PROGRAM.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 7, 18 September 1906, Page 7

PROGRAM.

Mtom JDsoeMtt, By St Geoife fUtttorae, Author ol 4'A Oodtw of Afriso,* Ac.. Act. PART 8j CHAPTER XX. ELOISE BEGINS TO RXPKHT. With the passage of the Ussuri, a new phase in the flight of th«i Siberian fugitives began. The dangers they must expect would not be oonHn«l wholly to Captain Orloff nod e his men but must spring up along the line of their passage through the wild* of Manchuria! Only bold souls would dare venture Into this land of which so little was known, and that of a nature hardly reassuring ; yet the conditions hod not allowed them much choice in the matter, since it was six of one thing and half a doten of another. i'pon Michael much depended,, and they might consider themselves very fortunate because so faithful a fellow had given himself over body and soul to the interests of Omar Kassam. The horses had already done valorous duty on that night, and could not keep up the tremendous pace at which they were driven. Still, they were able to moke good progress tor some hours, with little breathing spells in between. Finally Kossam held a consultation with the driver, end it was reckoned safe to call a halt for the purpose of seeking rest and refreshment. Surely their pursuers could have no moans to overtake them, since it would be almost impossible to secure a fresh relay of horses in the country bordering the Ussuri. Accordingly a comp was pitched, after the manner of an old campaigner. and everything made as comfortable as the conditions allowed. Michael, cautious to the backbone, kept his horses close at hand, for a Cossack is an epitome of suspicion, and he did not mean to be caught quite unprepared should any whirlwind sweep down upon them. Kossam made some coffee over the f!r«, and they partook of food, of which every one stood in sore need 'tor the excitement ot the night. It was close upon the morning now id a few hours' rest would put them in trim for a long day’s Journey. Again Kassam prepared a couch for thn lady, and she could not do otherwise than thank him sweetly. Perhaps she was sorry because she had given him so cold and haughty an answer when he spoke to her in the tarantass, and wished to make amends, for by degrees the full nature of what he was enduring for her sake must dawn upon her mind with appalling force. He talked to Charley for a time, and then both of them lay down to rest. An hour later, Elolse, waking, ooked out and discovered her champion, there seated by the Are, apparently engaged in marking out a route upon a chart he had in his hand, as though endeavouring to find a shorter way to safety than by way of Pekin, a thousand miles to the south-west. What lay between would stagger the most sanguine temperament, and Kaasam who had made all possible inquiries, was not at all fascinated With the prospect awaiting them. It must be a frightful Journey, consuming weeks possibly, even with everything going well, and he would be wise to shorten it if the thing could be accomplished. She lay there watching him. Strange what a peculiar attraction this man possessed for her I She tried to study the face as seen by the firelight, and ascertain just where the seat of power lay that attracted so many towards him. Three days ago, and she would have passed Omar Kassam by without even a casual glance ; but that was before he took up this battle in. her behalf, and in such an unostentatious manner showed what a sterling character he possessed. Yes, she could not deceive herself longer ; this man had come trangely into her life, and when he left it, as of course he must, after the completion of hia mission, she uld not easily forget him. It seemed almost a pleasure to be in hiß charge, he was so considerate and valiant. The strange affair had in the beginning given her great qualms of conscience, and many times she had leared that her act had been far too rash ; but now sho had not one single regret, for the experience had raised her estimation of the creature man, since up to this time she had not enjoyed an enviable acquaintance with those who were an honour to the sex. Thus she pondered while peeping over the top of her blanket at Kassam, noting the furrows on his brow, which were undoubtedly caused by his anxiety over his helpless charge, when he surveyed the endless difficulties ahead; and she was actually beginning to sympathize with him, . when her attention was suddenly attracted towards a distant sound that seemed like the mutter of thunder. She guessed instantly what it signified—that her ear being close to the \ round, had been the first to catch V e far-off thud of homes’ hoofs beating the hard turf. "Oh, monsieur, listen 1 They are coming,!" was what she exclaimed suddenly sitting upright, and appsar-

I *°o»e© tMfotif *kld Qm*r fTi—m gaggy-i* jj® 11 son that astonished as well as delIJhI.J x- r . *Vm walilala iigßtta WMie, bore her to tbs vehicle depositing her therein as though she Were a child, or a bundle of goods. Not an Instant did ha delay, bat rating hook, seised some ol the artfclee that were oa the ground, where Charley was already staggering under a load, and made for the tarantaae. Perhaps Charley was reminded of the "mounting in hot haste ” at Waterloo, that he woe so fond ot spouting, for never could there have been a scene of excitement that eclipsed this. Wall it was for them that so many precautions had been taken against Just such a sudden flitting, else they could never have accomplished the task, and consequently it Would have been a fierce fight with the halfscore of wild Russian riders, No one was ever able to make out just what the time consumed in these rapid preparations might be, but it waa all done with lightning speed. It seemed as though at one minute they were lying asleep about the fire, and the next the horses had been hitched to the waggon, with Michael tumbling in over the wheel, while the horses were making their first plunge Charley remembered more than once watching the firemen dash out of their quarters in answer to an alarm and had admired the rapitity of their actions ; but he now believed they had discounted anything on record in that line. After all, they had but a small margin to spare, for aB the tarantass bowled away over, the plain, the booming of the horses’ hoofs was painfully dote, and it would evidently have taken but another moment for Orloff’s men to have reached the camp.

When their flight Was discovered there arose wild shouts from the rear, and if Kassam had allowed any doubts concerning the identity ot their pursuers to flash athwart his brain, these were speedily dissipated now, for no one but genuine Cossasks from the Bon could give utterance to such weird sounds.

Again the rude vehicle swayed from side to side, so that it became absolutely necessary for them to grasp the woodwork If they wished to avoid coming in contact with the samo in a manner that might cause bruises.

Kassam was solicitous for the comfort of his ward, as usual, and managed to so place the blankets on either side of Eloise that she no longer feared bodily injury. Of course it would have been impossible for her not to feel grateful, and her gratitude found expression in thanks; but the man made no reply, his mind being no doubt taken up with other more important matters than the gratitude of a haughty young woman. Charley, seated in the rear, was in a position to take cognizance of ail that occurred behind, and could make out that the chase was going in their favour since the shouts of the’ pursuing Cossacks sounded with less vehemence than at first, showing that their horses were weary, and incapable of competing on even terms with those of the tarantass. Dawn crept over the hills, and at length they were enabled to catch occasional glimpses of those,who followed , as the pertinacious wolf does his quarry, speeding along over morass and steppe. It was even possible to distinguish the figure of OrloiT at the head of his column, riding like a centaur, his iron figure seemingly a part of his steed. To Charley he appeared a representation of Fate chasing them, remorseless and unyielding, and to himself the newspaper man mentally swore a round oath that, should tho opportunity ever come to him whereby he could use his weapon to advantage, he would surely bring the sturdy warrior to grief, for he had' taken a most decided dislike to the captain, which was possibly founded on fear.

More and more did the tarantass gain, until the pursuers could no longer be seen, being swallowed up in some of the many depressions that existed.

Still Michael showed no inclination to siaoken his progress, so long as' his horses seemed in the humour for a display of speed. The bracing air of the early morning made them feel fresh, and it would be better to arrange their stop so that it would come about the hot part of the day. Kassam had recovered his usual equanimity, and was the same cool, self-possessed man as of yore. "I trust you have forgiven me if I have at any time appeared rude in touching you without first asking permission ; but really the time would not allow me to do more than think. I ask your pardon now, however, though ready to do the same thing again if the conditions were as serious," ho said with a smile that Eloise could not for the life of her understand.

"There is nothing to forgive. You acted for the best, I am fully aware, and it would be foolish to complain when it is all my fault anyway. So please say no more about it, since the subject embarrasses me " —for she felt her checks glow under his quizzical gaze. He changed the subject and began talking of tho country- through which their Jouhiey was about to take them. Apparently he had studied the facts' bearing on the case with more or less assiduity, lor he was able to tell her many facts connected with the climate, the perils that were to be encountered in making a pas-

whether bo. I is* a Mortal hurts* upon - this con*MWd old bachelor, could not be <1 hate another unelein Hong Xonf. He t« English, you know—tay mother’s only brother—and I believe he will receive me gladly. J Wish we ware there at this minute," She said, peevishly, at the same time shooting him on arch glance from nndar her eyeldshes, as If to see haw ha took it. "And I heartily echo that wish, madam," he observed, quickly. “Ah, yes, it will be a great Joy to get me off your hands, surely. I am vsry sorry for you, monsieur. You ore to be pitied, truly,” she cried. “You mistake. It was not that 1 meant at all, since this danger is nothing to nip personally, Why, were I alone I assure you, I would actually enjoy a chase over hills and plains with such a bloodhound in pursuit, for I dearly 'love to match my wit against another’s, and long ago I learned all that the North American Indians know about the trail. No, no, it is not that—the trouble you give—for I esteem it a privilege to serve you; but there is a constant strain upon my mind connected with what privations you may have to endure. It takes away all the pleasure and makes me anxious to reach our goal."

He said this with such candour that she believed him, and for the first time a tenderness almost overcame her ; obeying her better nature, sho threw out her hand, and laid it on the sleeve of his coat, while her starry eyes grew almost humid as she exclaimed : "Monsieur, I have no regrets ; do not be anxious for me. Perhaps I too, may, after my fashions, enjoy this wild, exhilarating ride, this flirting with danger. It is so different from anything I have ever experienced. And sir, I was beginning to have a very poor opinion of your sox so that your gallantry may revive my faith in mankind. From this hour, pray do riot worry over Eloise for we are taught to believe that what happens is for the best. Now let us speak of something else. I believe I am actually hungry,” she added, laughing to conceal the fact that twin teardrops obscured her bright eyes. CHAPTER XXI. ELOISE IN'PERIL. It was time they gave the gallant steeds a breathing spell, and broke their own fast as well. A word to Michael set that worthy on the lookout for a suitable spot they might secure water, as well as tho animals’ wants be supplied ; aad this was not long in turning up, since these valleys of Northern Manchuria abound in streams flowing into the Amur, the Sungaru, and the Ussuri. They looked quite like a picnic party spreading their lunch under the shade of a tree that grew on tho bank of a picturesque stream. The presence of a lady made the comparison even more natural, and yet Kassam reflected bitterly that few of her sex had ever experienced a jaunt that held so much of peril and so little of pleasure. ”

He was therefore quite enchanted with the girlish humour in which she compelled them to carry out her wishes ; and upon hearing her clear laughter, that sounded like the fippling of water over the mossy bed of a trout stream, as he had said to himself once before, he concluded that at least Lady Eloise must have wonderful powers of disguising her real feelings, or else she could not be so horribly bqred over the prospect of weeks to be spent in this romantic but primitive fashion. And Omar Kassam began some thinking that he probably had no business to indulge in after giving his word so solemnly to this pretty young woman; he was even bold enough to allow himself to imagine how very pleasant it was to watch tho lights and shadows play over that sparkling countenance, which must really be set down as a dangerous pastime for a gentleman who had so long eschewed the society of tho fair sex.

Of course, they did not sjiend any mpre time at their meal than Michael considered necessary for the welfare of his horses. Since those faithful beasts would have to be counted on to carry them to some point of safety, it was only the part of wisdom that they should take good care they had all the advantages possible on the way. Once more on the jump and putting miles behind them ; but when Kassam allowed himself to think of the weary leagues separating them from any city of.refuge, he experienced a cold chill that was usually quite forejgn to his nature. It must be that the presence of this divinity, and the spell she was already casting over him, had begun to revolutionize his nature, and he must shake it off unless he meant to prove the truth of the saying that “there is no fool like an old fool.”

Still, it was very pleasant, to feel her presence, and providing that he by no word or look betrayed his thoughts, surely there could be no particular harm in enjoying the new sensation that figuratively, she belonged to him. As the day wore on the animals began to show signs of fatigue, so that the considerate driver eased the strain by degrees.X They had done well thus far, and covered many leagues of the wilderness, yet it seemed but a drop in the bucket when compared with what remained to be accomplished. So much depended upon the speed with which their pursuers kept up the phase that Kassam devoted much time to keeping _ a look-out toward the rear, always determined that if It came to desperate measures he Would confront his foes boldly, and SEU rt .

bad a rlgM& 4tsmd ulp *»r Us ow». What he had picked up in his varcome into play during this rush through Northern Manchuria, and though tho conditions could not bo parallel in any marked degree, still, when men have learned certain lessons in woodcraft, they may find their knowledge valuable in any lonely waste. A-camp was decided on, and everything made comfortable for the night. Remembering how the fire had betrayed them on the previous occasion they determined to let the blaze die out after it had accomplished its purpose of cooking their supper. This took away much .of the ro* mantle nature ol the camp; bilt they were not out for pleasure Just then, and could afford to deny themselves something it the lack ol it would add to their security. '

Kassam made sure-that everything was in readiness for instant flight before he allowed himself to think of sleep.

He took especial pains to make the little lady of the steppes as comfortable as the law allowed, and she thanked him gravely,- evidently on her guard, lest she might be too effusive, and encourage him in useless hopes. Charley was a wonder I Who would ever think that he could actually cook to suit the queen’s taste, and knew all about making camp ? Indeed, Kassam waa seen to eye him suspiciously, as though he had begun to think that the other could not be what he claimed, an ordinary newspaper man; but must disclose his identity later on as some noted Delmonico chef, touring the world in the hope of picking up new and weird dishes with which to tickle the jaded appetites of those eccentric patrons who demanded a change. At any rate they voted him a great success in that line, and begged him not to weary in well-doing, which pleased the good fellow not a little. Before turning in Omar Kassam took his rifle and walked around the camp, not so much-because he had fear of wild beasts prowling about, though they had bbtained a glimpse of _a Manchurian tiger skulking off earlier in the afternoon, but more through habit, and the realisation that this was tho proper thing to do.

Having made the circuit he stood leaning against a tree, looking towards tho spot where the last remnant of fire glowed softly. Ho could just.see where she lay, covered with the blanket .he had thrown over her with so much care, and somehow strange fancies forced themselves into his mind while his eyes glued to that particular spot. The bitterness of the past, and the wreck that another woman had made of his life, appeared to have been utterly willed "out, and he allowed himself to dream again of so intangible a thing as happiness. Disguise it as he might, and laugh to scorn tho folly that had taken possession of his whole being, it existed all the samo, and he could not deny tho soft impeachment, though, of course, he realised, that in the end it would turn to Dead Sea fruit, as had the other.

Standing there, with his thoughts becoming a trifle chaotic, for he was in great need of sleep, Kassam by degrees allowed himself to imagine that he had been selected by a kindly fate to he the guardian of this beautiful goddess favoured by Vonus and that all power was given him to ward off such perils > as threatened to bring harm to her fortunes ; or he was Paris of old, eloping with the spouse of Menelaus, that fair one of Troy, whose transcendent beauty had thrilled countless masculine hearts in the days of ancient Greece. It was a rare pleasure to simply stand there and draw upon g fertile imagination, especially since her presence was no dream of the hasheesh order, but a positive reality.

Really, he had no idea his weary brain could carry if so far that he should imagine ho could see the pursuers from tho Trojan camp creeping along in the half-shadows, as though intent on taking them by surprise. He shook his head with the intention of dispelling the last figment of sp strange a dream, and having thus aroused his dormant faculties, looked to see the imaginary spies vanish like mist before the rising sun. Greatly to his surprise nothing of the kind occurred. Kaßsam rubbed his eyes and looked again, and then his very breathing seemed to be stopped as he realised the truth, horrible as It was.

The crawling object which he had allowed himself to believe a phantasy of his fevered brain, was in reality a monster of the Manchurian desert, the very tiger, doubtless, which they had seen vanishing behind the rocks during the afternoon. Drawn by the scent of human prey, it had secretly followed in their wake, and now crept into camp, bent on securing n meal.

This was bad enough in itself, but what was worse many times over, lay in the fact that, with unerring sagacity, the wild beast had apparently selected for his would-be victim the fait woman who lay there asleep, utterly unconscious of danger, and relying on the devoted guardianship of Omar Kassam. It would have been a situation to have thrilled any hunter, even without the additional possibilities of peril connected with the presence oi one beloved. It made his very blood run cold as he grasped the details, .and realized just how much dependod on him nt tho time.

Now he 1 could sec the creeping monster fully, since he had come into the open, Kassam had watched a domestic cat crawling up to some bird that had excited its feline instincts ; ho had even admired the muscular contraction that marked this stealthy advance, and marvelled at a power given by a generous nature in order that the beast might secure .its natural, prey. Bujt in this instance the same conditions filled Um with tha most repulsive horror, for It was a human life that waa in MfcjNK**

dud, hi toidd not hin kbot car otksr Man taa the right ta come between Elolee and ham. start ha had sworn to bear all her burdens imt in what tray he might check the advance ol the beast, and turn the brute's attention upon himself ? Omar Kaasam hod always oeoouat•«d bloMell « fair ohot, and coold look back to many a trophy won in the lists because of hie keen eye and •toady hand fAmt when he considered what the consequences of a failure or » half-way success must be in the present instance, hi* heart grew faint indeed, and his hand trembled as if with the ague. Yes in that moment of time he had a better insight as to his real feelings towards Eloise, thaq could hast come through months of moralizing and philosophizing. His first thought was to rush forward, seeking with a shout to draw the attention of the animal to himself ; but knowing something of wild beasts, he wisely held himself in check. It was the nature oi such a fierce beast, if suddenly startled when about to make a leap, to spring in the quarter where its attention had been riveted, and thus, instead of diverting the attack, he would only be hastening matters. HU rifle! Yes, in that lay the power of conquering tho hairy fury, provided he put his bullet just where it would do the most good. Everything was wrong for fine wprk; the light coming from the flickering, dying fire seemed treacherous in tho extreme, while the flatten--ed-out body of the tiger added to the difficulties of making a sure hit. Kassam had never shot a beast of this character ; but he had encountered the panther in his native wilds, and had reason to believe he was acquainted with the anatomy of tho tiger's frame.

Ha had levelled his gun with a prayer on his parched lips. Never had he shot with so precious a stake in view. Death must be immediate, or the beast iu its dying fury might tear one to pieces. The animal actually had the audacity to growl, as though it resented this movement on- his part. .Somehow this little thing appeared to steady the nerves of the i.ian wonderfully, for something like indignation possessed him at the occurrence—just as a man will grow cold upon being barked at by a strange air that has invaded his own doorstep. He spoke to himself under his breath, just as he was perhaps in the habit of doing when on tho hunt and about to risk something. .Tust then Eloise stirred in tier sleep, and tho beast crouched still lower, until his awful square head seemed to lie upon tho ground. To his dying day Kassam would never forget that picture when Eloise sat up and stared straight into tho yellow eyes ot the tiger. She was paralyzed with fright, or the belief that some horrid dream still chilled her brain, for she did not move, or givo utterance to the slightest"’ cry, just half-reclining there and holding her. breath with tho icy coldness.of fear. To her startled eyes this phantasy must have assumed the character of a hydra-headed monster, a veritable Cerberus set to guard the gates of the infernal regions, and now come to warn them against trespassing on the Plutonian realms. Kassam had taken aim, and now pulled the trigger. He had a faithful rifle which he had tested during the day, and knew could be depended upon if his hand maintained its accustomed cunning. That was where the rub came in.

It seemed to him that as ho pressed his finger on the trigger the whole camp was in an instantaneous uproar. There was the sharp crack of tho rifle, a scream of woman’s lips that pierced his heart like a knife, a savage roar from the invader that seemed to shako the very earth, and shouts from the astonished men as they tumbled heavily to, their feet. To be Continued. (1011.)