Omar Kassam.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 6, 11 September 1906, Page 7

Omar Kassam .

(All WftiU lUmttM.)

A MODERN FREE LANCE, -**OR THB *te•f§- Wonumttc Career $ —*=n of; the « Baron’s Daughter,

HBy St. George Rathborne,

■ Author of “A Godcss of Africa,’* *t., Ac,; „ "f PARI' 7.; INTRODUCTION. Omar Kassam had arrived at far Vladivostok. His identity and his mission were a mystery to all, but his passport and papers contained the signature of the all-powerful Minister of War. Ono night he is floating in his boat on ibe waters of the bay. An entortn’inment is proceeding oa board the admiral’s flagship, and just as Omar decides to return to the shore ho sees a boat leave the ship's sidej arid the way it moves over the ."'liter tells him that som'ett£ing is radically wrong. Pulling towards #ho little croft, Omar discovers its only occupant to be a beautiful young lady, most gorgeously dressed. She appeals for bis protection, explaining that she is fleeing to escape being forced to marry one whom she loathes. Her name is ERjise ShubeleS and she is a member oi one of the most powerful and wealthiest families In Russia. Omar pledges himself to protect the lady, and to facilitate, his action proposes that she should formally marry him. Eloise agrees, though it is to be a mere platonic union. They aro married by Father Ivan, a friend of Omar's, and then retire to the cottage of Alexis Strakoff, a carpenter. There they meet a traveller named Mordant, and there, too, Otnar is surprised by a visit from a search party sent the admiral to track Eloise. Omar assumes a defiant attitude, and when called upon to deliver over the Lady Bloise calmly announces his marriage to the lady. He is arrested at the instigation of the count, from whose hateful attentions the Lady Eloise has fled, and lodged in gaol. The next day, however, he is released with the warning that if he U found in Vladivostok thirty hours later tho penalty would be reimprisonment and immediate trial. Omar, with the aid of Mordant, (who is just about to have a combat with the count,.) plane to leave the place, and Eloise decides to accompany him. They leave Vladivostok, but a small party of soldiers travel by the same train. The soldiers are under the command of Captain Orloff. As they near the Chinese .border Omar intercepts a telegraphic message ordering Orloff to arrest him and his companions, and take them ba«k. He destroys the telegraphic instruments, and prepares for a desperate struggle for freedom. . CHAPTER XVIII, A MAD RIDE ON A TARANTASS. Omar Kassam was equal to the emergency. Ho knew the opportunity must not be wasted, now that the message had arrivod. To a second ho could figure out Juft how much time would be spent In repeating tho lengthy telegram, and then in sending it to where Captain Orloff was stationed, so that they might count on possibly ten minutes' grace ore the soldiers would qally forth and surround the oabin where the fugitives had taken temporary refuge. Kassam ran. Ho burst in upon the others like a thunderbolt, and Eloise became pale when she realized from his face that tho eventful moment had arrived. Then the value of taking time by the forelock was manifest, for there was nothing to do but snatch up the luggage and shoot out of tho door, running in the direction of the little shed that served as a stable. Here was Michael, and in the darkr nose he had his team all in readiness two pairs of fiery horses, attached to a tarantass, and ready for the road.

The cries of the surprised guard sounded behind, and would undoubtedly be transmitted to the officer in command. Well, nothing eould prevent their making a start, at teast, for the luggage was thrown in, and Kassam snatched Eloise up in his strong arms and deposited her after it. No time now for ceremony or explanations, even were he disposed to‘make them, or she, on her part, to expect them. The village seemed suddenly to have awakened to life, for shouts rang out here and that were' decidedly hostile to the departure of the travellers, and which proceeded not irom OrloffW men alone, but from some of the resident Cossacks.

Kassam knew that had they been given half an opportunity, these parties would certainly obstruct their progress, and he was determined to force a passage, even if it had to be done at tho muzzle of the revolver. Fortunately,—no not that exaotly, since it was 'a part of a well-laid plan—the cabin in which they had token shelter was located at the eastern end of the stanitza, so that the coast must appear to be comparatively clear beyond, and When the horses had heard the cry of their beloved driver, they shot forward with a tremendous rush, befort which no man could have stood, had he been so raah as to attempt such a thing* That was an exciting moment, Eloise had found her seat, and clung to the side of the vehfelo in obedience to the shout of (he min whose diplomacy arranged? all these marvellous details. | The shock of the start being over, it was not so very bad, since tho I Don Cossack driver knew every inch of the way, and could have ktyt to the road had the darkness b*n twice i’ik

his sars to ths medley of sounds that arose from the settlement, as though they might £hus understand just what they hftd to fight against, and accordingly arrange their own plans to outwit the pursuers. *“‘- That there were pursuers by this time he had ample evidence, Bince the clatter of horses’ hoo(» upon the road sounded clearly above tho rattle of tho tarantass. He understood that the troopers had secured horses, which had been kept ready saddled for instant use, and Kassam had occasion to lament the fast that the officer in charge turned out to be‘ such a practical campaigner. Had he been accustomed to fighting Indians on the arid deserts of Arizona he could hardly have exhibited greater

sagacity. Well, they were coming, these troopers and tfiey would make a hot pace before they, acknowledged themselves distanced. It was Cossack against Cossask, and let the best man win.

Like a whirlwind the vehicle tore across the face of the country. Never had Charley experienced such a wild ride" and he could only grip tho sides in a death-clutch, and hold his breath, fearful lest at any instant one of the spinning wheels might give way, when the awful ride of Mazeppa over the everlasting Taptary plains would! be repeated in their case, since there could be no stopping -such wild steeds. Pegasus was not in it, Charley roekoned. Indeed, as his hair caught the whistling wind created by their swift passage, and ho found it difficult to draw his breath, ho fancied they must have left tho solid oarth and wore flying through space. He had ridden on a locomotive going at more than a mile a minute down tha Alleghanies, but that experience was tamo beside this.

Eloise might have been frightened, but souiehbw she managed to keep cool and hopeful when close to this wonderful man, whom the elements seemed alrsost to obey. She felt a wonderful trust in him, and waited the outcome with a confidence that was all tho more surprising when herl rotations with him wore taken into consideration, for she had determined, wo kqow, to hate him for the part he had willingly taken in this tragedy of her life.

Michael sat there handling the reins with the air of one to the manner born. He talked to his horses almost constantly, after the fashion of all Cossack drivers, urging them to do better? cojoJing each in turn, and by all methecte of blandishments making them vie with each other. There does not live on earth a class of horsemon who knew how to draw out the best' that lies in their mounts equal to the wild riders of Russia, and when words avail no longer, when the animals refuse to exert themselves for soft words, then the sharp snap of the awful whip with the scofpion lash, the nagajka, sounds sharp and clear like < the report of a rifle, and in an agony of apprehension the boasts make a desperate effort to increase their speed, until, perchance, they fall dead on the plain. It might easily have been noticed that their course was such that they kept the river ion their left.. Again and again, Its shimmering bosom could be discovered when a turn took them nearer the margin than usual, for the stars gleamed in the heavens, and glinted from the myriad of tiny wavelets raised by the passing breeze, There was a purpose in this, for over yonder lay a country that as yet had not Gome under the control of the Russian Bear, and once they were across the Ussuri, their chances of escape must apparently increase.

A long run was before them, >ere they could expect to reaoh the rude ferry towards which they were aiming, and it was hoped that in this dash the superipr beasts of Miehael would show their mottle, so that the troopers might be left a certain distance behind, for they would neod a brief space of time in order to Gapture the ferry-boat, and force their eqaipage aboard before the arrival o.f QrlolT and his men brought them to bay. Having located the pursuers, Kaasam crawled forward in the lunging vehicle as best he could without inconveniencing the two other inmates, and held a brief conversation with the izyozchik, thougji in order to make oneself heard it „was necessary to almost shout, such was the rattle of wheels and the wild clatter of eight pairs of hoofs. After that he turned to Eloise. "I hope you are not alarmed," he said, loudly.. / ‘‘Not very much ; it is very exhilarating s’he replied ; arad Omar Kassam must have smiled at the naive manner in which she expressed her trust in him.

"All seems to go well. We are running for a ferry, which I hope to reach before they eome on us," he oontinued.

"But they are close behind. What if they come up before we escape over the water ?" she quickly queried "I hope not. But we must fight if t-hat takes plaoe. Go back wo dare net. It is death to mo, and, you have said, worse for you." "Yes, yes, anything but •' that—even if it be dreadful battle ; but I pray we may escape that, for they are my countrymen," she said close to his ear. "We have a ehance, for our horses are gradually leaving them behind. Tthe sounds are growing fainter each moment, or they are poorly mounr ed." "Oh, if they would only give it all up !'-’ "That Orloff will never do, for he is a man to hold on as long as he has breath in hi 9 body. Our hope is in making enough time to launch the boat before they come ; and I thirik we will do it. Be brave, and pray far us all.'' Talking under such conditions was anything but a pleasure, and consequently nothing more was said. Eloise' had much to think about, while he, on his part.v fourid duties to perform. There came a time when even his clever ears failed to catoh any sign of the troopers who were prancing along in their, wdke, and this could be considered as a good sign, since it promised, to give them the chaifte for whl* thtf longed.

some aecltfa&t* to tfcft tarantass. Yet ,tho vehicle was wonderfully made; 'being tied together instead of nailed, -and is capable of resisting the roughest usage possible, ' where an ordinary waggon would fall to pieces under the rack and strain, 'so that there seemed to be good reason to believe they would get through without disaster. And Kassam had mors or less faith in the prayers of so angelic a being as the fair daughter of the baron, who earnestly expressed her petitions in their behalf., Not dnee did Michael have recourse to the stinging whip, for he knew full well when his steeds were doing their best, and that the cruel snap of the nagajka would only serve to demoralize them. That was held in reserve as a last resort to be applied in case they lost their ambitibn in the run.

How many miles they spanned in -this wttd race it would be difficult to say, but never once did the double team cease to exert all their amaang powers in response to the urging of their master who handled the ribbons.

Kassam knew they were approaching the place where the ferry crossed the Ussuri, and he mapped out his plans regarding what they must dp under certain conditions, so that not a second might be wasted. Always he would see in his mind’s eye that stern face of Orloff, and the spectacle of his haljf-score of rough riders sweeping over the ground with a sirocco rush, as steadily as fate, itself, ever drawing nearer the spot where the hopes of the fugitives were centred, and eager to swoop down upon them as a haw£ does on a dovecote.

Now Kassam was shading his eyes with his palm, searching, eagerly for signs ahead that would give the first indication of the location of the ferry that was suoh an important factor in their plans. What he expected to see was a light, of some sort, for Miohael had informed him that this was to be found wherever a ferry crossed a stream. Ordinarily there would not seem ta be muck need of suck a means of transportation between the shoces of Ussuri, since the southern bank is the territory of China ; but it seems that* for a long time baGk the Cossaoks had b'een in the habit of crossing tbo river into Chihoso territory pasturing their cattle .in the low meadow lands, and oven raising crops of hay there for winter us£ so that an occasional ferry \yas apt to prove useful in other than military ways. "I see it little master—yonder, in the bushes !" cried Michael, suddenly pointing with his whip.

But there was no need, for almost at tho same instant, Kassam had caught the glow that told the story.

The ride was near its end, at least so far as it concerned Russian territory. What would happen when they had crossed, if they were_ fortunate 'enough to manage this, the future alone could tSll ; but they wore concerned just now only in tho present. Even Charley had been able to grasp the situation by this timo and uHjderstood what measuro was contemplated, when they had brought up at this stoppingrplaoe, so that he could prepare himself to lend a hand if anything were needed about this time.

A»s the vehicle went sweeping down the incline at break-neck speed, Kassam, watching from the discovered that, another little settlement clustered about the Vicinity of the ferry. Several lights could now be seen, and he began to have grave fears ldst those below, taking warning from the sounds that something unusual was about to happen, should obstruct their paseage enough to prevent the carrying out of their plans. As he had said to the lady, such a move might result in bloodshed, for thev were well-armed and desperate, ana could not be easily baulked. They were now almost in the settlement, and, instead of decreasing the mad pace, Michael, like a true Cossack drlvei*, desirous of entering with eclat, even shouted a few <petra entreaties to his foam-flecked steeds, in tho hope of bringing out any extra speed they may have held in reserve.

The lights, some of them flashing this way and that, and as Kassam's attention was drawn closer to them he observed something that caused him to - have a momentary phill, although his usual nerve rushed to the rescue, and prevented any serious result. He saw many white tents beyond the settlement, showing that a Regiment of soldiers had arrived there since Michael's visit, and encamped within a hundred yards of the ferry. Were they ten thousand it would not have made the least difference to “this man, since his mind was settled and there could not .be any turning back at the eleventh hour. He must have experienced .some of tho same emotions that came* upon the famous Six Hundred whan they realised how some one had blundered, and sent them into the jaws of death—but there was no faltering. ‘‘Straight on to the ferry 1" he called in the driver's ear.

"The soldiers, little master "I see them—it does not matterover them, through them. We must get there some way ! To the ferry, Michael, though all Hades be against us !" was what Omar Kassam said ; and the izvozchik drove on Ifke the. wind. CHAPTER XIX. HOW THEY STORMED THB FERRY* Given a commander who is utterly without tear, and there is absolutely nothing on oarth a genuine Don Cossack .will not venture, In this instance the words of Omar Kassam acted like magic upon Michael, who, having his orders, would allow no obstacle to stand out against him. "Over them ! Through them ! We must get there way ! To the ferry, Michael, though all Hades be against us !" Brave words surely, and perhaps somewhat lacking in refinement ; but. it was not a time'to mince one's language. And Eloise, who heard, did not dream of questioning their fitness to the occasion. Indeed, the very vehemence with Which they werf spoken

"her pew assurance,” as it were, that this hum . would carry his imperious will against all odds. How they swooped down upon that encampmeht. I The north wind, bearing in its biting breath the keen edge of the howling blizzard v could not have descended with more riotous confusion. Shouts of men Were heard far back in the distance ,as the tep troopers, , finding themseives left in the lurch, raised their voices in a resonant alarm, in order to put those at the ferry on their guard ; but the warning came too late.

True there was confusion without parallel amid the tents, and men could be seen rushing hither- and thither ; but the true status of things was as yet a mystery, and all they could think of was an attack from some enemy, so that their immediate endeavour appeared to be bo guard the camp, and' meet the assault like brave men.

This left the ferry unguarded. It was a supreme moment for the fugitives.

Kassam crouched alongside the driver, his eyes strained in his endeavour to make out just how things were situated, and what resistance, if any, they might expect to encounter at the ferry. Charley was near the rear of the vehicle, holding on with one hand, while the other did duty in clutching the precious tall hat which had not come through the encounter entirely unscathed ; while Eloise in the centre of the tarantass could only hold her breath, keep her eyes fixed upon the figure of the man who was proving such a bulwark in her behalf and silently'pray for succour. Thus, they arrived at the brink of the Ussuri, where tho flat boat used as a ferry lay alongside. Fortunate for them it was that Michael khew the ground so thoroughly, or otherwise in the gloom of night it would have been easily pos-. sible for them to have made some little blunder that would lose a few precious seconds, and thus allow the pursuers to overtake them. * „

Some men there are who may only be seen at their best when engaged in the strenuous life. Besot with difficulties, they rise to thb occasion grandly, and meet the onset with suoh sublime courage that the erstwhilo commonplace individual becomes a veritable god. Omar Kassam hatl that wonderful privilege, and his personality seemed to inject itself into the feelings of all those who relied upon his prowess.

Just when it seemed as though the leading horses must plunge over tho bank and into the water, Michael suddenly drew upon his reins with cries that his well-trainect steeds understood, and back upon their haunches they reared, the swaying vehicle brought to a stand as if by magic.

Almost before this had occurred, Omar Kassam made a flying plunge over the front, and was on the ground. The izvozchik was hardly a second behind him, for tho most difficult part of the undertaking lay at. hand—tho embarkation .\ Even Charley was not slow to avail himself of tho opportunity to set his feet on solid ground again. Ha hastened round to see if he could be Of some assistance in tho matter, ready to pull or push or fight, as the occasion demanded.

Thank Heaven ! the rude ferry boat was at its accustomed landing, and not in midstream or across the river.

Kassam sprang clown the little bank where the road led. The driver would be able to lead his horses aboard if the way were clear, and that was what most concerned ou'r friend, accounting- for his hurried plunge. There was a bar in the way,* and this ho hunled at one side, at the same time shouting, vehemently :

"Come on ! The boat is ours, little master !"

Perhaps he spoke without weighing his words, for a figure leaped into view at this moment, ancl made as if to fasten upon him like a tiger ; but Kassam luckily caught sight of the coming danger, and met it with a blpw straight from tho shoulder, sending the unlucky ferryman over the rail into tho water, where he floundered and howled and splashed like a cub in swimming.

Michael- had naeanwhile taken his leaders and led them forward, speaking soft words in their ears, so that he might rea-ssura them, since any obstinacy on the part of the horses would work theni'iU.

Charley hung behind, having a balfdsflnecl idea that a rear guard was somewhat of a necessity, and ready - to defend the waggon to the best of his ability in ease" of an attack. Meanwhile, the clamour around them had increased until it reached almost deafening proportions. The .galloping trooper* were now dangerously near, ancl seemed to b© urging their winded steeds rceklessly, as only the daredevil Cossack riders might, at the -same time shouting in concert something about the ferry .that was apt to bo understood by the officers in command of the camp, who would send squads of men rushing in l that quarter in hot haste. Dogs were barking in the settlement, soldiers screeching madly, and the very deuce was to pay all round. That our friends kept their heads clear amid such confusion spoke well for their coolness. Not a slip was made, not a false step taken, and only because of this \#mderful accuracy were they enabled to accomplish the daring thing which was so essential to their escape. Nd sooner had the fore wheels of -the x tarantass rolled over the edge of the ferry than Kassam was flying to where tfle rope which held the bo.at to the shore might be found. Charley came to his assistance, with a knife in his hand, having already considered this matter ; and when the keen edge passed across the twisted strands they parted as if by magic, since the strain held the cable taut. Then Qiharley ran towards the bow of the flat-boaF, to pick up the rope by means ®f which the ferry yas towed across the river ; it sank far below the surface of <lie middle of jtho stream, allowing steamers to pass safely over. Mi&hael was already, tugging at this motive power, understanding from the sfring of the boat that she* was fjree from her moorings, and together thdy ctmld exert a tremendous force that must propel the craft

A rare spectacle the swell made as he laboured at the cable, and, despite the peril .that seemed to beset them on every hand, Eloise looking once from the front of the vehicle, and catching a dim view of his tall form, could not keep from smiling ; but Charley was true blue, despite his singular get-up, and had already proved his claim to the title of a man.

Only once did Eloise glance thither —her attention seemed to be riveted on the figure that stood at the rear of the boat ready to meet any difficulty that might spring from the bldck waters, that gurgled past. Kassam was concerned over what was taking place on shore, for he knew the ten troopers had arrived on the scene, and their grim captain must be asking; hurried questions that would put him in touch with the situation in its new dress. What would he do ? There was not the slightest idea in Kassam's mind that the pursuit would be brought _to a close because the fugitives had crossed to a foreign shore. Orloff had received orders to bring them back, and he was just the man to follow them round the world if necessary in order to carry his instructions to a successful conclusion. Oh, yes, the chase was yet in its infancy, and desperate scenes awaited them in that mysterious land that lay to the south. But if Captain Orloff could be likened to a Russian wolfhound, he was matched against *a man who was his equal in everything that pertained to obstinacy, and possibly his superior in many respects, so that the game promised to be an exciting ono indeed.

What Kassam feared was that the troopers would push into the stream apd attempt to overhaul them about tho time they reached tho opposito side. Ho had no means of knowing just how easily horses might swim tho broad Ussuri, but imagined the wearied animals of the hot-footed Cossacks would hardly be in a condition to attempt the feat.

Should some of the most fiery make tho trial, there must be an exchange of shots about the timo of lauding ; and fils thoughts were immediately turned in tho direction of tho occupant of the tarantass. He stopped over to its open roar. "My lady have courage, for all goes well. It is possible we may have to do a little fighting when on land, and you must erouch down in the bottom of the waggon, so that no flying lead may find you. Promise mc,' / ' ho said, earnestly.

Why, there was almost a tone of entreaty- in his voice, as though he might be feeling exceedingly anxiousconcerning hoi*. Somehow it thrilled her to realize this, and then she allowed herself to*, grow cold and haughty. What difference should it make to him whether she was exposed to danger or not, since' so vast a gulf gaped between—a chasm that nothing could bridge—at loast nothing that she had ever known. "I shall obey you in everything, sir ; but you make light of the fact that you must also bo exposed to danger;" she said in a voice that seemed to tremble, though it must have been from the intense excitement of tho moment. "That is., unavoidable. Besides, it would make no difference to you if I were shot down." She was silent a moment to recovered herself and then said, coldly, almost indignantly : "You forgot that you have pledged yowr life to the task of saving me, and under such conditions it would certainly concern mo if you were injured. It may seem selfish on my part to speak that way, but we made a contract, and it has pleased you to serve me, Monsieur Kassam, Yea, I should be very sorry if harm befell you, Say no more, I pray you/-’ He turned away for it was not the time to enter into arguments when enemies hovered about, eager to topple their castlo to the ground. Reflections of this nature would be very well when the occasion was more fitting. Listening he learned that some of the*CossaQks had pushed their horses into the tide, and were breasting the swift current in the endeavour to cross to the other shore.

How many they were he had no means of knowing, but since the boat was making speedy time over the flood, he had little fears that their pursuers could land in any condition to do them damage. The chances were they would eventually pull ashore far down the stream, and with their already exhausted steeds in a wretched condition for further work.

Looking the other way Kassam could see the bank towards which they were heading ; it loomed up along the skyline with a sharp silhouette that marks a landscape as seen against the clear heavens. What Kassam was looking for above all else was a sign of enemies. Suppose some of the soldiers had taken a notion to cross over just for the novelty of camping on Chinese territory, it would prove very disastrous for the plans of those who iWere nearing the shore. But he could distinguish nothing that had any appearance of danger which gave him'more or less relief.

The noise across the water was almost ludicrous, being composed of so many discordant elements ; but Kassam knew one man was not in the least confused, and that Captain Orloff must be making preparations for continuing the chase to the south.

as he had once said to Eloise, Oi&jir. Kassam had been longing for som&hing to occur that would stir the stagnant blood in his veins, he certainly had no cause to complain now for lack of excitement, and the future gave abundant promise of a further supply that would satiate the most- inveterate seeker after 'sensation.

Pulling like Trogans, the driver and Charley had brought the boat over the river, and now saw the end of their herculean task in sight when the bank loomed up above their heads.

Thus far every bit af work had gone through with the charm of machinery, not a hitch having occurred to mar its perfection, and if this good luck continued to the end, they would have reason to be proud 0t the record made, When the boat drew near her land-

attend to the cabled and* sprang forward to moor the craft, so that the vehicle might be taken across in safety. The instant it struck he was over with the end of a rope, whipping it round a post used for the purpose. Kassam had sprung to the front, and torn down the bar that kept the horses from venturing too far, while Charley crawled in at the back of the vehicle, glad enough to secure his old seat.

Michael grasped the leaders, and coaxed them to advance, overcoming their fears by means of wheedling words. At last all was clear, and lie called to his employer to mount. Hardly Had Kassam sprung to his seat than the Cossack was beside him, grasping the reins, and shouting tp his horses, which, with a great bound shot away over the Manchurian waste, headed into the mysterious land that lay beyond. Lo be Continued. (1010.)