.
r . The Cossacks, a wild-looking pair, waved
1- their long lances with enthusiastic cries, and
 . s urred their horses to a racing speed. Away
‘1'" t ‘35 rushed, like birds of the desert, in all. the
' wil gladness of flight.
At almost the same moment the two scouts
.' I rushed into the picket station, dusky and per-
 spiring, and gas mg with their exertions until
t 6 were unab e. to speak.
,1 ‘ What ails you?” demanded the sergeant.
_-r “ What are you after? Are you pursued l"
The gasping fellows made ineflectual eflorts

  
  
  
 
 
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
 
  
   
  
   
    
   
   
   
   
 
    
   
   
    
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
     
  

a

 

to answer. It was several minutes before they
could speak in intelligible accents.

“ Fools l—villainsl—traitorsl” came in succes-
sive gasps. “You have let them escape—you
will be sent to the mines—for this "

“ What do you mean? Are you crazy?”
fskf‘id the sergeant, shaking one of them vio-

ent y.

“Those men—they are refugees, murderers,
escaped convicts!”

He pointed onward desperately to the reced-
ing party of horsemen.

‘ hose men ?" asked the astounded sergeant.

“ Yes. Don’t you know our uniform? We are
of the Third Regiment, stationed at Trobilsk.
We chased them into the mountains. They
made a stand, and left ten of us dead in the pass.
They made their escape. We were sent to spread
th‘e‘ aBlarmlli”l d h d h

utt 6 ea or a t eem ror’s ass rt.
He is of the British legation.” pa p p0

“ It is false. He is a Yankee reprobate. He
stole the passport. They must be overtaken, or
it will go hard with you. ’

The alarmed officer sprung hastily away, and
gave hurried orders to his men. In a few min-
utes afterward the party on the plain saw a
troop of horsemen leave the station, hot upon
their track.

The Cossack escort were among the first to
perceive this. They looked at their companions
with a momentary doubt.

“ What does this mean? Are we pursued?"
they asked. “Let us slack up, and see if we
are wanted.”

“It’s another escort for those two men we
saw on the plain.” remarked Clark. “ My busi<
ness is ahead, not behind. I have no seconds to
spare; Push onward, lads. Lat no man draw
rein.

011 they went with unchecked speed, the Cos-
sacks apparently satisfied with this dubious ex-
plunation.

Two miles behind them came on the party of
purs‘iiiit, pushing their horses to their utmost
spee .

 

CHAPTER XII.
A HOT CHASE BY DAY AND NIGHT.

MILE after mile fell behind the swift steeds of
the homes. There was something exhilaratin
in the wild ride. Above them was the broa
blue sky, without a cloud on. its whole extent.
Beneath them was the level lain, stretching on-
ward, as they knew, for t ousauds of miles.
Not a tree was an wherein sight, not a bird,
nothing living but I; emselves on that vast out-
reach of nature.

Ye, there was something else. Behind them
came on their pursuers. But the latter had been
falling steadily behind. Their two miles of dis-
tance had now extended to three. Fortunatel
the sergeant had selected the best horses at h s
station for the fugitives. Though the had run
at top-speed for ten miles they show no signs
of distress. The horses of the steppes are celeo
brated for bottom rather than speed. One of
them could run down two Euro an horses.

Five miles more and they das ed into another
Cossack picket. The bar driven horses wm
now showmz some sins of distrefl.

7.!

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A not Trail. 23

     

 

"A relay. Quick!” cried Clark. “Shift our
saddles at once to your host horses. We are on
government service, and have not a moment to

ose."

He reduced his passport as he spoke, and
hnnde it to the oillcer in command.

“ Give your orders first, and read afterward,”
he demanded. “ We are in pursuit of a fugitive,
and every second counts.” ,

The resence of a Cossack escort convmced
the o cer of the truth of the traveler's words.
He gave the necessary orders to his subordinates
ere opening the passport. A glance at it was
sufllCient. He closed the paper and respectfully
returned it.

While the horses were preparing Clark ques‘
tioned concerning Mason, the fugitive thief. He
learned that he had passed the station two days
before. _

“On, my merry men!" cried the American,
springing to his saddle. “ We are on the track

at

“ What troop is that behind you?” asked the
omcer, pointing back to the party of pursuers,
who had advanced during this colloquy until
they were but a mile distant.

“ Some other travelers, [su pose. They must
report for themselves. On, ads, our game is
close ahead." .

Away again, over the interminable plain, the
Cossack escort still riding unsuspiciously on the
flanks of the troop.

By the time that the pursuers had changed
horses and were again on the trail, the fugi-
tives were once more three miles in advance.

It was a stroke of genius which Clark had de-
viSed. He had made of his direst enemies his
best friends. The magic of the passport secured
him the best horses at each station. By his side
rode two men as guards, who would have turn-
ed spear and carbine against him had they
dreamed of the truth. In the rear came a party
of eager pursuers, spreading fury and dismay
at every station which they reached. And so
theghase went on, sunshine ahead, storm be-

in .

By the fortune of picking up the best horses
at every station the distance between pursued
and pursuers gradually increased, until at sun-
down the latter were six or seven miles in the
rear.

Since morning the fugitives had ridden nearly
a hundred miles. They were now far Within
the ste e.

“LuIchgy the Russians have not stretched}
telegraph wire between their stations, whie
pered Clark to Ivan. “They would soon dis-
count our daring game if they had the lightning
to chase us.”

CIOuko of the Cossack escort now rode up to

at .

I“ Shall we stop at this next station for the
night?" he asked.

“ No. Ni ht and day is my motto. We
must ride at east 9. station or two more before
we draw rein. Is the road safe in the night?”

“We may be attacked by the desert brig- ‘

ands”
“ Let them. We will giVe them a,lesson."
“Shall we stop, then, for sup erl’
“ Supper can wait till our do isended. If
, rug

you are hungry take a bite in our list. When
h alitn 3n the chase, my good to low, there are no

a s.

The Cossack withdrew, a little discontented,
yet With renewed respect for the young traveler
whom he was escorting. It was nearly night-
fall when they entered the next station. The
change of horses was quickly made, and they
were soon on the road again. The usuulques-
tions about Mason had been asked, with the
usual answers. He was two days’ journey in
advance.

They had not got far from the station. how-
ever, when the Cossack who had lately spoken
to Clark again approached him.

“I learned something of importance at the
picket," he said, “ which may change your
plans. Mason, or whatever you call the man
vou are after, did not ride to the next station. ‘
He diverged from the post-track a short dis- , ..
tance ahead of us." , I

“ Ha!” exclaimed Clark. with sudden in- -
terest. “ That is news indeed. How ,do you
know this?”

“ I was told it by a soldier at the picket who
rode for a distance with the party." ‘

“ But where, then, did he go, and how shall": ' ,'
we take up the trail?” ‘« ,

“ He rode out to a Kirghis encampment. l-c‘
Whll'h lays ofl’ here somewhere to the right.” , ' C

“ The Kirghis, eh?” exclaimed Clark. “ Then 
we are in tin ir country?” i .‘

“Yes. Sultan Souk, of the Middle Horde, ll — -
pasturing somewhere to the west of us.” ‘

“Can you lead the way to his camp?” -

“It is doubtful if we can find it after dark.
We can try it. But it would be safer if we,
want to escape a cold bed on the desert, to turn
back to the picket, and ride on tomorrow.” - .

“ Turn back? Never. Push on. We will ,’
find the Kirghis. I feel it in my bones.” _ -

The Cossack bowed, but made no answer.
He rode ahead, diverging toward the west. The
others followed. In a few words Clark ex-
plained to his followers the change of plan. ., 

“And it isa luck change," he remarked, in - -
cautious tones. “ e have cut loose from those ‘
dan erous Russian pickets, and we have left no
war behind to reveal our change of plans. ',
Once safely among the nomads of the plain,
and we can snap our fingers at the Russians." \

On they rode, all glad at this change of plan,»
thOUgh they had to conceal their exultation
from the Cossack escort. The night fellrapldly. A. 4,
Ere they were a mile away from the pain“)! ”
divergence darkness covered the plain.  4 '

It was a moonless night, yet the star-aware
visible. These served as guides, and their 000- 
srick leader rode fearlessly onward through-tho 
gloom, closely folloWed by his train. 

Mile after mile the want on thumbs-«ling 
due westward .over t a endless plain. Not a
landmark was anywhere visible. Nowhere I
; trace of the shepherd—tribe ap sired. ‘ .
1 For some twenty miles the r ride continued, .
1 Vet not a sign of any encam meat was visible.
The guide drew back sinuous y.

“ I fear we have passed it in the darkness,” ho -
i said. “ A camp on these plains is like a boat on v, ,‘

a lake. It is not eas found in the dark”. - . i;

The other. Cossac drew up hi. hem and. ' '

' I -. : , '

 

  

28 A Hot Trail.

 

 

denly, and 83mg to the ground, which he felt
with his ban 5.

“There is good grass here,”he announced.
“We are near the pastures.”

The horses, too, grew more lively, and
started ahead with renewed speed.

“They scent water,” remarked Paul. “We

' are approaching a stream.”

" Good news,” exclaimed the Cossack, joy-
fully. “ For there comes a cloud over the sky.
In ten minutes every star will be blotted out,
and our only compass gone."

“ That is the best piece of news yet," whispered
Paul to Clark.

it Why?”

“ I have been afraid the Russians would pur-
sue us to the Kirghis camp. But they cannot
do it without the stars to guide them. We are
safe for the night.”

, “ And we can laugh at them tomorrow.”
. Paul’s prediction proved right. Within five
- ' minutes a stream was reached, into which the

/ thirsty animals rushed, and began eagerly to
' drink.

While they were drinking the two Cossacks
alighted, and searched the muddy borders of

I the brook with their hands for the footprints of

, animals. Nothing was found, however, and
they separated, one going up and one down the
stream. on the same errand.

The travelers waited impatiently the result of
this investigation. In a few minutes there
came a. loud call from the man who had taken

‘ the northward direction. All hurried up to the

“spot and found that he had discovered a well-

marked track, in which the hoof-marks of no. h

cattle and horses could be traced by the hands.

Ferding the shallow brook, they rode on in

Isearch of the aoul, or Kirghis camp. _After
proceeding half a mile there came to their ears
what' seemed the distant barking of a,dog.

They continued their coursa, anxiously listen-

ing. Ere they had gone much further the voices
. ‘of several dogs broke on the silence, the barking
 ' soon growing furious as they advanced.

' ' “ Halt here i” cried the Cossack leader. “ We

are near the camp. We must look out that we
. are not assailed as brigands.”

, Now the clatter of boots was heard, in proof
»‘ 7 that the guards were riding to call out the
 tribe. Soon a great noise resounded. The
'~ 'barking of the dogs was succeeded by the

~ "shouts of men, and by the sound of gal eping
. :horses, as the armed and alert nomads rode

- out ready for the fray.

- ' - The two Cossacks pushed forward toward the

' aentinels ata slow pace, calling out that they
, were friends and not robbers. In a few min-
f ' utes they reached the watchmen, whose fear
. .vanished when they recognizad them as Rus-

"Iianfl.

' ’ ' The guards now came forward and conducted
-~ the party of travelers to the chief, who stood
‘ , waiting to receive them.
It was a strange scene they gazed upon.
 I Around the venerable chief was collected a
‘ ‘ cup of armed horsemen, all grasplnfi their
ttle-axes and ready for the fray. ehind
. - them huddled the women and children, all anx-
 ious and frightened. Around rose the bee-hive
‘. flour“. or tents of the nomad Tartars. From a

\

 

 

distance bloated the herds. All this, under the
faintlight that came from the yourts, formed
a remarkable scene of barbarian Asiatic life,
on which Clark looked with eyes of wonder.

In a few minutes, however, the travelers
were conducted to an empty yourt, all the in-
habitants of the camp sought their tents again,
and silence and sleep fell upon the scene. It
was one of those events that are of frequent oc~
currence in a nomad camp, which are always
subject to the attacks of the robber-bands of
{he steppes, and are always ready for the com-

at.

 

CHAPTER XIII.
FROM PASTURE 'ro PASTUBE ACROSS THE
DESERT. '

THE scene on which the travelers gazed the
next morning was full of interest and anima-
tion. Around them extended the yourts of the
Kirghis, the Tartars of the Steppes, bee-hive-
sha‘ped mansions, covered with great strips of
felted cloth, made of camel’s hair, and spread
over a framework of poles. It formed a warm,
close habitation, yet so fragile that it could be
taken to pieces and packed on the back of a.
camel in an hour’s time.

Looking at the travelers with equal interest
was a group of the people, short, squat, stout
follows, the most of them with bowed legs, from
living so much on horseback. They Were of the
olive complexion, and had the almond eyes of
the Asiatics, while their faces were almost des‘
titute of beards.

Both men and women were dressed alike, in
long cotton khalats, or gowns. encircled by a
belt or a shawl at the waist, and usually so dirty
that it was impossible to tell what their original
color had been. .

But Clark was most interested in the animals
which surrounded the village. These consisted
of immense herds of horses, cattle, sheep' goats
and camels, which covered the whole plain.
Of these animals the nomads possess vast num-
bers, and it is not uncommon to see a single
herd containing 1.000 camels, 10,000 horses, 20,-
000 cattle, and 50,000 sheep.

Early as the hour was the women had been
already out, milking their herds, and were car-
rying back the milk in large leathern pails.

his milk was poured into large caldrons, un—
der which a hot fire was blazing. A group of
old women. who looked like witches in their tat-
tered clothes, kept busy stirring the milk, which
becomes thick after boiling for two hours. It is
then cut into squares and dried in the sun, as
winter food for the people.

Sultan Souk, a handsome, determined-looking
man, greeted the travelers. and invited thum to
breakfast in his yourt. Thev gladly accepted,
as they had not tasted food for twenty-four
hours.

“ I don't know how you will relish a Kirghis
breakfast,” said Paul to Clark. as they followed
their host. “ These folks don’t live in a very
civilized fashion.”

“ Oh! when a. chap is as hungry as I am the

can eat beef cooked and served in any fashion, ’ '

answered Clark. “ I am past being particular.”
“ Beef?” laughed Paul. “I pity all the beef
you will net?

   
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
       
    
 

._._._.- "g

{7

"l

Audi's-an.

27

 

“ What then!"

“You are in a new part of the World. Mr-
Cloverly, and among new notions. These peo-
ple think that beef is hardly fit for dogs to eat."

“ On whatdo they liVe then?"

“ Mostly on mutton. But when they want a
grand feast they kill a horse. When you find
horse meat on t eir tables you may know that
you are feasting like a king.”

Clark followed the sultan, as the nomad chief
was called, a little astonished to find himself
among people who despised beef, and preferred
horse meat to any other viand.

He was rather leased on this occasion to find
that the breakfas consisted of boiled mutton,
which was served up on a wooden tray, with
boiled rice. The remainder of the breakfast
consisted of dried apricots and raisins, and brick
tea.

This brick tea, which the nomads drink in
great quantities, is made from the refuse of the
tea crop. It is mixed with biillock's blood, and
pressed into a solid mass, of the shape of a
brick. and so hard that it has to be cut with an
ax. This stuff is boiled with sour cream, salt,
and meal, and is more like tea soup than tea.
Yet the Kirghis drink it steaming hot, and in
great quantities, sometimes as many as twenty
bowls per day.

The table around which our travelers now
squatted, there being no such luxury asphairs,
was empty of all the appliances of civilization.
There were no plates, knives or forks, and the
strangers curiously observed their hosts, anxi-
ous to see how they would manage to consume
their food.

But Sultan Souk soon gave them to under-
stand that fingers were made before forks.
S—izing a large piece of mutton with one hand,
he drew a knife from his belt with the other.
He crammed the meat into his mouth until his
jziws were full, and then cut ofl the huge mouth-
t'ul with his knife, so close to his lips that it
looked as if he would take them off in the pro-
CBrS. This done he chewed away diligently at
the food, holding the joint in his hand in readi-
ness to repeat the dose.

This was hint enough for the travelers. When
you are in Rome do as Rome does, is an old
proverb, and they at once put it in practice.
But they could not easily bring themselves to
the completion of the rocess, for when the
sultan was satisfied wit his meal, he handed
the half-chewed joint to the women of the
family, who were anxiously waiting behind the
table for their share of the feast.

Clark rose after a few minutes in disgust.
Hungrg as he was he could not easily break
hiinsel into the barbarian fashion. He strolled
out into the soul, in which the process of boil-
ing the morning’s milk was still busily going

n.

In fact he was growing eager to proceed.
There was no telling how soon the 113353!!!
might be on the track, and a wasted hour might
bring trouble.

He had another reason for haste. He had
learned from the sultan that Mason, the fugi-
tive, had really been at his camp, which he had
left but thirty hours before. ridinl in search of

l a tribe who had their pastures in a valley about

fifty miles to the west.
“ “Then I must make all haste,” cried Clark.

It Will be a day’s ride, without a change of
horses. to cross that space, and we must reach
the tribe before night.”

“You can easily do it, with Kirghis horses
and Kirghis guldesf, which you must take,” said
the hospitable chie . C‘ It is a dan erous piece
3f cogngybeyou hgve to cross. in ested with

arm rs an our ar '
tagefibe risk”, v p ty is too small to

‘ any thanks for our kindness ” n
Clark, through the aid of one of the :.'}oss?aet:!lre;1 .‘
who served for interpreter. “ I shah boglad to! '
accept your offer.”

The sul'an was as good a: his word. In a
short time a troop of horses was can ht,
bridledhand brought up to the yourtl. {are . ~
were Wild, savage creatures, hard to contror, ‘
and full of the spirit and wildness of their
desert plain.

The one saddled for Clark was a coal-black
stallion, _w1th an eye full of fire, who puwed the .
ground in a rage as he awaited his rider. It. '
was no easy matter to control him, and \he '
plunged forward with a hound like a deer, on
sognflas he felt the weight of a rider in bi:
so e.

There was no turning him back, and the _
youth rode on, leaving it to the others to ever-
take him. There was something exhilarating
in the furious speed, in the smooth gallop of the

i ii ry steed, and the fresh, pure air of the open

 

i

l

l

i runaway, Clark joined
‘ the journey across the steppe.

plain. He soon gave up the efl'ort to check the
fiery beast, and let him run on at full speed,
knowing that eight or ten miles of such a gallop
would brin him down to a soberer pace. _
He soon eft the pastures behind and reached
the open plain, covered here with sand and ,
grave, which was as smooth and hard as a ‘
floor. The youth, though not atrained rider,
sat his horse like a contour, to the admiration
of the Kirghis, who live on horseback, and have
almost forgotten how to walk. I ' a
He was ten miles out ere the ove him.
By that time the horse had oat muc of it:
fiery energy, and settled down to a slower pace,-

better suited for the long journey which yetiay ‘ i .

before the travelers;
Clark tnund that his party bad been increased
by eight Kirghis horsemen. These were hardy.

savage-looking fellows, dressed in leathern._ 

coats, with the mane of a horse flowing down; ;
their backs. Each carried along spear, with-i
tuft of horse-hair at its extremity); A longk .
handled battle-ax, thrust in the it at the
waist, completed their equi ment, audJnarked
the? as men whom it woul not be late, to triro .
wit . "
With a brief greetin , and a. la b at his
his friends. an resumed ~ '
For mile after
mile they rode onward, over a scene as monots _
onous as the open sea. An uninterrupted level
of sand and gravel; now runni
dulations. now as level as the _ oor, and mm.
ingly without end, while not a sign of life mark-
ed its vast extent. But the sky was clear. The
air was pure and brafihm. There was a seam

 

 

 

 

into long uni . ‘.

 

      

     
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
   
  
 
    
   
 
   
  
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
 
   
   
   
  
   
   
    
   
 
     
       

/

l

      
 
      

 ,  number us, but they
, and ball.

‘. but are be con

1128

A Hot Trail.

 

of freedom and breadth in the scene, that for the
time made Clark envy the shepherds who spent
their days in this life-giving air. and who lived
upon these wild—springing, spirited horses of the
Steppes.

Hour after hour passed by and still they rode
onward, at a steady pace. To the far south was
visible a blue line that looked like a mountain
range, and a gleam as of a flowing stream. But
where they were all was the barest desert.

The sun was sinking low in the west, and yet
no trace of the expected pastures was visible.
Clark questioned one of the Kirghis.

“ In an hour,” was the answer, “ we will be in
the yourts. See yonder."

Clark looked in the direction of his pointing
hand. He beheld a group of small, gracefully-

-’ shaped animals, which were bounding forward

at a great speed, and so lightly that they hardly
seemed to touch the ground.

“They are the antelopes of the steppe,” ex-
lained the Kirghis. “ They are not far away
rom grass and water. We will be in St. Sul~

tan Beck’s aoul before the sun touches the West-

. . ern edge."

“ But what ails the creatures? They have
suddenly changed their course.”

The Kirghis replied bye. hasty movement, in
which he drew his battle-ax from his belt, and
turned his horse more to the southwest.

“ Look yonder,” he said, pointing northward.
“The desert robbers. Make ready. We may
have to fight our way.”

The objects at which he pointed were yet far
off, but were evidently horsemen. They came
on atagreat pace. In a half-hour after their
discovery they were within easy vision. It was
a troop of Kirghis horsemen, some thirty or
forty in all, who rode in battle array with bran-
dished spears and axes.

“ Make ready 1” commanded Clark, as he took

ibis rifle from his back and examined the lock.

“We will not fly from the beggars. They out-
are not used to powder
We will give them a touch of our
quality.”

The strange band came on at great speed.

I The travelers had halted, and Were quietly

awaiting them.
“Give them a touch of your quality!” cried

 Clark to Paul.

The guide quickly raised his rifle to his eye,
d fire, the barrel was struck up-
ward by the hand of the nearest Kirghis.

f‘ No—nol” he exclaimed. “ They are not rob.
hers after all. It is Sultan Beck and his men.
Don’t flrel”
~ The opposite troops had now halted, on per~
calving Euro ans among the travelers. They
sent forwar two of their number, who were
met by two of Sultan Souk’s Kirghis. In a min~
ute e lanatlons had been given. Each party
had In staken the other for a robber band. A
mingling of the troops followed, and Clark soon
grasped the hand of the tall, stalwart leader
gain? Klrghls troop—the very model of a desert

e . i

In a half-hour a! rward they were among
green pastures, and 'ding through the vast

erds ot Sultan Beck, t spread for miles over
the plains.

\{,-

 

CHAPTER XIV.
THE END or THE CHASE.

WE cannot here detail all the incidents of the
chase of the fugitive thief acroxs the Steppes. It
continued for day after day, each day bringing
them nearer to their goal. Like them, the fugi-
tiVe was riding from pasture to pasture of the
Ku'ghis, but not with their speed, as he has no
idea of any close pursuit.

It was evening of the third day after leaving
Sultan Souk’s aoul. The travelers that day had
crossed a long reach of desert. Nightfall found
them on the ready shores of a small lake beyond
which a‘ range of hills appeared.

They knew that there was an encampment
semewhere in this vicinity, but no trace of it
could be seen. The guides led around the north-
ern border of the lake, eagerly examining the
ground for some trace of horsemen or herds.

These nomads have all the keenness of the
American Indians in detecting a trail; but,
sharply as they looked, nothing was visible.

Finally, one of them obserVed a faint stir in
the reeds. Riding thither he discovered two
Kirghis, who had been hidin from the strangers.

Afew words reassured t em, and they wrll-
ingly led the way, by a. path through the reeds,
toward the pastures of their tribe.

“ You are not our only strange visitors,” said
one of them. “ We have another European in
our yourts, who came at noon to-day.”

This remark was translated to Clark, who
waved his hat with a gesture of triumph.

“Mason, by all that’s good 1" he shouted.
“We have him nailed at lastl Ask that good
follow to describe the visitor."

The description given doubled Clark’s satisfac-
tion. There was no mistake possible. It was
the man he sought beyond a doubt. He fell in-
to a reverie as they rode on, debating to him-
self as to how he had best actin the emergency.

“You take the post of leader of the party,”
he atlength said to Ivan. “I will keep in the
background. You can enter into aconversation
with this man. Tell him what you please of our
business, and get his own story of his plans.
I will question his attendants. I want to find,
ifpossible, what he has done with the spoil."

his plan was hardly arranged when they'

rode into the soul of the tribe. Its chief, a
stout, intelligent~looking person, advanced to
meet Ivan, who put himself forward as the
leader of the party.

By the side of the Kirghls chief stood a.
brown-faced fellow, short and slender, with a
countenance that might have been recognized
in any part of the earth as that of an English-
man of the lower classes.

Clark, who stood in the background, affecting
to busy himself about his horse, flxed his keen
glance for an instant on the face oi! the sultan’s
guest. That one look was enough. There was
no mistaking the face of Thomas Mason, his
father’s thievish servant.

The shrewd youth continued to keep out of
sight, while words of greeting passed between
Ivan and his Kirghis host. They walked away
at length, in company with Mason, and disap-
peared in the sultan’s yourt.

Clark now hastened to the Cossack inter reter.

“ That is myman.” be briefly declared. ‘ Find

.. «L

Q"

.‘t

‘\

A Hot Trail.

89

 

out all the Kirghis know about him. See who
is with him.” _

A few minutes sufliced to acquire the infor-
mation. Two Russian servants had accom
panied Mason across the desert, together with a
guard, from the last tribe they had passed.

These Russians Were somewhere on the left of
the encampment, looking at the Kirghis cattle.
Clark sent forward Paul, the ide, to question
them, while he anxiously awaited the result.

A half-hour passed ere the scout returned.
The look of his face showed that he had gained
some desirable information.

“ What is in the wind!" asked Clark quickly.
“ Have you learned anything?”

“ Yes,” was the answer. " The fact is these
men are more in the dark than we. They tell
me that they are traveling with a German gen-
tleman, Carl Kinnig by name, a man of wealth,
who is journeying for scientific pursuits. He
has little baggage with him, and keeps all his
valuables safely out of sight. They know, in
fact, very little more than that he pays them
well for their Services.” .

“ Did you ask them how it was that his hair
had so suddenly chan ed from red to brown?”

“ No. That would ave been to let them into
our ame.” .

“ on may do so, if you Wish. And take the
Cossacks with you. Tell these fellows that they
are confederates of a thief, and are our prison-
.ers I want to detach Maison from all aid. I
willcall on that entleman and let him know
what’s in the wing. There is no need to mince
matters longer. ”

Clark made his way toward the yourt’of the
chief, at the door of which he paused awhile be-
fore entering.

Meanwhile a conversation had been proceed-
ing; inside between Ivan and the false German,
whose Russian dialect,howevei-,was very broken
and disjointed.

So far as Ivan could understand him, he was
nrich German gentleman, who had set out on a
journey for scientific purposes, and was now
making his way toward the Caspian sea.

He told a long story of hi traVels, to which
Ivan responded by as long a story, both being
pure works of the imagination.

“ From what part of Germany are you!" ask-
ed Ivan. at length.

“ From Baden.”

“ Ahl But is not your German dialect an un-
usual one? It sounds to me like that of some
Englishmen I have met.”

Mnson gave a slight start at this remark.

“ The deucel” he muttered, in very good En-
glish. “ This fellow knows too much. German
and English are languages very much alike,”
he exclaimed, in his broken Russian. “They
might be easily confused together."

_ " But the German is ver rough and rugged
like. It doesn’t sound as g 'b as the English. I
gave ipet people of both nations in St. Peters-

urg. -

“filing the fool l” grumbled Mason, in his
native tongue. “ Is he intending to stick to
that? If my speech is going to sell me.
1 had best take up the English dodge. He will
next be smelling out the plunder in my pocket.
I must null the wool over this fellow’s eyes.”

 

The Kirghis chief at this moment left the tent,
after a useless elfo‘rt to understand the conver-
sation of his guests. He was joined by Clark,
who beckoned to his side the Cossack inter
preter. A few minutes sufficed to acquaint the
shrewd nomad with the true state of the case.
and the fact that he was harboring a thief as
his guest, threw him into a furious rage.

He angrily returned to the yonrt, in com-
puny With his new nest. The conversation had
continued between van and Mason, whose face
wore a look of satisfaction. He had reason to ~
think that he had deceived his questioner.

“The fellow is confoundedly inquisitive ‘
thou h," be muttered in English. “He pushed
me o ose. If he only knew now that I am from
London instead of Baden, and that my true
name is—-”

“ Thomas Mason,” supplied a stern voice be-
hind him.

The fellow sprung as if he had been shot,
while his face grew suddenly of a ghastly pal-
lor. He turned round, tremblin in every limb.

Before him stood, beside t e. fierce-faced
Kirghis chief, a graceful figure, whose fresh
young face seemed to give the detected fugitive
an attack of palsy.

“Clark Cloverlyl” he ejaculated, looking as if
he would fall.

“Just so, Mason,” exclaimed Clark. “You
played your part well, to man, but on bad a
sharp hound on your true . I have c ased you
now for three thousand miles, and I will not
leave you till you delivsr every particle of the-
veluahles which you stole from my father.” ‘

“It is false," stammered the thief. “Ihave
nothing of his.”

“Have you not? We will see that. if we have
to skin you to come at it. You just now ao-
knolyvltegged that you had the’plunder in your
pnc e i.

“It is a. lie! I refuse to be searched.”

“ Then I am a liar, am I?” cried Clark
angrily, seizing him by the shoulder, and fur!-
ou<ly shaking him. “ We will soon prove who -
is the liar.”

He turned and spoke to Ivan, who quickly

disappeared. In a minute he returned, bring- _ ‘ ' "

lug with him all the Russians in the camp, in-
cluding Mason’s two servants. r. V

The prisoner appealed to them to protect him,
and they ranged themselves by his side, casting
furious looks. at the opposing party. _ . ,

“That is right, my good follows,” said Clark ‘
approvmgly. “ But you hardly know the sort
of man you are backing. Can you read?" 

“Yes,” answered one of the men. ‘ "~

“Then cast your eyes over this document.” 3

He handed the man a partly cpginted and ~
partly written paper, which he qui lypanmd,
thh a sudden change of countenance.

“ It is a. warrant, issued from a St. Peters- 0‘
burg court, to arrest and search Thomas Mason.
a runaway thief,” declared the man. »

“ Just so. And there stands Mason before

on. You can see it confessed in his face.” .

e handed the warrant to the Cossack inter-
preter. “Explain this to the sultan,” be com-
mended.

A few minutes sufficed to make the Kirghil
chief acquainted with the meaning of the docu-

 

  

  

-5;

A Hot Trail.

 

meat, at which he gazed with deep respect, as
at some ma ic scroll.

“Now, son,” continued Clark severely,
“ you are at the end of your ro e. Either
will have

quietly deliver up your plunder, or
you stripped to t e skin in the presence of these
persons and relieved of all your ill-gotten
wealth."

The unhappy villain looked appealingly from
face to face of those present. But he encoun-
tered only stern and unfriendly faces. Even
his own servants confronted him with distrust
and scorn. I

The game was up, and he saw it. With slow
movements, each of which looked like the ull-
ing of a tooth, he removed a part of his 0 0th-
ing, and unbuckled a belt from his waist.

‘You will not leave me alone among these
Kirghis?” he asked Clark with humble appeal.
“I will give all up to you if you promise to
protect me. They would sell me as aslave to
the terrible Tartars of the South.”

Clark made no answer until he had emptied
the treasure-belt of its contents, and closely ex-
amined them. They consisted principally of

. papers, financial securities of great value. There
was however, a considerable sum in Russian
ban notes and some gold and silver coin. -

t is all here, except some five hundred
roubles, which you have got rid of in your vain
effort to escape,” he announced. “You did not

‘k-now the men you were dealing with, my chap,
nor that a Yankee boy had the eyes and nose of
a sleuth-hound. I would have run you down if
I had had to chase you ten thousand miles
further. As you have made a free deliverance,
however, I will not leave you to be sold into
slavery. You can accompany me back to Rus-
sia, and there shift for yourself.”

“Thanks, thanks,” muttered the detected vil-

» lain. with some return of color to his pallid face.
He knew well the terrors of slavery among the
brutal Tartars.

 

This scene had been of great interest to the
Kirghis chief, to whom Clark now explained,
through the interpreter, what had happened.
In return the Sultan congratulated him on his
success, and begged him to remain as his guest
for a few days.

But the shrewd American lad did not forget
the fact that there was a chase after him as sharp
as that he had made after the thief, and that a.
Russian troop might soon appear at the soul,
with authority to carry him back to a Siberian
dungeon. He therefore %uietly thanked the
chief, but declared that 9 could only spend
the night with him, as he must resume his
journey with the early day.

The next morning, therefore, Clark dismissed
his Cossack escort, with a gratuity that made
the two fellows happy, and sent them back to
find out how thoroughly they and their friends
had been hoodwinked by the daring outh.

The remainder of the party, with ason and
his two late servants, rode onward in a rapid
‘ourney over the Steppes toward the borders of

urope, two thousand miles away.

It is not our purpose here to detail the adven-
tures which befell the travelers in this long and
arduous journey. It will suffice to say that,
after all they were forced to winter in the
steppes, and that they finally reached Europe
without Mason, who left the party in a man-
ner which We hava not space here to describe.

Clark and his party did not tarry long in
Russia, but hurried on to Switzerland. the home
of the political rcfu ee, where Clark met his
father, who was delig ted with the boldness and
success of his son in recovering the stolen wealth.

From this point the brave American lad con-
tinued his journey to the shores of the land of
freedom, with his faithful comrades. And
there they all now reside, the Russians thriving
through the aid of the grateful American, and
Clark uite satisfied with his experience of life
in the iberian and Tartar wilds. 

    
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
   
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
 
   
 

.41"

  

 

L

/____.__i,. ,V “NA .__._..,-
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Nb Ilurlumuy In New York. By Bruce-
llrinlun llrlnyhu.

Q? The lllluI-ur ('nplllhl. By (‘01. l’renliu lnkmhmn.
HM lleudu uml llh-L In LeudVllle. liy‘F..l..\\r'lI«~oln-r.
N9 IHII Iildulon, 'lrup or. By Edwuld 8. Ellis.
90 ’l‘lppy. (he '1‘ xuu. y Gunny; Glemmn.

Hinmulul NHL.

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V,“ WW."  '5 "fl" , 94 lh-mlum l Hp]. um "elm-"we. By E. l..\\'lmuler.
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<. ‘. Minna
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87 .I'lm Blind-me. .I 1-. “V
158 Ned Ilnzul, llh' Buy 1 .II 
Admm
89 Heavily Eye. Um i'nkvmnn
40 chl. \\ hillhw“ I'M. H"-
4l Ih-mlu'uml lilvk'u Englen. _
‘3 The "order King. Hy Ull ('lmlllt‘fl.
41 0M IIlrlun-y. lh- Hun 5|.(u‘umg
I 44 The “’hllo hullun.
4:- lhwkllorn Hill. IM-
46 The Shadow filllu. Fol. PM. .3 lngrulmm.
4? The Red Brothel-hood. liy W. J. Hmnllhn.
4H Dam] .Inwk. My ’l'.(.‘. lhulmvluh. .,
l 49 llurrfi‘unc Blll. Mr .1 van'pl! i-Z. “MK-W. Jr:
{-0 Mingle “and. M W. J. llumihun.
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1m; ('hlp. w.- ..v ' 1, MymumL.\\‘h...1.r.
NH The Him-I. . rlumner. My Rum-r Slnriumk.
HIT» Ilumlnmuo Hurry, llm Iluullllnck Deleutive. By
lllfll'lI-I Mmris. ,
0“ NIght-lluu'l. Klt. By Jua. E. Budmw, Jr.
“7 .hu'l. lluvh-‘r- Lem]. lly Edwmd |.. Wld-«lar.
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l’lIu-y l'uul. llw ,\ln|\ul*.lr. liny. by (‘. llurimugh.
Ih-nllumnl 1' Double. By la 1.. “'IWelfl.
‘ luv. liy ('upt. F. Whittaker.
Valley FI-unk. uI l'nlurmlu. My Bum-lo llill.
“' Ill \Vlliliiru. ilw 'l'lmmngldu'wl. By (‘lmI. Mnrrll.
qumdu in“: ur‘ Dexidwuud Dick’s Home Hue.
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(.oplu‘f (.1 id. ll.» l‘rnpger. By T. C. Hub.“ h‘.
flurry Armntro u. tlvu n ml“ of she Club. y
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The “fluted Hunter. lly Edward 5. Ellis.
Solid Hum, Hm Buy Rand—Au I. By E. L.“'heolgr,
Judge Lym-h. Jr. liy'l‘ L. Hurlmugh.
The Lulld l’lrul en. My i'nm. Mnynv- Raid.
IHue Ilium-n. rank nnumm. Randy Jun 9.

     

      

      

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1'?
D EVERY

l lleer‘nmter, the Boy Scout "rm. an... North “Mode.
By Oil mum»...
9 Buffalo Bill, from Boyhoud to Mnnlnnni.
ms ingrnhum.
s Kn. (Jun-on. King chum... Is. Allwrt w. Aiken.
4 Gordon Lillie, the B"}”[“'-“ri‘rrh-r m il... l’nwuces. By
Mnjur. H. is. Sunliiuni.
5 Bruin Admnn, 01d Grizzly'n Buy l‘nni. My Iivgxnhnm.
6 Deadwood Dick Iln nliuy. My Mum-.1 L. \\'h .
7 \viiti “ill. I“ Pistol i'rilll'e. 3- _
8 The I’rnirit- Ihlnch. iiy Joseph . lindg
9 Roving Joe: The iiiltury 0i n “ isnnlvr In
H. Post.
10 Texnu Jnck, the )1...::.ng King By (3.1.1). Ingruhm".
11 Charley flkylnrk. A anry n1" Swim!» «luv Scrnpcn nud
c..|1.g.c..p.rs. By major 11. Is. Slmliimd:
12 Muriponu Murnh. liy Justh i-I. lhulg. r, Jr.
13 Rovl 2 “on. By John J. {\lnrshull.
14 ring Stet-l King of lilo Iin.h. My J. ii. iindger, Jr.
hie-Awnin- Georxc. Hy E-lw ni Willa".
It! The Boy \Vllnrd. Br ihrrv Ringgnhl.
17 Peter l'e pen-grass, 1h. Greenhoru in... liuihmn. liy
Non]: Nu .
18 Adrifl: on the Prairie, nud Anmtcur Hunter»
. on the Bufl’ulo Rnnge. By Uli ('umnrs.
19 The Fol-tuna Hunter; or, Roving Jun ns Miner,
Cowboy. Trapper and Hunter. By A. ll. l’mt.
20 Tm per Tom, the. “'oml Imp. By '1'. v. llnrhnugh.
21 Yet uw llnlr. the my Cinei'ofiiie run“... is. m.
Prentiss lngrnhnm.
22 The Snow ’l‘rnll. By T. C. Hnrhnngh.
28 01,11 Gnlzzly Adumn, tha Bunr Tnmer. By Dr. ank
owe .
24 Wood-t nnd Winters. By Cnpt. Fr wivrirk Whitmker.
25 A Rolling Stone : inCMonll in the Cum-r on Su-ilund
Lnnrl n! Col. Prentiss lngmhnm. liy Wm. R. Eyster.
26 Red River Rovers. By C. Dunning mink.
2? l’lnzn mul l’luln; nr, Wild Advellluron or“ Bunkakiu
Sum.” (Mn‘. Sam. S. Hull.) By Col. 1’. Ivmralnun.
28 The Swm- Prince. The Romantic. Life of Cu]. Mon-
Itary. By CnPt. Frederick Whittaker.
99 Snow-Shoe '1 am. My 'l‘. C. iinrlmugh.
80 Paul de Lucy, {ha Fruuch Benn Charmer. By C.
Dunning C Ark.
81 Round the Camp Fire. Br Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
82 White Beaver. the indinn Medicine Chief. By Col.
Prenilu lnzrnhnm.
83 The Boy Crucmler. By (‘npt. le. Whittnher.
84 The Chase of the Grout “'hlto Stag, and. (‘ump
untl Canoe. By C. Dunning (Ylnrh.
85 01(1an Knuuklennd ll'is Buy Chums. By R. Stnrhmk.
88 The Dashing Dragoon: or. Thu 2 '0f Gen. Guurgn
A. Custer. Ry Cm-t. l-‘rml. Wluittnki-r.
8‘? Night-llnwk Genrue. liv Col. i’rnnilml lngrnhnm.
88 The Buy Exile! ot’Slbt-rln. lly 'i‘. (x Hnrhnugh.
89 The Young “('th Hunter-t. My Murrin Rwlwiug.
40 Smart h'lm. the Lad with an'el Hem 15.1. Wine".
41 The Sc'ttler’n Son. By Edward S. h:
48 \ant Fer unon’n (ll-nine. By C. Dunning Clnrk.
48 Riiie and evolrer. liy Capt. Frml. Whittnker.
44 The Lon. lay “'hnlern. 15v T. (‘. llnrbnugh.
45 Bronco Billy, tho Sud-lie Prince. lI_\' Cut. lngrnlmm.
46 Dick, the Stowaway. By Chnrleu Murris.
4'! The Colorado Boy's. Ry Jump)! E. iimlzul‘, Jr.
48 The Pampnn llunteru. Bv_’l‘. (7, linrbangh.
4:9 The Adventurous Life of helix-unlu- Charlie.
By Col. Prentls! ingrnhum.
50 Jack flurry and Tom. the Thrae Chnmniou Itrqthura.
/ By C’upt. Fred. Vt'llittnlwv‘. ,
51 The len Lnnd-Lubhcr. By F. D. Cinrk.
5% The lloy l etct-Ih'cl. My '1‘. (‘. Hnrbnugh.
58 "line-t. Jinn-V; v-r. The Country Boy Adrift in the
City. liy Clinrlrel Morris. .
54 Cniil‘ornlu Joe. My Col. Prentiss lngrnhnm.
55 Tip Trev-n91. tho Flunlur. lly Edwnr-I Willott.
56 The Snow lluntoru. By linrrvdu Format.
57 llnrry Somern, the Sniior Buy Mngicinu. By S. W.

Penna.
58 The Adventurnufl Life of (in thin Jack, the
nler Buy. By Col. l’ranlina Inga mm.
5 Lame. Tim, the Mule lioy oftho illlt'fl. By C. Morris.
8 The Young ’l‘rull lluntcru. By T. C. Harbmmh.
61 Th‘an'fizer lluntern; or, The Co outdo Boyl iu Elo-
P

ByCol. l’ren-

Lud- By Jouph E. Badger, Jr.

Price, Five Centl.

‘ .
6'.) Doctor (‘urvon the “ Evil Spirit " of the Plninn.
m1. I'm-mi... ing nii‘nn.
6:; [um-k Horne mu. My thflt'l‘ Sturhurk.
Yuung luck ’l‘ulbot. By Albert W. Aiiwn.
The Buy Pilot. lSyCol. I‘m-IIth ingrnlmm.
1}“. "0.9" nun-r. By ('hnrles Ali-nix:
r9“... (‘hur1i¢-,llwiinanngrr. By .L Ingmmmn.
- um“. “"19; or, The Young l-‘ur Hunters. iiy (‘nlnnin
" lirmn " Ailnmx.
1"“. ymm r Nihiliut. liy (‘hnrlcs Martin.
n v “K. 'nu'lmv. By Mujivr ll, ii. Stmldnnl.
RA iubnnrt nnti illn- lleur. By Captnin “ Bruin "
The

. nnm.
live Eio thin".
The \ «bung . loony-Human. By W. ll. Munninu.
The Boy ('nrui- Flnhern. ily Riga Stnrhuck.
Iicvnlu-r Billy. By Col. Prentiss lngrnlnnn.
'i'iuI (‘mldor Killer-A. . ‘. (l. Hnrhnugh.
Lmi Liouhccls, the Young Tiger Fighter.
Shulnu'k.
Flutlnml Fred.

By

I'l’l ‘1‘1'1'1'1’.
3‘61; “Quinn: '-
.—

ny (mm. Frederick Whittaker.

By Roger

By Edward mum. Rudy on. 10.
Hot-no. iile iiuxllu-r. [iv Cnptnin F. Whittakcr.
Kentucky Ben, RV Roger Stnrbuck.

The Kit Cur-mu Club. My T. C. llnrhnngh.

Little Buck. the iiuy Guido. Iiv Murry lilnggnlxl.

l'mly Bol), tho Reuillen Rider of the Rockies. liy Col.
l‘rrntisn lnumlmm.

FIy-luy-leilt. By Joseph E. Badgur. Jr.

‘ 1 n Rul h, lile Young Exhlnrrr. By C. l). clnrk.
Little Dun Rot-la. By Morris Redwing.

7 The Molmgerlo llnntoru. liv Maj. H. Grenville.
The Boy Tnun By J. M. l nflmnn.
’Lunznhoro LUe. By C. D. Clark.

Rovllllz Rifle, Culler’s thtlu Scout. By T. C. Har-
bnug I.

Oregon Jnnll, the \Viznnl Rifln.

llurri - ' t. liy A. F. Holt.

Juke, the Colorado Circus Boy. By Bryant
iilillilrl‘llifle.

flmn Spence. the Brondhom Day. By Ed. Wlllett.

95 Mom-0w to fillterlu: 01-, A Ynniree Boy to the Rescue.

Hy (‘lmrles Mom...

9“ Fighting Frell. By T. C. Hnrbnugh.

97 Crulu- of (ill: Fiyawny. liy C. Dunnln Clnrk.

9H The Buv \ iflllnnten. iy Mn}. H. B. Sta: dmd.

99 The “'hite ’l‘lxern. Bv Cunt. (‘hnrleu Hnwnrd.

100 The Snow-Elmo 'l‘rnil. lly St. George ltnlhhone.

10] Mnrlunu. the Uttnwu Girl. By Edward S. EiliA.

102 The Flyinuly Ailout. By (3. Dunning Ulnrk.

103 I’m Mullonoy’n Adventurou. By C. L. Edwards.

4 The Boy Pro-nectar. By Roger Stnrhnck.

l5 Minollee. the anl Witch. By Edwin Emerson.

6 The lluy Crlliucrn. By Edward Willru.

The Border Rove". ByJ. Milton linmnnn.

Mink». the thumb..." HV (*1. t. Howard Lima...

(‘hriliiflh Jint,tin Whi Mnn'll‘riuml. By E. 3. Ellis.

i’lucky Joe. the. Buy Avenger. liy J. M. Huffman.

The Border filmmaker. My Jnme- L. liowu-n.

Left-llumietl Pete, the Double-Kaila. Byduiuph

E. ilurlgnr, Jr.

The River Rim-u. By Capt. J. F. C. Admnu.

' Alone on the l’lnlnn. liv Edwnrd Willett.

silver Ilnrn. nml m. Rifl» F’irodemh. By R. HlanIICit.

6 Ex loltu oi' llezekluh Smith, the Bm-thudsumn.

[iv lnwrson lenmn.
11’? ’ll‘lheli'lonnfi Multuluzern. By (3. D. Clark.
on» \' . u y I.

118 Ind Tim I: or, tho Roy Rlvula. By Barry llluggnl-l.

iin-miylu v17.

119 Caner shut, the White Crow. By T. C. llurhnugh.

Rr-mlv Julv '11.

120 A Hot Trnll.

121 Hunter Pnrti Ben.

Runny Augult 'i

122 The Enquimuux‘ Queen.
Rome Allflust 1-1.

.11
cu:—

By Roger Sturbuck.

:339‘
I“! a

vi-W ROI-‘0:

HHH— fldflfldddfl_
6'!

———-I A...—

By Clmrlel Morriu. Ready July 31.
By Roger Stlrbuck.

lly G. Waldo Browne.

Bendlo’s Boy’s Library ll for ule by all Newadonlon,
five cunts per copy, or aunt by mail on receipt of nix cont: ouch.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. Publisher-n,
98 William Street, New York.