Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1081) (1904 02)

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—~— neon bepseee - -- —s ar Se) Le ogra aS ‘ “SURRENDER OR I'LL RUN YOU THROUGH!” THE MAN FOLDED HIS ARMS AND ANSWERED; ‘ KILL, IF YOU PLEASE, I'VE Dons WHAT I CAME TO DO.” > a

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2 ee “A Yankeoo. Cossack ; | The Queen of the Nihilists. A Story of the Great Coronation at Moscow, BY CAPT. FRED. WHITTAKER, AUTHOR OF “‘THE RUSSIAN SPY,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. A BALKAN BIVOUAC. Tr was cold enough to make one wish heartily for a house and a fire, but no house was in sight on the mountain side. The night was coming on and the wind was howling dismally through the bare brancbes of the oak trees overbead. Under the oaks lay a covering of snow about four inches deep, and under the snow were rocks of all varieties, up and down the sides of the declivities, Nothing could be seen but the bare gray trunks of the trees and the white mountains, for they rose on all sides and shut in the vievv, In the midst of this desolate scene, a young man on foot went struggling along over the rocks, slipping and sliding, leading a thin rag- ged-looking horse bebind bim, and followed by two men, whose tall fur c»ps and long coats showed that they were Cossacks of the Cau- casus, All three were well-armed; the Cossacks with muskets and sabers, the young man with a pair of revolvers in his belt. He was dressed in a semi-military rig, and carried a large field glass slung on one shoulder over a haversack, but did not look like a Rus- sian, though it wasin Russian of a kind—broken and imperfect—that be spoke to the man behind im. ** Well, Ostrof, we’ve lost the pickets and we can’t do better than go into camp, I think.” Ostrof, the leading Cossack, brightened up justantly from the sulky look be had worn. **"ndeed, I think you are right, most high- born. If we straggle along in the dark we run achance of stumbling on the Bashi Bozouks, and they would cut us to pieces for certain.” ‘Not you. Ostrof. You forget that I am the only Christian in the party. Surely they would not burt you two Moslems."* ~° Ostrof grinu.cd rather ruefully, “ Your exceliency may be right; but neither Alei nor myself want to take the chance.” The yonng man came to a halt ina place where there was a level under the roots of a tree, about twenty feet. “This is our camp,” said he. ‘“‘ What have you got to eat?” Ostrof reached into one of the saddle-bags that hung behind bis horse, and said: “Tf your excellency will promise never to tell any one, 1 have a young specimen of the un- clean beast bere. 1 took him from one of those Bulgarian Curistian dogs, on whom may the Prophet’s curse rest.” “And are you not afraid you'll catch it for violating the Koran, Ostrof?’ asked the young man, laughing. Ostrof zrinned broader than before. “Té Alei and myself can eat it in the moun- tains, and your excellency is not afraid to keep a secret, no one will be any the wiser.” The young man laughed again, ** You are an old soldier, Ostrof, and eat what- ever you can get. In my country we look on the swine as good food. Ostrof glanced round him apprehensively be- fore he answered: ** Between ourselves, most high-born, we of the Caucasus look on wild pigs as not coming under the Koran. . This was a wild one; at least he ran away from us, which shows that he was not tame, and I bad toshoot him. Wecan but pick his bones to got rid of bim. An unclean beast should be destroyed, and it is the duty of a good Moslem to exterminate swine.” So saying, the Cossacks and their leader un- saddled their horses, took off the nose-bags hung at each saddle, fed the beasts, and began to light a fire. ; This was an task in the wood; when the oung man took from his saddle a small, sharp atchet, saying: ‘There , you’ve often wondered at my not carrying asword. In my country we thin swords have gone by since pistols have come in, but we believe in the hatchet for camp life.” Ostrof took the hatchet with a grin of delight, saying, as he began to hack chips: “It must be a great country, that of you Americanetz. I have heard that the streets Be Sane cetali vtnk 05, Oabiot "be a many people think so, ro t Se out their taistalks before they bave la long. Gold is no more plentiful than but we have one thing in America you don’t know here.” ; * The Russian Empire has in ite service ane Tar- tars reassians who are Moslem UA gion, after a fashion; but during the Turkish War they remained faithful to the Government. A Yankee Cossack. the Cossack, as the fire began to crackle and sputter in its first attempts to blaze. ‘*Freedom, Ostrof. Any man can do as he pleases in America, so long as he hurts no one else.” ‘*But one has to obey the ezar;” interrupted Alei, the other Cossack, ina tone as if he had caught the American tripping. “Surely, you foraet that, most high born?” “Not a bit of it, Alei. In America the people are the czar, and we elect a czar to obey the people, every four years,” Alei stared at him, and but for his politeness it is probable he would have expressed his dis- belief in the assertion, As it was, he began to cut up the sucking- pig which Ostrof had hidden in his saddle-bags, and sniffed frequently during the operation, in a manner which spoke louder than words, while the young American smiled to himself at the evident disbelief of his two followers in a repub- lican form of government, Within a very short time, thanks to the ex- perience of the veteran campaigners, what had been a snowy nook in the mountains, sheltered only by a big rock and a clump of old oaks, be- came a cheerful little camp, with a blazing fire, over which steamed three tin cups of fragrant tea, while the campers were broiling pieces of the little pig on sharpened sticks. Suddenly Ostrof turned his head quickly and ejaculated: ‘* Horses are coming! Stand to your arms!” In a moment the meat was dropped; the Cos- sacks had picked up their muskets, and Ham- mond, tho American, ran out of the circle of firelight into the shadow of a tree, an example followed by his men, All three could distinctly hear the cracking of dry sticks under the hoofs of a horse, though they could see nothing, for the rider, whoever he was, had gone behind one of the rocks that surrounded tbe place. Whether he had seen their fire or not was a question, but as the boof- beats came nearer they concluded he must have done so, ‘* Keep still,” whispered the American to Alei, who was handling his musket in a way that in- dicated an intention t. fire on any one at sight. ‘It may be one of our own men after all.” Alei shook his bead, “It is a Bashi Bozouk scout, and they are all limbs of the devil. Let us shoot first and ask questions afterward.” “Not so,” returned Ostrof. ‘*The Ameri- canete high-born gentleman is right, Il. may be one of our own men, lost like ourselves. Anyhow, it is but one man, Let us keep hid- den till he comes up.” Alei sulkily grounded the butt of bis musket. “Have your own way, butif be brings on a whole regiment, don’t say I didn’t tell you.” They remained hidden, and the footsteps came nearer till they saw a horseman coming round the shoulder of a rock, his animal slowly picking its way, the rider letting the reins hang on its neck, as if be distrusted his ability to guide the horse on such rough ground, The horseman wore a fur cap and long-furred overcoat, while the clink of q saber betrayed him as an officer. He appeared to be looking ee ig be round him, and ,they saw him pull up and loo at the fire doubtfully before he advanced. The sight of the three tethered horses seemed to reassure him, however, for he dropped the reins again and they heard him say to the horse in Russian: * Poshol.” [go on]. Then they watched him come up to the fire, scrutinize the horses, and finally he called out: “Hollo, you men! Where are you? Come out! Why do you bide?” Ostrof immediately leaned out of the cover with his musket leveled, and cried: ‘What side do you belong to?” “Russia, of course,” was the answer, as the stranger turned a very handsome face toward them and threw back his long fur coat to show a richly-braided uniform. ‘ Who are you and what are you doing out here away from the pickets? Don’t you know it’s against the orders?’ ; He spoke in the severe tone of a man used to being obeyed, and Ostrof turned to the Ameri- can, whispering: i a is some great man. What shall we G) The American answered the question by com- ing out into the light of the fire and going up to the stranger, to whom he said: “These men are my attendants, monsieur, and I am the American. correspondent, Ham- mond, who has a pass from the grand duke to go where I will in the lines.” The stranger officer looked at him sharply. “You're not in the. lines atall. You're far outside of them. The Turkish outposts can’t be very far over the mountains, Are you think- ing of going to them to give information of our wevenseuter’ Hammond colored slightly. “J have never before been accused of being a traitor,” he answered, ‘I started out to find General Gourkho with these Cossacks, and we ¢ ** And what is that, most bhigh-born?” asked lost our way. We were getting ready for sup- per when we heard you coming.” The officer's face cleared up at once, ** Supper, did you say? That makes a differ- ence. What i a got for supper?” Hammond smil “If you are bungry, it will taste well. We have a young pig, about enough for four of as, with economy: “Then the sooner I discuss it with you the better, my friend,” returned the strange officer throwing himself off his borse, which proved ta be a very finely-bred animal. ‘‘One of you men feed the beast. There is corn bebind the saddle. Now, Monsieur Hammond, where is that pig?’ He threw back his fur coat fully now, show- ing @ gorgeous uniform, and Hammond aco nized that his visitor must be one high in rank, from the careless superiority of his manner, He seemed, however, to be a very pleasant and good-natured person, from the way in which he participated in the supper, end his conversation showed him to be a well-informed man. He had a way of questioning that showed he wes used to h aring bis questions answered at once, and he began to talk to the American as soon as he had satisfied his appetite. ‘* W bat paper do you represent?” he asked. **The American irer, monsieur,” “Ah, indeed; I see it often. Who was it wrote the account of the first battle of Plevna?” ‘*I bad that bonor, monsieur. I beg your pardov—how shall I call you?” The stranger smiled. *“*You can call me Colonel Alexandrovitch. That is my name, Monsieur Hammond.” Hammond knew this to be an evasion of the truth. Alexandrovitch means simply “the son of Alexander,” and bas no reference to & surname, ‘““f read the account, monsieur, and it was a good one, You seem to have military lore in your head. ‘You understand movemerts, How did you find out so much? I did not know you American correspondents were allowed access to information,” Hammond smiled in his turn, ‘‘In my Country, Colonel Alexandroviteh, we employ men who know their business, no matter where they come from. I was educated for a soldier at a place called West Point.” O cginy Why did you not stay in Amer- ca ** Because there is no room for soldiers in my country. We have no wars there.” ‘* Aha! yes, I have heard, however, from a brotber of mine, that you bad a greas war there, not long ago.” **So long ago, monsieur, that we have nearly forgotten it. 1 was a cbild then.” ** Aud how came you here?” “I came to complete my military education, and to learn what you Russians had to teach.” The colonel seemed to be pleased. “That is right. And have you learned much?” ‘In warfare, yes, But I see that you have learned a good deal from us.” The colonel looked interested. Indeed? How?” “In the way in which ‘you have used your cavalry. General Gourkbo bas taken them out away from the army, just as our own cavalry leaders did, during the war, and I pre- dict, monsiear, that this war will be ended very soon now.” ‘You are right, Monsieur Hammond. Bat tell me, how do you like Russia?” “I bave seen but little of it, colonel; but I see already that it needs something.” . ie ng Bas rey é ‘* Freedom,” said Hammond emphatically. The Russian officer frowned Sonteaxpenonlg? ** Ah, bah! you are a foreigner, and do not yee understand our people. The Russians are rn to obey, and need a master. Don’t you know that they sent to Norway, a thousand years ago, to ask Rurik to be their king, and tbat none of their race has ever been elected to the throne, when a foreigner could be bad?” “I know it, colonel, and therein lies the whole mistake of Russian history.. In America we believe in the sovereignty of the people.” - They bad been talking English ever since | Hammond announced he was American, and the stranger talked very good English, while | the two Cossacks munched their is and sat apart, muttering to each other in the guttural Circassian which was their native tongue. Colonel Alexandrovitch seemed to be pro- voked by Hammond’s remarks, “TT tell you, monsieur,” he said, “ you don’t understand our people. They adore a tyrant and would only drift into anarchy if left to them- selves, It is all very well to talk as you do, out bere in the wild Balkans, but I would recom- mend you not to ventilate democratic opinions at head-quarters. In Russia we have ove and one czar, The peop bave to obey both. See how happy and contented are our soldiers; how they have fought all through this war. “That is true,” returned Hammond, “but I think they would fight better were there more chance for a man to rise from below to the top é 3 a i “ } Piey ly es i= a Sea ee Rola . \% ¥ r a v4 rt ‘c ee ‘ * J» e é wi Dee A, opt yi 1 oon wre: > hed ° oe ’ A ‘ Pia ow My “m eh ¢ v hs ‘ “a 7 . S i Py f m iy 7 2 - _ :. ae nant we fa “he La i

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a ; A Yankee Cossack, eR RN EE re of the ladder. For example, colonel, it shows bad management on the part of the officers, - that we four should be out bere, between the two armies, and that no one stopped and turned us back. Tbe Germans would have had such a picket line that nothing, could have got through,” The colonel seemed to be struck by the re- mark, for he answered paverys “What you say is true. I cam» gut myself on purpose to inspect the picket lines, and they are very careless, But what would you have? . Our officers are not yet what they sbould be. Still, 1 would wager that with all our careless- ness, if the: enemy saw our fire and made a dash for us here, we should give a pretty good—” “Bang! whizz! piou! fit!” Tne crack of a rifle and the whizz of a bullet interrupted his speech, and the missile passed close to the speaker’s bead and slapped into the trupk of an oak behind him, In a moment Hammond, the Cossacks and Colonel Alexandrovitch were on their feet and had run to cover behind the trees, just in time to escape a dropping volley of irregular shots that came from the summit of a ridge near The volley was followed by a loud yell, asa number of dark figures came running down uver the snow. ‘Keep to cover,” cried Alexandrovitch in perfectly cool tones. ‘‘ Toere are ouly six of tnem. Give it to them when you can see their faces plainly.” The on ig running down the mountain were wild-looking scarecrows, on foot, with long muskets, and Alei cried out: ‘*Bashi Bozouks!” Alexandrovitch turned his head sharply. ‘Keep your tongue still, fool. Let officers give orders. lt is tor youto obey. Don’t fire till I tell you.” Alei seemed to be cowed by the rebuke, for he immediately puiled in his musket, with which he was taking aim. ' A moment later the wild-looking men came within range aud made a dash for the fire—for the horses, which were struggling and kicking. ‘They think we wave run,” muttered the colonel to Hammond. ‘“ Now give it to them.” With that he and the American leveled their revolvers and opened fire with such rapid preci- sion tbat, inside of half a minute, three Bashi Bozouks had fallen dead, another lay on the snow with a broken leg bewling ‘ Amaun! Amaun !” {mercy, mercy], and the other two were running away from tree to tree, dodging the bullets, and pursued by the two Cossacks firing at them, : § : Tnen Colonel Alexandrovitch said to Ham- mond: ““You see we Russians cin fight as well as ever. But we’ve made too much noise. Hark! . what's that?” The loud clear note of a trumpet from the side toward the Russian pickets warned them that intruders were near, and they soon after heard the rapid tramp of a whole troup of cav- an coming up to tue place where they were, ull trot. CHAPTER II. COLONEL ALEXANDROVITCH. Tue two Mussulman Cossacks ran to their horses aud hastily began to saddle up, when C Aonel Alexandrovitehb called out: ‘Lave those horses alone, I’m responsible for this post. They are bunting for me.” Hammond, on hearing this, quietly blew the smoke from his pisto), and began to clean and reload it, just as the pennons of a troop of cav- alry came in sight below them, and a party of forty or fifty Cossacks of the C:ucasus made their appearance, toiling up the bill. When they reached the camp Colonel Alex- androvitch stood by the fire with his fur coat open, and nodded. frigidly in answer to the respectfui salutation of the captain of the troop, who said: “Thank God we bave found your highness, I feared the Bashi Bozouks bad you,” Colonel Alexandrovitch laughed carelesstv, ‘*The Bashi Bozouks have a great name, but they don’t amount to much, Goryuutchikoff, How iid youcometoloseme” “Tt grew so dark we lost the track of your highness’s horse,” answered the captain of ‘Cos- sacks, to which Alexandrovitch retorted; “Pretty trackers your men must be. Jf I not come on this gentleman I, might have rved. -Where’s General Gourkho now?” Goryautchikoff pointed off to one side, “Out yonder, your highness, The whole corps bas passed the gap and there are no sign< of the enemy. We have surprised them com- pletely, beyond a doubt.” Alexandrovitch nodded and turned to Ham- mond briskly: shelter of rocks, and. not till one was in tte midst of them, did one realize that a perfectly disciplined army was bidden in the heart of the Balkans. Colonel Alex:ndrovitch rode on through the midst of the camp till he saw a large flog stand- ing by a fire witb a group of cflicers by it, when he saia to Goryautcbikoff: ‘You need come no further, alone.” Hammond, on hearing this, reined up, when the colonel added, with a kind smile: ‘*But, perhaps, however willing monsieur * But you must come with me, I wish. to might be—” | introduce you to Gourkho, Let your man go “I might not be able to keep you? Is that | with Goryau. cbikoff.” what you mean, sir? Well, in one sense you! Hammond followed bint to the fire, where the may be right.. I hold no direct command in | mysterious colonel dismounted and was imme- “The fact is,” be said in a low voice, “I am in a dilemma, monsieur. You are; I begin to perceive, a prince of the blood, and I must throw myself on your indulgence, It 18. against the orders for me to be where I ani; but we Yankee | newspaper men take great risks to get news,” | The colonel smiled quizzically. | “And you think if you get to Gourkho’s | head-quarters, you may be sent to the rear?” ‘Frankly, I do.” ‘‘ Be under no apprehension. I will see that you remain.” I will go on thisarmy. Iam not even supposed to be here | diately greeted with marked respect by a dark, ea ey = But—" | Tesolute-] oking man, who was recognized by Here his face took on an expression of dignity | Hatnmond as Gourkho, | “Your bighness is very welcome. I began | to be uneasy at your non-appearance,” ‘Better late than never,” responded the colonel, laughing. ‘*General Gourkho, this gentleman isan American cfficer who wrote the account of Plevna which pleased us so much, I have appointed him a volunteer aid on my staff and you will please see that be is taken care of. He has found the enemy for us,” Gourkho saluted the American politely. “You have found the enemy?’ he asked, “* May I icquire in what force?” “Only a roaming party of Bashi Bozouks, who seemed to have no borses,” returned Ham- mond modestly. ‘ They will, bowever; give the alarm if we do not push on. They are rly armed, general.” and conscious power that impressed Hammond deeply as he pursued: ‘“When [ wish a thing done it is generally done. You will come with me, and | will see that you are free to go where you wish, here- after, oo all occasions. I like you. You speak your mind boldly, and that is more than I can | et a Russian to do. Here, you Cossacks, ring up them borses. Now, Count Goryaut- ebikoff, forward!” b Five minutes later saw the young American, considerably mystified as to who Colonel Alex- androvitch could be, riding by his side at the head of the little troop uf Cossacks up and | down the riiges of the Balkans, in quest of Gen- | eral Gourkho s head-quarters. He would have asked Goryautchikoff, could | poo he have bad a chance, but Aiexandrovitch kept ‘* Which way did they come?” asked Gourkho, bim in full conversation as they rode on, asking Hammond pointed to the south, and Colonel innumerable questions about America and its ; Alexandrovitch added: form of government, and seeming to aim at “Tf he had not been cut there, we should making the young man talk in the most ultra | n-ver have known it. My dear Gourkho, your republican manner, ‘ tricts are careless, .There we were, with a But Hammond, who was a shrewd news- | fire lighted, not three miles from you, and the paper man, had taken his cue already from | enemy were the first to find us. Where is Kou- what the other bad told him, and refused to be | likoff?" drawn into any exvressions derogatory to the ‘* Prince Koulikoff is getting bis column ready perfection of the Russian form of government. | now to move out,” returned the geveral, with For all he knew, this Colonel Alexandroviteh | some little hauteur of manner. “As for our might be deeply interested in the despotism of | patriots being careless, your highness, we can the czar, and able to send him to Siberia at a | not send them far for fear of giving the enemy moment’s notice, warning.” When Alexandrovitch saw that he coula not Alexandrovitch shrugged his shoulders. draw from the American any more frank ex- ‘* As you are aware, my dear general, I hold pressions of opinion on points of civil govern- | no command bere, but only express my opinion. ment, he turned to military matters, and tried | I think, when Koulikoff is ready, this gentle. to get him to criticise the operations in which | man and I will go with bim.” they had been engaged, but here also Ham- ** As your highness pleases, but it will be a mond was equally cautious, and the colonel | long and hard march.” slapped him on the shoulder, remarking: ‘- [came to see what is to be. seen, Gourkho, ‘You Yankee newspaper men are not to be | and so did this gentleman. You have no objec- caught I see, so easily, before other people, | tion to our going?” Well I’llsee more of you some other time, and ‘** Not in the least,” said Gourkho stiffly. get you to talk more freely. Who bas the ad- | ‘“‘ Your bighness is aware of the orders as to vance to-morrow, Goryautchikoff?” newspaper correspondents—” ** Genero] Koulikoff’s division, bighness.” “This gentleman is my aide de-camp under “Koulikoff, my eld princa of brutes! What | my orders,” interrupted Alexandrovitch; “ and say vou, Mr. Hammond, to taking a ride with | so exempt from the provision, What’s that old Koulikoff to-morrow,” coming? 5 “I should like it of all things.” said Ham- They could hear the trample and clank of a mond frankly. ‘I know we must be near the | marching column, and see it coming along the best part of the Turkish army, and when they bir through the snow. are g0%e the war's as good as over, I want to ““Tbat is General Koulikoff,” said Gourkho. see Constantinople, colonel.” Alexandrovitch turned to Hammond. He saw Goryautchikoff give him a sharp look ‘*‘ Are you ready for a long night ride?” _ * as he said ‘ colonel,” as much as to rebuke him Hammond looked at his horse carefully. for a liberty, but the colonel himself answered: “T think so. My animal is pretty thin, but he ‘‘Perhaps some of us may never see that | has several days left ia him yet.” Constantinople, Mr. Hammond, except’ as pris- The colonel nodded. oners, You know we've cut loose from the “That is true; but you need a better horse, army altogether, and may all be captured.” You shall bave one of mine.” Hammond shook bis head. He spoke a few words to a Cossack aear by, ‘It would take better troops and more of | and the man led out a handsome borse, to which them than any in the Turkish army, to do that | he transferred Hammond's saddle, as the column now. Whatever else I may have done, colonel, | of cavalry came up headed by a s\out, red-faced I did not come out with this column till [ found | old officer with white hair, and .be general air out that it was capable of taking care of itself.” | of a hard drinker. Al xandrovitch nodded and seemed impressed “Well, Koulikoff.” called out the colonel, by what he said for he replied: ‘are you ready to go to Consts etinople?” “Do you know I think you would make a ** Ay, ay, your highness,” was \ te hearty reply. good cfficer of Cossacks, after all if.you were-in | ‘‘ lonly wish you could come wits us, We’d a our service. Did you ever think of entering it, Mr. Hammond?” ‘*No, colonel,” ‘‘Too much of a republican, eb?” asked the colonel, good-naturedly. “Possibly so,” “Well, whenever you do, come and see me, and I'll see that you have a chance, Mr, Ham- mond, Here we are at head quarters,” Indeed they began to see the twinkling red lights abead that told of a camp, and very soon | afterward were halted by a big dragoon on a ; still bigger horse, who towered up in the road and challenged them in a voice ot thunder, “Pretty soon after that, they rode into a | camp no one would have suspected to exist, so | cunningly was it hidden in the passes of the mountains, Nevertheless, as Hammond rode in he hecame convinced that the great body of the Russian cavalry was bere, at least twenty thousand you what the Caucasus columu can do at a pinch.” “Tm coming with you,” replied Alexandro- vitch. “If you'll wait till my aide gets bis horse saddled, we'll be ready.” _Koulikoff looked surprised. “Is your highness really in earnest? We may have hot work very soon.” “ That’s what I want to see, Koulikoff.” As he spoke, the colonel swung into his saddle, Hammond followed, and the long column moved on out of the snow-covered valley, through dark gorges, where the blackness soon became profound, only illumined by the white carpet of the snow taat marked the path. Hammond dropped behind the general, who rode ahead with Colonel Alexardrovitch, and found himself among the officers of the staff, one of whom said, in a low voice: AS bighness must be fond of excitement to go out with a column like this, monsieur. The strong, the horses snugly ensconced in tae val- neral ought to a his foot down and not al- les between spurs of the mountains, in thickets | low it. If anything happened him, we should of fir trees, where they were as warm as if ia @ | all be court-martialed.” stable, while the fires were all kept under tbe “Why2” asked Hammond’ ' ‘ ‘ , , % mp 5 ’ : ; j , if Mh / by Ne ; ‘ was ji ¢ ‘ x ual? 4 Beer i ST ee A frre ibaa oe . - mL re ett he oe CaN adit & sie ro ely id 2 e ’ ae ¢ eee ; Va) by rey tog?

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" = ay the night, till the gray light of dawn crept over i ae es Oe — — — — — 4 “Why? Can you ask? The czar expressly forbid the czarevitch to gointo danger. What would become of Russia were he to get burt?” Hammond started slightly. ‘What? Is that the czarevitch?’ His companion uttered an exclamation of surprise, as he asked: “Didn’t you know it, then? I thought you were with him?” *“Solam. We met by chance, and he said ais name was Colonel Alexandrovitch.” “So it is, by my faith, but with a Romanoff atthe end. How did you meet him?” . Hammond gave a short recital of his little ad- | venture, and his companion observed: * Well, you’re in luck, and an Americanetz, too. Your fortune’s made, if \ou stay in Rus- sia, monsieur. His highness takes fancies, and they are sdid to last. Do you know where we’re going, monsieur?” ‘*To find the.Turks, I suppose.” “* And whore shall we strike them?” * At Salonica, [ think. They are there in some force, and from there to Adrianople we may e t fighting.” - The Russian officer yawned. : ** How do you know all this? For my part, [ am conteot to obey orders, and ask questions when Ive nothing else to do,” Hammond laughed slightly, “T shouldn’t wonder. What's your name, -moensieur?: My name is Hammond.” * And mine Koulikoff.” ** Any relation to the general?” Konlikoff gave a groan, * Unfortunately, yes: bis nephew.” _ “Why unfortunately?’ ** Because he seems to think that, being my uncle as well as my general, he has a privilege -to rate me all the time for such trifles as run- ng into debt and fighting duels.” ‘“That'svery unreasonable,” ** Yes, and that’s not the worst of it.” * ** What is not the worst of it?” Young Koulikoff lowered his voice. “ The old fell >w has taken a young wife—too pretty, by balf, for him, you kvow—and it’s my belief he’s j-alous of me. Here I might have been seat home to St. Petersburg with’ dis- tehes, long ago, and seen some pleasure; but keeps my nose down to work here on purpose to give meno chance, I believe I'll turn Nihilist some day to spite him.” — “ Nihilist? What’s that?’ In those days of the war the name Nihilist had not acquired the power to which it has since attained, and Hammond was puzzled. Young K ulikoff spoke still lower. “The Nibilists are the regencrators of Russia and mankind. To-day no one knows them; but the time will come when you will see Russia a republic through their means.” ** [ndeed, monsieur?” “Yes, It is war-time now, to be sure; but when it i3 all over, and we have given those Turks a good thrashing, then you will see we shull attend to our own affairs in Russia, and surprise you all.” Hammond made no reply. It was the first time be bad ever beard such talk from a Rus- sin, ; ; Young Koulikoff seemed to be a light-heart and empty-headed young fellow; for be soon dropped politics, and began to talk about the opera and St. Petersburg, with much ely in at the imminent probability of baving to spen the whole winter in Turkey. The column toiled slowly along for the rest of the scene, disclosing the soldiers nodding on their borses after the night march, while Prince Koulikoff and the young Czarev tch still rode in the van, conversing as they went. 2 As the sun rose, they emerged from a pass in the mountains, and saw before them a smiling champaign country, with patches of snow near the foot of the mountains, and brown fields and woods bevond, in the midst of which rose tre domes and towers of a Jarge town, at sight of which the yonng prince said to Koulikof®: ..“‘ Adrianople at last. In '29 its capture ended the war, May it be as good an omen for us,” H+ turned from Koulikoff to Hammond. ** Well, captain, yonder is Adrianople. long before we reach it, and end this?” Hammond had his glass at bis eye, and looked long before he answered: © Three days at least, colonel, How I see a line of _ smoke, which looks like Raker Pasha, and we shall bave a hard fight. But we shall win it,” . CHAPVER III. f THE NIHILISTS. Dowrrer MrKALitcH BaKLousHin was a Rus- sian moujik, who made bis living as an ish- _vosl tehik. Tuat is to say, in “ United States,” he was a peasant and a back-driver in the great city of ai ‘e "Bhis Grothar heck drt itri or D » an ina shouted for 1 hh diet BEI at cel: Mite: ARNG Sa Hie Bs eo it ae aoe EA faite an _bimself who was this a festival, ' | 9 — ———— — A Yankee Cossack. according as they were in a hurry or good- natured, ; Bakloushin kept bis ‘‘ drosky ” at a stand on the Newsky Prospect, which runs all round St. Petersburg by the Neva, opposite the Hotel de l’Amerique, a place he had found by experience to be the best in St. Petersburg for getting big fees from foreigners, if one could only talk a little English. And Bakloushin had learned to jabber with such fideliry to Fulton market nature, that more than one American had given him a roubla at a time to be carried back to the days of his youth by hearing New York slang from the mouth of a Russian hack«driver, delivered with such innocence of manner that it was evident Buk‘oushin did not understand what ho was saying, Mitri Bakloushin was a Russian to the back- bone, and believed in Russia as the one perfect country in the world, He adored the czar, went to church regularly, got drusk on Saints’ days, drinking healths to all the hierarchy of the calendar, and detested a Nihilist as an emis sary of the devil, Reading and writing Bakloushin looked on with awe, as things that came as a gift from Heaven. For himself, he never dared aspire to such abstruse sciences, yet he could give you the name of every street in St, Petersburg, and never missed the number of a house le was told to drive to at any time, , In short, Mitri Bakloushin was a queer mix- ture of simplicity and innate shrewdnvss, super- stition and knowledge of human nature, found in perfection in Russia, and in very few places elsewhere Mitri’s stand was by the Hotel de ’Amerique, but be knew the days when the bo:t from Ham- burg came in as well as if he took the paper regularly, and he always went down to meet it and get a fare, by dint of shouting in English: “All right, all right! Got *Merican Hotel! Rightaway! Goaheid! All right!” He did not know what it all meant, but he knew it had an effect and always got him a fare against the other drosky drivers, who had not taken the precaution to learn such a piece by beart. On the day when we first came on Mitri, som* years after the end of the Turkish war, he stood by the pier as the passeugers were coming ashore, yelling bis usual formula, when a tall, handsome young fellow, in clothes never made in Russia, elbowed his way through the crowd and stepped into Mitri’s drosky, carrying a valise, which he deposited between his feet, and said to Mitri, in very fair Russian: “Come, why don’t you get in and drive me tothe hotel? Which is it?” Misri was not surprised to hear a stranger talk Russian, but he was a little disappointed, for foreigners who know Russian are not apt to bé so free with their cash as total strangers, but he answered with his usual politeness: *Totbe American Hotel, most high-born one, but I hope your resplendency will not take ad- vantage of your slave.” The young stranger laughed, saying: “You can cheat me as much ag you like, pea i'm going to hire you for the whole ay. Mitri made a low salute. ‘[ knew your excellency must be a prince at least. Where shall I drive?” ‘* First to the hotel. Are the fleas as thick as ever in the rooms, Nikolai?” Mitri drew himself up. * Your lordship is mistaken. My name is not Nikolai at all, but Mitri Bakloushin, and there are no fleas in the hotel to speak of.” - “That depends ou one’s powers of speech, Mitri. I've been here before. Drive on.” The stranger threw himself back into the cor- ner of the drosky, and Mitri drove him to the hotel, where he curtly said: ** Wait till I come back.” Then he vanished into the botel and Mitri waited outside in'a hot sun and clouds of dust— for it was July, a year ago—and wondered to young man who was so foreign in his dress and yet talked Russian and seemed to know all about Russian fleas. In about. half an hour the young man came out, so transformed that Mitri did not know bim, for he wore an officer's untform, Mitri’s heart sunk into his boo s ivstantly, for it is the custom of officers in Russia to curse and kick the hack-driver who presumes to ask for bis pay, unless they are drunk and consequently tree with their money. Dimitri, therefore, disliked and feared military passengers. — But as be took a second glahce.at bis new fare he took heart again, for be perevived that the uniform worn by the young stranger was that of no Russian regiment at all, bnt of foreign cut and color, And foreign officers, coming to St. Petersburg, are apt to be as lavish of their mouey as the Russian military blades are stingy. i c he young stranger flung himself on the a f the drosky, and Mitri said, politely: “To what illustrious plac» shall [ drive you, -born on», and how shall | address Jour resplendency Srarwengene warbete 80 7) 0 ee **You’re a sly dog, Mitri, and ask a good many questions at once, You can call me kapi- tan; lam an Americanetz, and I want you to drive me to Gatschina.” Mitri beld up his hands in amazement. “To Gatschina, most bigh-born? Why, it is ninety versts there and back!"’* The young captain seemed to be a little sur- prised at the answer, for he said: “TI thought it was near by. Isn’t there a palace there, where his highness the czarevitch resides?” “Yes, most high-born one; but one goes there in the train.” “Then drive me to the station. I wish to go there. Stay, Mitri, you may know what I want to know. Is his highness there now, or bas he come to town?” Mitri was in his element when asked for in- formation about great people. ‘His imperial highness was at the summer palace only yesterday, most high-born one; but he is to go away to-day by the train, at noon, to Gatschina.” ‘* Exactly what I want!” cried the young ca tain, delightedly. “I may meet him at t stafion in all likelibood.” Mitri rubbed his nose thoughtfully. **That will be difficult, most bigh-born.” “ Difficult? Why?” Mitri seemed a little embarrassed. “Of course your excellency is aware, most high: born, that even princes cannot approach the heir of all the Russias without a proper pre- sentation from the officer attending,’ “Is that all?’ said the captuin, lightly. ‘Bah! that’s nothing. Mitri. I know them all. Come, get upon the box and drive to the ste- tion. p Mitri was stricken with so much awe at the impudence of a foreigner who said that he “knew them all”—meaning the high and mighty efficers of the Imperial Court, that be could find 10 answer, so he got on bis tox and drove away toward the station of the railroad without another word, feeling dazed, Who in the world could this American cap- tain be, who was familiar with the officers of the court. Mitri kept glancing over his shoulder as be drove, and saw that his fare bad a bold, careless look on his bandsome face, and stared as if he own dall St. Petersburg. it, Perbaps this was the reason why Mitri did not mind where he was going as we!l as he ought to have done, and in turning a corner near , fob the pole of his drosky through the side of a large open carriage, with a cout of arms and a coronet on the panels, at which the’ young captain rap ped out an American oath, which was followed bya scream f om the carriage, as a very band- some lady threw herself to the other side of the seat, while the driver began to curse Mitri for “ dog’s flesh,” ‘‘ offspring of a swine,” and many other choice Russian epithets, informing him that the executioner would cut bim into small pieces and feed him to bounds. In the midst of all this, the lady, who had recovered ber composure, called out to her man: * ; ‘* Be quiet, Mikailka, Be quiet.” Then the young officer in the drosky rose and took off bis helmet, while be made, in his best Russian, an apology for the carelessness of his servant, and the lady looked him full in the — face and smiled in a way to show the whitest of teeth, as she said: K ; E “ Pray do not mention it, monsieur, Youare a stranger, I perceive—French?” “No, madame, American,” And he handed to her, with his best bow, a — ecard on which was printed: ; CAPTAIN J. H. Hasmtonp Late U. 8. A. The lady looked at the card and then at the handsome owner with great apparent interest. The carriages remained stationary till the great people had finished their talk. : “Were you not in the Turkish war?” she asked, witb animation, “ at our quarters?” Hammond bowed, smiling. Oe TI bad the honor to be attached as extra aide-de camp to the staff of bis highness, the ezarevitch, madame,” The lady brightened still more. | : “I thought I remembered your name. And you were a grent friend of my poor dead kins- man. Generai Shoboleft. I’ve often heard him speak of vou. He was my cousin. Princess Koulikeff. You must bave met my poor busband, You know he was killed.” Hammond looked at the princess with great secret admiration, He remembered old Genera’ @ Koulikoff well, the red-faced, white-baired, ir. ritable old tyrant, with the one virtue of bull- dog courage, and wondered how be ever man- aged to get sucha sky? * young wife—now a widow—as be saw before him. id Possibly the lady divined some of bis. thougbts, for ber color hightened perceptibly, and she waved hima smiling adieu, saying; ‘ You must: make pe be of Vere yd soon as possible. [ shall ex you, Capt Hammond. Au revoir.” Seas 3 heh * Sixty miles—a verst being two-thirds of a » 1 . ©4274 e it : ‘ Iam the . — Se An AN it A EO a a et a e . “ . <a. 5 7 . i] we a : . nh ¥ ‘ af 8 a bf mh = «5 Oe Se a pe ti _ tees este oe eens =e re?

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( eat Sy Ae — —— ee Then the vebicles separated and Hammond’s drosky turned down the street from which the princess'bad just come, finding that it led to- ward the railway station. He noticed quite a little crowd of peasants and women gathered on the sidewalks, and asked Mitri: ‘« What are they waiting for?” _“ To see our father the czar,” said Mitri, car- rying his hand to his fur cap. ‘God and the czar are the hope of the people.” Then they drove on to the station, Hammond watehing the people with interest as he went, for he bad not been in Russia for some time be- fore, and then only on * ‘lying visit, after the capture of Adriar opie. hey looked comfortable and well fed, rather stupid than otherwise, but by no means of the discontented aspect he bad expected to find, since the talk abovt Nihilists was so rife, He got out at the station, threw Mitri a five rouble piece, and wss about to enter and buy his ticket, when he heard the people begin to ebeer. , Looking back, he perceived the gleaming swords and helmets of the Life Guards, coming down the street, in front of an open carriage. “Tt is the czar,” cried Mitri, whipping up his horses to get out of the way, and then Gown came the Life Guards, at full trot. They were not fifty feet from Hammond, when he saw abroad flasb in he midst of the street, and down went two guardsmen in the dust, horses and all. Then came flash after flash, a confusion of sharp stunning reports, the street full of smoke, and Hammond saw the peasants beginning to | | hus exhorted, Hammond remained with the | | Hereafter the princess will be bonored and re- run, while a Babel of cries and stouts arose. Instinetively he drew his sword and ran to- ward the carriage in the smoke. Hesaw sev- eral dead horses, a group of men round a tall officer in dark green, then he saw «& peasant | throw something, that glittered in the sun, at the officer. ~ Another explosion, and the officer fell, horri- bly mangled, when Hammond seized the peas- | ant and shouted: “ Surrender or I'll run you through! The man folded his arms, and answered: ‘Kill, if you please, I’ve done what J] came to do.” CHAPTER IV. AFTER THE EXPLOSION. From the woment the Amerivan seized the peasant, the explosions ceased, and several soldiers came rushing into ths crowd, taking two other men, who were beginning to walk away, and who were seized on suspicion, An officer came up to Hammond, who saluted him burriedly and told him: “This is the man who threw the last grenade. Who was it that was hurt?’ ; The offiser was pale as death, and shook bis head, suying in a low voice: , ‘Never mind. Don’t speak of itnow. My God! it is terrible, terrible!” Then be seemed to recognize for the first time the strange uniform, adding: ‘Who are you, monsieur?” “ American,” said Hammond briefly. know his highness the czarevitch. 1 came to apply for entrance into your service, but this walt change things. Who was burt?’ The officer shuddered and whispered: “His majesty. I fear it’s all over, Hide it! Come with me and help,” , They took with them the three captured men, who had assumed the stolid, impassive de- meanor of the Russian peasant on trial. In the midst of the street, beside the ruins of the carriage and the mangled horses, was a dense group of soldiers, and an officer was running off up the street, while the peasants were gathered on the sidewalks, staring stupidly at the scene. As Hammond neared the group, be saw a white face in the midst of it, lying on the breast of a tall guardsman who bad received a gash in the forehead, but appeared to be entirely un- conscious of it, in his anxiety for the man he held in bis arms, Every one in the group looked pale and sor- roa ful, while more than one was sobbing in low Lones, Hammond knew the pile face, for he had seen it many a time in bappiness. Is was the countenance of the man who, a few minutes before, bad been the mightiest monarch in the world. Now be Jay in the arms of a common soldier, the blue tinge of coming death sweeping over bis face. All bis power and guards had not been able to save him from the bombs of the Nihilist peasants. ; “Ig there any doctor here?’ whispered the American to his new friend. Tbe Russian nodded. ; ‘* Yes; but be says ic is no use,” he whispered. ‘Both legs are maygled to pieces. He must die within a few hours,” Then they stood there silently, no one know- ing what to say or do, till they beard the rapid tramp of feet ata run, and saw a party of in- fantry soldiers coming down the street, wi.ba litter in front. “T A. Faukos-Cousack.: ——_«____ — These soldiers came up, looking p le and excited, and the margled body of the’ czar Mies laid on the litter and covered with blan ets, The sufferer lay white and unconscious all the time, and then the procession of armed men moved slowly off, away from the station of the train. Hammond was drawing back, when his new acquaintance whispered: m * Don’t go. What’s your name? I'll tell the general you arrested the assassin, I am Count Gregory Goryautchikoff of tbe household , staff. Hammond told his own name, and Count Gregory nodded: “T thought I knew your face. You were at head -quarters before Adrianople. I wish we had met again on a more fortunate occasion, but it cannot be helped.” Then they walked on in the procession, the soldiers, whose lowering faces gave proof of the delight it would have given them to massacre the captives at once. Slowly they traversed the streets, followed | by the low buzz of a crowd that kept gathering | as it went on, till they arrived at the Winter . Palace and entered therein. | Then Hammond said to Count Gregory: “Let me retire now. I am out of place. It upsets all my plans, but I feel that I am an in- truder bere.” “On the contrary,” returned Goryautchikoff, “his majesty always liked Americans, and bis highness will be fonder of them than ever now, . You must stay till he comes.” | officers in the anteroom, while the insensible | autocrat was carried intc an inner cha..ber, and the door shut on him, | Then Couot Gregory intro’uced him to his | friends as the American wro bad arrested the assassin, and Hammond found bimself looked on as a hero. *That ought to be worth a polk* or a regi- ment, if you were in our service,” remarked a | gorgeous aide significantly; ‘‘but they tell me you American officers are able to live on your pay. I wish we could in our country.” “*T came here,” said Hammond; ‘* with some | idea of going into your service, if the oppor- | tunity came, In cur army there is not much work left todo now. T have left it,” And he sighed slightly, for he was young and ambitious, Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of trotting cavalry outside, followed by the clank of spurs, as a tall and powerfully built young man, with a full light beard and cutly hair, came in, dressed in the uniform of the dragoons, and passed on to the inner cham- | ber, while every one drew respectfully back to let him pass, Hammond noticed that bis face was white as a sheet and working with emotion, and he drew Goryautcbikoff aside, whispering: “Tt was the czirevitch, was it not?’ “Yes,” whispered Goryautebikoff, with a strange lonk; ** yes, and he begins to see the end of the pst now, I hope.” ; **What do you mean?’ asked the American, surprised at the words. : ‘Never mind,” said’ Count Gregory in a gloomy tone, “ you'll know as much as the rest of us if you stay here long; and if not, there is no need of telling you.” They waited in the anteroom for a full half- hour, when the door of the inner room opened again, and an old officer, with the green sash of the medical staff, came out, patircese erg a lady who leaned on his arm and appeared to be ) ready to faint, | Hammond noticed that the cflicers as she came out, drew back and glanced at each other in an apprehensive, nervous way, trying to peep through the open door, ‘Who is that?” he whispered. Count Gregory pressed bis arm warningly. “S:,” be said, almost inaudibly. ‘‘ That is the witch of the palace. The curse of Ivan on her and all her brood.” Hammond was puzzled. The form of the lady was full of grace, and he caught a glimpse of a sweet, sad, dark-eyed face. “The witch of the palace!” he echoed, ‘ but who is she? what name?” Count Gregory drew him to the end of the anteroom to say: ‘Is it possible you never beard of Dolgorouki, three prisoners following under guardofadozen | | not b en all quarreling about old and new, this migbt not bave happened. Hush! some one comes out again. I think it’s all over.” Indeed the door opened; but this time it wes a civil officer, in a gorgeous veivet coat, who came out bearing a white wand. *: The grand chamberlain,” whispered the aid. The grand chamberlain came out,’ looking very sol mn, and extended his white wan, saying in a grave tone: *Gentiemen, bismajesty, Alexander IT., Czar of all the Russias, bas passed into the light of | a blessed immortality in the arms of his son avd | | | | ber this. For the present the im successor, Alexander Alexandrovitch, now Alex- ander Il. [ bid you to ery, ‘ Long live the ezar.’” Every officer stood up, and all pronounced in unison the words, ‘‘ Long Jive the czar; *‘ but it seemed to Hammond as if the tone in which the words were spoken was one of gloom and doubt. Toen the chamberlain proceeded: ‘*His majesty wishes to say a few words to you all. You will remain here.” He retired to the inner room, and very soon after the new czar came forth, pale and grave, with a severe look on his usually good-natured, frank face, put on to hide the emotion he really felt. “Gentlemen,” he said in a husky voice, “I wished to see you all, to thank you fcr your devotion to my late father in his Jast hour; I am thankful to say that his majesty knew me, and spuke—” ere he broke down a moment, but resumed, amid a dead silence. “The czar spoke to me and commended to my care the ledy who has just passed out. spected, as my father’s wife. You will remem- rial house- hold will remain unchanged, I wish to see the officer who arrested the assassin. I am told he is a foreigner.” : Count Gregory pusbed Hammond forward, and the young czar scanned the American keenly saying: “lL have seen you before, sir. Where?’ “T was sent by the American Enquirer to observe the Turkish war at imperial head- quarters, sire,” said Hemmond. ‘I had the bonor of serving with your majesty as extra aide-de camp to Colonel Alexandrovitch,” A faint smile crossed the czar's tace. **T remember you now well, We had a little adventure together. Please to follow me. I am going to my cabinet, I want to speak to you. For the rest of the day, gentlemen, I wish to be alone.’ He passed out of the room, and Hammond followed, noticing as be went more than one envious and malignant glance, but not thinking much of it. Outside he found the corridors full of soldiers under arms, lining the walls and staircases, and as soon as the new czar made bis appearance there was the clash of presenting arms, and a ery in unison: “*God preserve tbe ezar.” The young emperor looked at the soldiers, and his face flushed slightly as he answered: “God preserve my children. This is a sed day for me; but Russia never dies.” ben he went up tbe broad marble staircase, followed: by Hammond, and entered a ‘!arge and lofty cabinet, full of desks and papere that seemed to hv ve but just been abandoned by the last occupants. There was but one door, with a sentry at it, and\to him the czar said: **Make your beat at the end of the passage, ret ey your sergeant to let none disturb us till call. y The man presented arms and wheeled round to take his place, when the young czar threw bimself into a chair, covered his face with his hands and groaned out: ““Ob, my God! This isa terrible day, You saw it all, sir. Tell me about it. Spare noth- ing. Thus urged, Hammond began: “I bardly know that I can tell your majesty apything valuable, but—” “But tell me all you know. You are an American avd I can trust you. | know you. You are not like these Russians. You will tell me the truth, will you not?” “T certainly will, sire, if your majesty will tell me what vou want to know.” “*T want to know who you are, how you came the witch? Sbe bewitcbed our gracious agar, | here, how you teppened to be in the street and he was mad enough to think of making her ezarina, and her children princes, Nay, be has places | | | when that terrible thing happened? Tel! me all —whom you met, and ail.” The czar*seemed to be overcome with scine emotion other than the horrible death of bis * And what did the czarevitch and the grand | father, end Hammond answered: dukes think of that?’ asked Hammond, to whom H c ( the name of the Princess Dolgorouki, morgan- | and ask admission into the Russian se1 vice, atic wifeof the czar, was not new. Goryautchikoff shook his head. * You'll find out soon enough, If they had | Gatschina, so I drove to the * Polk. A regiment ot Cossack cavalry. Th Cossack troop or company is called a sotwic, the regiment of twelve sotnias a polk, the colonel a done ag much as becould. They are all in high kownik, “I came bere op purpose to see your majesty there being little opening in my own country for a soldier. | beard that you were going to tion on the chance of seeing you there and recalling myself to your memory. I saw the guards come down the © , street, and beard that his majesty, your father, was expected. Then I saw an explosion, ran into the crowd, saw a man throw a bomb inte a aes

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6 group of officers, arrested him, and that is all I iknow, sire.” : The czar listened attentively, and when the American had finished, asked: ** And did you meet no one on the way; can ou think of no clew? These people had some ead. These ignorant peasants acted under or- ‘ders. The plot was well laid. Did you see no one drive away?” Hammond hesitated. “*T met a lady, sire, by accident, My drosky ran into ber carriage. It was the Princess Koulikoff.” The czar sighed slightly, saying: “And that was all? Well, it cannot be helped.” CHAPTER V. THE NEW CZAR. A sHorRT silence ensued in the cabinet, and the American began to feel embarrassed at being alone with the first man in the empire of Rus- sia, when the czar spoke: “Captain Hammond, I remember you very well. ou are the officer who shared the con- tents of his bayersack with me in the Balkans, when I had Jost my way in reconnoitering the Turkish outposts. We had, quite a long talk, and you told me about your free institutions in Amovica, 1 told you then that they would not do for our Russians. The nobles would hate them; tho peasants could not comprehend them. Nevertheless, I was impressed by the picture, and *when the war \v-1: over, in common with othor visionaries, [ had dreams when my time came of extending the benefits of freedom to all my subjects. ou see now to what it bas come. Sir, you wish to enter our service, you say. Do you know what it means hence- forth “The same <5 it always bas, sire,” said Ham- mond, quietly. ‘‘ Russia is in a transition state, She may (0 the greatest nation in the world, if guided aright.” The ezar frowned slightly. , “Do you moan toward a republic?” ‘*No, sire. Russia is not ready for one yet, and may not be jor centuries. But your abe ae may be free. Your gracious father lived ong and happil;; from giving freedom to the serfs.” “ And now, where are all the millions that swore they loved him?’ asked the ezar bitterly. ““T tell you, sir, over his deathbed [ swore to avenge him on these fantastic revolutionists; and it is on you—on you, sir, that I depend for th: fulfillment of the vow I have made.” ‘© On me?” asked Hammond, starting. ** Yes, on you,” retorte the czar obstinately, {. ** You say you wish toenter our service, Well, I promise you such a position as you never dreamed of in your wildest hopes. I will make you my confidential aide-de-camp, You shall a colonel at once and a goneral if you suc- ceed in the task I will give you. I will make he a count. ‘You shall have money unstinted,. ut— Here he lowered his voice and looked as if he were struggling bard with his passion, ‘“You must rout me cut these Nihilists who have murdered my father. You must fivd out who they are, and give me their names. When you have done that, you shall do any thing you please in Russia. Come, do you or not accept the offer?” Hammond besitated. * Do I understand your majesty to offer me a place asa patie fay 5 The ezar shook bis head, “No, no. Spies? Bah! They are useless. I am surrounded with them. So was my father, And you see what happened to-day. No; I am sick of them. They eat up the taxes and do no good. Whoknows? Nibilism may be rampant among them all. No; you are to be my aide, I will send you where you please. You are to find out who these men are, and see that I am not taken off as he was. I will give you the position of polkovnik, that is a cavalry colonel iu sy Cossacks, you know, with eighteen thou- sund roubles a year, and you are to find out who are my foes and preserve me from them.” “ But doos your majesty consider that I am a stranger?” ‘“*i do. Were you a Russian, I would not make the offer.” ““ Bnt I have no means of finding out any- thing. sire. 1 reel helpless.” “That ic my business. I know what I do well enough. Asa foreigner, I can trust you.” ‘But your majesty will at least deign to give me specific instructions.” “Twill, All I ask you to do is to obey my orders no matter bow strange they seem, and to report to me everything you see and hear, no matter bow trivial. I may send you toall sorts of places and you may have to encounter all sorts of dangers. For the last time, do you accept the offer?” Hammond bowed low before the cedar. ‘* Sire, I accept with gratitude.” @.ace of the young emperor seemed to clear up from the clou’'s that had covered it, as he answered more ehe-rfully: ‘It is what Lexpected. Wait a moment.” He went to one of the desks, pulled out some -A Yankee Cossack. papers and rummaged over them till he found what he wanted, when he wrote rapidly for a short time, and then beckoned to Hammond to come to him. ** What is your full name?” he asked. ‘‘ John Hargreave Hammond, sire.” The czar fillod in the name in a large em- blazoned parchment, and handed it to him, * Your patent of nobility,” he said briefly. ‘*Tt makes you a Russian subject, remember, but it gives you a position, You are hereafter Count Ivan Ammonoff,. Here is your com- mission, as a personal aide to myself, It entitles you to access to me at all times. Here is an order on General Mikailoff, paymas- ter-general, for ten thousand roubles for your outfit and expenses, As my aide, you are colo- nel of the first regiment of the Red Cossacks of the Guard, but will not assume command till I give you orders to that effect. Now, you will go and provide yourself with the proper equip- ments and horses, You are expected to mingle freely in society, and to report to the minister of war your appointment at once, At the end of a week come to me at Gatschina, and tell me all you have seen and heard. That’s all, sir.” e assumed a cold and distant air, which showeito Hammond, plainer than words, that his interview was over, and the young man bowed himself out of the cabinet in a state of bewilderment that made him wonder whether it were not all a dream, as he slowly descended the staircase, He saw bis friend Goryautchikrff, the only friendiy face visible, and made his way to him, where he stood in the midst of a group of offi- cers, to ask him where to find the paymaster- general, minister of war and other dignitaries. When he showed to Count Gregory the two broad parchments he had received, the other Sear healibal him cordially, saying: ‘I'm glad of it. Now you are one of us, and these fellows will not be able to sneer at you, Colonel Count Ammonoff. I'll show you all you need to know.” Accordingly the rest of that day was passed by Hammond in a ronnd of visits with his friend Count Gregory, and when it was over he found bimself installed in a wing of the palace in handsome rooms, with several fine horses at his orders in the stables, and the tailors hard at work on his uniforms, Thev Count mies said: “Come, there will be no pleasure anywhere now for several days, till the lying in state and the funeral are over, and you will not be want- ed, nor shall I, this evening. What say you to a little expedition to sev some friends?” “With all ny heart,” said Hammond, and he remembered the instructions he had received from the -zar, which he had kept to himself. * But will not the town be in mourning?” Count Gregory gave him a singular, doubtful, inquiring look, “Do you think so, Ammonoff? Well, you will not he so innocent after awhile. Where shall we go to-night?” ; Hammond remembered his little adventure, and asked: . “Do you know the Princess Koulikoff?”’ *Do i know her? Toe fascinating widow who has turned more hearts than any woman in Petersburg except the Dolgorouki? Why, yes. But surely you do not,” Hammond told him of the collision between the carriages, and Count Gregory exclaimed: “They say you Americans have the luck of the devil himself. Here have I been wasting my time and periling my limbs to please this capricious creature, without success, for a year, and you have fallen into her good graces at the first day. Did you say she invited you to call at her palace?” “She did to day, but I should hardly like to intrude upon her.” **Sav no more, my friend. You are a Yankee, and Yankees are credited with boldness and with not wg ber our Russian ways. You shall go, and I will go with you,” ‘You know the princess then?” “Yes and no, I have been hopelessly in love with her for three months, and we have spoken and danced together at the imperial balls; but have never ventured to enter her house.” “Then had we not better wait—” ‘*Not a bit of it. Il sball lay it all on you. Leave the management to me and only promise not to interfere with me.” Hammond shrugged his shoulders. “ As you please. We go in plain clothes?” “By no means. You are green yet here, If we went in plain clothes, we should be stop by the police and the dworniks, before we had gone three streets,” ‘“* And who are the dworniks ?” “‘ Tne door-keepers of the great houses. They all belong to the police, and are bound to re- port every visitor and arrest every suspicious rson, You must understand that after a bing such as bappened to-day, the only people not suspicious are officers in uniform,” “But [ have no uniform but my old one, the American.” “So much the better. Americans are above suspieion. Were you a German now, or a Frenchman, there might be trouble, Come, let us go. The princess lives only a few streets from the palace, and has the reputation of be- ing a center of gayety. True, to-night she may be alone for appearance’ sake, as being a promi- nent member of the Old Russians.” ** And who are the Old Russians?” “Those who hate the Germans. You know we Russians are always changing. One czar is a furious hater of all things foreign and his next successor is crazy after foreigners. The poor ezar just killed was German all over, after his mother and the late czarina. I wonder some- times how [ myself ever was put on the house- hold staff, when I am one of the old Slavonian Russians, without a drop of German blood, The present czar, on the contrary, hates Germa and we expect a general overturn, if the Nihi- lists do not remove him before he has done what we are sure he is going todo. The Kouli- koff ought to be a conspicuous fi in the new court, if she plays her cards well.” é They went out, Goryautchikoff summoned bis bran-new English cab, with a big high-stepping horse, of which be was very proud, and drove round several streets till they stopped in front of a large iron gate before a court+yard, at the end of which they saw a large house, dimly lighted. ‘*Phis is the Koulikoff’s house,” said Coun Gregory; and they got out of the cab, while the ots lest of “* tigers” jumped down to hold the orse, ease rung a resounding bell, and a wickeé opened in the big gate, when Gregory said: ‘Is the princess visible to-night?’ Ree me * one aoe 1 see,” said the voice of a particularly surly personage boa different from what Hamden heath bear among Russians, up to that time, Count Gregory handed the cards through the wicket, and observed to Hammond as the man went away: ‘These dworniks are all the same since the lice have set them to watch their masters. uta few roubles will quiet them. Give him one as we pass in. CHAPTER VI. THE PRINCESS, PRETTY soon the surly door keeper came back and admitted the two gentlemen, when both dropped some money into his open palm, with the result of changing his manner in a moment to that of obsequious politeness, as he ejaculated with many bows: ‘*The gracious princess will receive you both, most high-born ones, and Vassili Shapkin is only too much honored by being permitted to open tha gate to your resplendencies.” He ushered them across a court paved with big cobblestones, where he turned them over vo a gorgeous chasseur, or upper servant, ina brilliant uniform, armed with a short sword with a gorgeous hilt, The chasseur bowed very low. and said in French with good accent: “Tf the gentlemen will follow me, madame receives oak a few friends in her’ boudoir this evening. all the rest of the world. He was a very handsome fellow, with courtl manners, quite unlike a Servant, and his Frenc was devoid of a trace of foreign intonation, As they went forward, Count Gregory said to his friend in a Jow tone; “That is the man thay call ‘ The Marquis.’” “Wears “Oh, from bis manners. It is rumored that he isa person of some distinction in disguise. You know madame has the roputation of being an intriguer, I suppose?” “No, I did not know it.” Goryautchikoff nodded, but said no more, for at that moment they were ushered into a charm ing boudoir, bung in pale blue, where they were received with languid grace by the Princess Koulikoff, who looked, to the eyes of Hammond, as beautiful as an angel; being tall, slender, fair-haired, blue-eyed, clad in long white robes, which left shoulders and arms bare, but spark- ling with jewels, oryautchikoff at once began to say: ‘‘Madame will pardon our intrusion when I say that my friend, Count Ammonoff, bein a stranger in St. Petersburg, desired to know which was the most brilliant saloon in the city, and I ventured to bring him here, trusting that an act of charity to a stranger might cover my own misdeeds.” The princess smiled—and she had a very cbarming smile—as she answered: “Count Ammonoff needs no introduction to me, monsieur. We bave met before. But was it fair, count, not to tell me that you were a Rug- sian, this morning?” Hammond colored and stammered ; ‘*But I was not one this morning, madame, His majesty bas seen fit to make one of me for a trifling service—an accident—that’s all.” “ Accidents baye served you well to-day,” said the princess, looking at him with a strange expression. ‘I am told you were near by when the czar was removed.” “7 was pear to the assassin who killed the ezar and many innocent people besides,” an. swered Hammond, with some emphasis, ‘“ lt eR eed sii oF. Sy a oe La! oh re e are in mourning, of course, like. ‘ a ih, PRS rt be SS ee

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“teh yet was a terrible responsibility assumed by those rash men, madame.” ‘For which they will suffer,” returned the lady, quickly. ‘‘Have they made any confes- sion, count, or do dom know, Goryautchikoff?” “T beard that when questioned they gloried in their guilt,” returned Goryautchikoff, with a scarcely perceptible sneer. ‘‘ The leader who threw the bomb that did the business, laughed when they asked him the cause of his treason, ind answered that he took his orders from the Brotherhood of Liberators.” **Brotherbood of Assassins he should have said,” interrupted Hammond warmly. “It is almost incredible to me that men and women could be found who believe that any permanent can come from such horrible murders of innocent people. What had the czar done to be killed like a dog?” Goryautchikuff stared at him but made no answer, and the princess waved the young offi- <er to a seat at her side on the sofa, murmur- ing: “It is refreshing to seaso much enthusiasm. Are all the men from your land so full of love for the czar?” ‘“* No,” returned Hammond more coolly, “ we want all the world to be republican, as we are, but we don’t propose to blow them to pieces if tbey disagree with us. We trust to public opinion to remedy evils.” Here Goryautchikoff, who had taken his souseed | little Cia, eines pire and ed in a peculiar way, and the cess raised her bud exvicie! a ! “Monsieur Goryautchikoff, are you aware that Baroness Nastasya Boulkin holds a seance of mesmerism to-night?” Goryautchikoff started. ‘**No, indeed, madam. ° Where?” ** You must promise to go there, or I cannot tell you,” answered she. ‘You koow the rule that binds us.” “TI will go with pleasure, if you desire it,” answered he emphatically, “Tdo. Buvsides, I wish to talk to Count Am- amonoff. He was with the general at the time of bis death, and I have questions to ask.” Goryautchikoff stood up, as if on parade, “T am. ready,” he said, ‘‘Give me the orders.” “They are at three, eighty-seven, six,” was the evigmatical reply, and Count Gregory, at once advanced, kissed the finger-tips of ‘the princess, and said to Hammond: **Good-by, comrade. I shall not see you till . to-morrow; forthe baroness insists on all her visitors ot the circle, and it is very hard work. [il leave the cab—” “Do no such thing,” interrupted the princess, “*T stiall send Count Ammonoff home in my own carriage. Good night.” Goryaatchikoff bowed himself out and the princess semarked to Hammond: “ He is a good fellow, the count, but stupid. I sometimes think they all are.” “Have you known him long?” asked Ham- anond, not knowing what else to say. She shrugged her shoulders, _““Who can tell? We meet these men in so- ciéty, but what would you? They are all Rus- ‘sians, and that is all we can say. Have you not ever remarked, my dear Ammonoff, bow <losg these Russians are to barbarians?” “Phese Russians? I hardly know how to an- swer, madame.” ba Why, monsieur?” “ Are bein fe a Russian?’ She smiled rather scornfully, “IT? Oh no, monsieur, I come from a race that has no Tartar taint in their blood. [ama Swede, pure and simple, One of my ancestors helped beat Peter the Great at Narva, and we never feared the Russians at less odds than five to one,” He noticed that she ke of the Russians with some contempt, and he observed: *Then you Go not belong to the Old Russian party, as they call it bere? ‘Who has told youof the Old Russians?” she asked, haif closing ber eyes and looking at him in a sidelong manner. ‘Ob, I have heard of them, how they hate ell foreigners, and that the present czar is sid to belong to them, but I cannot believe that,” “ And why not, monsieur?’ “* Because his first official act has been to ap- point me, a foreigner, on his staff.” a. i are then on his staff? In what capa- city ** As personal aide—” And then Hammond suddenly pulled up and began to think to himself what was it this lady wanted to know of him, “Pardon me,” he said, “I forgot that you have no interest in me.” “On the contrary I have a great interest in you. I wish to ask you ever so many things,” said the lady with vivacity. ‘‘ You forget that you told me bow you were with the poor dear general, when be was killed.” **Not when he was killed, madame, I had but a slight acquaintance with General Kouli kof, J saw his body when it was brought in ifrom the front, that was all.” “Never mi:d: you saw that,” returned the f A Yankee Cc ssack. lady obstinately, ‘and I want you to tell me about if. How was he killed? At the head of his men?” “T heard so, mademe. most courage and glory.” ** And you were at that time attending on—” | On tbe czerevitch, madame.” “But you met the czarevitcb by accident, is it not so?” Hammond was surprised. . He had thought the little adventure of a few years before entirely unknown to all but him- self and the present czar, | He fell with the ut- : : However, he replied: ‘Yes, we met by chance, I was out on duty and lost my way in the mountains, with two | men, when an officer rode up to the fire and | shared all the food I had that night in thesnow, I did not know who he was till soma hours | later when we rejoined t earmy. He, like my- self, had been lost in visiting pickets.” aS And naturally he referred to the incident to- ) day? * He did, madame, I feared he had forgotten it. “Oh, no, he will not forget a she retorted with a curl of her red lip, ‘‘It is a novel sense for a prince to go about incognito, and hear a man talk republicanism.” Hammond start d. “ How do you know I talked republicanism?” ‘* Because you’re ati American and their ideas are well known, See here, my dear count, do you know you ought to belong tothe Progress Fete of Russia?” ‘“*] do already, if there is such a thing, mad- ame, I am in favor of progress. To what p:rty do you belong?” She laughed carelessly. “TI? To none. Women have no parties. We have no votes. Why should we interest our- selves in the struggles of politics? And so he made you a count andacolonel. You are in luck, Ammunoff, and so is he.” ‘* Why, madame?” “Because he has gained a good servitor,” said she with sudden earnest gravity. ‘* It needs no great discernment to see that you are a man who knows what he is about, count. By the by, do you ever go to the opera?” “When I can, madame, and Patti sings.” ‘Well putin, But Iam a Swede, and I pre- fer Nillsson, However, we shall have no opera for some time now and nothing but mourn- ing L suppose, His majesty—his new majesty I mean—will probably go to Gatschina.” “*T believe so, madame.” He answered reservedly, and the lady began to laugh, as she said gayly: **T declare, the man is afraid to speak to me now, for fear of betraying state secrets. Why, we all know that he is going to Gatschina, and be will bury himgelf there in the midst of bis guards you'll see, The Nihilists ought to be per that, with their little, feeble band, they ave reduced the Czar of : 1] the Russias to the condition of a man who trembles at every foot- step and starts at the turning of a lock. They are very wicked people of course, but it bas its ludicrous side, this affair.” She spoke lightly, watching him furtively out of - corver of her eye, and be answered, sharply: “I see little that is ludicrous in it, but one thing I know, princess.” ** And what is that?” “That they laugh best who laugh last.” __ The lady turned her head to look at him with a keeness she had not shown before. “Indeed?” she said; ‘‘ then you have hopes of crushing these wicked Nihilists?’ ‘Not only hopes, but a certainty, madame,” he answered, rather proudly. ‘*They bave not had a Yankee after P iso yet.” She opened her eyes wide and suddenly put out her hand with a frank gesture. “T like von, Ammonoff,” she said. ‘‘ You are not a Russian, You say what you mean, Iam with you in vour quest, and I assure you you will need a friend. You do not know the ; dangers whith surround you.” CHAPTER VIL THE BOTTLE TEST, Wuen Hammond or Ammonoff went home | that night, though he rode in the carriage of the princess, and was surrounded with comfort and luxury, there was an uneasy feeling in bis heart that he had dove an imprudence in con- fiding, though ever so little, in the Princess Koulikoff. whom be bad never seen before. He had an idea that the princess was an intriguer of some kind, and that she bad succeeded in ex- tracting from him information that he ought not to have divulged. is conscience smote him so much that he was on the point of asking audience of the ezar when he rose next morning, but he was de- terred by the stir in the palace, and the knowl- eare that Alexander JII. must have his bands full of public business, Moreover, on this day commenced the lyingin state of the body of the murdered «zir, and the trial of the three Nihilists. into which he was summoned as a witness, so that, within a few she was recalled to bis mind by his friend, | Goryautcbikoff, saying: ‘Ab, by the by, Ammonoff, Princess Kou- | likoff is going to the Koulikoff estates to- morrow, and things are so slow round here thet I am going to try and get a leave of absence to follow ber.” “T thought you had never entered her house,” said Ammonoff, dryly. ‘‘I’m sure you tole me so the night we went there.” ‘True, true,” returned Count Gregory, pla cidly, though Ammonoff could see be was lying. **But we’ve known each other a long time at other places, you know.” ‘So it seems. How did you get on at the Baroness Boulkin’s mesmeric seance, for which you left me alone at the Koulikoff house?” Count Gregory laughed carelessly. “Did you see through that? Well, I saw she wanted to speak to you alone, and I am not of a jealous disposition, as you may see when I teil you that I bring you an invitation to pay a visit to Toulminka.’ ‘““ And what is Toulminka?” “The Koulikoff estate. Time was when it was worth a good deal of money, and the old general owned four thousand serfs, That’s all gone now, but the princess is by no meansa pauper, I can tell you.” ** And where is this estate?” **Near the Ural mountains, in the gold coun- try. She bas mines, they say, that bring in half a million roubles a year.” “Then you'd better go, my dear Grego make love to the princess, idows wooers, you know. Count Gregory sighed. “She is an exasperating woman, Ivan. I never know how to take her. Why won't you come with me?” ‘* Because I’ve no by slay ask for a leave of absence yet, baving n only a few days an officer.” “Bah! That’s nothing. The czarevitch—I mean his present majesty—won’t want you. He is going to shut bimself up at Gatschina, and see none but his family.” **So much the more reason for me to be with bim, in case I’m wanted, count. Go on your leave and enjoy it.” Goryautcbikoff sbrugged his shoulders and went off, while Ammonoff proceeded to bis room to array himself for the first time in his new Russian uniform, which had just come home from the tailor. He could not help a self-satisfied glance in the mirror when he was fully attired, for the con- trast between the severe simplicity of his old U, 8S. blue and the gorgeous attire of a colonel of the Red Cossacks, with the aiguillettes of an aide-de-camp falling over bis breast, wasenough to inspire vanity. It struck him at once that it was his duty to call on the minister and ask for orders, for he had been Jounginvg about for five days now, and the trial of the Nibilists was over, they having been condemned to death, so that there was nothing more to detain him in the palace, Therefore, be ordered bis borse and rode off through the streets, where he found everything looking about the same as usual. The weather was hot and dusty; crowds lined the sidewalks and watched the racing of the droskies; the police were no thicker than usual, and nothing on the surface showed that a feel- ing of uneasiness was pervading society from es ed bottom. here were a good many officers riding about and one or two patrols of Cossacks passed by, the meu walking their borses ard looking sleep- ily at the crowds, as if they had no particular interest in life. But as the newly-fledged colonel came near the buildings of the minister of war, he noticed quite a crowd of peasants in the street, and heard some sbouting, Presently as he looked, he saw the lances oc a detachment of Cossacks coming through the crowd and saw it scattering. The next minute he saw that the men had their lances slung behind them, and were ey 3 their whips on the A eisses with a merci- less brutality peculiar to Cossacks on duty, “ What’s the matter?’ he asked one of the men, who scowled at first but saluted as soon as he oo ra the uniform, and answered re- spectfully: “They were crowding to stare, most high- born one, and our officer ordered us to disperse them. » : Then he rode off, lashing furiously at an old peasant, who humped up his beck under bis sheepskin coat, roared at every blow, but evi- dently was not much hurt from the way in which he ran, Pretty soon Ammonoff came on the officer in command, a square-built and determined- looking fellow, who told him: ‘Oh, it wasa mere nothing, my colonel, but we just took a man with some glass bottles in his pockets and arrested him ou suspicion. And then the fools began to shout and groan, su I thought it best to give them a lesson, “Indeed?” said mmond, ‘‘and where is your prisoner?” ,and bold

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strong as gunpowder, but a shell would have - harmed nothing “The minister of war is interrogating him, my colonel.” A Yankee Cossack. they went across the court to the bank of the river, which was close by, followed by a curious Ammonoff thought the occasion a good one to | group of officers, enter, so he gave bis borse to an orderly and entered the gorgeous building of the war de- Ammonoff noticed that the Russians were afraid to come near bim, and he bad to tie the rtment, where bis name and rank procured | bottles to floats himself, when he asked for a re- m admission everywhere till he came to the | volver and fired at both bottles as they floated stopped by a | down the river, fifty yards off. private cabinet, where he was sentry and told that be could go no further, Before he could convince the sentry that he had a right to go in, the door opened and a atern old officer looked out, saying: ** What’s this noise? Who is this?” Ammonoff gave bis name and rank, and the minister started slightly. ‘Come in, come in,” be said, ‘* ve heard of you before. Come in.” Tbus invited, Ammonoff entered the cabinet and fuand General Milutine alone, with three glass bottles on the tuble, to which be pointed, we 2 gravely: ‘More of these infernal machines, I fancy. The man was brought in just now, and I had him searched t» fiad these bottles, Are you any- thing of a chemist, colonel?” ‘« Somewhat, in the line of explosives,” said the American, eying the bottles curiously ; “‘ but I fancy there is not much need of that in this case, gineral,” “Why not, why not?” asked the general. “ Because | think there is nothing in them more barmful than bair-oil,” said the other, smil- ing. ‘S-e the label, *Rowland’s Macassar.’ That’s Eoglish hair-oil.” * The géneral locked at them still more suspi- ' ciously, answering: “That may be, but again it isstrange that the man would answer no questions.” “ Where is the man, general?” “ Locked up, of course. In these times one can’t be too careful. [| wish I knew-—” ' “Knew what, general?” “* How to find out what is in those three bot- tles on the table. I heard that you Americans are familiar with nitro-glycerine and know all aboat it.” ‘* So we are, general,” “Then won’t you analyze one of those bottles on the table for me?’ said the general, in an eager tone, _“ There’s no need of that, general.” “Why not?” “ To analyze the contents, one would have .o open the bottle, and if there is any infernal . machine in the matter it lies in the opening of the bottle.” “Then how am I going to find out if there is oris not nitro-glycerine in them?” the general said, still more perplexed. me Very simply, general.” As he epoke, Ammonoff took up one of these bottles by the neck, “What are you going to do?” asked Milutine, horrified. ‘Do you want to blow us al) up?” ** Not a bit of it, general.” “Then why do you take up the bottle?” “To test if. If this is nitro-glycerine it will explode on concussion. I am about to throw this bottle out of the window, If it explodes when it breaks, you’ve done right to arresf the man; if it’s only harmless hair-oil, we can let him go. There is a clear space below?” sy ones in the inner court,” said the gen- eral, delightedly. Ammonoff looked out and saw that the arse- nal buildings were ranged round an immense quadrangle, with a fountain and flower-beds in the center, but there were too many soldiers lounging about to make it safe to throw the bottle, in case it should contain nitro-glycerine, “ We must order the men out of the court,” he said to the minister. “Vl send orders at once,” said the general, and he called an officer, by whose means the zourt was cleared in a few minutes, Then Ammonoff, with all bis strength, threw the bottle out of the window. He saw it flash in the sun and fall on the granite flags near the fountain. Instantly their doubts were solved. There was a broad blaze of white flame, a sharp, ear-splitting crash, and a puff of thin white smoke, which cleared awa} almost in- stantly, revealing a pit in the ground several feet deep, while fragments of stone, broken up as fine as sand, were showered all over the court. General Milutine was as white asa sheet. » ‘Heavens! suppose I had opened it,” he said. Ammonoff laughed dryly. ‘*We should have needed a new minister of war, general,” he said. ‘‘But observe, I pray you, the effects of nitro-glycerine. You see.it oes not spread far. It is about ten times 6s into the walls, and that has sent pieces flyin Le fut a single paving-stone. Shall at the table. ‘t Where can least damage?” the American, “ t each At the third shot he hit one, and both ex- ploded simultaneously, sending up white col- umns of spray into the air, but doing no further damage. Tben the American said to Milutine aloud, for the benefit of the officers: | can show you what you never saw in | hawking party on the steppe. I shall send my chas- “You see, general, there’s very little danger in nitro-glycerine if it’s properly handled, My compliments to the Niuilists and they don't amount to so much as I thought.” As ue spoke, be glanced aside to mark the ef- fect of his words, and noticed that two of the officers were scowling and whispering to each other, with wild looks at him. Affecting not to uotice them, be returned to General Milutine’s cabinet, where the old minister said warmly: ** Count Ammonoff, I am under many obliga- tions to you. Now | shall kvow what to do with that villain, It is a pity the old times are over,” “‘ What old times, general?” “Well, you may remember that, twenty | years ago, we had no such things as Nihilists, because if a man was suspected of treason, we used to flog him till be told us ali about it, Now it’s different. The poor czar that is dead abol- | ished flogging before sentence, s) we have totry | this fellow before a jury. It is a farce. But never mind that You bave something to ask | me, What can I do for you?’ ‘** ] came for orders, general.” ‘‘T have none to give you except these. Go where you like; do what you please; but let me know weekly where you are.” CHAPTER VIII. SOFIA IVANOWNA. “ Bur you don’t mean to say,” said Ham- mond, “that you have no instructions to give—” “None,” ipterrupted the general. ‘“ His majesty’s orders are explicit. ou are to do as you please, go where you please, so long as you report weekly to me where you are.” ** But suppose I want to leave the country—” ‘You are at liberty todoit, His majesty has told me that he is the only one to say a word to | you, He has perfect confidence in your dis- cretion.” “By ‘reporting’ what do you mean? Am I to give an account of what I have done during the week?” “By no means. Indeed, his majesty told me to say that if you have any news he wishes you to give it to bimself personally, by word of mouth, at Gatschina. Otherwise, you are un- fettered.” ‘‘T have an invifation to go to the estate of the Princess Koulikoff, general. Do you think Lhad better go?” The general shrugged his shoulders. ‘Why not? Between you and me, my dear count, one bas as much chance there as any- where to root out these cursed Nihilists. For my part, I am not only disgusted, but disheart- ened. This dynamite business is very demoral- izing. One can never tell when one’s turn is coming. Suppose that man had thrown onelot his bottles at me. On only one point I feel safe. The disaffection has not yet entered the army.” ** Are vou sure of that, general?” ‘* My God, yes!” said Milutine in a nervous | way. ‘ You don’t surely suspect any one?” Ammonoff reflected that his only suspicion | was founded on a scowl, so he resolved to keep matters to himself till he was sure. '**None at all,” be said, ‘only it would be awkward if you had secret Nihilists among | your own officers, wouldn’t it?” 4 Milutine shuddered. “ Awkward? It would be terrible.” _ ‘* Well,” said Ammonoff, reassuringly, ‘‘ let it not weigh upon you. Probab'y the troops are all faithful. I shall go to Toulminka to- morrow. As you say, it is like hunting for a penny in the grass on a dark night., I may find out something by chance in one place as well as another.” ; He took his leave of the general and went back to the palace, to find a dainty perfumed note lying on his table at quarters. It was sealed with green wax, and bore on the seal a prince’s coronet and the Latin motto, “ACTA ME PROBANT,” [Deeds prove me.] The motto interested him. ‘*‘Deeds prove me? Yes, that is like the text, ‘By their fruits ye shall know them.’ It isa good motto for a man, but this is evidently from a woman,” He opened the letter and read: “My Dear Co with w what o is set down - EE as a Russian nobleman. Actualty. he is a boor. £f _ want to have one person in the house to whom I can talk and who will talk to me. Send me word at once that you will come with us to Toulminka. | Am a seur for an answer this afternoon at three, and re- member that I can accept of no answer but one in. the affirmative. Yours in despair, ** NATALIE KoUuInoF?P, ** (nee ERSTROM, Hammond looked at bis watch and saw that it wanted ten minutes to the bour, so he sat down to write a reply, which he had just finished when he saw the gorgeous livery of the French cbasseur by his open window, and the man came in, with a low bow, saying that he had the honor to present himself to monsieur by order of the gracious princess, to request an . answer to her note. Hammond looked at the chasseur with more attention than he had bithertoshown, revolving in his mind what bad been said about him, Certainly be was a handsome fellow, tall and well made, with brilliant black “eyes, dark mustache and pointed beard, while bis air was tbat of a prince, i “You have been long in the princess's ser- vice?’ said Hammond, The Frenchman drew himself up a little haughtily as he answered: ‘“*Some time, monsieur. be verbal?” “Ob, no. In my country we answer ledies as they spenk tous. Here is your letter. Iam. coming. What kind of a place is this Toul- minka, and when do vou start?” ‘““Toulminka is a village on the steppe, mon- sieur, and we take the train to go to bourg to-morrow morning at nine.” “ Is it near a station?” ‘Ten versts, monsieur,” Tben the chasseur was going away, when Hammond pursued: “Stop a moment. In my country we like know people’s names. Whatis yours?” ~~ ‘* Nothing, monsieur.” “ How, nothing?” : ‘Jf monsieur desires me at any time, be bas but to say ‘‘Chasseur, here!” I am at the orders of madame and ber guests, when in the house of madame.” Hammond smiled, He could hardly account to himself for the interest be bad taken in the handsome chasseur, but pursued: ; “And your duties? What are they? We have no cbhasseurs in America, you know.” The chasseur’s black mustache curled in a cer- tain derisive way. “I have beard so, monsieur. *We recognize Americans by the way they treat us My duties are to do asI am told by madame, and to hold my tongue.” a The answer, is it to katerine- _ So saying, the inscrutable Frenchman wheeled . round on his heel and left the room, while Ham- mond called in his servant and got ready for his departure. z That evening he was visited again by the gorgeous chasseur, who brougbt bim another note from the princess, saying that she hoped _ he would meet her at the train ready to go she with their party. , “Do not trouble about your horses,” wrote, ‘‘At Toulminka we always mount all of our guests on our own horses, which have a good name in Russia.” “Tell the princess I will be there,” he said to. the chasseur, and the man bowed low and left the room again. Hammond could not help suspecting, frony something in the chasseur’s manner, that he had come on an uvuwelcome errand, and, as- criting it to the lack of that fee which foreign- ers are accustomed to give, he called him baci: and said hastily: ‘“‘ Here, cbasseur, I forgot something.” The bandsome cbhasseur came back with a polite bow, and the same peculiar, half-scornful smile that Hammond had noticed on his face,. saving: “ Monsieur bas orders for me?’ “Not orders, but I forgot someYhing. I: is here, to drink my health, you know.” The chasseur took w the same smile the gold piece banded him by the young officer, and said quietly: ' . “Monsieur is learning our customs, I see. But in France we always leave it on the table, and turn our heads.” , Hammond could not help quiet, superior tone in which it was said. “You must excuse me, chasseur,” he re Sometbing in his manner nettled Hammond — his shoulders and _and and saw bim— wb soldier, with ical #8) 5 i, ; Spc ik tec ae laughing at the aa

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ee et te in —_ — hefore he vanished. The young aide-de-camp watebed the soldier pass by the palace, and, as he came by the window, called out: ‘‘ Hola! soldier, come in bere!” The man—a grenadier off duty—stared at the officer who called him in, but obeyed the sum- mons, and stood bolt upright before Hammond who said: ‘* What is your name?” ‘ ‘* Martin Ivanitch, most bigh-born.” — ‘You met a chasseur just now, Martin.” Martin stared and his face fell. ‘** Yes, most high-born.” ** What did he say to you?” : Martin’s face turned red as he replied eva- sively, wi h eyes cast down: : Nothing of importance, most bigh-born.” “That is for me to judge. What did he say?” “ Asked a question, most high-born.” ‘What was it?’ ‘‘ Whether I drank brandy, most high-born.” “ And wha? said youf” Martin looked uncomfortable. ** Told bim we didn’t often get the chance to do it, most high-born.” ' ‘* And what did he say?” Martin hesitated. * Nothing of importance, I assure you, most igh-born. nig} What did he say?” asked Hammond sternly. Martin looked more disturbed than ever as he replied : ‘He asked me to drink a health to Sofia ivanowna, most high-born, and gave me a gold iece. Hammond was puzzled. “Sofia Ivanowna? Who the deuce is she, Martin?” Martin looked stolidly at the wall. ‘I’m sure 1 don’t know, most high-born.” Hammond knew he was lying, but he also knew, from the stupid air of the soldier, that he could not be rabicel Anis caster anything more, ** Let me see the gold piece,” he said. Unwillingly Martin produced the identical gold | oki Hammond had given to the chasseur, and Hammond continued: “Loox here, Martin, that piece is mine. Ill give you another beside it if you’ll tell me who Sofia lvanowna is,” Martin looked at the wall. **T don’t know, most bigh-born.” “Very well, Martin, then you'll not be able to drink her health,” said Hammond, calmly, ‘and you'll be in the guard-louse in another five minutes if you don’t tell the truth. Did you ever run down the green street?” Mariin turned pale and sbuddered. To a Russian the words ‘‘running down the green street” mean running the gantlet of a regiment armed with sticks. : Still Martin repeated mechanically: “I don’t know, most high-born one,” “Go to your barracks then,” said Hammond, tossing him the gold piece. ‘‘I was only try- ing you. Here's another to drink the health of your gracious czar, You don’t object to that, fartin?” Martin looked greatly relieved as he answer- ed in a low tone: . ‘I beg your honorable pardon. I did not know you were one of us. I will do it with pleasure. Long live Sofia Ivanowna and the czar, Russia will be happy when they are one, Then he departed and left Hammond in a state of puzzlement that he could not bide from himself. Who was Sofia Ivanowna? r¥ He recalled the names of all the Russian princesses, but not a Sofia was among them, and Ivan was an old fashioned Russian name, not heard in the imperial family since the days before Peter the Great, whose mother was— ‘* Sofia of course,” he ejaculated aloud. “Yes, and ber father was Ivan. That must be it. But what the deuce does it all mean?” That evening he went, for the first time since his commission, to the public mess of the of- ficers on the household staff. and was received with much apparent cordiality, though be could see that there was a good deal of jealous among his juniors at his sudden exaltation, His friend Goryautchbikoff was teiling every one in high glee tow he had secured a leave and was ong to Toulminka, and what a pleasant vis‘; e expected to have, when Ammonoff suddenly id: carr h, by the by, did any of you gentlemen ever hear of Sofia lvanowna?” Had a sbell dropped in the room the conster- nation eould not have been greater than that produced by these simple words, if he had been a specter, while an old gray- headed general turned purple in the face and t: Dos Tyencwae be hanged! What do you mean by bringing up Aer name in this palace? Are you also a Nibilist?” Ammonoff was amazed. “Upon my word, no; but I heard the name to-day for the first time, and 1 wondered who she could be.” ito o'd general scowled at him. * When you've lived here a little longer, ad aoe ge started up, staring at him as'|' A Yankee Cossack. | you’ll not beso innocent. That's the name that stands av the foot of the Nihilist documents as their oueen.” “ Then what does it mean whena man drinks a health to Sofia Ivanowna?”’ asked Ammonoff, bis heart Sequins to beat a little faster as he looked round the room and saw that more than half the guests looked anxious and frightened, while the rest, including the old general, were furious. | | The red-faced general scowled again. “Tf I caught any officer in my command ! doing such a thing, I'd clap him in arrest, with a sentry over him ina minute.” ‘* And suppose a private soldier did it?” said Ammonoff, curiously. ** Vd give bim a little run down the green street, as the men call it, to teach him that re- publican doctrinés don’t go well with Russia,” retorted the general. ‘‘ Have you seen or heard anything of the sort, Count Ammonoff?” Ammonoff yawned slightly, watching, under his eyes, the effeet of the conversation on the other officers. A flood of light was beginning to pour in on him as to Nibilism. **No,” he said indifferently. ‘I saw a little riot in the street to-day, and the Cossacks were flogging a lot of peasants; that wasall. I asked one of them what it was for and he said for drinking to Sofia [vanowna.” “And served them right,” said the general irascibly. ‘‘If'I bad my way I’d shoot a few instead of flogging. These Nibilists thrive on mercy. In the good old days of Czar Nicholas we had plenty of whip and very little revolu- tion, and now it is all the other way.” From that moment the conversation at the table languished, and it seemed as if every man was watching his neighbor to find out what he was thinking about. Ammonoff, much interested and excited at the clew that bad thus accidentally fa'len into his hands, was the only one of the party who retained his calmness and was able to watch the coer and conceal his feelings while watching them. “Sofia Ivanowna” meant Nibilism; a health to her meant success to Nibilism; Princess Koulikoff’s chasseur had given a grenadier a Id p ece to do a treasonable act, and the sol- er bad dropped the secret unintentionally. Was the princess also a Nibilist? That re- mained to be seen. At all events, his visit would serve to test the truth of a good many things he began to suspect, General Milutine was right. He was as likely to find out about Nibilism at Toulminka as any- where else. Already he had proved to his own mind that Goryautchikoff and half tne officers at the table were somehow secretly connected with the order, He had noticed how frightened they all looked at the mention of Sofia Frisaiena. and bow re- lieved they seemed to be at his explanation about the street riot. Goryautchikoff in particular was apparently very happy over the termination of the ques- tioning, for he began to drink cham eata great rate, with ostentatious toasts to the czar, the czarina, and every member of the royal family in succession, till he got pretty drunk and had to be taken home, , Wheo morning came Ammonoff bad himsel and all his belongings driven to the station, where he saw a large brilliant party waiting on the platform and was at once greeted by the Princess Koulikoff with: “So, my dear count, you have come at last, and we are all glad. Here is Goryautchikoff with a P pins face and a headache, and Prince Doratoff and the Baroness Boulkin, and were all ready to go. In twelve hours we shall be out on the free steppe avd forget that civiliza- tion exists. Come, let us all be nomads and savages,” CHAPTER IX, ON THE STEPPE. Out at the foot of the Ural Mountains toward the Caspian Sea lies part of the great gently- sloping plain, that stretches from the wall of China to the Holland marshes in one unbroken | sheet of green. For fourteen hundred years it has been roamed hy Tartar and Turkoman, Bashkir and Kirghis; coming on the down grade to devastate Eu- rops. Mttila and his Huns swept over it to the con- qnest of the Russian Empire, and Jengis Khan and his successors rode down the same slope to overrun Russia, eight hundred years after Attila, To-day it remains the same as it was a thou- sand yeats ago, and the same people roam over it, substantially unchanged. The old nomads carried swords and ‘bows; so do many of their successors to day, firearms being almost unknown on the steppe. Now, as of yore, the whole of this vast plain is covered with a network of almost in- visible tracks over which tribes drive their flocks from pasture to pasture at stated times, none encroaching on the dominion of another, save at the cost of a bloody feud; immemorial custom being stronger than law. ee In the midst of this plain come the Russian dominions, where civilization intrudes itself on barbarism, where the Bashkir Tartars are vis- ited at regular intervals by police officers and Cossacks, and where the villages of great lords alternate with the shifting aouls or camps of wandering herdsmen. One of these villages was Toulminka, on the gentle swells at the foot of the Ural mountains, where they merge in the plains. The blue lines of rounded hills far to the north were all the reminder of the existence of the chain, while the river Ural went winding along between reen meadows, to lose itself in the far-away aspian. Toulminka itself consisted of a large, but low and straggling castle or fortified post, built in the middle ages to repel wandering Tartars, around which one might see a number of little heaps of dirt, looking like mole-bills, which marked the burrows in which the ‘free and happy peasantry” of Toulminka passed the winter months, to economize fuel and labor, These dwellings of poverty were mere cellars, roofed over with a few sticks and a central pole, the whole covered with thick thatch. In the summer time \ithey were unbearable from the abundance of vermin, unless made over perfectly new; so it was the custom of the simple inhabitants to remove their belongings to the open air, take out the framework of sticks, and make a bonfire of the thatch in the cellar which was then left open till the approach of autumn, when it was rethatched with dried grass. During the summer, the villagers erected sheds of thatch, as cooler than the cellars, but the first swoop of the northeast wind in November sent them to their burrows, to huddle together like sheep. The yearly range of the thermometer in Toul- minka, was from eighty-five degrees above zero in July to nigh 4 below at New Year, and the peasants wore their sheepskin coats with the wool inside, half the year, wool outside, the other, if not rich enough to possess a shirt and sharovary or big breeches of velveteen for hot weatber, Eight miles away, over the steppe, one might see the occasional smoke of a passing locomotive going toward Oranburg, but when that had ssed, the steppe was as solitary as ever, save or the sheep and a few camels and herdsmen dotting the grassy sea. Into the midst of this peaceful pastoral scene the day after leaving St. Petersburg, came the ay caravan of the Princess Koulikcff, with the Yankee Cossack Hammond, or Ammonoff, among them, They came from the station of the railroad, most of them on borseback, a few riding with the baggage in ¢elegas, Ir you never saw a telega, imagine a cab er old-fusbioned hooded “ one-borse shay,” taken off our light American wheels, and put on four cart wheels o: a pair of long, springy poles, That is a telega, capable of going over any sort of road, or no road; easily repaired, and as comfortable to ride in as a coal-cart, The horses were little scrubby beasts that looked as if they were not worth ten dollars apiece, but they galloped the whole distance from the station to Toulminka without a sign of fatigue, in an hour. The castle of the Koulikoffs covered more than four acres of ground, with its courts, stables and granaries, and the main house, where the guests lodged, was furnished with a richness and luxury that fairly astonished Ammonoff in such a place. _ Gold and silver plate, malachite tables, quaint ornaments in which money seemed to have beem lavished for the sake of being extravagant, abounded every where. On a malachite mantle, set with nuggets of virgin gold, Hammond saw one instence of bar- baric taste that struck him as particularly Rus- sian. An ostrich egg bad been taken as the base of the ornament, and made to do duty as the body of a small ostrich, the neck, legs and win made of pure gold, studded with jewels so costly that he said to the princess: “That must be a costly toy. Did you have it made?” The princess curled her red ras ‘“‘T, indeed? No, that was a whim of the poor general. You see the reason I asked you to come bere now. These Russians are all Tartars at heart. To think of all that being thrown away on what, after all, is only a blown egg- shell!’ Ammonoff found a suite of gorgeous apart- ments assigned to him, and the castle soon re- sounded with voices, as the gay guests wandered to and fro. Goryautchikoff stuck close to the Aegan with the result of being snubbed more than any man in the company, while Hammond, who kept aloof, was honored by more tban one sum- mons during the day to the side of the mistress of the mansion, But curing the journey to Toulminka, and since their arrival, though he had kept bis wits on the alert, he had discovered no symptoms of Nihilism more dangerous than sneers at the czar for shutting himself up in

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us ar eer ou - a # ' 4 ‘ \ D 10 Gatschina, and no allusion was made to the mystic Sofia Ivanowna. But Hammond was a Yankee and bad leatned self-control in his career as a newspaper man, therefore he expected little. He attended to his own affairs, pretended to be absorbed in everything Russian be saw, and ‘was charmed when the princess told him that the promised hawking-party would take place the very next day. ‘I have sent word to my people to drive all the game near the castle,” she said. “It is scattered over the steppe, but we will enjoy it beneath our walls. How many men do you suppose I have sent?” “lm sure I don’t know. Fifty?” “Fifty indeed! The prince had three thou- sand serfs on the estate in the old times, and since the emancipation they have increased. No, there are fifteen hundred men going out to- night to beat a great circle.” * Fifteen bundred men? ‘You have not so many in that village, surely?” ‘Ob, no, but that is not my only village and I have Bashkirs besides. You will see them in the morning. Quite a regiment.” And when the morning came there was a great tooting of cow horns out on the steppe; and Hammond looking from his window, saw a skirmisb line of men more than a mile long coming toward the castle in the are of a circle, while all the Gag it before them was full of fluttering birds, leaping hares and antelopes, wild with terror at the noise behind them. The castle guests burried out to find horses’ waiting for them; the princess, in a charming blue riding habit, with a hawk on her wrist, ready to start; and she beckoned to Hammond to se by ber as they all dashed forward at a gallop. For some little time the Yankee Cossack was too mucb taken up with the novelty and excite- ment of the sport to do anything but enjoy it like the rest by galloping and shouting, as the beaters withdrew to either side and the hawks were thrown off and went towering upin the air, as if puzzled at the quantity of ganie before them. Then, before he knew what had happened, he found himself almost alone on the steppe, watching the contest going on in the sky before him, between a hawk and a bustard, the latter bird twice as large as a turkey, while the hawk did not weigh ten pounds, They were trying to mount above euch other, the bawk in circles, the bustard going straight YP, the wind carrying them on so fast that ammond had to pe his best to keep up, till the shouting faded away in the distance, and the only sound heard in the silence of the steppe was the scream of the hawk as he finally gained his point of vantage and swooped down on the bustard in mid-air, A moment later, the two birds fell through the air like stones, and Hammond saw that tke talons of the bawk were buried in tne bustard’s head as they came, : ‘* Well dune, Vassili!” cried an eager voice behind him, and Hammond looked round to see his hostess, al] alone, coming on at full gallop on a bay horse. “‘Catch him quick before he gorges and is off,” cried the lady. “ Vassili isa good bird, ae ai a, A ff gall ped up to th us urge mmonoff gallo up e birds, found the hawk already trying to split the bustard’s skull with his strong beak to feast _ on the brains, before he flew away. The young officer was quite green at the busi- ness, for he had never hooded a hawk in his life, but being a Yankee, he was full of resource, and as he came up he took off his tall fur cap, with which he covered up the hawk so neatly and quickly that the princess clapped her hands, crying: ‘Well done, my American friend; but don’t hurt Vassili. If he breaks a wing-feather, the falconer will call you a fool. See—take him by the shanks, and I’ll hood bim as you take off the hat. Be careful.. His talons are like needles. ‘That's it!” ite And with a practiced skill that showed her to be an old mistress of the gentle art of falconry, the princess hooded Vassili and restored him to her wrist, observing: “That was a good chase, How far, think you, bas it led us, count?’ Ammonoff looked round him amazedly. ~ It seemed as if he could not have ridden a mile; but the castle was out of sight; so were the flocks and berds, and all around them was a vast, unbroken field of green grass, 4 It seems to me,” he said, “that we have come furtherethan I thought. Do you know this country well, princess **T ought to doso, count. Well, we are nearer ten than five miles from the castle, and we have ees those tiresome Russians. It is well, for 1 want to —_. to you.” “To me, madame?” He began to draw in his horns already, though madame was a bewitching Pe _ But Hargreave Hammon _ was not a common man, an fallen in love with the he had not yet rson, ging Ammonoff) . _ the princess. ‘ Madame Koulikoff pointed to the dead bus- A Yankee Cossack. ‘* Put it behind your saddle. Do you think it justifiabie to kill even a bird to secure a mo- ment’s conversation with a person?” ‘It depends on the person, madame, I do not regret the bird’s death in the least, since it has gained me this interview.” He spoke in his most gallant way, and the lady smiled as she answered: ‘““A truce to compliments, I hear them all the time. I wish to talk seriously.” ‘*T am gravity and gloom personified. But you cannot object to my looking the things you forbid me to say.” And he favored her with a languishing glance which had its effect; for he was a very band- some young fellow, and an idea had come into his head he was not slow to improve. She turned away her head to repress a smile, and said, as severely as she could: ‘*T tell you not to be nousensical. You are too sensible to talk sentiment like a Russian, I have something to say to you.” ‘* What is it?” he asked, dropping his banter, for he saw she wasin earnest, ‘* What did you mean the other night in ask- ing before General Dobrasoff, what it meant to drink health to Sofia Ivanowna?” ‘*Simply that [ wanted to know, princess.” ‘* And how did you bear of Sofia Ivanowna?” “Has not Goryautchikoff told you? He was present and heard wby.” ‘*Goryautchikoff beard no such thing. He only heard what you said was the reason.” * And what was that?” “ Aninvention, You said that a man was flogged by a Cossack for drinking a health to Sofia Ivanowna, and that you were told so that day. Now, I know well that no such thing oc- curred. Tell me truly what made you ask the question?” ** Well, princess, if you know what I said, you , surely do not expect me to admit that 1 told what was not true?’ said Hammond, with a slight smile, which seemed to cause her some ir- ritation for she answered: ‘You are evading my question. You were not asked to speak the truth before old Dobras- off, who is known to be an inveterate tyrant- lover. I ask you now, what was it caused you to ask the question, and where did you first bear of Sofia Ivanowna?” Tbus urged, Hammond, who had gained time to think, replied: ‘*T heard the name from a soldier who told me he had been offered a twenty-rouble piece to drink ber health.” ‘Then why did you not ask him, instead of blurting it out before Dobrasoff?” ‘I did ask him, and he told me he did not know.” The princess bit her lip. “You are an exasperating man. I thought you were a republican in principle,” ‘So Lam, madame.” ‘Then why— But stay. Who gave the man the money?” ‘Your own chasseur, princess,” said the officer gravely. ‘I gave bim the piece and saw him stop and - ae to the soldier, whom I questioned afterward.” The princess made a pettish motion and said, half to herself: _ “ These men are so silly.” She did not seem to be alarmed at the revela- tion at all, for she went on: , ‘“A jest, Isuppose. Achille is a curious fel- low, above bis station.” ‘It isu jest that would compromise his mis- tress if repeated too often,” said Hammond, ‘I don’t suppose you are mad enough to be con- , nected with these fanatical Nihilists, but if I were you, I would dismiss a man that does things of that sort. If it had been brought to old Dobrasoff’s notice, it would have proved an | awkward responsibility for even you, madame,” | The princess tossed her head and gave hima. saucy look of her blue eyes, ‘But it did not come to his notice. ee ee eS rrr ne No one | knows of if nut you, and you are an American ists?” and a republican, It is not your interest to give people to torture and death, simp)y because they do not believe in absolute despotism. Is it?’ | “No,” be answered, slowly; ‘* if, as I presume, | you mean to say that you really believe in the | Nihilists—” } ** T said nosuch thing,” she interrupted hastily. “1 said only that I did not believe in absolute | despotism. JI ama Swede,” ‘Well, no matter, princess. I do not seek to | pry into your opinions, Assassination I abhor, and will prevent if I can, but I do bot propose to betray my charming hostess because she has an indiscreet servant.” ; The princess looked at him with a singular expression, as she replied: “Do you know, you are made to be one of us, Count Ammonoff? But you could not betray me or apy of us, The Nib lists have more power than you are aware of.” _- CHAPTER X. THE TARTAR CAMP. “Ta Nihilists have more power than you are aware of,” The words struck him, from the meaning way in which they were spoken, and the Yankee Cossack said doubtfully: ‘Possibly they may. If I am not mistaken, this meeting at your house is a Nibilis: gather- ing. The princess laughed. ‘If it comes to that, three-quarters of Russia believes as we do. We may not be active in the order, but we feel that the time bas come for a change, and we respect these men that are ready to throw away their lives that the people may be free,” ‘*Do you mean the assassins who throw bombs. in crowded streets?” asked he, She threw up ber head. “I mean the executioners of the tyrant. Yow have nothing to say against a man who deliber- ately kills another, bound and helpless. You eall him a winister of justice. But when our ministers of justice execute the mandates of Sofia Ivanowna and Kill their man in spite of all his guards and officers in sight of all the peo- le, then you cry out ‘assassin,’ and preterd to e shocked, Oh, you Americans are a consistent people!” She spoke with warmth and bitterness, and Hammond could not help admiring her. Sbe looked very beautiful in ber trim blue habit, on a splendid bay horse, which she rode grace- fully, and ber blue eyes bad a touch of scorn in them as she spoke and looked at bim. “An American the servant and spy of a ty- rant!” she pursued, stili more bitterly. ‘* Ob, it isa lofty task you bave undertaken, monsieur! To save the life and crown of a big bulking fel- low, calling himself a soldier, but sbutiing bim- self up in Gatschina and afraid to stir from the protection of bis guards, Thatis the czar you expect us to adore as the minister of God; to call bim ‘Our Father Czar,’ when he is the laughing-stock of Europe for his cowardice.” ammond stared, e bad never heard any one in Russia speak out in such a way before that day. ‘Are you aware, princess,” be said, ‘‘ that. you are talking imprudently? I am aide-de- camp to his majesty, and I may report what you say about him.” Soe laugbed, and pointed ber whip round her over the bare steppe. ‘Are you aware, Count Ammonoff, that J am absolute mistress here, and that, therefore, it is you who are talking imprudently? 1 have: but to denounce you as a spy, and you would never leave Toulminka.” . Hammond started sligbtly. This beautiful lady was openly threatening bim. ; “You forget one thing, however, princess,” he observed quietly. : “ And what is that?” ‘That we are alone on the steppe, and that forewarned is forearmed.” bce Now she turned on him bangbtily, ‘“What do you mean, sir? That you wonld offer me violence?” ‘Oh, no, madame; very far from that. But. what is to hinder me from rding away to the station and telegrapbing to St. Petersburg that. I bave found a nest of Nibilists?” The princess looked at him for a moment and them shifted her mood with the caprice of a fine lady, crying: ; ‘* Well, I declare, if the man dees not think we are in the middJe ages, I believe. My dear count, [ know you'll do no such thing.” ““And why not, mada e?” ‘Because you are a civilized gentleman and my guest. [um not afraid ; ou will send me to Siberia. You are not a Russian” “Thank you, privcess, In truth, bowever, I am more than half in earnest. { have a duty to perform to his majesty, which must be done — or I must resign my place,” ‘There is no need of that,” said she quickly. “Tp truth you are too scrupulous altogether. Do you not krow that more than half the offi-. . cers of the Imperial Guard are at heart revoiu- tionists, though they may not be active Nihil- “*T suspected as much, madame.” : “Then why do you persist in clinging to this feeble creature they call a czar, who dare not quit the walls of his palace for fear of execution by his own people?” ‘“* Because, madame, I am an American, and I love fair play. You do not give the new czar fair play.” , ‘*l¢ What have I to do with it? I have not said that J am a Nihilist.” ‘You have not, but you have admitted that. you sympathize with them.” ‘ “I sympathize with the law of justice, I reverence the men who died to punish the Rus- sian tyrant.” _ “ But what bad he done to them? It seemed to me to be a monstrous assassination of a man: who had never harmed a soul.” i The lady laughed scornfully. “Count Ammonoff, you are too innocent for belief. Alexander II. never harmed a soul, did he not?- How many men has he sent to Siberia or ordered to be shot within the last year? You do not. know, perhaps, that more than a thou- sand lives were wasted to keep him on the throne.” ; i * But they were rebels, criminals.” '

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ys | 4 - Was justly punished. , tray you, “ And he, what was he? The murderer of the people. He died a just death, if ever a man b) Hammond compressed his lips. He did not know what to say or do with a woman who was his hostess and talked this way. Moreover, they were all alone on the green steppe, and he could not be rude. Bo he said quietly: “Don’t you think we should do well to drop @ subject on which we canuot agree? I am honored by your confidence. I will not be- But I think it is hardly fair to abuse his majesty to his personal aide-de- camp,” ; The princess flushed a lit‘le, but answered lightly with a pout: “Tama woman, and claim a woman’s privi- lege to speak my mind. You, as an American, don’t object to free 5 feera ar “Certainly not. IL only object to deeds.” “And I have committed none yet, so you roust let me talk.” **As you please, madame, I see yonder?” 7H They had been riding aimlessly over the steppe, and he saw before them a gentle seal tke a wave of the sea, on the other side of which some sheep and cameis were feeding near the summit, with what looked like buildings behind them, or the roofs of buildings, The princess looked a moment and then ut- tered an exclamation of surprise. “Why, count!” she said, ‘‘do you know I have mistaken the way? Yonder is the camp of Nazar Beg.” **And who, may I ask, is Nazar Beg?” “A Tartar chief, one of my tenants, a most hospitable person, Upon my word, [ fear that—” : She stopped and colored slightly. “You fear what, madame? She gave a little uneasy laugh. “That we shall not get back to the castle of Toulminka to-night, count, that’s all.” Hammond smiled, as if pleased. ‘*Thet supposition is more terrible to you than to me, princess, Will Mr. Nazar treat us ly?’ politely? “Politely? He will be ready to fall down and worship us both.” “Toen I don’t see why we should not take things as they come, princess. I never saw a Tartar camp before, and I should like to see one aow.” “Tm not thinking of that,” answered the wady ratber sharply. ‘‘l’m thinking of what the people at the castle will say when they miss as. Is that the castle Hammond, in his pre-occupation, had not thougnt of this, and as it flashed over bis mind that the tougue of scandal might be busy with his fair hostess’s name, he checked his horse and $a . id: **On second thoughts, medame, you must go on tothe camp alone. I have not seen you all day, remember. Probably half of your guests are scattered over the steppe, and many have lost their way.’® She looked at him asif she did not clearly understand. e **But I could not allow you to go off alone, You do not know the way.” “IT am a_man and can take care of myself, princess, You are a lady whose reputation may be compromised. I ‘shall ride on alone. Hark! We are not farfrom the railroad. There is the whistle now.” It seemed strange to hear the sbriek of the locomotive in the silent steppe, but they could distinguish it faintly. “That is at the Grodsky station,” said the gaia. listening. ‘*Do zou know, count, we ave come further thanI thought. Miles van- ish quickly when one gallops atter wings.” Hammond looked at the swell abead aud then out to the northwest where the smoke of the distant locomotive hung like a white speck of cloud, Then he took his resolution. dy bey camp is sche miles off,” he said, ‘(bot I suppose Tartar eyes are sharp. I will lace the Bustard behind. your saddle, Yuur ird killed it. I will ride toward the smoke and follow the track to Toulminka. I suppose your tenant, Mr, Nazar, knows enough to send a messenger to the castle. The nc 9 seemed to be thoughtful while he was spea ing. ‘“* Yes,” she cnewered absently. “Then farewell, madame,” he answered, lift- ing his bat. ‘‘We have not met to-day. I got lost one way and you another.” He was riding away when she called: “Count Ammonoff.” oA ame?” She seemed to be embarrassed. “T fear I am putting you toa great deal of trouble,” she’said in a low tone. 4 me, I am on duty.” was all be an- swered, and then he rode steadily away, taking the direction of . The last that be saw of the princess she was ee g toward etalon — iy ould now see was a collection of gray, bee-hive shaped, felt tents, in the midst or herds of A Yankee ; Cossack. horses, camels and sheep. Several horsemen were coming out to meet her and the camp seemed to be in an uproar, as if they bad recoguized their princess. He sighed slightly, for it was a pleasant picture; then set spurs to bis horse and ghlioped steatitly on for nearly an hour, till he came to the iron road that stretched out over the plain, without so much as a solitary track-walker in sight. 5 But he was no longer Jost. The track was a point of departure and he rode along it fora couple of hours more, till he was reminded by the complaining of his internal organs, that he bad come out without breakfast and that it was past ten o’clock, There was plenty of game on the steppe, but he bad come out uaarmed, in plain clothes, and ‘he could not shoot a bustard or quail, though they rose up almost under his horse’s feet, for he bad not so much as a pistol. At last, as he began to wex faint«nd fam- ished, he caught sight of the quaint little station of Toulminka, with the keeper's cotgage near it, and rode up to find the keeper at the duor, bow- ing and looking much surprised at the appari- tioo of a solitary horseman. — ** Your nobility is welcome, most bigh-born,” he said, ‘‘ but you are too Jaie for the train. It bad passed an bour and a balf ago.” ‘**] know it,” replied Ammonoff. “TI don’t want any train. I’ve lost mv way in a bawk- ing-party, and I’m hungrys What have you to eat that this will pay for?” He tossed the keeper a silver rouble and the “em eyes glistened. It was a month's pay to him ‘It is but little Lcan offer your nobility ex- cept sheechee and black bread—” he began. ** What’s sheechee ?” asked Hammond. “* Cabbage soup, most higa-born. I have some on the fire now, And we have a cheese and some fowls, if your nobility would condescend to wait till one is cooked.” Hammond swung himself off bis horse. “Give my beast some barley or oats,” he said, ‘and kill a chicken as soon as you can. Pull the skin off, cut it up and boil it. I’ve no time to wait. I must get to Toulminka before lunch, ifI can. Til give you another rouble if you're ready in ten minutes.” The station-keeper called his wife, a stout, Tartar-looking woman, and the two bustled about to such purpose that the Yankee Cossack was soon served enough to eat, and then, his hunger abated, he began to talk. ** What’s your name, friend?” _ “Mitri Dimitrovitch, most bigb-born, and this is my wife, Akoulina.” ‘* You are a tenant of the princess?” “Of the gracious Princess Natalie Koulikoff. Yes, most bigh-born.” “‘ Does your office here, pay you?” ‘Pretty well, most high-born. Akoulina and. I don’t complain.” ““ And you love the czar?” “Yes, most high-born.” \. But the answer was cold and constrained and Ammonoff continued: ‘Did you ever hear of Sofia Ivanowna?”’ Instantly the station-keeper’s face took on the appearance of a stone mask. ** Never, most bigh- born.” Ammonoff smiled, “You need not try of your kind, Mitri. foxy gleam came into Mitri’s eyes. * ’ve no doubt if your nobility saysso. Your nobility can tell what time it is?’ Hammond pulled out bis watch, puzzled by the question. { “Certainly; it is five minutes past eleven. Have you no clock here?” The station*thaster smiled. * Yes, most high-born, bus it does not keep the same time as yours.” : “Then be relapsed into the same stolid look Hammond had noticed on the face of the gren- adier Martin, and the young officer knowing from experience that it was of no use to attempt further questions, called for his borse, paid his rouble and rode away toward Toulminka. As he departed, Mitri Dimitrovitch said to his wife, Akoulina: “There goes one of the leeches.” _ Akoulina spat after Ammonoff viciously * And he pretended to be one of us.” Mitri laughed. ‘Did you see him pull out his watch, when I tested him for the word?” ~ Akoulina laughed scorpfully. ‘** And they think to suck our blood and get our secrets, these officers! Do you know, Mitri, I wish the queen would send me to St. Peters- burg. I can throw a bomb as well as any one.” “Patience,” returned Mitri. ‘ Our time will come, Akoulina,” CHAPTER IX. THE ALARM, AWMONOFF rode into the castle court to find the whole ieee in a turmoil, Goryautchikoff swearing, t to deceive me. Iam one one inquiring of every one else what had be- | come of the princess, — e guests looking anxious, and every | for a journe ‘Have you seen her?” asked Goryautchikoff. ‘* Where have you been? You were with her?’ He looked pale and angry as he spoke, and Ammonoff saw that ke was jealous, “*T lost my way following a hawk,” the young officer explained, ‘‘and rode hume by the rail- road track. I saw no one on the road, but the station-master and his wife.” Goryautcbikoff looked more anxious than be- fore as he muttered: ‘‘ It is impossible she can have lost her way, too, on her own estates. We must send ont couriers, Strange, that you didn’t see ber.” ‘Why, who’s lost?’ asked Hammond, with his most innocent look. ‘“‘The princess,” returned his friend. ‘ My God! if harm comes to her, what are we going todo? You don’t know what depends on her life. We must be off at once.” “ kag aN replied Hammond. ‘ Let us go at once. Which way will you look?” “To the east of course,” said Goryautchikoff. “The bunt went that way. And the Tartars are there, and one knows—” ‘*What Tartars?” interrupted Hammond. ‘I thought they were all her tenants, for miles.” Goryautcbikoff sneered bitterly. “Tenants? Yes. Aftera fashion. Here for a week, next week away toward the Caspian. She has three thousand such tenants, who divide their favors between her and Count Strogovitch. These tribes roam over the plains, and each has its station for every week in the year. j ‘But who can keep them in control? Sup- pose they took a fancy to bold her for ransom, and carry her off to the Kirghis steppes, out of 9 7 sn dominions? Who is going to catch them ; “TI, for one,” said Ammonoff quietly: et the princess came to harm, I would fetch her back at any price.” “‘T fear she has come to harm,” said his friend gloomily. ‘‘She ought to have been back by this time.” Hammond began to feel alarmed himself. Could it be possible Nazar Beg, in whom the princess had expressed such confidence, had turned traitor, and that Natalie was exposed to danger through bim? He Icoked at bis watch. It was nearly twelve o’clock now, and it must have been about half- past nine when he left the princess, being wel- — comed in the Bashkir camp. He knew, from the long circuit he himself had taken, that it conJd not be more than an hour’s Moi in a straight line to Nazar Beg’s camp, and the a Ai that how to conceal the fact that be and the prin- cess had been alone togetber on the steppe. “What camps are there near here?” he asked, { Goryautcbikoff groaned. “T bave been questioning the steward, and he says that Nazar Beg’s aoul is the only one, and that Nazar is in trouble.” Hammond started. **In trouble! What trouble?’ Wa “With the Tartar police. He has bad a quarrel with the Sultan Veizak, about a pool where both watered camels, and the two bands are going to fight.” Now, indeed, Hammond began to feel un- easy. - “Is this Sultan Veizak also a tenant of the princess?’ he asked. ‘‘If he is, her authority ney stop the fighting.” ' oryautchikoff shook his head. “No. He’s one of Strogovitch’s tenants. The count had a grant next to Prince Koulikoff’s, out toward the Sea of Aral, and be hates the princess like poison.” “sé Why ” . “Because she refused to marry bim, after old Koulikoff’s death. He thought to bring the two grants together, and become the richest man in Russia.” “Don’t be too uneasy,” remarked Hammond consolingly. ‘‘lt is very possible that the princess may have fallen im with Nazar Beg, and that be has detained her from purely hos- sa motives, or to curry favor witb his andlady.” é * Possibly so,” returned Goryautchikoff. with the same uneasy look; “‘ but I'm poire to fird her at any hazard. Here come the men now.” It struck Hammond that the otner cta.1 was somewhat unduly anxious about his hostess, and puzzled bim as to what could be the reason, till he saw the follow the princess. : It consisted entirely of gentlemen of rank, most of them army officers, with no servants among them, and they were all armed to the teeth with revolvers, in a style common in America, on the plains, but very rare in Rk! 5 jeg ee he watched them de sat ia Russia on the steppes. He said nothing as : 4 but went up to his own room, armed himeel the same style, put on a simple undress uni- form, put in bis pocket the official authority b had received from the ezar, and then sat down he” uzzled him was - party that had been made up to | and wrote a short letter to General Milutine, “ Generat:—I am about to leave Toulminka to ge EE at ee Koulikoff. 8 with tar, who has quarreled with Sultan Veizak, ano {- - ~ oo ea a certain Nazar Beg. a Tar sae : eS vr 2 Sets Lemay * et * . ;

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bo | eyes, [12 pew telegraph to all the officers of troops between | hide, but it had a good head, and he knew that he Ural river and Khiva to hunt for us. ‘* AMMONOFF.”’ This letter written, he went out and called for his own servant—a young Cossack of the guard called Sirotkiu—and told him: “Take this letter to the station, wait for the train, give it to the guard to deliver in St. Petersburg, and then come back and follow me. you understand?” Sirotkin saluted. “* Yes, most high-born.” “And you don’t even want to know where I'm going, Sirotkin?” ‘‘Pll find that out afterward, most high- born.” Ammonoff smiled.. It was a fair specimen of the unreasoning docility of a Cossack on duty. «Well, Sirotkin, I won’t give you that trou- ble. I’m going to strike out into the steppe to the southeast, in the direction of the Sea of Aral. You know where that is?” Sirotkin brightened up. He was a native of the district of Orenburg. ‘I know eyery foot.of the country to Khiva, most high-born. I drove camels as a child on the route.” ‘Is there any place on the way where we can make a meeting, Sirotkin?” Sirotkin considered a moment, and pointed out of the window of the castle toward the southeast, “Does your nobility observe there asmall dip in the horizon, like a notch bitten out of a piece of cheese?” Hammond smiled at the simile, “*T seethe least noticeable depression.” “That is called the ‘ Rat-bite,’ most high- born. .My mother told me that the steppe was all a great cheese once, and that a rat from the city of Khiva bit out that piece. It is shaped just as ita rat had gnawed it, andin the bottom isa pool of water. If your nobility will stop there, I will be back from the station at sun- ” “That will do, Sirotkin. Now tell me, are you afraid to go out on the steppe alone with me, for a month perhaps?” Sirotkin showed his teeth in a smile of perfect delight. “] was born on the steppe, most high-born, and I will take your aobility as far asthe Turk- omans, if you wish.” “Very well, Sirotkin. I’m going alone, and no one is to know it. When you cofne back, take a spare horse and my bagga e—only what we shall want, you know—and follow me to the Rat-bite. Take these American arms, They are better than your own.” Sirockin’s eyes glistened as be examined the revolvers handed him by bis master, and he put them in his belt with great satisfaction, Then Hammond saw him set off for the sta- tion, and went down to the stable to prepare for his. own departure, He found the castle almost deserted of guests, withths exception of the Baroness Boulkin, a dark, Frenca-looking lady, who was said to bea Spiritualist, but whom he suspected to be simply an intriguer. The baroness saw him crossing the court to the stable, and called to him: “Monsieur le Comte, come here, please.” When he was near he saw that she looked very much worried, “They have all gone,” she said, in a low tone. * Tell me, do you really thiak there is any dan- ger for Natalie?” “ As a matter of fact,no, madame. She is among her own followers, and no one would dare to hurt ber.”. The baroness bent closer to him, “‘ But suppose they do dare to hurt her?” “}) don’t care to suppose it, baroness. If it does happen, I, for one, will see that she is avenged fully.” The baroness shuddered. “That will not com¥ort us. Oh, how I wish she had not gone out on this party, or that we had kept closer to ber. You don’t know how much depends on her life. We feel like a ship without a rudder, now she is gone,” ** And who are we, madame?” : She made a dreary gesture as if in Nips “a * You need not ask. {f have heard all about you, You are our foe anda SPY, Very well, you can have your way now, But mark my words, Our chief may be carried off to Siberia, tut your czar will rue the day, Colonel Count Ammonoff!” Anmonoff looked at her surprisedly,. ‘“Whatdo you mean? What have the czar or I to do with it?” ‘ The baroness tossed her head. “I say nothing; but I know I thought Natalie agreat fool to invite you here. Instead of a convert you are only a spy!” Ammonoff made no retort, but walked off toward the stables, thinking: ; ** This woman is crazy!” He found the stable nearly emptied of the best ; but from what remained selected a black Kirgtils, with a bushy main and large gentle —————————$—$—— kitchen, roubles in hand, and finally rode out of the castle gate at one o’clock, heading straight for the little notch in the horizon, known as the “* Rat-bite.” He had no very clear programme in his head as to what be wus going to do, except that he was, somehow, going to find the princess, and rescue ber if she was in trouble or danger. He did not understand what made the rest of the male guests so anxious about the departure of the princess, and wondered why they bad not invited bim to goalong with them in their quest, He had noticed that ever since he came back alone to the castle, no one had addressed bim but the “oat yeaa the Baroness Boulkia and Goryautchi- off. As Goryautchikoff and his friends set off, he bad counted them. They were nine in number all officers or nobles, all heavily armed, and without a servant in the party. Why did they not take any servants? Why were they so apxious,and why did they not want him along? Only one answer could he find to these ques- tions, There was some trick in the matter, and it was connected with Nibilism. What the trick was, be was determined to find out by some means, and for this reason he took his solitary expedition. As he went out of the castle gate he said to the porter on duty: ‘*Tf any one asks for me, I am going to the camp of Nazar Beg, to find the princess.” The porter blinked and stared, but made no reply, beyond: ‘t Yes, most high-born.” As soon as the colonel’s figure had become nearly lost to view in the long grass of the eres the porter muttered: “The Americanetz s mad. How can a man like him find a Tartar aoul in the steppe? He will, be lost and the wolves will pick his bones.” Then he returned to his pipe, continuing: ‘But who cares? He belongs to the foreign leeches who are devouriog Russia. The curse of Ivan on them all; let the wolves eat him!” Meantime Hammond, serenely unconscious of the curses of the porter, continued his way over the steppe at an easy gallop, which the black Kirghis seemed to be able to keep up for an in- definite time. He galloped on thus for nearly three hours, till he had completely cleared the last vestige of flocks and herds, had dropped the castie and village out of sight, and was quite alone on the ores. hen, after a long survey of the prospect through his field glass, he went on more leisurely, making straight for the *‘ Rat-bite,” which be- came plainer as he advanced. It wanted two hours to sunset when be finally reached the edge of the little hollow, and could not. resist laughing to himself to see how ludicrously Rese ceerase was the name given it by tbe Cossack. It looked exactly as if some enormous rat had taken a bite out of the ste and the marks of the teeth were plainly visible, though, if they were teeth, each must have been about twenty feet broad. This curious appearance he saw, bad been produced by the different hardness of rocks and strata round the ‘‘ Rat bite,” under the wear- ing of the weatber, and at the bottom of the little depression was a spring and pool of water, ee his Kirghis horse eagerly quenched its tbirst, He unsaddled bis animal, picketed and fed it, then sat down to eat his own supper, com- pletely sheltered from, observation, the hollow of the ‘Rat-bite” lying about fifteen feet eep. He scanned the steppe all round him, saw that it was empty of human beings, and that the spring was only visited by wild animals, from which be judged that it must be out of the tracks of the Tartar aouls that are in constant motion over the steppe. The cause of this Taek of visitors at the steppe he thought to be the sma}! sizs of the spring and the shallowness of the pool, the Tartars baving such large numbers of beasts to water that they choose by preference larger pools for their halt- ing-places. He was well satisfied to he left alone, for he wanted time to think over bis planes and he sat down to smoke and meditate till the arrival of Sirotkin, He had been two weeks in the czir's service, engaged expressly to hunt up Nihilists and what bad he found so far? Nothine certain, except that the new sect per- meated Russian society everywhere; that the princess and all ber guests, as far as he could ascertain, belonged to it; that they regarded bim as a spy; and that be was in theit power, if they chose to exert it. It remained to be seen whether the Tartars of the seppe were Nihilists also, and whether Sirotkin, his Cossack, had been bitten with the same fever. ‘The absence of the princess and the alarm of ber guests he could not explain to himself, but he had made up his mind to find out what it all meant, : **T am on the track of something or other,” he said to himself, ‘‘ and out here on the ste I can at least take care of myself, as long as t grass lasts and game lives,” When he had come to this conclusion, the sun had nearly reached the horizon, and leveling his glass over the edge of the ‘‘ Rat-bite,” be made out a horseman, leading a horse, coming toward him from the east, In a very little while he recognized the figure of the faithful Sirotkin, whe rode.up and saluted, saying: “‘Tam here as I said, most high-born. The Princess Natalie Koulikoff has gone to see her uncle the general, they say at the castle.” CHAPTER XII. IN THE RAT-BITE. “Get off and feed your horses, Sirotkin,” said his master; ‘‘ and then tell me who is this gen- eral, who is uncle to the princess, and how the a at the castle know she has gone to see im? Sirotkin obeyed in the same quiet, docile way in which he did everything, and when be had made his beasts comfortable he saluted his com- mander. ‘*So please your nobility, most high-born, the princess’s uncle is General Anderson, who com- mands at Fort Alexis.” ‘* And where is Fort Alexis?” “ By the Ust Urt Desert, high-born.” Ammonoff pulled out his steff-map and ex- amined it. He found the fort to be almost three hundred miles off to the southeast, and ex- claimed wonderingly. ‘* That's a great journey for a lady to take alone, on horseback.” Sirotkin saluted again. “The people say, most high-born, that the general sent for her.” “How do they know?” “}t seems that an officer came in last night, while we were asleep.” “Indeed? Why did I not know?” **T cannot tell, most bigh-born, except that they feared you might forbid the journey in the name of the czar.” ‘*Get your supper, Sirotkin.” Sirotkin obeyed in the same placid way and Hawmond considered. He had been deceived completely by the rincess; and Goryautchikoff and the rest were n the plot. When he bad thought them anxious for ber safety they were only preparing to go away with her. Where were they going? It could only be to a Nibilist meeting, and tbis General Anderson mast, from bis name, be a Swede, probably as deep in the plot as the rest. Everything now depended for bim on whether Sirotkin was faithful. He made up his mind to test tbe Cossack. ** Sirotkin,” be said presently, as bis follower sucked bis fingers after’ finishing his dinner, ‘*how did you find out all this? Did the people at the castle tell you?” Sirotkin grinned respectfully. ‘No, most high-born; but I kept my ears open as I was in the stable, and heard it all. hey spoke outside the door. First I heard one of the ladies—” * Baroness Boulkin?” **T don’t know, most high-born—a little dark lady it was—ask the bead stableman how far it was to Fort Alexis, aod he told her ten days’ journey fora man, twenty for a woman in a telega. Then I pricked up my ears to listen, but the lady went away and I beard no more till ] went to the kitchen, One of the maids and I, most bigh-born—” Sirotkin coughed Cpiarge or mag 4 sweet on each other? I understand. Go on, Sirotkin,” Sirotkin went on, blushing slightly: ‘*Exactly, most bigb-born. Well, Nastasia and I understand each other in all but one thing. She is'a Nibilist, and talks oonsense, while I te ber that the aig to are happy enough, and that it is only the nobles that are Nibilists, from reading silly French books.” ‘Go on, Sirotkin,” said Hammond, watching him closely to see if he were lying. * And when I got to the kitchen I saw from Nastasia’s manner that she was full of some- thing and wanted to tell it, but didn’t dare to, So I got her away in a part of the bouse where no one could see us, and made love to her till she told me what it was.” : * And what was it, Sirotkin?” ‘‘ What I told your nobility. That the prin- cess had gone to see her uncle, and that some- thing terrible was to come out of it all. She didn’t know what it was, poor girl, but had an idea that all the kitchen maids were to have gowns and jewels, and all the soldiers to ba made officers.” ** And is that all, Sirotkin?”

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\ 7 " 5 .. -, ae Os oy A ay you think we could march safely to- night?” he asked. Sirotkin rose and saluted. “Tecan take your nobi.ity straight as an ar- row toward Fort Alexis, and we shall get there before they do, and be able to warn the Tartars in time,” ‘An excellent idea, Sirotkin. queer place to hunt down a Nihilist meeting, in a Russian fort—” born. It would not be safe.” ** Where then?” “If it is a secret meeting, your nobility, it will be held in the Tartar aoul, where no one can understand them, They will not trust them- selves among the Cossacks.” ** Are there Cossacks at Alexis?” “Yes, most high-born,” the young soldier said proudly. ‘ There are Cossacks everywhere the Russian flag floats, and never a traitor bas been found among them,” “Saddle up then,” said Hammond, briefly. “We'll set out at once.” CHAPTER XTIL. A HARD RIDE. SIROTKIN saddled the horses, and said to his master in bis usual quiet way: “Does your nobility wish to travel as the Tartars do?’ “ How’s that, Sirotkin?” * Day and night, changing horses.” ae y a* . - We've ouly one to cuange, my friend. afraid we're limited by bis powers.” ‘* Not if your nobility bas plenty of money,” ‘“What do you ¢all plenty of money?’ ‘* A hundred roubles, most bigh-born,” “ Well, Sirotkin, ’'ve a good deal more than that, twenty times as much.” Sirotkin laughed gleefully, “Then we'll get to Alexis two days before them, for the lady cannot tray 1 so fast.” ** And bow will you manage it?” “Very easily, your nobility. In the first place it is July, and all the horses are as fat as butter,” ** Well, what then?” ‘* “nd all the aouls are on the move too.” “‘And you propose to buy horses all the way to Alexis?” ‘Not to buy them, most high-born, only to trade them. I know all the sultans of the steppe, every one of them.” ‘*“ Who are they?” “The Tartars call all their little cbiefs sul- tans, most high-born, and they all have plenty of horses. propose to strike straight for Alexis. We are sure to come on aouls on the way, and all we have to do is to leave our tired horses, take fresh ones, pay the sultan ten rou- bles for the change, and he'll think he is making his fortune.” f ‘‘A very good plan if if works, but suppose he does not want tu change?” S'rotkin laughed. . ‘Then I must take the stick to him, of course. It is not to be supposed that a great man like your nobility can condescend to be refused by a Kirghbis sultan. Besides, the visiting officers all doit. The sultans know that they are not to be trifled with.” Hammond was rather unwilling to use stick- law so freely as Sir tkin proposed, but he knew the Cossack spoke the truth, for he had often heard officers tell of their behavior among the tribes of the steppe. ‘*So be it, Sirotkin,” he said; ‘‘but you must do all the bullying. Besides, I don’t understand their language,” “T do,” replied Sirotkin proudly. ‘‘ Your nobility has only to trust to me and I'll bring you to Alexis in three days.” “Three days? Why, if is three bundred miles.” ‘*If your nobility is not afraid te ride hard,, no more am I,” “ Forward then, Sirotkin.” They leaped into their saddles and rode eff at a hand-gallop, Sirotkin keeping bis course, as he bad promised, straight as an arrow to the southeast, Vv I'm It will be a | 13 ing in bis saddie in a manner he would never’ bave thought possible, and getting considerabie’ rest in spite of the swaying of bis horse, till he wakened up at the cheerful shout of Sirotkin, to see the east all ablaze wih the crimson of dawn, and the conical felt tents of a Tartar aoul dotting the green steppe in front of them at less than two miles off, in the midst of vast herds of sheep and camels. Just before the crimson changed to gold they rode into the herds, to be greeted with a great barking of dogs, while the inmates of the aoul came running out in alarm, thinking that an enemy was about to attack them, but changing their hostile attitude, the moment they saw the | uniform of the Cossack, to one of bospitable | welcome and obsequious desire to please. “They'll not hold it in the fort, most high-. | Ammonoff was conducted at once to the kibitka of the sultan, a beebive-shaped tent of basket work, covered with thick sheets of felt, the universal Tartar dwelling. In the midst of the dome-shaped roof wasa circular bole to allow the smoke to escape, and in the midst of the kabitka was a brasier of hot coals, on which in- cense was burning in honor of the guest. Sirotkin—that model Cossack—had told the sultan, whose name was Ezak, that the new- comer was a grand duke and ate at the table of the czar, and Sultan Ezak was overflowing with desire to please. A sheep had been killed and breakfast was already being prepared | while the horse negotiations were being carried on by Sirotkin. Half an hour later, the two adventurers were | galloping away on fresh horses, richer by a breakfast and poorer by only five roubles, “How did you do itso cheaply?’ asked the Yankee count, when Sirotkin told him of ‘his bargain. Tbe young Cossack Jaughed. “1 told them that your nobility would speak to the czar for them, and Sultan jizak expects to have bis taxes taken «ff next year. How he | will swear when the cflicer comes round as | usual.” To Hammond the ride soon became very | monotonous and sleepy in effect. His horse kept np the same easy gallop that hardy stirred him iu the saddle, and he begen to nod over bis beast’s head till he fell fast asleep, riding as be was, and very near pitched off, waking with a shout ef surprise. “If your nobility wishes to sleep,” said Sirotkin coolly, “it will be best to tie your belt to the saddle. For my part 1 am used to it, tae your nobility has but just come from the city. ) As they galloped along side by side, be assist- Hammond to pass the saddie-straps ef pom- mel and cantle through bis pistol-belt, and so they galloped, hour after hour, the officer doz- **Perhaps be will not cone,” replied Count Ammonoff. ‘I feel if my Guty to see that you don’t tell lies, Sirotkin. If ever [ get back to —t, | Petersburg, I will speck to bis majesty tor Sul- tap Ezak. Weowo him more than you think.” Sirotkin stared. The idea of justice to a Tar- tar was to bim ludicrous, ‘* Put they are Moslem dogs, high-born,” \.@ said as if that was a clinching argument. “And we, as Christians, are bound to set them a good example, Sirotkin.” Sirotkin looked as if be were only half con- vinced of that, for be enswered: “Of course your nobility knows best, but I have heard Captain Karkoff say that a Tartar is like a wolf, the only way to get any good out of him is to sell his skin for sledge-robes,” ** But surely you don’t do that #” Sirotkin grinned, ; ‘*Not «exactly, most high-born, but that shows that a Tartar is worse than a wolf. The wolf has a fur and the Tartar bas none.” “ Nevertheless, Sirotkin, on your own show- ing, a Tartar is betier than some Russians, for he never turns Nibilist.” **That is true, most high-born,” said the Cos- sack ‘as if struck by the argument. ‘* And we are depending on them to beat the ° Nibilists, so we must treat them well.” Sirotkin nodded. Your nobility bas only to give the orders and I will obey them,” Then they rode out at the same rapid pace as that which they had kept up all night, the difference between the horses being —- When they rode into the Tartar camp they had been obliged to spur the animals they had been galloping all night, and even those hardy little animals had come in staggering and bathed in sweat, Tbe new horses were all bays. wild, shaggy- maned creatures, with small, lean beads, and they galloped on as if they were never going to stop. tow far do you think we came last night, Sirotkin?” asked Count Ammovnoff after they bad lest sight of Sultan Ezak’s aoul. “ A hundred and twenty versts from Toul- minka, most high-born. Ezak told me ‘that bis cousin, Sultan Bantoo, is at the Sweet Pools of Kyduk, just a bundred and forty versts fur- ther, so that we must manage to get there be- fore the sun sets, if we expect to get into camp without being shot at for enemies.” ; “Quite true, Sirorkin, I forgot that in the steppe every man takes care of bis own life and property. So they shook their bridles dnd let their horses have free head till the spirited creatures began to sborten their stride and evince a dis- position to walk. f i Hammond was not used to this sort of riding, but be watched Sirotkin, and noticed that he let his beast have its own way entirely for two or three hours, till, from a succession of long gallops and short walks, it had chenged to one of short gallops and long walks, and the officer found, from his watch, that they bad been go, ing for three bours. Then Sirotkin observed: * Now, most high-born, it is time we used ‘..2 a

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‘spur a little, or we shall not get to Sultan Bau- -too before dark.” They touched their animals with the spur, a ‘device the horses were unused to, for the Tar- tars use whips altogether, and the consecuence was a gallop of two hours more, alternated with short walks, till the little steeds were so tired that they did not beed a slight touch any more. Then the Sirotkin set the example of giving a severe dig, which roused them again, and so they kept on all the long day and after- uoon till the sun sloped to the horizon behind them, and Sirotkin cried; “Yonder are the kibitkas of Bautoo, most higb-born. We shall get fresh borses there, and they will go twice as well in the night.” It was true. Hammond saw the beehive- shaped tents ahead and knew that they had rid- den ninety-three miles since suorise by dint of merciless use of the spur during the afternoon. Their horses were reeking with sweat and reeled as they galloped, but both neighed at the sight of the camp, and got in without fall- ing. CHAPTER XIV. THE OWL'S FEATHER SuutTan Bavutoo proved to be a little, dried- up old man, with an owl’s feather in bis cap, of which be appeared to be very prond, for he welcomed Hammond as an equal, without any obsequiousness, and told Sirotkin, when he be- gan boasting of his master’s intimacy with the Czar: , fs “This well [also have a right tosit at table with the czar by virtue of my owl’s feather.” ‘What does he mean by that?’ asked Ham- mond, when the answer was translated to him. Sirotkin looked disgusted. ‘He is only an animal, most bigh-born; but all these tars are animals, He wears an owl’s feather because he is descended from ap old animal they called Climgis, thousands of years ago, As if any one cared for old Climgis now!” . “Do you mean Jengis Khan?” asked the Yan- kee Cossack, looking at Bautoo with more in- terest. The old Tarter nodded violently as he caught the sound, and jabbered very fast with mu ‘h gesticulation, Sirotkin giving the gist of ns meanivg. “ He says, most high-born, that Chingis Khan was the greatest ruler in the world, and that the ez.r had to pry tribute to him, and to one Bau oo Khan, bis grandson, wherefore all bis descendants are kings today and equal to the czar, being privileged to wear the owl’s feather,” “Tell bim,.” said Hammond, ‘that I have often heard of his great ancestor, and that [am glad to see his descendant, but that we are very anxious to get forward on our road, and are willing to trade our borses for fresh ones, and give ten roubles for the difference.” Sirotkin traoslated, and old Bautoo’s eyes glistened with avarice, for money in the steppe is worth a good deal, aud the ordinary price of a horse is less than’ twenty roubles. A bargain was quickly struck, and a sheep killed for supper, costing two roubles more, and affording a feast to all Bautoo’s relations, who invoked blessings on the bead of the stranger as they gorged themselves with balf-raw, mutton out of a caldron. They remained an hour at Bantoo’s camp, and set out again under che starlight at the same rapid pace. th riders secured themselves in the sad- dle to avoid falligg off under the pressure of sleep, and rodv on, half dozing, nigbt long. errad me the morning no soul was in sight and the horses began to flag, but the riders were fully awake a , and by a liberal use of the spur succeeded in reaching at noon tbe camp of Sul- tan Esa, who proved to‘be a hospitable, jolly fellow, and a great patron of falconry. He informed them that they were still a hun- dr d and eighty versts from Fort Alexit, and a wolf than most Tartars, that if they would rest at his camp till nightfall, he would ride on with them himself with relays, and engage to bring them to Alexis by daylight. Hammond was surprised. ‘*A hundred and twenty miles in It is impossible!” he said. Sultan Esa laughed at the answer, for he understood'a little Russian. “Impossible the way yc u_ Russians ride, but not as we Tartars do it. Bus you wiil need to be awake, A sleeping man cannot change borses at a gallop.” Sirotkin told his master that it would be well ‘one night! _ to accept Esa’s offer. , “ There is another aoul at Alexis, most high- born,” he said, “ and this Sulton Esa is less like If your nobility wishes to keep your arrival a secret fron: Gen- eral Anderson, we shall have to arrange with Sultan Esa about a disguise, or we shall find eel out nothing.” ammond was struck with the interest which’ - Sirotkin displayes in the expedition and asked him: Wh ieee mean by a disguise?” — » to bis wrist, ee ee ee eee at fag ARP Sirotkin grinned respectfully. “Tt is not for me to advise your nobility; but if General Anderson finds that an officer of the ezar is near the fort, he will surely send wara- ing to his friends not to come there, and we shall lose our chance of finding out anything.” * And what do you propose to do then?” “Tf your nobility will permit me, | know Sultan Esa very well. In fact, my mother’s uncle’s second-cousin is one of his wives; so we are relations. I can trust him, and he will belp us. I will say to bim, ‘ Esa, it is necessary the commandant at Alexis shall not know that we are here. You must give us both dresses to cover our uniforms, and tell vour cousin, Sultan | Koodook, at Alexis, to hide us. lam your cousin and my master is a traveler who is trying to get to India without letting the Russians know it. ** And what will he say?” ‘* He will say to me, ‘Sirotkin, we are kins- men and my kibitkais yours, Do with me as you will.” ** Beit so,” said Hammond resignedly. ‘* To tell the truth, I’m too sleepy to argue, But if we stop now, sha’n’t we be too stiff todo any fast riding to-night?” ‘““PIt see about that, most high-born,” said Sirotkin. ‘‘ We shall have to do as the Tartars do to take out the stiffness.” * And what’s that, Sirotkin?” ** You shall see, most bigh-born?” He wens out and held a short talk with Sul- tan Esa, outside the kibitka, and then returned, saying to his master: “* It is all arranged, for twenty roubles, most high-born. You must strip and be wrapped in a warm sheepskin.” ‘*Strip and be wrapped in a warm sheepskin! What do you mean?” “T’m going to do the same, most bigh-born, It’s wonderful how it rests one.” Hammond resigned himself to the infliction, which he did notclearly understand, He bad been assigned a small kibitka by bim- self, and when he took off his 7lothing he was not surprised to find that he was in a high fever from the ay ride and exhaustion, his pulse beating rapidly and feebly, his eyes burning, every limb aching. The cool grass on which he lay down felt grateful to bis fevered frame, and he was surprised when Sultan Esa came in, erying: ‘What are you doing? Do you want tc ride to-night or not? You'll be stiff as a stick in ten minutes, if you lie there in the cold,” ‘© What am I to do then?” asked Hammond. For answer Sultan Esa took him to the door of the but and showed him a sheep, a big beast, very fat. ‘“There’s your bed,” he said. sleep inside him.” Hammond stared. ‘* What do you mean?” Era laughed. j “You're not used to our Tartar bie dae he said in broken Russian. ‘‘It is a costly bed, but you are a great lord and we must get you to Alexis to-night,” Then he said something to the man that bad the sheep, and told Hammond to lie down in the sun by the beast. Not knowing what to make of if all, the young officer did as directed, aud in a moment more was deluged with the warm blood from the sheep, which was stabbed to the heart over bim, held by four men, while two more rubbed the warm. blood all over him, with vigorous friction of their horny palms, No svuoner bad the blood ceased to flow, than the sheep was skinned in such a short order that it was like pulling cff a glove, and the Tartars rolled up Hammond in the warm skin, carried him into the ribitka, laid him down on a large fur rug, ana Esa said: ‘Don’t stir. In a little while you will be asleep, To-night you will be able to ride to Alexis.” ; Hammond lay bg in his warm bath of blood, wondering arid somewhat disgusted; but before be could make up his mind whether to be sick or not, he felt bis eyes closing, and fell fast asleep to wake up in a profuse sweat, late in the afternoon, the fever and stiffness gohe from bis limbs and to hear Sultan Esa saying: ‘* Now, most high-horn, it is time to be bathed, You can ride to Alexis.” He rolled himself out of the sheep-skin, and went outside, where he was thoroughly drenched from head to foot from leathern buckets of ice- cold water that made him gasp, but put so = ae in bis frame that he said to Exa as e oressed; P * Your Tartar medicine works wonders.” The Tartar showed his teeth in a grin of /pleasure. He was a man of medium hight, witb a chest like a bull and very broad «shoul- ders, He wore the usual Tartar dress, a conical cap of lamb’s wool with a turban twisted round | it, a shirt aud loose trowsers of cotton, with a long gown called a kalat, over all, girded by a silk sash of bright color. - “You are to _ On kis feet he wore red leather boots, with suck preposterously high heels that his walk was crippled, oa he bad a long heavy whip slung A { eae nee es ‘Come, most high-born,” he said, “ ‘ou feel no more pain: is it not so?” Hammond stretched himself and was amazed to find that all the stiffness had left him entirely. He felt ready to ride again. ‘“That is well,” said Sultan Esa. ‘‘Now we must make a Tartar out of you for this vight. We will drink koomiss for our ride. Meat is too heavy.” Hammond had often beard of the milk-wine of the Tartars, but bad never drank any. His host compelled kim to swallow several cups of stuff which tasted like bad buttermilk with a great deal of gas in it, and then said: ‘Come, itis time we were ready. Here is Sirotkin. You shall ride Tartar fashion, one night.” As he spoke Sirotkin came out of a kibitka near by, ready for bis journey and Hammend saw a whole troop of horses coming up. CHAPTER XV. A TARTAK RIDE. As the horses came up, Hammond saw that there were four strings of them, tied together witb horsebair balters, about three feet apart, and each horse having a straw sack on its back, girthed tight, while one kad a Tartar saddle abeve the straw sack. Iwo of the strings he recognized as bein meant for himself and Sirotkin, on account the saddles, the other two were as evidently for Esa and another Tartar who led up the whole lot. Each string had six horses, ** Now,” said Esa, *‘ you shall be at Alexis be- fore daylight. Take this whip, most bigh-born. No use to ride Tartar fashion without a whip.” He banded the officer a heavy whip of steppe manufacture. The handle was about two feet long, but the lash measured nearly twenty feet, and with it one could reach the outer horse of each string with ease. Then the Tartar scanned his guests very nar- am saving. “This will never do, must gird you up.” He called to his wives, and out came nerr a dozen girls, giggling, who proceeded to wine round the waist of Hammon: and Sirotkin long broad sashes, with which they swatbed them as tightly as if they were laced in corsets, and Hammond asked his servant: * What’s that for?” ‘To keep us from shsking to pieces,” was the consoling reply. ‘ They all bave to do it on these rides, most high-born,” Hammon? submitted; but he felt so trussed up and crij , ed he could hardly get into his saddle. Then the four men, Sultan Esa, Sirotkin, Hammond, and a young Tartar who was called Azim, rode s'owly out of the camp, heading toward tle southeast. - When they were clear of the herds, Esa said - “Now, most bigb born, push duwn as muck of your sash as you can toward your hips, bu’ don’t loosen it We shall begin to gallop in t minute, and ofter that there is no more rest till we get to Alexis,” Hammond obeyed, and felt a little easier. He could breatbe now, and felt the tightness of the sash less oppressive. Then Esa swung his whip in the air, geve a wild yell, and away went the twenty four borses at a tearing gallop, as if they were racing for first place. If they bad ridden before, now they flew: and fora good bour they kept up the bresk-neck ace, till Hammond found the borse he rode Pecinbiag to labor bard, and at the same min- ute Sirotkin cried: ‘Time tochange, Sultan Esa,” Sultan Esa waved his whip; gave a crack to the outside horse that made his string huddle close together. and placed both hands on the withers of the next horse. “Change!” be shouted, Tn another minute he had vaulted on the next horse, still at the same wild gallop; Azim fol- lowed his example, and both Tartars went on, leaving their comrades behind. Sirotkin imitated the maneuver with success, and Hammond, after some management, suc- ceeded in doing the same, when it seemed to him as if he bad mounted a fresh borse, and the animal be bad just left shook its head, gave a neigh of satisfaction, and galloped on as if it had just come out cf the stable, though it was ag a moment before witb the weight on its ack, Now on they wert, with shouts and cries, at the same wild pace, for another hour, when a second change took place, —_— This time Hammond bad become used to the maneuver, and sneceeded ir making bis change without checking the stride of his animal, cans- ing Exa to remark: : “You'd soon make a Tartar, most high- born.” The third borse B ewpreg to be a wild one which had never been ridden before, and ran away incontinently, frightened at Hammond’s spurs; so that, when at last it hegan to flag, the Tartar Napa umamamembwe Saye on: ead vise ete hy. = "Eas" You have no sashes. I

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a © Azim followed bis example; but Hammond, he knew that the Princess Koulikoff had seen bundred versts already, and could afford to ride | more easily. Indeed this became necessary, for though the ted horses still went on freely, they began to discover that the fourth and fifth were not as fresh under their riders as the first and third chad been. The first and second bad galloped an hour each under weight, the third an hour and a quarter, the fourth only Jasted three quarters of an hour, the fifth balf an hour, while the sixth began to flag in twenty minutes, Then Esa called a walk, and began to shorten up his horses by their halters; when he sprung ‘up on the backs of two at a time, standing, so as to divide his weight, and dashed on at the same pace as before. failing a proper circus training, was afraid to try it, till be saw Sirotkin jump up readil enough, when he took heart of grace and fol- lowed his example. He found it not so hard as be had supposed, for the horses seemed to have been trained to run close together, and the broad soft straw ee made his footing secure, when he took old of the reins. In this way they galloped on for three more hours, till the golden streaks of dawn began to brighten the east, when Esa pointed to a shape- less mound on the horizon and said: “ Alexis. And yonder is the aoul of my kinsman, Sultan Koodook. We can balt and vest the borses,” baa A peor up and looked at the animals they had ridden so fast and far. Hammond hardly believe it, but they had come a hundred and twenty miles in about eight hours, and yet not a single horse had given out entire- ly. ‘*Now,” said Esa to Sirotkin, “either we must go on, at the risk of alarming the aoul, or it will be light and we shall be seen at the fort. Which will his nobility prefer to do?” “Go on, by all means,” was the reply, and “away they went again, at a rapid amble, the only symptom of fatigue tbat the horses had ‘yet shown ina mg ; Just as it grew light, they lost themselves in herds of camels, and Sirotkin said: ‘“Now we are safe. Thesoldiers have not got “up a and before they see us we shall be as good Tartars as any one.” A great barking of dogs showed that the camp was alarmed, but as soon as Sultan Esa was recognized the kibitka of the chief was thrown open for the reception of the guests and Hammond found himself hidden away ina very short time, while Esa explained to Sultan Koo- -dook that ‘‘ this was u great lord who ate with the czar and could bang every Kirghis on the steppe if be wished, therefore it was important to obey his orders to the letter.” Sultan Koodook promised faithfully, He “only wanted to know what the orders were. Hammond gave them through Sirotkin, He wished to have bis arrival kept an entire ‘secret from the Russians in the fort. If it were allowed to escape he would exterminate the whole tribe. If the Russians asked any questions the Kirghis were to say that: “Sultan Esa had come to see Sultan Koodook to arrange for a great hawking-party and had gone away again.” Sultan Koodook was delighted at the idea of “ mystery by which he should be made the confidant of so great a man, and promised readily, when breakfast was served to all the riders of the night, in the form of the inevitable sheep, cut up into small pieces and cooked in a big caldron. When it was over Hammond and Sirotkin were left at peace to sleep out the day, and ba te My poets stars were in the sky. en Sultan ook put in bi through G mnb P bis head to say “80 please your mighty highness, Sultan E.a’s people will be here’ the Saag: afees to- morrow, and we shall give your resplendency a sight you x Pl, a60 0 other aoul; eagles that wolv ; CHAPTER XVI, THE STEPPE HUNT, HAMMOND was puzzled at first’ what to think ot Koodook’s news, but after a little questionin made out that the commandant at Alexis sent couriers to the aouls in the neighborhood, announcing that be expected some very distin: guished visitors, to whom he wished to show the Tartar method of using eagles for the chase, “ And as Sultan Esa ts the best falconer on. the steppe,” pursued Koodook, “we have sent tor him to show them bow it is done.” Hammond knew well enough who the visitors must be, but he was puzzled to account for their desire to vitness a bawking-party, when wan k the t often. He condinded there must be a trick in it” ; determined to find out what be Sa rh wee possible to do so without Ses ciat was he to do? If the party of ‘ baa 4 i LLL ee tee, A Yankee Cossack. Russians mingled freely with the Kirgbis, he nett his companion could not fail to be recog- nized. They were both tall men, with features of the European stamp, so different from the squat, broad-faced Tartars that any disguise they could assume would not avail to conceal them. He had found Sirotkin so shrewd and helpful that be determined to ask his advice, and | began: “Sirotkin, why do you suppose these people want to go out hawking?” t ‘That depends on who they are, most high- born, If they are only great people they want | to see the eagles at work.” “Is that anything wonderful, then?” ) ‘* Yes, most bigh-born. These Tartars, though | they are but animals, bavea gift of training the big black eagle they call the bearcoot. It is big pa sy to kill a wolf, ay, or a man, too, if he gets in the way when it is angry.” * But owls what they’ve seen the thing before.” ‘‘ That is possible, most high-born.” ** And gs og! they are, as I begin to think, leaders of the Nihilist party, why have they come out here?’ Sirotkin scratched his head. **T don’t know, unless—” “Unless what?” “ Unless they want to hold a secret talk, most bigh-born.” * But they can do that any where.” ‘Not while the Cossacks are round, most high-born,” said Sirotkin proudly. “I have already told your nobility that no Cossack can be corrupted, The officers would not dare to try them,” ‘Why not?” Sirotkin’s eyes flashed. “They tried it once in St. Petersburg, high-born. An officer, a polkvonik—a most high-born—allowed some of Sofia Ivan- ewna’s books to be left in the barrack-room, and one of the men read one aloud to the Cos- sacks.” ‘* What was the con g all this, I don’t suppose but most onel, / sequence?” “They burned the books, all but one, before the man had read a page, and took the last one to the colonel. They all went in a body, and requested the colonel to have it publicly burned on parade.” . * And what said he?” “‘ He looked pale, most high-born. He thought it was a mutiny, till he found what bad ha ee Then he did what they wished. If he ad not done iv—” ‘* Well, what then?” “They would bave gone to the palace in a body to complain to the czar, and he knew it, most high-born. ‘Since then, no one has at- tempted to corrupt the free Cossacks.” Sirotkin coe with great pride as he told the story, and Ha ou him. “Well, I think this is going to be a Nibilist gathering,” he said to the Cossack, ‘‘and I want to know how we can attend it.” Sirotkin considered a little. “‘T only know one way, most high-born.” * And what is that?” “We must go off into the steppe and watch them from a distance. They will hold their council by themselves, with Tartars to watch for them. If we dress as Tartars, and Koodook will allow us, we can creep close enough to them to listen. sight.” ‘“* Will you speak to Koodook about it?” ** Yes, most high-born.” Sirotkin went away, and came back to tell his master: ° ‘“‘Koodook says the party will be bere by to- morrow night, and the hawking will take place next day. If we wish to bide, be will send us out with the camels and beaters, that are to drive in the game. No one will notice us in the crowd,” So it was settled, and poet ape J next dav Hammond and Sirotkin, their Russian uniforms covered with long Tartan kalats, their heads surmounted with conical caps of black Jambs- wool, went off on horseback, with a crowd of dirty Kirghis Tartars and about a hundred camels, to make a wide sweep into the steppe and drive in the game toward Fort Alexis. _ They remained out all day, and toward even- ing began to return slowly toward the fort, forming a long line and driving before them a profusion of game, At midnight they halted and built a line of a fires, to keep the game from running the nes, mmond saw that he could depend But we must keep out of Wood being a aceselty in the steppe, the only fuel they had was the dried droppings of borses and camels, which abounded everywhere; and by the little Elisowering fies they sat till dawn, chatting to pass away the time. At the first streak of daylight the line set for- ward again, and Sirotkin said to his master as they rode on: Now, most high born, let us keep close to when the rush Is _a-water-hole about three is just the place for us the camels, and gall begins. Thewe ie em miles from - ely 15 ‘But, if we hide, we shall not see our people.” *T will take care of that, most high-born.” They rode on, the game getting thicker in front of them as they advanced, fi] about’an hour after sunrise, when they saw on the green ateppe, a long wav off, a line of moving figures coming to meet them, and Sirotkin ob- served: “There come the other beaters to make a sur- round, most high-born, Our time to get away, is when the noise is greatest.” They had kept aloof from the Kirghis so far, the men treating them with great re- spect; but now Sirotkin rode down the line, warning them that they were ov no account to betray the fact that strangers had been with them during the night. The men promised to be dumb; and the Cos- sack clinched the point for them by telling them that if they told who were their visitors they should all be taken to the fort and beaten with sticks, while if they kept the secret each man should get ten roubles. “They'll never betray us now, most high- born,” he told Hammond, “for they have seen our uniforms and know that we have power to do as we say.” Then they rode on again, and soon came in pisie sight of the opposing line of beaters com- ns from the fort. t was much longer than their own, at least five hundred mounted men being out; but Ham- mond noticed that there was not a Cossack in the crowd, while in the center he saw the very party he had come to track, dressed in plain clothes and well armed. ; But there was no lady among them. He counted them over carefully. There were eleven men, one of whom he thought must be the commandant of Alexis. Nine had left Toulminka, and here were eleven. Who was the eleventh? Before he-had settled the point to bis own sat- isfaction, the opposing line of beaters, which overlapped their flarks by nearly a mile, began to close in on either side in the form of a cres- cent, and the space incircled by the surround was full of game, running from side to side ina wild state of alarm. Deer and antelopes, wild boars, bares, bus- tards and flocks of grouse afraid to fly over the camels and horses, dashed to and fro iu the wildest alarm, while the striped bodies of three of the small steppe tigers crept to and fro out-~ side the rush, the animals trying to make up their mind for a dash for life, A pack of wolves circled round the whole mob at tremendous speed, every now and then making a snarling rush at the horsemen, but al- ae recoiling before they got near enough to ite. ; ‘** Now, most high-born,” said Sirotkin, touch- ing his master’sarm. ‘‘ Now’s the time to get off. See, they’re all busy at the game. They won’t see us, oe looked and saw that the whole party of strangers bad halted, and the men were in- tently gezing at the mob of animals in the ring, while Sultan Esa was riding out, in his gay crimson palat, with a huge black eagle flutter- ing on a perch in front of bis saddle. Esa had first unhooded the bird, and it was turning its head rapidly from side to side, as if selecting its prey. He could not resist stopping a moment to see what would happen, though Sirotkin kept pull- ing his sleeve and whispering energetically: “Come! come! or they'll see us.” A moment later the pack of wovles went Scampering by, and the black eagle swooped away likea goshawk, near the und, reached out its great talons and clutched one of the wolves. Hammond saw the beast go over and turn its head to bite, while its comrades fled in dismay. Then Sirotkin cried in despair: “Your nobility will be known if we don’t go in a hurry.” Hammond saw the force of what the Cossack said, turned bis borse, and both galloped away jus as the beaters yelled loudest and every one was crazy at the sport. As they fled, Hammond looked over bis shoul- der, saw three black eagles in the air mounting for a swoop, and he gave a slight sigh at the necessity which made him forego such a sport. The steppe was silent all round the two as they rode on, but in a very short time they saw the gleam of water ahead of them, got into ° some high reeds, and Sirotkin said: + “Here we are, most high-born. All the antes Pt Russia oat x gg = here.” ss e led the way through shallow pools, ing in the pales £ as to hide the tracks of the Feeer' gg: fifty feet across, the ground e it. side of that tree, and Vl help you oT. rom ‘es allo er the “ee for miles.” : } _ Hammond did as the Cossack advised, climbed the tree and instantly caught sight of the bunt, in full progress, less thanamileoff¥ — Hat ye: yar. Poy Sect Set Sig «4 ee et tae hie ar + ae ae “ee

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, if we puta adie up that tree no one can come e 16 me were beginning to break out, and that the unt bad become » masacre, Presently the cire e of horsemen broke up, and the men heyin vo rece after the game, which by one consent took to the water and came tearing toward the very place where Hammond and Siroikin were bidden., As soon as this became plain, the Yankee Cos- sack called down to his faithful follower to take away the horses, and Sirotkin, readily compre- hending, called back: “All right, most high-born. Tl wait in sight of the tree, No one can see you if you keep close.” neu be went away among the reeds, and Hammond fl.t' ened himseif down in the fork of the branc es, sheltered by the green leaves, to wait for events, Luckily for him the tree was hollow at the top for two or three feet, and his body was com- pletely sheltered from view below, while with ready wit be took off his black Jamb-skin cap, made a shield of green branches for his head, and then peered over the edge of the hollow into the marshy steppe. He had not long to weit, First came a mob of autelopes, tripping and :umbling in the water, followed by a wild bar, and a moment later three wolves dashed in and hid themselves in the tall reeds, Then came Sultan Esa and several of the Kirghis, who began to jubber together as they rode right under the very willow in whicao Hammond was hidden, A few moments of-intense anxiety and he heard the voice of Goryauichikoff calling out in Russian: **Don’t go too far, g>neral, the water gets deep in the holes, and her highness might come to trouble.” “Her highness knows this spot better than you do, Goryautchikoff,” replied a deep voice, and Hammond saw a tall officer, the only one in uniform of the whole party, a man whose breast was full of orders and decorations, “This is the very spot we have selected for our meeting.” Goryautebikeff looked round him in a sur- prised way, ejaculating: ‘A strange selection surely. Are we to form a ci:cle up to our knees in water, my dear An- derson’” General Anderson pointed to the tree as he answered: “That is my reason, It is better tu stand up to our knees in water than to be spied on, and within a balf mile without being Ciscovered, don’t trust even the Kirghis. Some of tbem understand Russian.” CHAPTER XVII. IN THE WILLOW TREE, HAMMOND thrilled all over with excitement as he heard them speak, Sirotkin’s plan was likely to receive a checkmate from the very circumstance of tho tree being where it was, As the only conspicuous object in tho level steppe every ove knew it, and he expected to hear the next proposition to climb the tree and examine it. But Goryautchikoft only shrugged his shoul- ders, with the remark: ig it seems to me we have come 7” great way to climbupa tree ina swamp. Why can’t we meet im the fort in your rooms?” “Simply. because I cannot, trust all my officers, and the men are absolutely certain to report anything suspicinus. Ab, here come the rest of them, aud we can mako the arrange- ment now before the Kirgbis.” As he spoke, Hammond, with beating heart, saw filing through the shallow water the men he had come all the way from Toulminka to entrap, He recognized them all except one, a slender, boyisb-looking figure, dressed in a dandified velvet shooting-jacket, and otherwise tricked out in a way rare to see in Russia. The face of this person he could not see, for it was concealed by a broad white felt bat, but presently he recognized with a start the voice of the Priucess Koulikoff as she said to Ander- son: ‘“Well, general, the hunt bus b2en a fine one. What are we to do to night?” Hammond saw Sultan Esa underneath the tree in which he was perched, and heard him answer in Russian: “Tf the gracious gentleman wishes to try it, the wild boars come here every night to drink, and there is good shooting.” Hammond saw the Nilihists look at each other as the Kirghis spoke in Russian, and General Anderson said to Esa: ‘‘ Where did you learn our. tongue, friend?” Esa laughed. “T picked it up, most high-born, when JT was a hos at Semipalatuisk, Will vour nobility try the to-night? It is possible you may havea tiger or two,” _ We'll see,” returned Anderson, shortly, ‘If x. ‘Your nobility is very good,” he said. ‘We will do as you desire. But I warn your nobil- ity that this is a dangerous place at night. The steppe tigers always lie in wait at the water. boles, and I have known m re than one man killed from going out at night alone.” General Anderson curled bis Jip. * Yee, of you Tartars. We can take-care of ourselves, Any one who lies in wait for us will bea riddled with bullets, be he man or beast, We are well armed.” ‘Then, if your nobility bas no further use for my services,” said Sultan Esa, ‘‘ I will take my departure.” , And so saying, he took away his troop of Kirgbis, while the Russians gathered under a tree and began to talk in low tones, ‘Ts this the place?” said the — glancing round her apprebensively. ‘‘ Who would have thought that man understood Russian? One cannot be too careful?” ** Just what I’ve said all along,” retorted the general, sharply. ‘Since the last taking off every one is suspicious. It is sufficient for us to be seen conversing to set these ignorant Cos- sacks thinking there is a conspiracy going on, Yes, this is the place, and I have provided for the meeting by the pretext of a bunt at night. It is true what.he says sbout the tigers. The water-boles are the very pleces to find them. I | dare say there may be’one in the hollow of that } | sc Naan aA Nal tI IS aN ee tree over our heads now.” The princess uttered an exclamation, anit they all backed their horses away, while Gory- autchikoff cried out; ‘Tf there is, | vote we drive him out!” As be spoke he drew his pistols, and Ham- mond ducked down into the hole in the tree, feeling decidedly uncomfortable, Then he heard the general’s voice, earnest and warning: ; “Take care what you do, Get out of the way, Natalie, If we only wound him, he'll leap down and charge us.” “Let me get out of the way, gentlemen!” cried the princess herself, Jaughingly, and then the concealed aide-de camp heard the splash of the water as she rode away. A moment later the general said: “If you want to find out whether there be a tiger in there, fire all together at the top of the trunk where the wood is thin, If you hit him, he’ll come sure enough. Hammond crouched down closer, and began to wish himself out of the scrape. A moment later came the cracking of pistols and the splintering of wood as the bullets slapped into the tronk, Chips of bark were knocked over the con- cealed aide-de-camp, and one bullet went thouzh the solid wood below bim, and stuck half-way out in the hollow close to his body, A little more force and it would have hit him on the left side over the heart, The cracking of pistols went on for nearly a miuute, when the princess called out from the rar: * You’re throwing away your shots; there is no one in there.” Her voice sounded like music from heaven to Hammond, who was all in a sweat and had almost made up bis mind to rise up and fire back in his desperation. The firing ceased, and the general said: ‘That’s a pretty good test, gentlemen. I know of no fiving creature that could have withstood it so quietly, We shall not have to rout out a tiger to-night.” “So much the better,” returned Goryautchi- koff. ‘* lve no fancy for the job, myself.” Then Hammond peered cautiously over the edge, and saw that they were preparing to ride awny toward the fort visible over the steppe. Five minutes later he was alone, and thank- ing Heaven devoutly for his escape. ‘ The little band of Russians grew smaller as it receded, and the' Kirghis Tartars were scat- tered over the steppe, collecting the dead game and returning to their aoul, waon Hammond heard a voice in the reeds: “Your nobility! Most high-born! Are you hurt by those sons of the devil?” Looking down, Hammond saw the visage of the faithful Sirotkin, peering through the reeds and saw that the Cossack had both revolvers drawn, ‘Tm all right,” he called down cautiously. “Tl be down as soon as it issafe. Keep still and don’t show yourself.” He waited till all danger of detection was over, and then slid down the tree and joined bis fuithful follower, who at once began: “Oh my master, my master! The curse of Ivan the Terrible on them all! 1 thougbt they had killed you or burt you. I was waiting to see you jump out,” ‘*And suppose I had, Sirotkin? What would you bave done?” Sirotkin put back his pistols inside his palat, where be had them hidden. ‘tT was going to help your nobility,” he said simply, ‘I think we two, hidden, could have bowled over five orsix of them, for God and his: majesty, our father czar.” : “go I think, Sirotkin; but in that case we should have missed what we came to find.” * And what is that, most high born?” “They are going to hold a Nihilist meeting bere to night and puta sentry into that tree,” said Hammond. ‘* What shall we do?” Sirotkin seemed overcome with delight. ‘That is what we want, most bigh-born. The sentry will have a fine time of it,” ‘* What do you mean?” ‘Only that the hollow of that tree is a favor- ite place for the steppe tigers most bigh-born.” ‘*So General And rson said, and that is why they fired at the tree to rout vut any tiger who might be there.” Sirotkin began to laugh. ‘*Did they think a tiger would be fool enougt to wait there in daylight? Nota bit of it, most high-born, Tigers have sense as well as we kave. They know that the nigbt is the time for the deer tocome and drink, and thatis when they come. Just about sunset you'll see one coming to this tree, if he didn’t get killed in the hunt.” ““What had we better do when he comes?” Sirotkin considered awhile. ‘‘T have it,” he said at Jast. ‘* What does your nobility say to my playing tiger and keep- ing them out of the tree?” ** What do you mean by playing tiger?’ “Why, we can wait till the tiger comes, and shoot him here in the reeds, Then we'll boist bim into the tree, Vl get in with the dead. body and make them think that a live tiger’s up in the tree,” * But they'll shoot at you, as they did at me, ‘Let them shoot, most bigh-born. If they’ couldn’t hit you, they won’t be able to hit me. 16 will be ¢ark, ano I shall have the tiger’s body for a shield. I can grow) like the best tiger you ever beard.” ‘But suppose we don’t find a tiger?” “Then we must bide in the reeds and creep as close asl did, But that will be dangerous, most bigh-born.” * Why, Sirotkin?” ‘** Because the reeds are certain to be fal! of tigers to-night, most high born, whether we find the one that lives iv the tree or not,” * Are you ture of that?” ‘So sure, your nobility, thet the Tartars call this place the ‘ Tigers’ Swamp’ and have done so from time immemoria],” Hammond ‘looked round him, Tt was now nearly noon, and the swamp seemed empty of inbabitants; but he knew that Sirotkin must be telling the truth from the scarcity of cover else- where. ‘* Let us find the horses,” be said, “and ride away. Where have you hidden them?” Sirotkin Jed the way through thick and lofty reeds to an open pool of shallow water, where the two horses were tied to bunches of reeds, nibbling away at the water-grass as if they only half liked it. ‘* Sultan Esa passed by me,” he explained, “and he saw you up in the tree, so he told me to look after you. He has sbarp eyes.” “*T should say so. And be pretended not to see or notice me.” ‘Sultan Esa married my mother’s uncle’s second cousin,” replied Sirotkin with some ride, ‘‘and we have no traitors in our amily.” ‘* wish I could see bim,” said Hammond, in a thoughtful tone; ‘‘Lut that’s not possible now.” ‘Why not, most bigh-born?”’ * He has gone back to his band. I heard him take bis leave of Anderson,” Sirotkin began to laugh. “Your nobility does not know Sultan Esa. He is a Tartar, it is true: but be married my mother’s uncle’s second-cousin, and we bave no traitors in our femi'y, If your nobility wishes to see Sultan Esa, he is close by on the steppe, waiting for us.” “« Then let us go to him, in heaven’s name.” They rode ont of the swamp into a broad plain, where the grass was covered with flow- ers, and where they found Sultan Esa, as Sirot- kin bad said, waiting for them, with’a dozen of bis men, stretched out: on the grass by their grazing borses. As they came up, Sultan Esa rose to meet: Hemmond, bowing Jow. His usually frank, manly face, with its strong scrubby beard, looked grave and anxious as be asked; “Your vobility was not burt in the tree? * Not a bit, Sultan.” “The Propbet be thanked! What does your nobility now require?” **T want relays of horses to-night to take me to Toulminka and the train. Can I have them, or not?” Esa considered, “When will’ ycu require them, most bigh- born? It will take twelve hours to set the re- leys ahead of you. You will take, of course, horses to a relay, to go fast, and you want a relav atevery eoul.” “That is it, Esa, and | shall need them to. night, efter this council has taken place.” sa nodded,

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“ Your nobility shall have them by the mid- night honr. We have enough here for the first stage. Koodook shall lend them. I will send to him at once.” CHAPTER XVIII. THE NIHILISTS’ CIRCLE. Tux bugles of the Cossacks at Fort Alexis had sovnded “lights out” near!y an hour, when General Anderson rode out of the fort gate, say- ing to the officer of the guard: ‘We shall be back about daybreak. Let no one follow us. Wecan take core of ourselves, and the gentlemen are crazy to kill tigers on their own account.” Lieutenant Boriskin shrugged his shoulders as he saw the trocp of civilians file out, and he muttered to himse!f: ** Queer tastes some people have, going after tigers in thedark. They must want to be eaten up alive, I think.” Once outside, the general rode on, followed by the others in pairs, a single horseman lagging behind to watch that noone followed from the fort, They were all unusually silent and glum, as if indisposed to converse, and it was not till they reached the swamp on the steppe that Anderson said to his companion, whose vroad hat marked tbe disguised princess: ‘*We are near the place now, Let the men go first and search the swamp, for I’m told it is a great place for tigers.” ‘So much the fitter place for us tc meet,” said she, ina low voice. ‘Driver to the desert and the wild beasts for refuge, we are as low as we can be, surely. When we have destroyed all that exists, we can think of reconstruction.” ‘‘It is emblematic of our cause,” said the veies of Goryautchikoff, in the nexié couple. *Not till we have rooted out slavery can we hope to be free. Here on the steppe, at least, we ara free to speak our minds.” “Not so,” returned General Anderson, hasti- Iv. ‘*Not till we heave set our guards and niekets, Thereisa spy in every Cossack and Kirghis, If they suspected our errand to-night, we should be followed of a certainty.* ‘Bou kin will attend to any one who tries that experiment,” said Goryautchiko?, with a Jaugh. ‘* He has not sach a bead as his amiable wife, but he made the ace of spades into‘a five- spot yesterday with a revolver in ten seconds.” This sully was followed by a Jow laugh in the perty, and the princess remarked: “Baron Boulkin is a valuable man. I wish that some of the rest of you knewas much as he does, If he ever fires at the tyrant, be will not merely wound him, as Nobel* did the German bru e.” *' Why not send himin to look for the tigers,” sail Goryautchikoff, in the same jesting tone, “ Beceuse he has worse enemies than tigers to gnarl egainst in the rear,” retorted the privcess. “ Forward there, the rest of you, and prepare the circle, Don’t you know we've no time to spare?” Thos urged. the horsemen rode into the swamp in aline, witha great splashing, heading for the willow tree island. They arrived there, to find all quiet, and Gen- eral Anderson calied out: * Brother Goryautehikoff will climb the tree and actas sentry to our queen, while she holds her circle. In the name of Sofia lvanowna!” Instantly a deep bush fell upon all the little band, and Goryautehikoff entirely dropped his flippant manner, as he answered: * In the name of Sofia Ivanowna'l obey.” He rode up to the tree and was about to stand up in the saddle to help him in climbing, when a furious growl came from the summit, and all the horses backed away, snorting with terror. Qut came half a score of pistols instantly, and a rapid fusilade was opened 0» the top of the tree, followed by @ chorus of savage snarls and growls, a8 something began to siiake the foliage. i. “Fire fast, he'is about to spring,” said the deep voice of Anderson; and the pistols were emptied into the summi: of the tree, The firing only lasted about twenty seconds and then the general said: : “Jtisenough. He mustbedead. Load your weapons and climb up, Goryautehikoff,” Then was heard the clicking of hammers as the horsemen rapidly reloaded their revolvers a Goryautchikoff again advanced to the foot e willow tree. “ ae was quiet up in the foliage, and in a mo- ment more toe Nibilist had begun his climb, when out sprung the head of a tiger close to him with an angry snarl, and Goryautchikoff slid down with a cry of irrepressible alarm, ° ng to the attempt of Dr. Louis Nobel to saan ror of Germany, with a load of buck- shot, from the window of a house in Berlin. The * red from the wound and Nobel was Russian revolutionary societies and those in France and Germany fraternize in the In- ternational. paths BP A Yankee C ossack. ‘By heavens! the beast has the lives of ten devils,” he exclaimed angrily. ‘* Let us give him another volley,” said one of the Nihilists, when Anderson observed: ‘Tt is useless. He is hiding in bis hole and the firing will attact notice. His presence se- cures us fromintrusion, gentlemen. No buman being would dare be round bere alone, in the dark. Let the tiger be our sentry. e can form the circle. Let the queen give her orders. We are ready.” As he spoke, he little knew that, in the reeds at the foot of the tree, Hammond, the Yankee Cossack, was watching every movement, The young aide-de.camp parted the reeds and looked out, He saw the slender form of the disguised princess rida out, and heard her say: ‘* Form the circle.” Instantly the horsemen formed a circle facing inward, and she continued: **Men of Russia, are all bere true in the | faith? Let the Inquirer test the believers.” Hammond, intensely interested, saw General Anderson ride round to eack member of the cirele and hold with him a whispered colloquy, which ended by bis coming to the princess and aa with a salute: “All are in the faith, sister, and ready to obey the order of Sofia Ivanowna.” Then the princess Jooked round herand asked: “ Brothers, who is Sofia Ivanowa?” ** Queen of the Nibiiists,” they answered in a low chorus, and then she opened what seemed to the listener to be a sort of ritual of question and answer, so regularly was it delivered: ** How long shall she reign?” asked Natalie, “ Till the tyrants are dead,” wes the reply, ** Whence does she draw her power?” “From the heart of the people.” ““ Who are the people?” ** All who are oppressed.” ** Who are the Nihilists?” “The saviors of the people.” ‘* Why do they love them?” ‘* Because they are wronged.” “When will Russia be free?” ‘When the people awake.” ‘“ What sball wake them?” The sound of the bursting bomb.” “‘ Whom do we all obey?’ ‘The God who hates tyrants.” *“* What do tyrants deserve?” ** Death by the bursting bomb.” *“ Why do they deserve i ** Because they have off4nded God,” “* How do they offend God?” ** By taking his place.” ‘* What is bis place?” “* Above man.” ‘* And what is man’s place?” ‘* Beside his brother and ready to serve him.” “Itis well,” said Natalie, after this short servic was closed. ‘* You are all brothers of the Faith, and it is time that we go to our busi- ness, Who Las any reports?” **[ have,” said Goryeutcbikoff. ‘I report that I was present ac the taking of the tyrant, and that the work was well done. I report that his son, who would be another tyrant, if he dared, has shut bimself up at Gatechina,” The princess waved her hand. ; “That is well; but we have known it before, Who has any reports from the army?” “T bave,” said a voice, ‘I report that in the regiment of white grenadiers there are five hundred and three converts ready to obey Sofia Ivanowna, The regiment has seven bun- dred and sixty men in the Petersburg battal- ion. “That's well.” broke in General Anderson, ey then clecked himself, as the princess said; ‘In the circle, po comments are allowed save from the queen, Has any one a report from the Cossacks?” There are three converts in the Red Cos- sacks of the Guard,” said another voice. ‘One i3 a sergeant, the others officers. The proselyte committee recommends the extermination of the Cossacks as the easiest way to save the country. Wecannot convert them.” “You have heard the report of the Cossack committee,” said the princess, ‘As many as are in favor of following its recommenda. tion will signify it by the death-sign of the order.” Hammond watched eagerly, but saw no sign save a slight motion of the right arm; and the princess continued; _“‘As many @s are op d to extermina- tion of the Cossacks will make the sign of mercy,” General Anderson raised his right hand to the sky, and said solemnly: ‘I do, in the name of Sofia Ivanowna.” The princess looked at him : oldly. ve And why shotld we show mercy?” Because they’re good soldiers,” said the old general bluntly. “If we kill them, it’s true we may exterminate the tyrants; but we shall lose pels the strength of Russia, too. We shall be a afford ea the Gartoanas, oud, we con's settle a i beaten them,” eee eee poareeer cess seemed to be angry. 17 ‘‘The brother talks like a weak man and the servant of tyranny,” she said. ‘It is this fear of Germany that gives our tyrant half his nold upon us. The plea for mercy is too late. A vote has been taken. Who bas any further re- ports to make?” ‘*T have,” said another voice. ‘‘I report from the General Civil Committee.” There was a geperal movement of interest, and the princess said: ‘The committee will report.” The Nihilist, whom Hammond recognized as Count Verevkin, an ‘cffcer on the household staff, reported aloud: ‘** The order is in a flourishing state since the taking off of the tyrant. Tbree thousand circles have Leen established west of the Ural, and we- are spreading in Siberia. The convicts espe- cially are eager to see the day when they shal? have justice instead of stripes. There are eight hundred circles in the penal settlements, and the soldiers are joining them fast. We have | three factories at work in the mountains by the ‘ Chinese frontier, and two million bombs have been sent to the brothers around Petersburg and Moscow.” ‘Are they all in faithful bands?’ asked the princess. “They are all recorded,” was the answer, ‘‘and wait the order of Sofia Ivanowna.” ** It is well,” said the princess. ‘* The reports are all satisfactory. It remains to determine on the future. I report to the circle that three letters bave been sent to the tyrant to warn him that be will follow his father if he does not give the people freedom. To these his reply is to shut himself up at Gatschina with his guards. He defies the Brotherhood. What is the pleas- ure of the Supreme Circle?’ *T move that he receive a Jast warning that sentence of death will be passed on him, if he does not give the people a constitution,” said. Gene: al Anderson. The princess looked round. **Ts the motion seconded?’ There was no reply, but Goryautchikoff, after a pause, said: “*T move that sentence of death pass on the tyrant at once.’’ “Second the motion,” said Verevkin. ‘‘ The circle has heard,” said the princess. ** All who favor sentence of death will make the death-sign.” _Tbis time Hammond found out the death- sign, The members turned their thumbs down, in imitation of the Romans at the amphitheater) , sentencing a gladiator to death, and the motioi: — penny perceptible unless one watched closely. * Those opposed to the sentence will make the sign of mercy,” ssid the princess, and Gen- eral Anderson raised bis open hand. “Let the brother speak,” said the princess,, and he said boldly: “T ask for mercy because I am no means convinced the decision is wise. e are but a feeble band as you all know, and our spread de- nds on that of intelligence. A man must earn to read before he can read our books, and the ignorant antry are universally illiter- ate. The death of the czar at our hands—” A murmur ran through the circle and the princess said harsbly: Z; “The brother will remember the rules. No titles are allowed.” The general bowed. ts | apologize to the circle. The taking off of the tyrant I skould have said, has not done for us all that was expected: while it has set the opinion of the poorer classes and the churches against us. In my opinion we should wait a ear, and give the man a chance to sbow if he is as obstinate as his father. If be is, 1 am in favor of taking bim off. Thai’s all.” The princess looked around. ‘*Does any other brother wish to speak in favor of mercy?” No reply came, and she closed the short dis- cussion with the order: “The tyrant Alexander III. is condemned to death. In the name of Sofia [vanowna.” Then, after a short pause, she wert on: ** Are there any furtber reports?” “T bave one,” said Goryautchikoff, port that an American, call o I re- ed Hammond, who bas been created a count by the name of Am- monoff, has lately entered the service of the tyrant, and become dangerous to the order, L ry 5 that be has followed us here, and may be hiding in Fort Alexis.” General Anderson interrupted. “The brother must be misteken. I know all that go and come here, and the Tartars would’ certainly have reported to me the arrival of any strangers, The brother accuses me of be- ing careless by this report.” Goryautchikoff sbrugged bis shoulders. “One cannot always tell.” be said, “ what: goes on under one’s nose, We show the tyrant. that much every day. Ihave heard from the Cossacks in the fort that two strangers came | in, the day before yesterday. and that they were suspected to be British officers in disguise. I recommend the brother to look to his Tartars. It may be our spy and his Cossack, Sirotkin.”

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2 ne bee, oe Ee oe Ld ae et Ts AS tet Me ee ' ganguinary. 18 CHAPTER XIX. THE BREAKING OF THE CIRCLE, HAMMOND, bearing this declaration, felt his heart beating with excitement, and listened intently to bear what was coming next. General Anderson seemed to be irritated at the imputation on his watchfulness, and said in a forcible manner: ‘ | will wager anything you please that no stranger can get near this fort without my knowledge. Besides, if such a thing were pos- sible, how is it you ever allowed them to escape trom Tonlminka? I bave heard it boasted that you were all of one mind in that place, and that every motion of the tyrant’s emissaries was watched,” “So it is,” returned Gorvautchikoff. ‘We ware overtaken, at Nizur Beg, by a courier to teil us chat the aide-de-canip of the tyrant had left Tonlminka alone, to go bunting, as if was supposed, and that his Cossack had taken a letter to the station, addressed to St. Peters- burg.” There was an uneasy movement in the circle and Verevkin said: . “That is true, brother; but you must add that the Ictter was detained by our order till we could examine if. If it contained anything prejndicial to the brotherhood it will pever reaco the tyrant.” Hammond listeved with interest to this con- versation, and noticed toat the princess took no part in it, though she seemed very attentive. Verevkin’s speech was fo'lowed by a short silence, and then Goryautcnikoff said: ‘Il move that, if it be found this Count Ammonoff has been spying on us, he be con- «teroned to death.”: ‘*[ second the motion.” said Verevkin quickly, and then they all waited on the princess, who said siowly: “It is regularly moved that sentence of death pass on one Ammonoff, aide-de camp to tle tyrant. Are there any pleas to be made for mercy?” - Hammond noticed with surprise that she had monaified ber form of words to favor him, and 4roryautehikoff exclaimed: ‘There can be none. Tbe man is dangerous to liberty and mercy is thrown away ou him, I vote for death.” The responses were ardent, but to Ham- ‘ mond’s still greater surprise the princess said: ‘The brotbers forge: themselves. [ command order in tne name of Sofia [vanowna,” Instantly there was a deep bush, ‘“Now,” pursued the princess sharply. “Task a€ there are any pleas for mercy to this man, who is doing bis duty as he understands it? I ask that, in the name of Sofia lvanowna. When { put the question for death it will be time for the brethren to answer it.” The Nihilists seemed to be surprised, but it was Getiera!l Anderson who said: “T plead for merey for bim.” “On what grounds?” asked \the princess. “Oa the ground that it is not best to be too If we kill this man without a ‘necessity if will at'ract attention to the people who kill bim. Moreover, Iam told that there aa sibility of converting bim. He is a vepublican in principle now, and he will end by being our friend,” The princess nodded. “Tbe brother has spoken well. I can give my word to the circle that this Ammonoff is a man of bovor, who will not betray our secrets to bis master, the tyrant.” There was another movement of surprise in the circle, aud Goryautcbikoff said, in a sneer- ing way’ ‘Isee what is the trouble. Our sister was alone on the steppe too long with this Count Ammonoff, and he bas more than half convert- ed ter to the worsbip of our father, the czar, as ‘the slaves call him.” Haaimond quivered with anger, So the very sacrifice he bad made to secure the princess's ' reputation was ridiculed by this man, who had opr-tended to be his friend, and was now calling ‘tor bis desth. He watched the princess, whose back was ' *urned to him, and saw her make an impatient, ‘oon ay word angry movement, Toen General Anderson broke in: “The brother passes the limits of our order. We allow vo suspicions cast on our queen, in whom we vave full faith. I ask permission to avenge the insult on the spot,” As he spoke be drew a pistol) and Hammond, “gob without sympathy for tue indignation which orompted the act, balf rose up in excitement. He expected to see instant bloodshed, but to his surprise Gorysutcbikoff backed down, saying: “Tbe brother y epamigmgk + em me, I had no antention of reflecting on the queen. I merély <bougbt that tbe natural kindness of heart of the temale sex bad misled her as to the charac- +t «? this man, whom I know to be a dangerous sty fult of resource and boldness, That is all, sss Sts SS ” t "Phat is different.” e d Anderson, colily. aes led the brother thought better of a ‘ yao Rees . x ~ A Yankee Cossack. Then there was a decidedly uncomfortable si- lerce,.broken by the princess, She spoke in a low voice, and seemed to be struggling with herself as she said: ‘* Brothers of the faith, this is the first time I have ever had to explain conduct of mine. I met this Count Ammonoff but a few weeks since. Goryautchikoff brought him to my house, and I have labored hard to convert him; but he is not a Russian. If he were a full mem- ber of our order, [ should feel that our success was not far off. He is our foe as far as our methods are concerned, He calls our executions murders, He comes from a country where the struggle is over, and he has forgotten that in the heat of the battle many deaths are required. But be is with us for liberty, and I know that he will not apa A what he has learned from me. Therefore I say it is unwise to kill him. He may be made into our friend. Are there avy turther pleas for mercy to be heard ?” There was a short silence, and she wert on: “Then we come to the vote. All in tavor of sentence against Count Ammonvff make the death-sign of the order.” Hammond looked and saw Verevkin and Goryautcbikoff, with two others, extend their arms with the thumb down, ** All who wish for mercy will make the sign of mercv,” continued Natalie, _ Up went seven hands, and it was with a voice that betrayed her gratification that the princess said: ‘It is well. Ammonoff will be on probation, If I see any signs of treason in him, I will act on my standing authori:y. Is there any fur- ther business to come before the circle?” “IT move,” said General Anderson, ‘that plenary powers be given to the Queen and In- quirer to call the next circle, and act for the interests of the order. In the name of Sofia Ivanowna.” **T second the motion,” said enotber voice. “And I ‘move to amend,” said Goryautch- ikoff, ‘‘ by adding a third member to the Su- preme Executive. It may happen that the Queen and Inquirer differ, and a third member may prevent a tie,” ““T second the motion,” said Verevkin, who seemed to be Goryautchikoff’s echo. The princess raised her hand, ‘‘In the name of Sofia Ivanowna. All who wish a third member tothe Supreme Executive, make the sign of assent.” Goryautchikoff and Verevkin nodded, but no one else stirred. “ All who are in favor of the motion as first made, signify their assent,” Nine people nodded, and she said proudly: ‘In the name of Sofia Ivanowna, it is a vote, Are you ready to break the circle” — All bowed their heads, and the princess gave three taps on her saddle-bow with the butt of a pistol, and said: “Grand Inquirer, what is a man?” “A brother to bis fellow-men,” answered Anderson slowly. ** How should he show it?” she continued, * By setting bim free,” was the answer. Then the ritual continued: . ‘*What are his bonds?” * Priestcraft and kingcraft.” '* What is the knife to cut the first?” “ Knowledge.” : “ Knowledge of what?” * Nature’s laws and God’s truth,” “ Where do we find them?” **Tn nature.” ** How shall we cut the bonds of kingeraft?” “ By waking the nation.” ‘* How shall we wake the nation?” “By the sound of the bursting bomb.” The princess turned her head. ** Grand Proselyte, what is the ermy?” Goryautchikoff answered sullenly: “The servant of the tyrant.” ‘“ When the tyrant dies, what ef the army?’ ** Tt dies too.” * What is the true army?” * The people in afms.” ** When shall we have that?” “When Russia awakes,” “Grand Artificer,” she continued, “when do tyrants deserve death?” It was Verevkin who answered: .** When they disobey Sofia lvanowna.” “Why?” ‘Because she speaks with the voice of all Russia. H ‘* Where is her throne?” ‘tn the hearts of the faithful.” ‘Who are ber subjects?” ‘‘She bas none.” RP kar is ber ere Nes te **To destroy priester: ngcra “When will ft end?” Pv ** When Russia is free.” _ “Ic is well,” She gave another rap and said: ** Attention to the bree king.” All removed their hats and the princess ad- ‘dressed a short petition to the Gad of freedom to aid them in their cause, then resumed ber hat and said; . “In the name ot | circle. Amen.” ne vee Sesto iene eect | owna, break the | All resumed their hats and rode away in silence toward the fort. When the last hoof-beat. had died away, the ees aide-de-camp called out in a guarded one: “‘Sirotkin, are you there?” “* Yes, most bigh-born,” said a voice from the tree, “‘and almost smothered with this dead carcass, Ouf! what a stupid lot of fools the are! Thought I should go to sleep with their mummery. But if they bad known who was bere, they might not bave kept it un so long. Take care! Here he goes,” With that there was a rustling in the foliage, followed pA the thud of a heavy fall, and Sirotkin followed the dead tiger down the tree, observing as be got to the bottom: ‘‘He’s pretty well riddled, most b'gh-bern, but he made a good shield. Holy St. Viadimir and [van! How I scared them!” Aud he laughed at the recollection. Hammond seemed to be ina thoughtful mood, for he remaived standing at the foot of the tree on the little knoll leoking at the water, till Sirotkin ventured to say: ‘*TE we are to pass to Toulminka, it is time we were away, most high-born.” Then the Yankee Cossack roused himself and astonished Sirotkin by saying: “Tam not going to Toulminka. I am going to Fort Alexis at once, or rather, as soon as day dawns.” CHAPTER XX. THE ARREST. Smrorxin was too well trained to make any com ment on his master’s sudden change of mind, so ht contented himself with: ** Your nobility knows best. Shall I tell them we shall not want the horses?" Os tin will do that myself. Come, let us find Sultan sa,’ They waded through the shallow pools to the steppe, where they soon came in sight of a dark group of men and horses, and were hailed in Rus- sian with: “ Yui kto ?” [who are you?”’] ; Hammond recognized the voice of his friend, Sul- tan Esa, and answered it. ‘Then he went up and found that the indefatigable Kirghis had already got ready the horses for riding past, and Esa told him that he had secured relays at every aoul on the way to Toulminka. * Already!” ech Hammond. “ But how do you know? There has been no time to go to Toulminka and back.” 1 Sultan Esa laughed. “We have lighted the signal fires and shot the arrows,"’ he said, “and they all know what that omar a in the steppe. The answer has come al- ready.” Then he explained to Hammond that the Nomads of the Kirghis steppe are all of the sam.e family in one district, keeping up the records of ~ ~sinship to the fiftieth or sixtieth generation ano ...t on rare occasions, when it is a family \.atter that a mes- sage should be sent, they have a way of signaling each other a long way off at night, by shooting burning arrows up in the air at certain intervals. - On the flat steppe a fire on the ground is only vis- ible seven or elf miles, but by shoo: .; an arrow up. with a ball of flaming tow on the poi the d mee of signaling becomes twenty or thirty miles, A; And every Kirghis who sees the blazing arrow is bound to answer it and send on the signal, so thatin an hour or less a distance of four hundred miles can be traversed by these rude signals. They are very simple, as becomes the needs of the simple Kirghis. A single arrow means ‘“‘I wish to speak to you.” and the answer is the same. ; ‘ The chain established, it becomes a question of the pape of arrows sent up at a time, and the code is ef, Two arrows mean: “ Danger; flee to the open steppe, away from the tracks.” re, Three arrows mean; “ Prepare relays. A message is coming.” ; Four arrows mean: ‘Russians are coming for taxes. Bury oct gold.” And so forth, up to nine at a time, very rarely used, the summons to war, ; “Well.” said Hammond, when this had been ex- lained to him, “ can you keep these horses waiting ill daylight? ‘Tam olng to Fort Alexis first, anc may need all my heels after I come away.” ‘*Your nobility knows best,’’ replied Esa, hesitat- ingly, ‘but if you enter Fort you will be very apt never to get out again.” Hammond was struck with the homely reasoning of the Tartar, but he had made up his mind, since his discovery of the way in which the princess ana General Anderson had fought for him in the secret don’t know my ewer yet. I wish you to ‘ain that we will have a ty of Be Pee of four, to ride to Toulminka. and that we shall start to-morrow. If I don’t return to this place to-mor- row, you can conclude I am killed. In that case, spread the news throughout the steppe that war has begun, and that the czar’s officer has been murdered ". Ye aang depend it that, we shal ‘Your no can depend upon we 1 have fine “— in that onee” said Sul an ‘isa. rub- bing his hands, “For to-night,’’ pursued the Yankee Cossack “we will go to Bautoo’s aoul In the morning I will present myself at Alexis.” Sultan Esa seemed to be well satisfied with the decision, and they rode over to Bautoo's camp, which they entered about midn first Regent torward to avoid an alarm which might reac the garrison of nd tell them strangers come. Next morning early, Hammond arrayed himself im his undress uniform, looked to lis pistols carefully, 4 r ah. , ,instead —

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end. and, accompanied by Sirotkin, rode boldly up to the gate of Fort Alexis, juss as reveille roll-call was _ over, He knew that Russian officers are not apt to be very punctilious in their duties, save so far as they are aap, and he felt sure that his Nihilist | friends would sleep late. He was received with every inark of surprise and respect by the Cossack lieu- tenant, who recognized his undress uniform as that | of a colonel. “Is General Anderson up yet?” asked Hammond, abruptly. — Lieutenant Boriskin saluted. “The commandant receives reports in his room, my colonel, but he goes to sleep afterthat till guard- | mounting,” “Send a sergeant at once te announce to him Col- ovel Count Ammonoff, aide de-camp to the czar," said the Yankee Cossack, imperiously, and Boriskin bowed low and did as he was ordered. “Follow me, Sirotkin, ’said Hammond, in a low tone, “and keep your pistols ready. We may want to use them.” Both men had pistols in their belts, and Sirotkin , carried a Winchester rifle belonging to Hammond; but both had left their swor’s behind at Toulminka. Hammond wore the simple undress of a Cossack ofticer, with colonel’s braid on his s| eves, but there was nothing to show bis aide-camp’s rank save the authority of his ket, and it struck him that, in case of trouble, it might be as well to know how he .Steod with the Cossacks, He turned to Boriskin, saying: * Lieutenant, are all here faithful to his majesty, our father czar?” Boriskin drew himself up stiffly. “The Cossacks of Turkistan have never yet been found unfaithful, my colonel,’ he said; **and had yy one but an officer asked the question, I should have replied with a blow.” Hammond smiled. “it is well, Another question. Do you or not recognize me as aide-de-camp to his majesty?” Boriskin scratched his head. “T could not say as to that. Ihave not seen any or lers.”’ Hammond pulled out his order. “ Read that. What does it say?’ Loriskin looked at the paper. “It is an order from his majesty, giving to Colo- , ne} Count Ammonoff full powers to take command | at any place where the commanding officer does not take his orders direct from the minister of war.” * And here is my commission, to show you that I am Colonel Count Ammgnoff. Do you refuse to . obey my orders or not?” Boriskin saluted respectfully. ~ Certainly not. Lam at vour disposal.” *'Then sound the alarm and turn out the garrison | ou parade in front of the general’s window at once,” said Ammonoff. “ Here, give me & pen and paper. T appoint oe acting adjutant of the post. If you suc- ceed, I will see that you are promoted to captain. ‘There is a plo* on foot, and the ‘fidelity of the Cos- ‘sacks is suspected, What bas become of the stran- gers who came here yesterday?” j Boriskin, who had turned pale at the éxciting pews, stammered: “Strangers? They have gone, colonel.” Hammond started, - “Gone! Where? When?’ “Atan hour after midnizht. They came here by poms and have gone back. The general saw them off. : Hammond was amazed by the news. He had ex- ear to arrest the whole party, and they had given him the slip already. _“*Never mind,” he said, after a moment's reflee- tion; ‘‘turn out the garrison, as I said, and send the sergeant with me to rouse the genera).”’ Boriskin, who looked complétcly bewildered at | everything he heard and saw, went off to obey, and the sergeant, a stout fellow with a shrewd look, came and reported, saluting: “JT am at your nobility’s orders, most hivh-born.”’ ** Lead the way to General Anderson,” seid Am- meonoff, and, five minutes later, he was at the coor of the general's room, to find him fast asleep, while the trumpets were sounding the alaftm outside and the Cossucks were mustering on the wond turned at the door and said to the sergeant: ‘Remove the sentry My Cossack will stand nard. Send all the men to their companies at once.” The sergeant saluted and went off, as the Yankee ‘ossack ciosed the door and went to General Ander- son’s bedside. Be had a hard duty _to perform, an’ one which he felt reluctant todo, He had to arrest a man whom he rather liked, and who had displayed many gen- rous traits in his behavior, the night before. The genera! was @ very handsome man about erade. Ham- | A Yank 3e Cossack. eral,” replied the Yankee Cossack quietly. “Ihave arrested you for treason. You can secure your re- lease in one way alone.”* “And what is that?’’ asked Anderson. ' _“*You say you are innocent. Where are the Nihilists who were with you yesterday? They have | gone away. Artest them, and you shall be free.” CHAPTER XXtI, CHECK} Ir cost Hammond some effort to say this; for it a hari like asking the general to bétray his com- | rades. To his surprise Anderson answered: | “Nihilists? There are none here, and have been ; none, There was a ty of my friends visited me ; on a trip to see hawking on the steppe.” | *“ What were their names?” asked Ammonoff. | The cen’ral 'to his still greater surprise, gave them | all truly as he knew them, adding: “Tf you wish once.”’ _ The Yankee Cossack bardly knew what to make ' of this susp:cious readiness to send for the people he knew to be Nihilists. Only one name had Anderson concealed, and that was Princess Natalie's. He had called her “Count Koulikoff.” Hammond considered a little and answered: em to be sent for I will do it at | heavens I'll shoot you down in front of your men.” | et — 19 ‘* General, the fine awaits your orders.“ Anderson stared at him. “What do you mean? Who are youl You are not my adjutant.” Boriskin saluted stiffly. “Tam your adjutant by the order of his majesty. the czar, communicated to me by that officer, whe is his aide-de-camp.” The general turned white as a sheet and bis eyes glow as he turned to Hammond, ccseeariae softl:: “You are a very bold man, sir.” Then to Boriskin he said: “Go back to your guard. JZ command this fort, and no one supersedes me. The officers will dis. miss the parade. Captain Fedoroff of the sharp. shooters will march his company here in front of my Office, to report for duty to me.” Ammonoff came close behind him and said in a low tone: “Take care. If I see symptoms of treason, hy Anderson turned and regarded him with a cold sneering smile he had not hi herto shown, as he answered: ““My dear Count Ammonoff,1 am only going to send my telegram.” : Then he watched the break-n of the parade while Boriskin, after glancing at 3 ammond as if-to “Tam willing to trust you on your parole not to | ask for orders and getting none, tell back, thorongh- attempt to esca’ and how long will it take to ect them?” Anderson reflected a moment, “T can sen’ a telegram to Fort Paulovsky, the next in the chain, ordering them back, and they can be here by to-morrow.” | Write out the ae Spa at once,” | SIPS, looked at him with a slight frown as he said: “Your tone is Te COREE OXY, sir. Itell youl ama ' good pungeut of 3.3 majesty. IT don’t write in bed. Give me time to gut up.” | “On the contrary neral, you must write in | bed,’ said Ammonoff, sharply. , Atthis moment the trumpet blew the signal for pes ranks outside, aod 2 Anderson cailed out, angrily: f hat does this mean? Who has dared to order out the troops?” “T have, general.” “You?” ‘ “Yes, I; by virtue of my orders. If you wish to make a scene. say the word, and I'll throw open the | window, tell the Cossacks who I am, and put the / / | } ; | next officer in command, while I take you to St. | Petersburg under guard.” The old general glared at him a moment as if he would like to annihilate him, and then controlled | his passion, saying: | “Do as you will. T defy you.” He threw himself back on his pillow, and Ham- mond was puzzled what to do. After & moment's consideration, he said: “Very well, general. You leave me no sort of alternative. Who is your next officer?” 7 Cotonel Ivanoff,”’ said Anderson, gruffly. “Then I shall put Colonel Ivanoft_ in command, and send you on under guard,” said Hammond, coldly, rising. “Good-day ” He was about to leave the room, when Anderson | called out: | “Stopa moment. Suppose I send for my friends, | will you guarantee they come to no harm through | you? What do you want with them?” - H A little quiet conversation, general, that is all. I can promise safety to all but two.” ‘; And who are they?” | Goryautchikoff and Verevkin.” : i * Why do you except them!” Recause they are on the household staff and 1 sus- pect them of complicity in the death of his late | ba na The general burst into a bitter langh. “Never tired cf bloodshed? Why, you have al- | ! be ready for instantduty. Take orders only from me But not | adjutant. _ ready hung four men for that.” @ men who threw the bombs, Yes. the men who instigated them, and who led the escort into the street where they knew the assassins were waiting.” ¥ Anderson bit his lip. “You'll find it difficult to. prove that against men of family and position.” _ will vou recall your friends?” ' Yes,” said the general, sullenly. | “* Mind, when | all this is over, I'll have satisfaction for the insult you have put on me.” | _‘* As you please, general. Have I your parole to | do as you have consented?’” : sixty, white-bearded, with a silvery murtache, and | closely, At last the general said: ked very venerable as he lay asleep. i aaeaat took a seat by his hedside, drew and «cocked a pistol, then shook Anderson by the shoul- , der and said: i: General Anderson, I arrest you in the name of the czar.” oe Instantly the old man woke with a start, and his right hand went under bis pillow as Ammonoff had expected. 1 He relinquished his Pooks asthe muzzle of the Yankee Cossack’'s pistol looked him in the eye, and Armmonoff said: : eit is us°] ss, general. ye is cocked and pointed. Take away your hand. The general, without a word, withdrew his hand, avd Ammionott calmly toox from under the pillow toe other pistol, when Anderson in @ low voice said: * Who are you?”’ - “Tam Colonel Count Ammonoff, aide-de-camp to the ezar, with authority to take command here,” said Ammonoff quiet];. “1 arrest you for com- nicivy in Nihilist plots. If you attempt resistance, must sl.oot you.” For a fow moments th ‘room, and then the general said in-a constrained ere was @ dead silence in the ' “Tgive my parole to send for my’ friends and not to escape, my men I am under surveillance. | be needlessly humiliated before them,” | “TIT promise that, general.” | “Then my parole is yours.” ' Hammond bowed formally. | “I will dismiss the garrison_as soon as I am | dressed,” pursued Anderson ‘“ You'llpermit me to do that, I suppose?” y | “ Certainly, general.” | Then oblige me by retiring while I dress,” said | the old general, ‘ You'll find brandy and cigars in | ay offi ‘e Cown-stairs. Make yourself at home ere, : “That is my business, general. For the fast time Anderson hesitated and Hammond watched him | | | j | have not already gone on. If the | | { His face was clear and smiling azain, and Ham- ° ) mond went away to the office down-stairs, from the | window of which he saw the whole garrison drawn i_up, waiting, } Parade at six in the morning, with a ten-minute wait for the commanding officer, is a trial of equa- nimity, even to a Russian soldicr, whan he has not had breakfa: t, Very socn, however, General Anderson came oo ee ' f "amon ‘ ing: 3 If you will come with me now, 1 will show you what Lam roing to do,” : ; __ The Yankee Coscack followed him ouitside, and the in eral took his position in front cf the center of Bo. line, which presented arms. Then Licutenan i cin e out as the adjutant, saluted ‘the gen- bac , te e and entered the office, with a cold nod | : remain Where are these your friends, ; ly crestfallen, and Fedoroff, a handsome Circas- sian officer, led up his hooters and brought them to an ‘“‘ order arms” in front of the general. Then General Anderson said to Ammonoff: ‘Monsieur, Iam about to send my telegram, but before I do so, I request that you will give up your arms to me,” Hammond had been suspecting some trick, from the sudden change in Anderson's tone and manner; but he was not to be so af outwitted, so he turned to Captain Fedoroff, porn Pains “By whose orders was this parade called?" “Are you going to give up your arms or not" in- terrupted Anderson sharply, and Hammond heard the click of a pistol-lock. He turned his head to see that Anderson had drawn another pistol; but he also saw, behind the Seige and unseen by him Sirotkin, tn the door of he office, with his Winchester rifle leveled. **General Anderson,” hesaid quietly, ‘hefore you proceed to extreme measures look belincg von." The general turned and saw Sirotkin, » liie Ham- mond continued to Fedoroff: ; *T have taken command of this post. by orders of his majesty. Genera] Anderson is no longer in chief command, He is now about to send a telegram, Wait till we come out of the office.” Then, without touching his weapons he went and ran his arm through that of the general, who still stooa irresolute. > “Come, general,” be said, “ it is time we sent that telegram.’ The old Swede ground his teeth. He saw that the news had spread over the garr'son. All the officers saw something was wrong, and even Fedoroff hesi- tated to obey him. : He went into the office without another word, and _ called out harshly: ‘ ** Where's Petroff?” A soldier entered instantly, and to him the gen- eral dictated the following telegram: “ To Covonen Barow Srevanorr, Paulorsky:— **Send back the party of tourists to Alexis, if they have, telegreyb that they are wanted here. “Ts that sufficient?’ he asked sullenly. Ammonoff bowed as the clicking of the instru- ment finished. “That will do, if they come. If they do not so ~much the worse for them.” Then he went out to Fedoroff. “ Keep your company under arms,” he said, * and or Lieutenant Boriskin, who is acting March your men to their barracks.”’, Fedoroff hesitated. ““You will excuse me, colonel,” he said, “‘but 1 am in doubt whom to obey here. General Anderson is my commandant and I have heard no order read on parade, oe for a change of command.” Ammonoff turned to Anderson. ° “Will you give the order?” he asked. “ or chall T call the parade again and read it to the troops?” Anderson bit his lips. ‘You can obey this gentleman, Fedoroff,” he said. “He has orders to supersede me, and Iam not one to disobe itive orders.”’ Fedoroff sniaited, mmonoff, our orders. colonel,” he said, and then is men to the barrack. “Tam at he marched you, on your part, promise not to tell | Hammond beckoned to Boriskin, whom he saw I do not wish to ) standing as if bewildered staring about him. ae officer came up instantly, and Hammond said to him: “You'll take up your quarters in the office with me to-day. The general is relieved from duty tor the present.” Then to Anderson in a whisper: : “Do you wish a sentry put over you, or will you ane vin your quarters on your parole not to leave em?’ The general curled his lip. “Ag you please,” he said. “Put a sentry on if you like; already Sing have disgraced me beforemy + men. Publish it that Iam Tam going to my room.” He\went off apatene: t faithful Sirotkin, under arrest, if you like. d Hammond made a st who immediate] y spoke to- el ory er sees sa “Then how do you telegraph for o ers it you ‘need them?” Ai = RSet, 4 > te

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a ; 20 ‘* Telegraph to Paulovsky, then,”’ “ Yes, most high-born.” ‘* Ask for an answer to the last message.” Petroff began clicking away, and presently said to Hammond: oing to answer.” A great clicking ensued, and Petroff read slowly off the register: “The party changed horses here half an hour ago, and have gone on to Niak.”’ “Telegraph to Niak then at once.” Petroff rung a bell, and after a great deal of click- ing and ringin said: ‘We are on Niak, most high-born. What shall I y 2] Ask if a party of ten people, riding post, have arrived there yet from Paulovs y. Petroff sent the message, and reported: “He says no.” “Tell him to arrest them as soon as they reach there, and hold them till further orders.” Petroff seut the message and listened to the reply, which he translated: ‘*The commandant wishes to know who gives the order. He ranks General Anderson,” “Tell him Colonel Count Ammonoff, aide-de-camp to his majesty the ezar.” Petroff clicked off the message, and very soon the reply came back: * Colonel Count Ammonoff can go to the devil. aes nosuch name in the order announcing the es’ | The moment this message came forth, Petroff | nee to look suspicious, and Boriskin still more s0, | ammond saw that it was necessary to do some- thing to restore confidence in his claims to authority; but he was puzzled and staggered at the reply. icead that the emperor or the minister of war | had omitted his name from the printed list of aides- de-camp, and the commander of Niak looked on him as an impostor. Presently the clicking was renewed, and Petroff read out: ‘* Where’s General Anderson? Tell him to come tothe instrument at once.” , * Tell him,” said Ammonoff, hurriedly, “ that An- dergson is here.’ Petroff looked up at him in a peculiar way, and be- gan to click away at an amazing rate, Presently the clicking was answered, and the oper- ator listened intently. Instead of speaking, he began to write down the message, and when it was finished he handed it to | Ammonoff. The message said: “General Anderson is hereby directed to arrest the impostor calling himself Count Ammonoff, and send to Niak under guard. “ CoLtocneErr, General.” Hammond compressed his lips. Here was a cheekmate to all his plans, CHAPTER XXII. THE RIDE TO TOULMINKA. For one moment he thought of continuing the conversation and trying to impress on the choleric Colocheff, through the telegraph, the character of his authority. But he saw plainly, from the couatenances of both Petroff and riskin, that ug were hesitating whether or not to obey him. is resolution was taken with characteristic > igag and decision. Turning to Petroff, he said: ** answer the general that, if he will take the re- sponsibility of arresting me, I hope he will at once telegraph his action to the minister of war, Ask him to answer.” = seemed relieved by the message, and sent off. An answer was instantly returned: “Have already done so. Send him on under guard at once. “ COLOCHEFF.”’ Then, with a bitter sense of Menprcinett Ham- — turned to the staircase and called Sirotkin own. * Youvare released from duty,” he said to the be- wilde Boriskin. “You have done what you could, and I will see that you are held harmless for it. General Colocheff has made a mistake he will rue to the end of his life, when it is too late. You can arrest me, if you wish.” “But [ have no authority,” said Boriskin, still more bewildered. ‘‘I must ask the general first.” , He went off up-stairs, and Sirotkin said to his mas- ter, in a low tone: “The horses are outside, most high-born,”’ Hammond started and looked out of the window, sree stood the horses on which they had come to lexis, Suddenly it flashed through his mind that he was a fool to allow himself to be arrested. Knowing, as he did, the desperate straits of the Nibilists, he doubted whether Anderson would not seize and dé- stroy his papers and kill him at once. ready he heard loud voices overhead, and the genera was scolding vigorously at the unhappy riskin “Come,” he said to Sirotkin, “ we have failed, I see, for the present, Let us go to St. Petersburg. roff started up to cry out: “ Halt, most high-born. My duty forbids—” “Your duty be bhanged,"’ interrupted Sirotkin, nips § striding past him. *‘I’ll shoot you if you say w a ; They passed rapidly out and mounted the horses with no marked haste; then went out of the parade- ground as if for a ride, at an easy pace, to avoid any Leggs that the tables had turned. denn doh still ty pant igen the ore os officers conversing eagerly, and no one § them till they got to the gate, when they heard An- derson shouting: “ Arrest those men!’’ “Spur hard!” cried Ammonoff, and away they +) p A Yankee Cossack. flew into the open steppe, unharmed, till they had gone about two hundred yards, when they heard the sound of shots and the bullets began to knock up the dirt all round them, ‘Here they come!” said Sirotkin, and looking back, they saw a score of Cossacks, with Boriskin at the head, coming after them on the spur, firing as they came. But firing from galloping horses at others going full speed is uncertain work, and Hammond and Sirotkin used their spurs so well that they began to near the shallow swamp a quarter of a mile ahead of the Cossacks, On the other side they saw on the steppe the dark group of horses that told where Sultan.Esa was waiting for them, true to his word. There were neariy fifty horses in the group, read for the party of six that Hammond had promised, and as soon as the Tartars saw the state of affairs they rode down tothe edge of the swamp to help their friends. on the Opposite side of the court from his room. He rose and went to the window to look down. 17) large court of the castle was dotted with serv. 1:5 mar if a to and fro with dishes. A banquet was going on, Hammond felt that his own frame was still stiff from fatigue, and he was hungry and thirsty. Why should he not go to the banquet? He was stiil ostensibly a guest of tie princess and uncertain whether the gay party below knew where he hai been or not, e reasoned with himself that Ander- son was not likely to have trusted Fe to the telegraph, and therefore it was possible that no one knew what he had done. Yet Goryautchikoff had said in the secret circle that he suspected Ammonoff of being near them. And how had they managed to get to Toulminka ‘ ahead of him, apparently fresh and unfatigued? Hammond and Sirotkin dashed in, but found | their progress so ppaene ad i the water and the mud that they were unable to get out of gunshot before the Cossacks got to the water. Then they turned and emptied their revolvers to the rear, pressing on all the time, til! Hammond had mpeded by the depth of | his cap knocked off by a bullet, his clothing shot full | of holes, and found the blood running down his fin- gers from a slight wound in the arm before he got firm und on the other side, Once there, he called to Sultan Esa: “To horse! Traitors to the czar are in the fort! The Nihilists are abroad.” Sultan Esa did not seem tounderstand who the Ni- hilists were, but he knew Ammonof?f’s uniform and that sufficed him. Five minutes later the mob of horses were flyin; away like the wind toward the west, and within hal an hour they had dropped the Cossacks out of sight on the steppe. Then Hammond began to think on his future plan of operations, of which he had no very clear notion as vet. Only one thing remained for him to do now—that was to reach Toulminka as soon as possible and tele- oe a to General Milutine. He had entered Alex.s eeling kindly toward General Anderson; now he had come to the conclusion that the general was as bad as all the rest of them, and deserved no mercy. Only one soft spot was left in his heart, and that was for Natalie. No one knew that he had been watching the su- preme circle of the Nihilists, and he knew from past experience that the decree of the circle would find ‘plenty of willing agents for its execution. ae he save the czar’s life and that of Natalie sO Undecided what. to do, he rode on at the break- neck speed of the Tartar post, till be forgot every- thing but the sense of motion and a desire to get to his journey’s end. Sultan Esa kept the lead, and they rode steadily at fifteen or sixteen miles an hour, till the horses, spite of all the changing they could give them, began to flag, and the camp of the next sultan was reached, Here fresh horses were waiting, and the mad race was resumed, to be kept up all the long night and next day, with shorter stages, till on the afternoon of the next day, Hammond and Sirotkin, haggard and ready to drop with fatigue, sighted the Castle of Toulminka, and saw floating over it the flag with the Koulikoff arms, which showed that the mistress of the mansion had arrived before them. The aide-de-camp was so nearly dead with want of sleep that he did not appreciate the strangeness of the thing; but when Sirotkin called his attention to it he said: “It is impossible; it is a trick! She cannot be there. We havecome three hundred miles in thirty- six hours, and it was fifty miles further by the round.”’ “ Your nobility, then, will enter the castle?’’ said Sirotkin, inquiringly. “Yes, yes,’ was irritable reply. cannot be there.” They rode up to the castle gate, and Count Am- monoff gave Sultan Esa a bag of twenty-rouble ieces. “ There,” he said, “that for your horses; but for and fidelity nothing can repay you. r you at the palace.” : Aultan Esa looked a little tired himself, but far from being as much exhausted asthe officer, and be laughed as he turned his horse’s head back to the ste " P When next your nobility comes to the steppe to ride Tartar-fashion,” he said, “tell every one that Sultan Esa never found a Russian who rode so well.” Then he departed, and Hammond rode into the | | I willremem- | said Sirotkin, eagerly. court with Sirotkin,to meet the gay greeting of | Goryautchikoff, who came smiling up with out- stretched hand to say to him: “Why, dear Ammonoff, where have you_been all this time? We came in this morning from reyes” and the people said you hac goneona hunt, Di you find anything?” Hammond was tempted to smite him in the face, but he managed to say calmly: “T had a desire to taste Tartar life and Ihave been riding post for fun. Is the princess here too?” “Of course. We all came in early, but she is tired, I understand.” “So am I,’ said Hammond briefly. “I’m going to bed till I get over it,” He went past Goryautchikoff without further notice, and as soon as he got to his room pulled all the heavy furniture up against the door to prevent intrusion, and then threw himself on the floor with Sirotkin, to be asleep in two minutes. When Hammond woke again it was night, but the castle was ablaze with lights and the sound of music showed that a festival was going on. No one seemed to have disturbed them, for the furniture barricade remained against the door and Sirotkin lay on top of it still snoring. ‘ Hammond rubbed his eyes, and it was some mo- ments before he could collect his thoughts. Then he began to wonder what was the occasion of the festivity in the castle, and soon became aware of the sound of a chorus of male voices. which he knew came from the old banqueting hall Goryautchikoff had said they had come from Orenburg, but Goryautchikoff was such a liar one could hardly believe him. Then he remembered that the railroad from Toul- minka ran to O:enburg and said to himself: ‘Perhaps he told the truth afterall. It is only a hundred and fifty miles north from Alexis to Oren- se and they may have taken a special train from there.” As he was revolving these thoughts he heard a wrtentous yawn, and Sirotkin began to stretch imself and roll over, forgetting that he was lying on the top of a big bureau, and in consequence tumbling off with a crash that woke him up. thoroughly, after which he rose and said; ‘"No one seems to bave come to see us in the night, most high-born, but they tried the door twice, and I got up there to rye for fear they would come while we were not able to bear them for fatigue.”’ “You did right, Sirotkin. Come to the window and tell me what you think of all this.’ Sirotkin obeyed, and ee looked « own in silence, till the Cossack observed wistfully: **Tt looks. and sounds, and smells, like supper, most high-born, and Iam hungry. | don’t see why we should not go down. It would give them all a surprise. and show them that the game is by no means over.” : * Just what I was thinking of, Sirotkin. It might force them to show their hands. Let us dress cur- selves and go down,” Everything at Toulminka was on a loxurious scale, and Hammond’s rooms were fit for a prince, with bath-rocm attached in civilized style, so thet, in a short time, he and his follower bad refreshed themselves from the fatigues of the journey, anc felt ready for action. Hammord shaved himself carefully, and put on his full-dress uniform, took all his valuables in bis pockets, put on his arms, which he covered with a cloak, and then sallied out with Sirotkin. They found their part of the house dark and de- serted, as if every one was at the banquet, and Ham- mond was going across the court when the Cossack said softly: “Ts your nobility prepared for ancther failure, like we bad at Alexis?" ] Hammond turned his head quickly, for the ques- ticy surprised him. ‘*What do you mean? I am simply going in to supper with my hostess and the rest of her guests.” Sirotkin gave a short sniff. “ As your nobility pleases."’ “But what do you mean?” asked Hammond, who had, before, found it wise to heed the counsels of his follower. “Tt mean, most high-born, that you are going into a wolf’s den, and it may be as well to have horses in case the wolves prove too much for us.” The suggestion was a good one, for the aide-de- camp was not Ne sure cf the sort of reception he should meet with at the banqueting-table, “Can you gpl the horses, think you?” he said to Sirotkin, and the Cossack gave a short laugh. “Trust a Cossack to steal a horse,” he said, “If your nobility has to run, jump out of the window on he other side of the hall. It opens on the steppe “T tell you she | toward the railroad, and we can reach there in half an bour.” “By the by,” suggested Hammond, ‘there is a train to St. Petersburg at midnight, and we may be in time to catch it. I’ve half a mind. to go there now.” “Tt would be the safest plan, most. high-born,” “It is no use trying to talk reason to these Nihilist fools. We enough of their nonsense at Alexis.” Hammond hesitated, They still stood in the de- serted part of the house, and de ure was ensy, but at that moment he caught sight through the open windows of the ie caught of the beautiful head of the pig rags In a moment all his prudence seemed to flee to the winds, and he said to Sirotkin. burriedly: “Go get the’ horses and wait for me. I must go in | yonder.” As he crossed the court he muttered: “To save the woman I love, if I can,” CHAPTER XXII, THE BANQUET HALL, Wuewn Hammond crossed the court he noticed that all the servants stared at him as if he had been a ghost; but he paid no attention to them, and entered the banquet hall by a side door, : The room was large and lofty, and crowded with people, at two tables. At the upper one were Princess Natalie and her guests, to the number of eleven, including the dark Bgroness Beulkin, who sat next to her hostess; an empty chair stood at the princess's left hand, At the lower table were seated nearly two hundred men and women,apparently peasants,and Hammond realized that some festival was being celebrated. nee 4 sh he Go au. was on s feet, speaking, holding upag of champagne ; and Hammond caught his last words: ‘*Pledge me then a health to our lovely princess, mother and sister to all her people. Long may she live, with many more birthdays, and may we ail see the day when Russia shall live peacefully under the love of Sofia Ivanowna.”’ Ip an instant all were on their feet shouting: “A health, a health, a health! To Natalie the. Good, and Sofia Ivanowna!"” < Hammond, unnoticed in the crowd, made his way

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to the side or tne princess, during the shouting, and 7‘ in her ear: | ; “Do not let me disturb your festivities; but I have | come to take my teave.”’ She started when his voice came to her ear and | Jooked up at him. very pale, Then she forced a smile, | saying. f ‘nt Ican not permit it on my birthday. See, I have kept a place for you.” She pointed to the empty chair, but he shook his | pu nas head with the remark: “J thank you, but we should be thirteen then and | you know the superstition. One of us might die this year and I no deaths on my account.” He had been looking at her as he spoke, but as he turned his head away, became aware that all eyes were on him, and Goryautchihoff called out goyly: “ It is the weary hunter returned to take seat and defy superstition. Gentlemen, Count Ammon- off. not having found what he sought, has come | back to find what he did not seek.” His tone had a hidden sarcasm in it that Hammond well understood; so he answered: The gracious princess and all of you will pardon me, lam sure; but I have just received orders to return to 8t. Petersburg, and I have come to take my leave.” @ news seemed to produce surprise and not a little confusion at the table, for ipeaess began to whisper to each other, all looking decidedly uneasy save Natalie. Presently Goryautchikoff, who had been eying bim ina singular meaning way, asked: “Did you have success in your hunt?"’ “T found what I went for,”’ returned Hammond, colmly. “Thad my eyes opened to a good deal.” He wanted to learn how much the Nihilists knew of his movements, and Goryautchikoff fell into the trap, ening: i de 4 where did you go?” * ‘ort Alexis, to join a grand hawking-match. . as Have you ever seen an eagle used to kill wolves, ‘ Goryautchikoff?” ; “No,” returned the Russian with affected indiffer- a ence, “I take no interest in such oy beyond the al bustle and motion. Isupposed you had not gone . further than the nearest aoul. But come, it is dry work talking. I have a toast to propose, Fill your glasses all.’ ty. Hammond saw, from the look of his eye, that eS something was wrong, and he wanted to see how far u the Russian would go in the midst of his friends, AJl filled their glasses and Goryautchikoff rose to Bay: “The health of the gentleman who put his head in the lion’s mouth, He has plenty of courage, hut little discretion. I drink to you, Count Ammonoff.” Ammonoff looked round the room as Goryautchi- koff spoke, and saw that all eyes were fixed on him- self, as if anticipating an explosion, He glanced at the princess and she was deadly pale, as if frightened. As soon as the toast had been drank the Yankee Cossack filled his glass and said: ‘I, too, have atoast to propose. I drink to the man who is not afraid to tame the lion. He knows, » hen he puts his head in its mouth, that the beast «are not bite. I drink to his majesty, Alexander ~lexandrovitch, Czar of all the Russias,” He gave the toast on purpose to make every one present declare himself, and, as he looked round the table, saw that the device had succeeded. bre’ seanpas at the lower tables looked up and sneered pout at -Ammonoff. He looked round the table, ass in hand, and then turned to the princess, * Will you not drink a health to his majesty, prin- oss?” he asked, amid a dead silence. “lam going to St. Petersburg at once, and I wish to report that the mis ress of Toulmiuka is loyal to the czar, for whom her husband fell on the field.” The hush became intense now, as every one ~watched the princess, who was ghastly pale. She slowly lifted her glass and touched it to her lips, when Hammond smiled, “It is well,” he said, bowing, “‘I wish to be able / | 10 report to his majesty what I have seen. Count one sat back in his chair, and the very “ * ee

* Keep still, animal,” retortea Firotkin. “if we are killed we shall all go to heaven !ogether."* On rushed the train at lightning speed, and they saw the station-master in the road waving the tan- tern, but the train neverstopped. On the contrary, till the animals fairly flew, for peared be So ae Ce eet es ‘, Pet ae Mes MR TIE CE a eS a Hy e=) pay. 3 +7 + 5 ett < Ce he ae Se

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22 Sirotkin xept ' ¥ going as fast as ever; and the station-master only time to jump out of Peon when the cars rushed by him ar forty miles an hour. Hammond, very nervous for the result, looked out eagerly. but saw a clear track ahead of them, and no obstacle visible, A moment later they rushed past the station in triumph, and were away on the wings of the wind over the flat steppe, when Sirotkin drew a long breath and said: “ We are well out of that, most high-born.” ‘“‘ But what was the plot, Sirotkin?” ° “ He was to stop the train and hold it till we ar- rived, most high-born. Nastasia told me, If we stopped, all would have been discovered; for there are plenty of Nihilists on this train. They won't dare come out now, while we are going so fast, and f your nobility chooses, we'll show them a trick which will rise them.” “ And what is that?”’ "Can your nobility keep this animal at his work while I play it?” ‘I think so, Sirotkin,” “Let me warn you of one thing, most high-born. As long as we have this train behind us, they won't dare stop us.”” “ Why not?” Sirotkin drew his master out of ear-shot, of the engineer, to hop ai : ‘They won't blow up their own peopie. We have two more stations to pass before we get out of the Nibilist district. After that, we are safe from them at Riajsk. From there, your nobility can talk to zeneral Milutine.” * Well,-what is your trick?” said Hammond a lit- ‘le doubtfully. * Simply to come on each station of them before they are ready.”’ * And how shall we do that?” “Drop the cars first. We shall go so much the faster. Next, put out the head-light and then clap on all the steam we can and race for it, most high- ru. “Put out the head-light? But suppose we run on something.” ** We may as well die one way as another, most high-born. They won’t let us get out of their clutches if they can help it. It is our only chance. If we stop there are at least thirty men in this train ready to kill us if the er, calls for help.” “Do as you will, Sirotkin.”’ Sirotkin seemed atly pleased, and said: “ Tell the ani we are going to stop. Tell him to let off steam, but not to whistle down brakes.” The eng’neer did as he was bid and the train ran on, the cars pressing close on the tender, when Sirotkin stooped and withdrew the coupling-pin. Then he came to his master and said: “Now, most high-born, put on all steam again; and let us see what will happen.” On rushed the engine, and very scon began to leave the cars behind, the wheels revolving with fvarful rapidity and the locomotive fairly flying. Sirotkin spoke to the engineer. **Go down, animal, and put out the light in front.” The engineer, all aghast, looked out in front and shuddered, crying: “It is impossible. I shall be killed,” “ You say true,” replie 1 Sirotkin coolly. ‘You'll be killed anyhow if you don’t. Go forward, or—”’ The clitk of his — decided the engineer, He crept forward and put out the light, just as the lamps of another station showed ahead of the train, On they rushed till the telegraph pole= by the track seemed to blend together like the posts of a fence, and t the next station they swept, notic- ing a crowd of people on the 2 ee *That’s Samoffka,” quoth tkin, with a sigh of Bead ‘*Oh, most high-born, if those people had mn Cossacks they would have stopped us, easily.’’ They swept on, faster than ever, till another station appeared ahead, and they saw something in the track which looked like a crowd of people. “If they are pulling up the track,” said Sirotkin coolly, * this is our last minute together, most high- born. I don’t think they have begun soon enough; but this is certain: in three minutes we shall either be safe or in heaven.” Within that time they were close on the crowd saw red lanterns waving wildly and a great pile ot loose wood on the track. Sirotkin spoke to the engineer: ** More steam, son of an animal!” A throb of the engine, as they dashed on; a sud- den shock. slight but perceptible, and the pile of wood was sent flying high in the air by the rush of the locomotive, and on they flew, faster than ever. Sirotkin uttered a yell and threw his arms round his master shouting: ‘Pardon me, most high-born, but I couldn’t help it. We two Cossacks have beaten them all, thanks toa woman! That is the last Nihilist station,” “ Are you sure of it, Sirotkin?’’ ® * Certain, most high-born. The next is Riajsk.” * Then it is time we made use of our knowledge to help others. Now comes my turn.” He spoke to the engineer: “ You are a Nibilist and in our power. Do you know it?” The man began to tremble. “No one can accuse me—”’ Hammond cut him short. ‘*No one does. I give you a ch..nce for your life, If we go on to Riajsk, you will be whipped till you hay sang If you do asI want you to do, you shail ree. The engineer trembled. **What do you want?” “T want ws to take this engine back to the last station and tell the people that you shot us two, That’s all.” * But I’ve no pistol, most high-born,.” Hammond fired one of his own pistois.in the air, ond handed him the empty w nm saying: “That willdo. Now stop and reverse the engine, Hemember thatif you let out the fact that we are alive, 1 know you, and you shall be ed to death.” ‘he engi eer seemed to be greatly relieved for he sai‘... he reversed the engine: “ Your nobility can depend uponme, That is not ae SS cantotien and stopped as-the t ae slacked u as-the two Cossacks jumped off. af bi A Yankee Cossack. A moment later it was dashing back to Samoffka, and Hammond said to his follower, whs had been silent: ‘ You don’t understand why I did that?” Sirotkin saluted, “It is none of my business, most high-born. Your nobility commands, I obey.” “Very good, Sirotkin. I have changed my mind as togoing toSt. Petersburg. I want to find out how many Nihilists there are in Russia, and to do that I must be dead. Have you a brother?” “No, most high-born,” “Then from henceforth I am your brother, aud you and I will travel together.” CHAPTER XXVI. THE PRISONER OF GATSCHINA, A WHOLE year later the young autocrat of all the Russias was pacing moodily up and down the gar- dens at Gatschina. He was dressed ina loose fatigue frock, and wore revolvers under his coat, while at every turn of the path, all the way from the palace to the outskirts of the park, an armed sentry was in sight, The handsome face of the young czar looked gloomy and troubled. He had been a virtual pris- oner at Gatschina ever since his father’s death, to the surprise and mockery of all Europe and America. The papers caricatured him as trembling with fear at every step, and asked sarcastic questions as to when he was going to be placed on the throne and crowned in Moscow. And ali this time the young czar, penereliy a brave and energetic man,a great wrestler and boxer, a daring huntsman, and one who had never known what fear was till the day of the explosion, re- mained at Gatschina, apparently nay zed with terror. His minister visited him daily; the vicinit of the palace swarmed with police and spies; it seemed as if no enemy could get near Gatschina, yet the czar remained in his garden, and never stirred, even there, out of sight of the sentries. That morning he was walking up and down, more gloomy than usual, His minister of police had just left him, with the news that toasts to Sofia Ivanowna were being drank in nearly half the bodies that compose the Imperial Guard, and that the officers professed themselves unable to find the culprits. , Anonymous letters were being constantly sent through the mailto the minister, and one letter on being opened witha pair of hee! his secretary, according to the cautious plan adopted, had ex- ploded and wounded the secretary. Anonymous notes had been found by the sentries in the prises thrown over the wall in the night without visible hunds, and the czar began to suspect the sentries also, So far no letter had been brought to his own per- sonal notice, but the depressing effect of the con- stant annoyance began to be manifest on his stal- wart frame. It is one thing to face one’s enemies boldly, and another not to know who, where or what they are; to suspect every one in the world, to be a monarch hated by the people, to imagine a revolution con- stantly impending. The czar felt like Louis the Sixteenth, in 1790, as if all the world were against him, and he had not a friend in his kingdom, As for his ministers, he had no confidence in them. They drew their salaries, and that was all they did. They could not give bim particulars of his foes, had not discovered a single name, and yet kept promising discoveries allthe time. is minister of war, General Milutine, was particu- larly pepo tehese for be was always bringing in news of treasonable outcries from regiments in the army, and always unable to locate a single ring- leader as the origin of the disturbance, As the czar thought of a}] these things, he stam ed furiously on the grass, and said to himself, aloud: “This suspense will kill me! Better to-go out and t killed like my father, than to die a hundred eaths by anticipation! To-morrow I will go to Bt. Petersburg.” f:e bad said the same thing a hundred times be- fore, and had always been overpersuaded by bis ministers, who begged for nothing so much as time. With time the promsines to unfold everything, and arrest all the Nihilists in Russia. The czar began to believe that they would have.to ony ulate the country. It seemed to him as if the Nihilists were every where. Buried in these gloomy thoughts, he was roused to a nervous start by a footstep, and looked up, feeling instinctively for a revolver, for the new-comer wasa stranger. A tall, handsome, bearded young man, dressed in the full uniform of acolonelof the Red Cossacks, with the aide-de-camp’s aiguillettes talling from his right shoulder. he czar looked at him fixedly as he advanced, ana said, harshly: ** Whoare you, sir, and how did you come in here?” * By your majesty’s orders,’ was the cool reply, with a salute. **By my orders?” echoed the czar, *Why, I do not know you.” “That is because I have followed the old Russian fashion of beards since your majesty sww me last,” said the young officer, with a smile. ‘* Possibly your majesty recognizes your own order.” e pulled out a paper and handed it to the czar, who read: “The bearer, Colonel Count Ammonoff, ismy per- sonal aide. He will be admitted to me at ali times. ** ALEXANDER.” Then he stared at Ammonoff as if surprised, ob- serving slowly: “Sir, 1 thought you were dead.” “T intended your majesty should do 'so,” said the Yankee Cossack, quietly. ‘‘ Without my apparent death, nothing could have been accomplished toward the end your majesty tol) me to puysve.” —¢ Theczar passed his hand across his brow, as if trying to recall something. * Pardon me,” he said, “if my memory be at fault, Iremember you in mentier days, when | was a sol- dier, not airaid to face the enemy, knowing who h. was. What did L tell you to do? I have forgotten.” “You. majesty told me to hunt out the men who slew your father, and give into your hands the s&e- crets of Nihilisin.”” ; The czar sighed. “Yes, yes; I've told that to all my ministers, and they give me nothing but promises as yet. Do you think yon have succeeded where they have failed? You are a—”’ “An American, sire.” The ezar brightened up. “True, true—I remember all now. I did have great faith in you till l heard you were killed. Who spread the report?” ‘*Myself, sire. It was a year ago when I surprised the supreme circle of the Nihilists and overheard their secrets. I was pursued to your majesty’s do- minions; but they did not know all. They tried to kill me to hide what they thought I knew Iwas. very nearly visiting your majesty a year since with an inconrplete report, when the idea struck me that by ‘giving out my own death I might perfect the re- port. Idid so, and exchanged identity with another man—a Cossack called Sirotkin. became his brother, and pretended to become a full convert to Nihilism. I joined a cirele, and wasadvanced from place to place till I was admitted to their factory of explosives. It lies in the Ural mountains, near the od Orenburg. e czar began to look excited now, “* And the leaders?” he asked. “1 knew them from the first, sire; but here is a complete list of the supreme and six governing cir- cles, Your majesty will see why it is that your ministers have not been able to root out Nihilist. Its adherents are few, but among them are the loftiest names in Russia.’ He handed the czar a paper, which the young au- tocrat eagerly scanned, and then threw down with a groan, exclaiming: “Show me no more! in the plot!” He had seen, at the head cf the list, the name of his own uncle, the grand duke, who would be heir to the throne in’ the event of the destruction of his brotber’s family, Ammonoff picked up the paper and said: “And now, sire, the question comes, wh not your majesty be crowned next month?” The czar started. “*What do you mean? Crowned? I? By heavens, sir, I would that I were a simple Russian gentleman with no crown. It is horrible, that list. ve you evidence to convict them?’ Ammonoff bowed. “T can satisfy your majesty entirely on that int; but it was not for punishment that 1 prepared hat list, sire.”’ “What was it for, then?’ asked the czar, with some surprise and coldness. “To save your majesty from further shame and humiliation; to give Russia a crowned czar who shall be the father of his people; for I think this lict paves the way for a complete reformation in Russia,’* The czar looked puzzled and Ammonoff went on: “T am an American, as your majesty is aware, and republican in principle. I have ad: the honor of saying so while you were stil) only czarevitch." The czar smiled. “T remember now. You were very plain in r talk that night on the Balkans. But 1 don’t believe in republicanism. I told you then you did not un- derstand our people. The Russians need a firm hand on them to keep them from killing each other.” Ammonoff smiled k at the czar. “May I speak plainly to you, sire?” “auet you may.” _“‘Then | would say that for a year past fhe Rus- sians have had 7@hand on the reins, yet they have not killed each other.” The czar frowned. “Am I to infer then that you think this is a healthy state of affairs?” “ pry the contrary, sire. It isa most ruinous state of affairs and decidedly unhealthy,” The ezar looked pleased, but melancholy, as he answered: “ That's all very well, but what is to be done in the case>”’ “Your majesty has the remedy in your own My own flesh and blood are should “ How, sir?” “By giving back to Russia the firm hand on the rein she needs.” a czar looked more gloomy than before as be said: “T begin to think, after all, that you were rieht end I wrong, We seem to have changed places in the argument,” “By no means, sire, Iam still republican in sen- timent, and your majesty is a born autocret. It re- mains for you to show to Russia that the days of benevolent despotism have not passed forever." The czar shook his head. ‘fear you are only a dreamer, sir, You do not know the Russians. ey are ignorant and easily Jed away, and these Nihilists have Rot them ail mad. Two-thirds of my people, for all I know, mey thirst for my blood. It is the effect of freeing the serfs possibly. My father was foolish to doit. He ony fenated the nobility and did not gain the tov> of the peasantry as he boped.” Hammond remained silent while the czar talked and then answered: “IT think your majesty underrates the love of the people for your np oe and for your father. I have studied the people for a year, aud have found this: as a rule the Nihilists belong to the noble classes, and the peasants keep aloof from them. There are not twenty thousand of them in all Pussia, but they belong to the movers class, can all read and write and they understand the advantage of mystery." The czar listened eagerly. “ What is this you ? Twenty thousand in all? Why, Milutine has estimated that half the army is tainted with the heresy." ‘General Milutine exaggerates what he sees and hears. Your ae aon can easily test the number of Nihilists in the guard." : “ How, sir?” “Order a review, Announte that you are going there, Let it be in §t. Petersburg. At the some time, let Milutine order out every man on this list. in- cluding your uncle, the grand duke. Make them ail ride by you, a8 your personal staff, and give the duty of escort to the Seas . If a man of the staff drops out we shall know there is a mine ahean of us, and it will be uhe signa! for the rust to seat, at > : {> ara . : 7 : : ‘ (hao Gee \ : ‘ ; ah day ghd Peek ay a eee ENE rae Wt Dav Misi ese alo SS we ae 7 So : ve “ ¥ ee Mae 9 Raat ee ee > a OA ae eee lhe => A VAS Se a ee Seon or PE I a ee Vy Re ee ee Ene Sere Side Ue ede “signee. 44 oe cles oe Coe

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. this lady.” Ds ie aa + ay” BY n 5 4 B ; ia f Pil eer a oe [st pn iv ) . 7 oo oe) } > ea it - a; Sh: aoe at - 43 f , a: ‘5 4 re. q ae i T x “ + 4 - , f a y , “: sce ‘a ae , Cae + < a4 - = = it ie r y +4 ne aud * +a 4 ae , agus aie is Fare followers of - assassination, the Goryautehikoff, making ax "9 re ~ 7, the

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24 effort to brave it out. ‘I defy any man to prove any such thing on me.”’ The czar looked at Ammonoff. ““You hear him?’’ he said, ‘ Your advice has been good so far. What shoild I do now?" Ammonoff shrugged his shoulders, “T have already told your majesty that in failure and ridicule lies the death of Nihilism, Shall I give the order to General Mihitine, sire? I hardly think Count Goryautchikoff has ne to attempt to kill your majesty, single-handed. It is one thing to meet out in the steppe oy Fort Alexis and pass reso- tutions of murder; another to execute them, face to face. This, sire, is the Grand Proselyte of the Nihil- ists. He wished to pass a resolution of death against me, because he had not the courage to call me out like a man of honor.” The ezar rose and came striding down on Gory- autchikoff, who shrunk before him, and /lexander burst into a langh. “Is this gentleman a real Nibilist?’’ he said. “Why, I thought they were desperate fellows. Go on, Ammonoff. This gentleman would not burt a fly.” He took his seat and pointed imperiously to another. “Sit down, Count Nihilist, and answer my ques- tions. How do you open one of your circles, as you call them?” Goryautchikoff wiped the sweat from his fore- head, and whisperad: “Ask Ammonoff, I am nota Nihilist.” "You mistake me,’ said the czar smiling in a sarcastic way. ‘I, too, wish to be a Nibilist. Iam going to send for your chief ag ty hereafter, and n I we will have you hold circles in the palace for the entertainment of my family. want my servants to see what fools men can be. If you consent to tell all the secrets, you shall retain your place on my household staff, as long as you wish. That's whatI mean. You can buy your own safety by selling the rest,” Goryautchikoff looked up haggardly at the Yankee Cossack to ask: “And if I reveal all. what assurance have IT of safety from the brotherhood? They kill any traitor to the cause,” The ezar sh his shoulders. “That must your own affair. You are safe! anough in the palace, and J shall take pleasure in hav-' inz you near me all the time to identify Nibilists.” Goryautchikoff made an eager motion, ““T can tell you all the names, sire, and tell every secret of the order.” The czar’s lip curled, and he turned to his other aide to say: “Count Ammonoff, you were right. This is not the stuff of which the bomb-throwers are made. Go and tell Milutine to issue the order at once. Sum- mon them all,”’ Ammionoff left the room, and the czar began to question Goryautchikoff and wrote down his answers. When the Yankee Cossack came back, he found Goryautchikoff apparently as busy as a bee in giving information. The ezar beckoned to him. “You've been at their councils. Tell me if this man gives me the truth or not.” Hammond examined the pers and found every- thing correct, Goryautchikoff had turned traitor conscientiously, CHAPTER XXIX. YANKEE PLUCK. Str. Perersprre was all agog fora week with the news that the czar and czarina had come back to the Winter Palace; that the czar had ridden from hina unescorted; that he had issued an ukase, announcing his formal coronation at Moseow in a month, and that all the crowned heads and embas- sadors had been invited to the spectacle, which was to be the finest thing of the kind that bad ever been seen. In the midst of the excitement, unusual bustle was observed among the secret police, who made journeys from place to place, while it was noticed that a great many prominent persons were con- stantly followed by men who were supposed to be servants, but had certain mysterious signals by which they recognized each other, while they never jet their masters go out of their sight. Goryautchikoff, Verevkin aud Baron Boulkin were cons‘antly in and about the palace, each with an attendant, and it was at first only whispered, but latterly openly asserted, that they and’ seventy more were under police surveillance as the leaders of Nihilism, But the strangest part of the matter was that these very peovle remained at the palace constantly, took part in the festivities that prevailed, and were treated with marked favor by the ezar. ‘Sofia Ivanowna,” instead of being a forbidden name, was on every one’s lips. General Count Ammonoff, first aide-de-camp to the czar, was active in the city and constantly mak- ing journeys to Moscow by rail. n truth the Yankee Cossack was by no means so free from anxiety as he looked, and by no means certain that the coronation would be carried through without accident, The leaders of Nihilisra had been taken into cus- tody and exposed, the police spies were on them day and night; but Ammonoff knew that with the leaders away the lower circles of more ignorant men would be more active than ever, The coronation was to be the test whether Alex- ander IIL or Sofia [vanowna should rule Russia, and as the days rolled by and the preparations pro- ceeded the Yankee Cossack became more and more aixious., Three weeks after the czar’s return to the city of St. Petersburg, Ammonoff went in one day to see the chief of police, who told him-with a smile: “Ah, by the way, connt, these gentlemen under surveillance are beginning to try and make their peace with justice.” “How?” asked Ammonoff. ‘By confessing their accomplices, who seem to be mostly women that one would never suspect of such things. “Have any of them been arrested?” asked the Yankee Cossack, as indifferently as he could. “No, that isthe strange part of it. Goryautchikoff and Verevkin have furnished the names to his wmiajesty, and I expected an order to put them under ‘ J, Z iw , , re arrest at once, or at least under svrveillance; but : A Yankee Cossack. — the czar peremptorily forbid it till he had seen you." “Then I suppose that means that you wish me to report at once?” ‘It would relieve me of great em barrassment, my dear count, if you would.’ Hammond rose and went away, feeling thet some- thing had to be done, if he ho Koulikoff, and that quickly. The infamous readiness of Goryautchikoff and | Verevkin to betray their associates in the hope of saving their own lives and fortunes was threatening all his hopes. He had secured the order from the czar to be used | only as a lastresort to save Natalie’s life, and had not intended to use it. He realized the reason of Goryautchikoff's action at 1. ast to be largely jealousy. The Nihilist hoped to marry the wealthy widow of to save the Princess Prince Koulikoff, and had noted the marked favor she extended to Hammond on account of his con- geniality. “He wanted to get me out of the way,” thought the Yankee Cossack, ‘ and, failing that, hopes to get her out of my way now. Well, it remains to be seen whether a Russian can beat a Yankee. I must get hold of Sirotkin again,” Sirotkin, his faithful Cossack, had not come to 8t. Petersburg with him, and the count sat down at once and telegraphed to Toulminka: “To Srrotkin Perrovrron, station-master;— “Is the princess at home? AMMONOFF.”’ The answer came back in half an hour: ‘Princess home. Nastasia with her. ‘“ SIROTKIN, “* Station-master.”’ Armed with this dispateh, Ammonoff sought the ezar, and found him in his cabinet, looking excited aod angry. **So,”’ he said, as soon as the American entered the room, ‘“I find what is your reason for wishing an ukase to compel one of my subjects to marry you. You would marry the richest widow in my dominions, and save the organizer of all this trouble from just punishment, You are a shrewd man, monsieur—too shrewd. I am not to be tricked that Wway.”’ “TI have not hoped to trick your majesty,” was the quiet response, “I told your majesty thatI wished to save one life, and your majesty gave it to me. If your majesty wishes to take it back, remem- ber that the word of the czar can be broken, but that it will be a confession that your majesty fears & woman.” 4 “That may be,” returned Alexander crossly, ** but Icannot shut my eyes to the facts now before me. Goryautchikoff and Verevkin have confessed to me that Sofia lvanowna is none other than the Princess Natalie Koulikoff, and I haye signed an order to arrest and send her to Siberia.” Hammond's face flushed. “Then I request your majesty to accept my resig- nation at once. I am of no further service, and I wish to leave the country.” The czar looked disturbed. ‘IT don’t see any necessity for that, count This woman is dangerous. She is the organizer of mur- der. To marry her is an act of madness for you, and still more a madness for me to abet it. I can- not accept your resignation. I need you.” “Theu,” said Hammond fiercely, “if your majesty needs me, I must have my way. lam nota Russi:n, neither am I afraid of your ay ieee ‘sanger. If the Princess ‘Koul-koff to Sibs I leave your majesty’s service, by resignation if you prefer it, b death, imprisonment or desertion in the other event. I decline to serve your majesty another instant!” He looked the czar straight in the eye and the young autocrat saw that he was in earnest, for he said pettisbly: “You Americans, with all fd republicanism can be more tyrannical than the Russians. What mustI do? I cannot recall the order.” “Give me an order to take the princess from custody and bring her to see your majesty.”’ said Hammond coolly. *‘ ’llanswer forthe rest. Who has been charged with her capture?” 3 : The ezar colored slightly. “ Goryautchikoff. I did it to test him.” Hammond smiled bitterly. ; “Your majesty did a wise thing. If they escape together outside of Russian limits, the Nikilists will be stronger than ever. Give me the order and I answer for consequences. Refuse it, and your maj- esty's ministers can manage the coronation alone.” Without a word the ezar wrote the order and handed it to him. “ Take it, tyrant,” he said pettishly.. “I hold you responsible for all that happens.”’ CHAPTER XXX. THE CAPTURE OF A QUEEN, ~ An hour later Hammond was in the train speed- ing to Toulminka. Before starting he telegraphed to Sirotkin: “Two men are coming to arrest princess, Keep the train to take them away till I come. ‘* AMMONOFF.”’ | In the train with him were a dozen men of the | Guard Cossacks and he felt that with them at his back he could take away Natalie from any one, Goryautchikoff who had the order of arrest, he heard, had taken with him nearly twenty men of the secret. police, anticipating resistance on the part of the princess's tenants. The passage to Toulminka was made with great rapidity but it seemed to him as if the train crawled, so impatient was he. Goryautchikoff’s train wes two hours ahead, and his own locomotive only managed to gain a single bour upon if hy the time they got to Toulminka, When they arrived the first thing he saw was the other train leaving the station just ahead of bim, | while Sirotkin (who had been made station-master a | | year since at the request of Nastasia, whom he had | married according to his promise), was running up and down the platform waving a red flag wildly. As soon as the train stopped, Hammond leaped out and hurried to his old follower. “ Have they taken her to Orenburg?”’ Sirotkin shook bis head. “No, most high-born, it is a trick, a vile trick. EM oaks ity om t by bak ” s% as t Se ee , yi Romine 2h nord Mee Aes ice ee They have sent 6ff my wife, Nastasia, to personate her mistress, and the rest have fled to the steppe.” For a moment Hammond was stunned by the news and then he recovered himself saying to Sirotkin: “They have gone to Alexis to alarm Anderson and flee to Persia or China. We must get to Orenbu and rescue Nastasia. They beat us last year an we'll beat them this year at thelr own trick. Jump on.” Sirotkin, n thing loth, jumped on and.away went the train in pursuit of the one ahead while the Cos- sack told his master what had happened in his ab- sence. Sirotkin had come to Toulminka a year before, immediately after his master's death—as given out by him—with a letter to Princess Natalie. In this letter Ammonoff, stating that it was written in ex- pectation of death, told her of Sirotkin’s love for the maid, Nastasia, and implored her to take care of him and see that his love did not end as unhappily as Ammonoff’s. This letter, according to Sirotkin, produced a great effect on the princess when he delivered it and she at once obeyed its provisio s, ers Sirotkin head of her stables and marrying bim to Nastasia, On the death of Mitri Dimitrovitch, the station- master at Toulminka, which happened six months after Sirotkin came to Natalie, the Cossack, at his own request had been put in his place and had lived at the station ever since, “And this morning, after your message, most high-born,” said Sirotkin, * the train came with the men, as your ange | said, and they drove off to the castle in telegas. When they came back 1! had in- vented a story that there was an accident ahead and tried to stop them, but they refused and.got into the train. Ast oy, did so I saw their prisoner dressed in the clothes of the princess and as I came close to her she made me a private signal. Then I discovered it was my wife Nastasia and I saw the trick. I got close to her and insisted on speaking to her and they did not dare to refuse me, for I swore I would ee to Orenburg to hold them if [ was not allowed to speak to her. Thenshe told me all. She is as hot a Nihilist as ever and is going to Orenbu on purposé to fool the P gy Goryautchikoff an Verevkin have gone off with the princess and the police believe Nastasia to be her mistress, They will only be let into the secret at Orenburg.” Hammond listened in silence and then said grimly to his follower: ‘It is a pretty trick, but I know one still better. We'll t to Alexisfrom Orenburg and be there be- fore them. Now, at last, I have these traitors where I want them, , The coronation of the czar is now a matter of his- ory. It passed off quietly, distinguished only by its sur- passing splendor as a pageant. Rumors of Nihilist Senki were rife all over Europe, but at Moscow the ussian peasants shouted and drank to the czar and not a Nihilist was seen or heard of. In the procession that preceded and followed the ezar to the at cathedral could be seen, however. one body of gentlemen, but for whose peaceful presence the story might have been a different one. They were the Nihilist leaders, known only to the ezar and the police, and they were kept close to the imperial person all the day long, till the ceremony was performed, which ga ve defiance to the oft-re- peated threats of the bulletins of ‘Sofia Ivanowna”’ that Alexander would never dare take his seat. He not only took it, but took it in presence of the men he knew to bave been his bitter and relentless foes, and whom he thus compelled to view their own defeat, powerless to avert it. At the head of tee proces on a white charger rode the czar’s chief aide-de-camp, General Count Ammonoff, and ple wondered very much to see by his side what ad never been seen ih such a procession before, a lady on horseback, dressed in a sort of military rid- ing habit trimmed exactly like the officer's uniform, while behind them rode two aides whose pale faces and haggard looks showed that they at feast were not willing parmeapeste in the spectacle, ‘** Who's the lady? and who are those officers?” asked the wife of one embassador to another, after the ceremony was oyer. ‘ How strange she must have felt on horseback, with all those men staring at er frien ppen a court and told the whole story: i ‘ “Don’t you know? That's the Countess Ammonoff, and she was obliged by the czar to ride as she did as 5 erga for having mixed up in Nihilist plots.” “But w y?? : ‘** Well, it seems that her husband married her to save her life when she was running away from Rus- sia wih two aides of the czar who had turned Ni- hilists, and this Count Ammonoff followed them across the steppe and captured them after they had got over the borderinto Persia. It is said that he shot both of the men with ber and brought them in wounded, single-handed. And then it became a question of sending her to Siberia or making a good woman of her by marrying her to the faithful aide. Anyway, she took the benefit of the czar's offer and became a countess from a princess,” | **And who was she before?" The gossip lowered her voice. ‘**Don’t mention it, my dear, but they say she was the queen of all the Nihilists, No one knows who she was since the death of the Princess Koulikoff.” * What? Is she dead?” The gossip shrugged her shoulders. “Her nephew, young Paul Stepanitch, has inher- a ae she must be dead. But they say—" . a ’ nis anae spe new Countess Ammonoff was once—” 77 oF’ “THe Queen oF THE Nrariists!” THE END. READLE’S DIME LIBRARY. 254 Giant Jake. By Newton M: Curtis .. 10e 255 Tae Pinate Priest. By Col. P. Ingraham. 10c . 256 Dovsie Dan, THe Dastarp. Buckskin Sam. 10c 4 new issue every week, Veadle’s Dime Library is for sale vy al Newsdealers, ten cents per copy. or sent by mail op receipt of twelve cents each, BEADLE. & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William street, New York. ome

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rer BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 928 Old Sobersides, the Detective of St. Louis, 925 White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective. 918 The Double Edged Detective. 90? Maverick Mark. the-Man from Nowhere, 898 Kilky Steele, the Stay-in Sport. 684 T .e Spotter-Sport s Neck-Tie Party, 870 High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. $62 Riata Rob. the Range Champion. $55 The C -whoy Chief's Sure-Shot. 848 The Rival Red-Hat Sports. 837 Curly Kid, the Cheyenne Sport, 8% The Sef: Hand Deti ctive. 815 The Soft Hund’s Clutch. 809 Dan Duan the Soft-Hand Sport, /796 Tne Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle. «89 Sam Cary, the River Sp: rt. ‘89 The Dead Sport’s Double. 9 ‘71 Prince John, Detective Special, 763 Dandy Don, the Denver Detective. %54the Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield. telkes Sam, the Sil 144 Sweepstakes Sam, the Silver Sport, 720 The Secret Six; or, O.d Haleyon. 712 The Man of Siik. 705 Bantam Bob, the Beauty from Butte. 698 Kent Kasson, the Preacher Sport. 683 Bob Breeze, the Kounder Detective. 675 Steel Surry, the Sport fr..m Sunris¢ 668 Solema Saul's Luck Str. ak 661 The Get-There Sharp, 651 Sil¥eetip St- ve, the sky Scraper from Siskiyou. 645 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective. 6836 Dandy Darling, Detective. 627 Mossback Mose, the Mountaineer. 617 The Grip Sack Sharp’s Even up. 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte, 688 Sandy sans, the Sharp from Anap Cy. 57% Silver-Toogued Sid: or, Grip Sack Sharp's Sweep, 664 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom. 655 Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. 647 Khe Buried Detective; or, Sa: I’s Six Sensations. 41 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve 4835 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift 27 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective. 614 Gabe Gun», the Grizzly from Ginseng. 604 Solemn Saul. the Sad Man from San Saba. 495 Rattlepate Rob; or The Roundhead’s Reprisal 488 The Thor: ugnbred Sport. 474 Daddy Dead-Eye, the, Desnot of Dew Drop. 466 Od Rough anc Ready, the Sage of Sundown Duteb Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg. } 3 A Cool Hand: or. Pistol Johnny’s Picnic, cr : 48 Oklahoma Nick ah: P : (83° Laughing Leo; or, Sam's Dandy Pard. 426 The Ghost Detective; or. The Secret Service Spy. 416 Monte Jim. the Black Sheep of Bismarck. “09 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The Lmps of Pan Handle. {3% ‘The Nameless Sport. Pes: $95 Deedly Aim, the Duke of Derringers. 887 Dirk Durg. the Istimael of the Hills. / 472 Oaptain Crisp, the Man with a Record. 867 A Royal Fiusa; or, Dan Brown's hig Game. . 260 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown, t “ 355 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete, ‘By 881 Nor’ West Nick. the Border Detective. : 345 Masked Mark, the Mounted Detective. : $39 Spread Hayle Sam, the Hercules Hide unter. Br . $81 Chispa Charley. the Gold Nugget Sport, . 817 #rank Lizhtfoot, tie Miner Detective, 292 Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout. 286 Pistol Johnny; or. Ove Man in a Thousand, 283 Sicek Sam, the Devil of the Mines. | 267 Death Trap Diggives: or, A Man 'Way Back 249 Elephant Tom. of Durango. 241 Spitfire Saul, King of the Rustlers. 233 The Old oy of Tombstone. x 21 Pirate of the Plavers: or, doaquis s Death Hunt 180 Old ‘49; or. The Amazon of Arizona. 170 Sweet Wiliiam, the Trapper Detective, 165 Joaquin. the Terrible 14 Joaquin, the Sadd.e King. 141 inox Tom, the Bul'y of Red Rock. 119 Alabama. Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters. 105 Dan Brown of Denver: or. The Detective, 88 Big George; or. The Five Outlaw Brothers. 71 Captain Coot Blade; or, Mississippi Man Shark. 67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness. 50 Jack Rabbit, the Prairie Sport. BY Wi. G. PATTEN. 310 Fire-Bye. the Thug's Terror. 7% Old Night-Hawk, the Crook Shadower. 768 The Prin e of New York Crooks. 756 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective. 747 Doubile-voice Dav s Double Disguise. 715 elon a 2 Deck. 702 Doubl-Voic+ Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective 96 Double-Voice Dan, tLe Go-it 689 ES Sparkes Sharp $e ye oy ‘ 78 Hurricaue | + the Co , ‘ 669 Old True Blue, the Thoay? oe Ye" 663 The Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan, 356 Old Prug Usiy, the Rough and Ready. 648 Gold Glove Gid, the Manof Grin, - 641 tec Jack, the Desert Nomad, 631 Colonel Coal, the Santa Fe Sharp, 602 Captain Nameless the Mountain Mystery, ‘v71 O . the Dismal. the Range Detective, t 615 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport, BY GEORGE C, JENKS, rizona Dete tive. 4 =. Sam, the Shasta Sport. 880 The Silver Sport's D uble. 808 Phe Race-C mirso Detective, 856 The Haysrel Detective. 72 755. ockey Detective. , the Rustler et, the Tent Detective. _ =r > ee rrr eee —-— es —_—," ee id r ve Bat a AA 258 Bullet Head, the Colora’o Bravo. 237 Long-Haired Max; or, ‘fhe lack e. 297 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. 223 Cauyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain, 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Missic — 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. Fx 191 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent, Foe 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. : ie BY OLL COOMES, y VE } 619 Kit Bandy & Co , the Border Detectiver. __ 148 Ove-Armed Alf. the Giant Hunter, > 99 The Giant Rifleman: or, Wild Camp L’fe. 43 Dakota Dan. the Reckless Ranger, : BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERS. 236 Charapion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show 150 E] Rubio Bravo. King of the Swordsmen, > Lah BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR. S19 The Sea Sout; or, The Patriet Privateen < 4 new iasue every, Wednesday — Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by receipt of twelve centses~” . Ae =% a Wa .

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as ay > Published Every Wednesday. Each # t BEADLE'S*[ )IME*]IBRARY. Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers, —— BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 994 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand. ‘989 Buffalo Liil’s Marked Bullet. 984 Buffalo Bill’; Life Raffle. 979 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. 964 Buffa o Bi.l’s Invincibles. 960 Buffalo Bill’s Dlue Belt B 8. 956 B iffalo Bill's Volunteer V. ntes, 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay. $43 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. 936 Buffal» Bill s Black Pard, 927 Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick the Sport. 921 Buffalo Bill's Quandary: or. Velvet Bill's Vow. 15 Buffalo Bill the Surgeon-Scout, Buffalo Bill’s League; or, Red Butterfly. Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail. Buffalo Bill’ Rough Riders. Buffalo Bili’s Secret Ally. 890 Buffalo: Bill's Lite-Stake, 882 The Three Bills: Buffalo | ii] Wild Billand Band- box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth, 874 Buffalo ill’s Buckskin Braves, 869 Buffalo Bill's Road-Agent Round-up, 863 Buffalo Bill’s Dea b Charm. 857 Gaffalo Bill’s Royal Flush. 851 Buffalo Bill's | oub’e Dilemma, 845 Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ruse, 30 Buffalo bill's Boys in Blue. 826 Buffalo Bi'l’s Sharp Shooters. S22 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower. $16 Buoffaio Bil's Red Trail, 822 Buffalo Bill’s Veath-Knell. 734 Baffilo Bill's Winning Hand 787 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot. 78t Buffalo Bill's Brand. Tz Buffalo Bill's Spy Shadower, 768 Buffalo Bill's Sweepstake. 765 Biffalo Bill's Dezen: or, Silk Ribbon Sam. ‘764 Buffalo Bill's Mascot. ‘787 Baffalo Bi'i’s Double, 750 Buffalo Bill's Big Four; or, Custer's Shadow. 748 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand. 739 Buffalo Bill's blind: or, The Masked Driver, 78 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men. 731 Buffalo Bill's Beagies: or, Silk Lasso Sam, 7% Buffalo Bill's Body Guard, ‘72 Buffa/o Bill on the Wur-path. ‘76 Buffalo Till’s Scout Shadowers. 710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado. 697 Buffalo }\ill’s Buckskin Brotherhood, ‘691 ‘uffalo Bill’s | Jind Trail; or, Mustang Madge. 667 Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or, The King of the Mines. 658 The Cowb>v Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas, 658 Lasso King’s League;or, Buck Taylor in Texas. ‘649 Buifaio Bi l’s Chief of Cowboys; or, Buck Taylor 644 Buffalo Bill's l’oranza; cr. Si ver Circle Knights, 362 Buffalo Bill’s Se ia or. Cath Bound to Custer. 229 Bulfalo Bill’s Piedge: or, The League of Three. 189. ild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. 175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian. Heiress, (168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot, By Buffalo Biii. (973 The Dread Shot Four Texas Jack, the Lasso King } The Ranc: King Dead-Sbot. 820 White Keaver’s Still Hunt. ‘807 \ild Bill, the Wild West Duelist 800 Wild Bili, the Di ad-Center Shot. $39 Buffalo Bili’s Gold Kang. 599 The Dead Sh ot Nine; cr, My Pards of the Plains, 414 Red Renard, the indian Detective. 401 One-Ar-ned Pxurd; or, Borderland Retribution. 397 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver’'s Trail, 394 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. 319 Wild Bill, the VW birlwind of the West. 804 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. 243 The Pilgrim Sharp: or, The Soldier's Sweetheart, $3 Gold Bullet Svor'; or, Knights of the Overland, 58 Death-Traiier, the Chief of Scouts. By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntline, ete. 773 Buffalo B ll’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue, ‘632 Buffalo Bill’s Secr t Service ‘l'raul. @29 Buffalo Bill’s Dering Role; or, Daredeath Dick, 517 Buffalo Bi I's First Trail; or, The Express Rider. 158 Brffalo Bill, Chief «f Scouts, 117 Buffalo Bill s Strange Pard; or, Dashing Vandy. ™, Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King. BY HAROLD PAYNE, ‘638 The Man from Mexico in New York. 872 The King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr's Ten Strike. 863 She Tenderloin Big Four ‘$53 Toe Quaker City Crook. #44 Tracked to Chicago. 836 The Policy Broker's Blind. ‘29 The Frise Sharper’s Cool Hand. ‘S271 The Tramp Shadower’s Backer. ‘813 The Shan Spotter’s Shrewd Scheme, 805 The Grand St:eet Gold-Dust Sbarpers. 798 Detective Burr’s Luna ic Witness T The Wal Street. Sharrer’s Snap. 784 Thad Burr’s Death Drop, 742 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs. 734 Detective Burr's Foil; or, A \ oman's Strategy. “728 Detective Burr, the Headquarters Special, 713 Detective Burr's Spirit Chase. 706 Detective Burr’s Seven Clues, 1698 Thad }‘urr. ‘the Invincible; or, The “L" Clue, 690 The Maichiess Detective. +680 XX, the Fatal, Clew; or, Burr’s Master Case. BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY, 236 Champion Sam; jor, The Monarchsof the Show, 150 Bl Kubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. RY J W. OSBON. e rach, the epens eee: Ry rt apldeayt @ Dandy Spo: Shasta Sam, the kparkier. 4) Cool Creede, the Dead Shot. y dale gin from St. Louis, - Richard, the Thoroughbred, BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES. 929 Gentleman George, the Showman Sport. 912 Genteel Joe’s Lone Hand. 903 The Train Detective. 896 Kent Keen, the Crook-Crusher. 888 Nightshade in New York. 879 Falcon Flynn, the Flash Detective. 871 The Crook Cashier. 859 Clew-Hawk Keene's Right Bower. 847 Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detective, 840 Major Bullion Boss of the Tigers. 831 Shadowing the London Detective. 817 Plush Velvet, the Prince of Spotters, 803 The Bogus Broker's Right Bower. 788 The Night-Hawk Detective. 779 Silk Ribbon's Crush-out, 766 Detective Zach, the Broadway Spotter, 751 The Dark Lantern Det+ctive, 736 The Never-Fail D-tective. 724 Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective, 711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Rdee Detective, 701 Silver Steve, the Branded Sport, 694 Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadower. 684 Velvet Van, the Mystery Shadower, 678 The Dude Desperado 871 Jason Clew, the Silk-Manded Ferret. 664 Monk Morel, the Man-Hunter., . 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective, 612 Red Pard and Yellow 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 592 Septeis Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 579 Old Cormorant, the Bowery Shadow. 569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. 55¥ Danton, the Shadow Sharp, 550 Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret. 643 The Magnate Detective. 532 Jack Javert, the Independent Detective, 523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective 512 ya Velvet’s Big Stake. 505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter. 49% Richard Redfire, the Two Worlds’ Detective. 487 Sinshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block, 480 Hawkspear, the Man with a Secret, 458 Coldgrip in Deadwood. 460 Captain Coldgrip, the Detective 453 Captain Coldgrip’s Long Trail. 447 Voicano, the Fvisco Spy. 441 The California Sharp. 434 Lucifer Lynx, the \ onder Detective, 421 Father Ferret, the Frisco Shadow, 418 Captain Coldgrip in New York, 407 Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve; or, Injun Niek, 400 Captain Colagrip: or. The New York Spotter. 892 The Lost Bonanza: or, The Boot of Silent Hound. 382 The Bonanza Rand: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan. 874 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities, 365 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow, 852 The Desperate Dozen. 347 Denver Duke, the Man with “ Sand.” 840 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective. 835 Flash Dan, the Nabob, or, Blades of Bowie Bar. 821 California Claude, the Lone Bandit. 294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. 941 The Shadow Sport from Frisco. BY WILLIAM H, MANNING, 948 The Red-Gloved Detective, 931 Frisco Frank at Glory Gulch. 920 The Montara Miner in New York, 905 The Doomsday-Den Detective, 8% The Double-Quick . Detective. 893 Yellow Gid, of Dark Divide, 885 ‘he Expert Detective’s Shake-up. 875 Trapp'ng the Race-Track Judge. 864 The Police Special’s Dilemma, 849 The Gentee! Sbharper's Combine 841 Graydon’s Double Deal. 838 The Sport Detective’s ing 824 The Athlete Sport About Town, 808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull, 790 Plunger Pete, the Race Track Detective, 782 Roval Rock, the Round-up Detective, 774 Steve Starr, the Dock Detective. 764 The New York Sharp’s Shadower. 738 Detective Claxton, the Record Breaker. 714 Gabe Gall, the Gambolier from Great Hump, 703 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Suspect 692 Dead Shot Paul, the Deep-Range 655 Strawberry Sam, the Man with the 646 Dark John, the Grim Guard. 638 Murdock, the Dread Detective. 623 Dangerous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective. 611 Alxali Abe, the Game Chicken from Texas, 596 Rustler Rube; the Round-Up Detective, 585 Dan Dixon’s Double. 570 Steady Hand. the Napoleon of Detectives 663 Wyoming Zeke, tte Hotspur of Honcysuckie. 551 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone. 534 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective. 531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur. 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor’-West Pilot. 518 ‘Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives, 506 Uncle Honest, the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nest, 498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy. 482 Border Bullet, the Prairie Sharpshooter. 486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective. 479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack. 470 The Duke of Dakota. 463 Gold Gauntlet. the Guleh Gladiator, 455 Yank Yellowbird, the Tall Hustler of the Hills, 449 Bluff Rurke, King of the es, 442 Wild West Walt, the Mountain Veteran 437 Deap Duke: or, The Man of Two Lives, 427 The Rivals of Montana Mill 415 Hot Heart, the Detective Spr. 405 Old Baldy the Brigadier of Buck Basin, 297 Colorado Rube, th» Strong Arm of 279 The Gold Dragoon, ur, California BY NED BUNTLINE, 657 Long Tom. the Privateer. 633 The Sea S$ lorer, irthmark. 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Midshipman Rover. 684 Fire Feather, the Bnecaneer King, 617 Buffalo Bill's First Trail. 861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot S 111 The Smugg'er “aptain; or, T 18 The Sea Bav?'t; or, The Queen of the Isle, 16 The White Wiaard* »- ‘The Seminole Prophet. 4 a Skipper’s Crime, ALBERT W. AIKEN'S NOVELS. | 976 Overland Kit: or, The Idyl of White Pine. / 741 Dick | albot’s Close Call. Dick Talbot in Apache | nd. Dick Talbot. the Ranch Kiog. / Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out. 725 Dick Talbot in No Men’s Cam 82s Alken’s Fresh of Frisco Series, 8% Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. 660 The Fresh in Montaua; or, Blake's Full Hand, 652 Te Fresh’s Rustle at Painted City. 647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; «r, 7b Stranger Sharp, 556. Fresh, the Sport: or, The Big Racket at Slide Out. 587 Fresh Against the Fie'd; or, Blake, the Lion, 497 The Fresh in Texas; or The Escobedo Millions, 461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande, , 97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or. Bronze Jack Alken’s Joe Phenix Series, ’ 965 Joe Phenix's Mascot. 959 Joe Phenix's Double Deal, 954 Joe Phenix in Chicago $49 The Doctor from ‘'+xas; or, Joe Pheanix’s Clue 944 Joe Phenix’s Rig:.c Bower. 865 The Female Barber Detectiv.; or, Joe Phenix | Silver City. Joe Phenix'’s Great Blue Diamcnd Case; or, The New York Sport at Long Branch. 793 Joe Phenix’s Decoy; or, The Man of Three, 760 Joe Phenix’s Lone Hand, 749 Joe Phenix's Big Bulge, 745 Joe Phenix’s Mad Case. 708 Joe Phenix's Siren; or, The Woman 700 Joe Phenix's Unknown; or, 681 Joe Phenix's Specials; or, The 637 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp. 632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. \ 628 Joe Phenix'’s Combin ;cr,the Dandy Conspirator Hawkshaw, the Orooks | Actress Detective 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six. 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or,.the Detective’s Monitor 419 Joe Phenix,, the Kine of Detectives. 161 Joe Phenix’s Great Man Hunt, 112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League. 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. Aiken’s Miscellancous Novels, 980 The All-Around Athlete. 940 Captain Jack, the Scalper 935 The Hawks and \\ olves of New Yort 932 Detective Gordon’s Grip. A 926 Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. 923 Old Sunflower, the Hayseed Detective. 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; cr, The Siren Shadowee, ) 892 The Country man Detective. 876 Gold Button fport; or, The Miner Sharps, 842 Teton Tom. the Half-tlc od. 8385 The King-Pin Detective. 814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports, 775 King Dandy, the Silver Spor’. 753 Gideon’s Grip at Babylon ! ar, 717 Captain Pat MeGowen, the Greencoat Detective, 674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective. 670 The Lightw eight Detective. 665 Tne Frisco Detective; or, The Golaen Gate Find, 613 Keen Billy, the Sport. t 607 Old Benzine, the * Hard Case "’ Detective, 594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 586 The Silver Sharp Detective. 577 Tom, of Calif ornmia; or, Detective’s Shadow Act, 570 The Actress Detective; or, The Invisible Hand! 562 Lone Hand, the Shadov, 520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo, 490 The Lone Hand in Texas. 475 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective, 465 The Actor Detective. 440 The High Hor e of the Pacific. 425 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants. 408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death, 881 The Gypsy Gen tleman; cr. Nick Fox, Detective 876 Black beach o, The Rio Grende High Horse 870 The Dusky Detective: or. Pursued to the Ena, 863 Crowningshield, the Detective 820 The Genteel Spotter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk, 252 The Wail Street J lood; cr, The Telegraph Girl, 203 The Double Detective: or, The Midnight Mystery. 196 La Marmoset, the Letective Queen, : 101 The Man from New York. 91 The Winning Oar: or. The innkeoniy Daughter. 8 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fire. 75 Gentleman George: or, Parlor. Prison and Street, 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue Heiress. 56 The Indian Mazeppa; or, Madmen of the Plains. 49 The Wolf Demon; or, The Kanawha n 42 The California Detective; or, The Witcbes of N.Y. 81 The New York Sharn: or, The Flash of Liga 2 The Spotter Detective: or, Girls of New York. NEW ISSUES. 1000 Buffalo Bill's Grim Guard. By Col. Ingraham, 1001 The Brand-Burnersof Cimarron. By Jobn W- Osbon. 1002 Silver City Sam. By Jos E. Badger. . | 1003 Gold Dank or, Di¢k Talbot in Utah. By Albert . Aiken ‘ 1004 Buffalo Bill’s Death Deal. By Col, Ingraham. 1005 oot-Hilis Frank, By Jos. KE. Badger. | 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P. Ingrabam. JUST ISSUED. 996 T Dick. the Shasta Dead Shot, Aiken, | 997 Hotspur. Hal, the Sport from Nard Tonk. By os. B. Badger, Jr, 998 Captain Seawaif, Privateer. By Ned Buntline. 999 The Velvet Hand; or, The Jron Grip of Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. A new tesue every Wednesday. 3] THE PIME LIBRARY is for sale by all a i i SR Newsdealers. or e#ntg oe" C4) «St Gant by mall or . receipt of price. a. ett i aed ae j : 7 < ey - ; {

Page 27

en iy “op yt Pp Rm ehewstone Jack. By Josepo E, Badger, Jr. ates King, by Buffalo Bill, (Hon. W. F, Cody.) 4@ The Wlid-Horse Munters, By Captain Mayne Reld and Captain Frederick Whittaker. 6 Vagabond Joc, the Young Wandering Jew. By Ol! Coomes. Double number, 10 cents. Bil Biddon, Trapper. By Edward S. Ellin ‘The Flying Yankee. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of thy Frontier, By E. 8. Ellis. @ Adventures of Baron Munchausen. h@ Nat Todd; or, The Fuxte of the Sioux Captives. By E. S, Ellis, 41 The Two hotocsives. By Albert W. Aiken, 1% Gulliver's Travels. A Voyage to Liliput, and a Voyage to Brobdingnag. By Dean Swift, The Dumb Spy. By Ol) Coomes, Aladdin j or, Pi ¢ Wonderful Lamp. ‘The Sea-Cat, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 3 bendwood Dick, the Pring of the Road, By E.L, Wheeler. & ts Sin 19 The Phantom Spy. By Butialo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler. 21 The Frontier Angel. By Edward S. Ellis. 22 The Sea - orpene' or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By J. Lewis, 28 Nick eo’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 16, By T. C, Harbaugh, 24 Diamond Dirk. By Colonel! Proniiss Ingraham, ro oe Ke a pea By Roger Starbuck. : oven > tite Buffalo Demon. By Edward L, Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guise. By Oll Coomea. 25 Ruffalo Hen, the Prince of the Pistol, By E.L. Wheeler, 20 e, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood. By Harry St. George. 81 Keen-hnlfe, Prince of the Prairies,” By Oll Coomea. ‘B2 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L. Wheeler. 85 The Ocean Bloodhound, By S&S W. Pierce. 84 Qregon Sol. bby Cuptain J. F.C. Adama. 86 Wild lvan, the Boy Claude Duval, By E. L. Wheeler, B6 The Koy Clown, By Frank 8. Finn, 87 The Hidden Lodge, By T. C. Harbaugh, SS Ned W ylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. B89 Death-Face, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, 40 Roving Ben, By J bn J. Marshall. 41 Lasso Sek. the Y.aung Mustanger. By Oll Coomes, 42 The Phantom Miner. By Edward L, Whéeler, 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Capt, Whittaker, 44 Rattling Kube. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, th. Great Annihilator, By E. L. Wheeler. Boy Kifleas or, The Underground Cainp, By A.C.Tron, bale. By C. E. Lasalle, Bi pag Ah ©, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill. BG Nick Whittes’ Pet. By Captain J. F. C, Adams. The Red Brotherhood. by W. J. Hamilton. dack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Bill. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Mani; or, A Life fora Life. By W. J. Hamilton, 87 Putent-Leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. 68 The Border Kobin Mood. By Butfalo BIL 68 Gold Rifle the Sharpshovter. By Edward L. Wheeler. TO Old Zip’« Cabin, By Captain J. FC. Adains. Tl Delaware Dicks the Young Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomen T2 Mad ‘Tom Weatern, the Texan Ranger. By W.J, Hamilton. 7& Deadwood Dick on Deck. by Edward L. Wheeler. 74 Mawk-eye Marry. By Ol) Coomes. 1% The Boy Daellst, By Colonel! Prentiss Ing-wham. 26 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W, Aiken, 77 Corduroy Che rlie, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler. T& Blne Dick. by Captain Mayne Reid. T9 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken. SO Rosebud Rob. By allege S81 Lichtning Jo, By Captain J. F.C. Adams, kit Lit Sout the Wood Hawk. By T. C. Harbaugh, 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By ©]! Coomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner, By Edward L. Wheeler, 85 Buck Buckram. By Captain J, F.C, Adame. 86 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Brown, 87 The Land Pirates, By Captalo Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, the Boy S'euth. By E. L. Wheeler, Island Jim. By the author of ‘Inc’ Harkaway.” 92 Cunada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler. 98 The Boy Miners. By Edward 5. bilis, v4 iiduie t. ack, the Rend-Agent. By T.C. Harbaugh, 95 The val Rovers, By Lieut. Col. Hazeltinve. 96 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L, Wheeler. VT The Outlaw Brothers. Py John J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl. By Prof, Gildersleeve, The Viger of Tune. By George Waldo Browne. Deady ovd Dick in Leadville. By E. L. Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkewny in New York, racebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dend-Eve. By Colonel Prentiss Ingratram, 208 The Lion of the Sea. By Colonel Delle Sara. 404 Deadwood Dick's Device, ky Edward L. Wheeler. ae Old Rube, the Hunter. By Captain H. Holmes. 108 During Davy, the Young Bear-Killer, By H. St. George. 109 Deadwood Iitek as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. © The Black Steed of the Prairies, By J. L. Bowen. e Sca-Devil, by Colonel Pre: tins Ingraham, By Burton Saxe “Og Speculater, By K. 1. Wheeler. phe Black Schooner, y Ro ‘ he ae a incr. fy Wie h hag: baat © Hussar Captain. By Col Prent ‘ -Kdged Dick, By Edward ry Wie | Bomers, the Bo. D tective “By Charles Morris. atang Sam 4 or. The King of the Pinins, By J. KE. Badger » Branded Hand. By Fran Dumont Th 1 namon Chip, the Girl Sport. By F. 1. Wheeler, Bee=s arr ane an = a= ce £6 —2 34 =- = ee es meee SEADT - = 52 - Lol E Pr Klowa Charley, the White Mus: ; Tippy, the T exan. By Seorke Pa enlle T.O. Harbaugh. Bonunza Bil, Miner, By Edward 1, Whoeter. Pr Hd-Fire, the Boss of the Road. By F he ¥ oun Privateer. By tk Ceti ee SEGRERER SSINAT Se > e =z = 2 3 - = om > > = = 4 ? ‘= ‘ = x J = E ts = i = ; Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. By Ol] Coomes. b Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Morris, he Sea Trailer, By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S.N. fld Frank of Montana. By Edward L. Wheelor, ittle Hurricane, the Boy Captuin, By Oll Coomes, he Hidden ana. By Charles Morris. © Boy Trailers. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. { Eye, King of the Catéle Thieves. By Frank Dumont mond, By Colonel DeHe Sara. Halya the Life Boat Boy. By Charles Morris, ed Temple, the Border Boy. By T, C, Harbaugh. ob Rockett, the Cracksman. By Charles Morris. Jandy Darke, By William R. Eyster. Perera Tiere ey 23 ef Fscre S25¢mssn z Captain Kit, the Wi }-o’-the-Wisp, By Lieut. Perry. The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip 8. Warne. Buffalo RilPa Bet.” By Captain Taylor. >» Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Edward L, Wheeler, Shadowed. By Charl+s Morris. 97 Little Grit, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 98 Arkansaw, thy Man with the Knife. By T, C. Harbaugh. 199 Featherweight. By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouina. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 202 Prospect ee of the Boy Brigade. By Ol) Coomes. 208 The Boy Pards, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick's Doom. By Edward L. Wheeler, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King, By Charles Morris. 207 Nay o Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C. Harbaugh, 208 The oF Hercules, By Ol! Coomes. 209 Fritz, the Bount-Boy Detective, By Edward L. Wheeler, 210 Faro Frank of High Pine. by William R. Eyater, @Z11 Crooked Cale. Brnocerh E. Badger, Jr. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris. Fritz to the Front. By Edward L. Wheeler. 4 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Whittaker. 5 Captata ullet, the Raider King. By T. ¢. Harbaugh, 6 Bison BAM, the Prince of che Reins, By Col. P. Ingraham. % Captain Crack-Shot, By Edward L. Wheeler. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oll Coomes. 219 Deapard, the Duelist. By Philip S. Warne. 2 om Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace. By Chas. Morris, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Col Prentiss Ingraham, 2283 Ozark ALf, King of ihe Mountain. By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. Ry Ol! So mes. 225 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky. By Charles Morris, 226 Snoozer, the Biy Sharp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Ememon. 228 Little Wildfire. By Ol] Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 230 The Yankee R ah, By C. Dunning Clark. 231 Pluck Phil, of the Mountain Trotl, By T. C. Harbaugh, 282 Gold-Dust Dick, By Edward L. Wheeler. see Joe Buck of Angela, By Albert W, Aiken. 234 Old Rocky's a“ Iho eea.” By Buckskin Sam. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Bay. B¢ Charlee Morris, ae Apollo Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. By Gel. Ingraham, 2838 The Parson Detective. By 0!) Coomes. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide, By Captain Mayne Rela. 240 Cyclone Kit, By Edward L.. Wheeler, ee ee warms se Se ee an wKeeKe a pt 242 The Two * Bloods.” By Charles Morris, 248 The Disguiaed Guide, By O!! Coomes. 244 Sierra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler, Merle, the Middy, By Colonel Prentiss Ingrabam 246 Glant George. Hy Buckskin Spm. 247 Old Grizzly and Wis Pets, By Capt.“ Brain” Adama, 24% Sierra Sam’s Secret... By Edevard L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King. By Capt. Fred, Whittaker, 250 The Midshipman Mutineer. By Col. P. Ingraham, 251 Light-house Lige. By Captain J. F.C. Adains. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Charles Morris, 258 Sterra Sam’s Pard. By Edward L. Wheeler, 254 The Half-Blood, By Edward S. Ellis, 255 Captain Apoll:, By T, C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuek. By Captain Murk Wilton, 257 The Lost Hunters. By Capt. J. F. C. Adama, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven, By Edward L. Wheeler. 259 The Golden Harpoon. By Roger Starouck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, By Ol] Coomes. 261 Fergus Fearnaught By George L. Alken. 262 The Young Sleuths. By Charles Morris. 268 Deadwood Pick’s Divide, By Edward L. Wheeler. 264 The Fioatix Feather. By ol. P, Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tomer, By Captain Fred. Whittaker, 266 Killb’ar, the Guide, By Ensign Warren. 267 The Buckskin Detective, By T. C. Harbaugh. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. By E. L. Wheeler. 269 The Gold Ship, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 The Huge Wanter. By Edward 8, Ellis, 272 Minkskin Mike. By O11 Coomes. 278 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L. Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris. 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam. 276 Merle Monte’s Crutse, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll, By Edward L. Wheeler. 7S The Three Trappers. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 79 Old Winch, the Rifle King, By T. C. Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Bate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. By Edward L. Wheeler. 82 The Typo Detective. By Edward Willett. Indion 5 . By Major Lewis W, Carson, The Sen Marauder. By Colonel Prentiss os, gps ae 2545 Denver Doll’s Decoy, “By Edward L. Wheeler, 6 Jouh, the Boy Tenderfoot. By Capt. Mark Wilton. ; Killy Blue-Eyes. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 88 The Scalp Kin . By Captain J. F.C, Adams, 259 Jolly Jim’s Job. By Charles Morria, 290 Little Foxfire, By Ol! Coones. 291 Turk, the Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler, 292 Sancho Pedro, By Major E. L. St, Vrain. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper. By Captaln Comstock Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. By Capt. A. B. Taylor. 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards. By T. C. Harbaugh.’ 294 Dynamite Dan. By T. C. Harbaugh. 295 Fearless Phil. By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift. By Edward L. Wheeke, 297 The Tarantala of Taos. By Bockskin Sem 298 The Water-Mound, By Charles Morrie 299 A No. 1, the Dashing ToN-Taker. By Kdward L. War / 3) 800 The Sky Demon. By 01) Coomes, 801 Leadville Nick, By Major E, L. St. Vrain. 802 The Mountain Detective. By T. C, Harbaugh, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. $ 804 The Dead Shot Dandy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingrtgz> 805 Dashaway, of Dakota. By Charles Morris. 806 Neck-Tie Ned. By Major H. B. Stoddard. 807 The Strange Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 808 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler's Pard. By Col P. Ingreharr 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal. By E. L. Wheeler. 810 The Barranca Wolf, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. $11 The Roving Sport. By Edward Willett. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Maj. E. L. St Veage 818 Cimarren Jack. By Frederick Dewey. 814 The Mysterious Marauder, By Col P. ingrahem 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. By Jeck Farragut, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Ariscona, By T. @ Harbaag’s 817 Peacoek Pete. By Lieutenant Alfred Thorns, 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whee! By Buckskin Sam. 819 The Black Rider. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 820 The Sea Sorceress. By Jack Farmgut 821 Deadweod Dick’s Dozen. By Edward L, Wheeler. 822 Nemo, the Detective, By Edward Willett, 828 Arkansaw Jaek. By Harry Hazard. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Roy Detective. Hy Une Morris, 825 Kelley, Hickey & Company, the Sleuths of Philadelphig By Edward u. Wheeler. 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Notics, By T. @ Harbaugh. 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo. By Bockskiid Sam. 828 The Sky Detectives. By Major Mickey Pres. 829 Red-Skin Tom. By Marry Hazard. : 880 Little Quick-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider, By Capt. Fred. Whitesgaa, 882 Frio Fred. By Buckskin Sam. 838 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quala tette. By Major E. L. St. Vrain. — 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. By E. es 885 Old Double Fist, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 886 Big Benson, By T. C. Harbaug’. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King. By W. J. Hamilton, 888 A Tough Boy. By Philip S. Warne, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. By Edward L. Wheeter, 840 Clip, the Contortloniat. By Edward Willett, 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective, By C 842 The Mountain Devil. By Harry Hazard. 848 Manhattan Mike. By Edward L. Wheele 844 The Fighting Trie. By Buckskin Sam. 845 Pitiless Matt. By T. C. Harbaugh. 846 Rapicr Raphael. By Major H. B. Stoddard. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats. By Edward L. Wheelen 848 Fire-Meeln; or, Old Skinfint the Death-Shadem € Roger Starbuck. 849 Wild Wolf, the Waco. By Buckok{in Sam. ; 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover. By Ned Bunttio, 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced. By Edward L. Wheels 852 Tombstone Tom, By Moj. E. L. St. Vrain. 858 The Reporter-Detective. By Conrles Morris. 854 Big Norn Ike the Hill Tramp. By Roger St. suck, 855 The King of the Woods; or, Daniel Boone’s Last ‘Trail By Joseph kK. Badger. Jr. 856 Cool Sam and Pard. By T. C. Harbaugh. 857 The Ranch Raiders, By Buckskin Sam, 858 First-Class Fred, ‘he Gens from Gopher, By Z.L. Wheelen 859 Durango Dave, the Young Wrestler Chamy ion, By Muj. L. St. Vrain. 860 Siiver-Mask, the Man of Mystery, By J. C. Cowdriek. 861 The Phantom Lighthouse. By Roger Starbuck. 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim, By Edward L, Wheeler. 868 Little Tornado. By Philip S. Warne. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger, By Buckskin dam. 865 Baltimore Ben, By A. P. Morris. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. By T. C. Harbaugn 86% Wide-Awake Joe, By Charles Morris. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer. By E. L. Wheeler. 869 Shasta, the Gold King, By J. C. Cowdrick. 870 Breaker Ben, ‘he Reef-Runner. By Roger Starbuck 87L Kingbolt Chris, th Srusel Paty ths Tene evdstalt Dessetiven 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. By Edward L. Wheeler. 878 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. By Philip &. Warne, 874 Gold-Dust Tom, By George H. Morse. 875 Chieta, the Creek. By Buckskin Sam. 876 California Joe's First Trail. By Capt. F. Whittste 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rover. By Col. Prentiss Ingrohar 878 Nabob Nea. By Edward L. Wheeler. 879 Larry, the Leveler. By Charles Morris, 880 Avalanche Alf, By Major E. L. St. Vrain, Ss Benders Bill; or, Frio Frank to the Front, By Buctg* Ne B82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids. By Edward L. Wheeler 888 The Indian Pilot. By Col, Prontisa Ingraham. | 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. By Ol} Coomer 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker. By Edward L, Wheelet. 886 Captain Cutlass, the Ocean Spider, By 1. C. Harmar,” 887 Warpath WIIL, the Boy Phantom. By Col. 2 ingr’y- 888 Little Oh-my, By Phillp 8. Warne- A New lau Every Tuesday: 4 brary \s tor sale by : q PR | pe hag on receipt es om ena. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, | Os NV/LIM~ » Btreet, New Nag J : - re

Page 28

r BY OLL OOOMES, i Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight, andy in ‘Tekaa; or, The Young Mustanger, Bandy’s Catch; or, The Boy Hercules. Bandy’s Right Bower; or, Buby Sam,the Boy Giant Bandy’s Swoop; or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur, Kit Bandy’s Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler. Kit B Kit Bandy’s Deliverance; or, Banner Ben, it Bandy’s Para; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, y 91 Kit Bandy Rattled; or, The Intant Giant, eeehy 8 95 Kit Bandy in Ked Rul; or, ihe Young Whirlwind, ‘ 9 Kit Bandy’s Wie Rustles or, Saddle King Sam. 804 Kit Bandy’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mountain Guide, Sot kid Pandy’s Brigade in Arizona, het Kit Bandy’s Star Engagement. 58 gaue Drew, the Nemesia, or, Eagle Kit the Bo qi ‘ w’s Drop; or, Little Hurricane, the Bay Oo Captain, ; O2 pire 3 Doow in Deadwood; or, Prospect Peto, of Keen Knife on Guards or, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide 1 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies, © Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Juw, The Dumb Spy Lasse Jack, Ne "Young Mustanger. The border pag or, The Seeret 7” . the Yeung Ranger Spy. ai 18 | 4A 58 + Delaware Dick, awk-e ore the Youtg Tra: - oll eth, an, mgers or, The 4 $4 Sure > het Re the Iteman. it} ‘ AS Sear-Face Baul. the Silent Hunter, ; 178 @id Solitary, tie Hermit Trapper, YD ; 8 Yom, the Texas Terror. q F Posking Diek ; or, Trapper Tom's Le, f ' Little Wildiire, the Y. aed Prairie Nomad, ot, . 8 The Parson De tectly e; or, The Little Ranger, fen” 5 248 The Dingulned Guide; or, Wad Raven, the Ranger. } 260 Dare-Devil Dun, the Young Prairie Ranger, Se 272 Minkaskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. Pe ee d j2o0 Little Foxfire, the tg Spy, me Old Caleb Arbuckle, t 00 The Sky Demon; or, Rain bolt, the Raugers Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero, Hersalest wr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. ebfoot “Menke, the Tramp Detective. 467 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul. $33 7, marae Tem, the Big Trapper Boy, aneg oil Bob, the Boy Trojan. foe ite ring Bastl, the Hermit Boy Trapper Don Barr, the Plaine Freelance, Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer, and Harry na Wizard Rifleman, Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. Be BY T. J. FLANAGAN, he omg Dare, the Pirate Catcher. Ger rez Captain. Guidahipmen ; or, The Corsalr-Chaser’s Firat = Pee sae S23 333 The Two” BY DAN DUNNING, t Jack, the Secret Service Sp “ ge pete Jack, the Invincibles; a The Diabonteal Three. , ia aod Sacto: the Secret Service Speck» Cow Steve the Ranch Mascot, iF , Nobby Nes, the Tenderfoot Detective, 4 la ie r Stoke’a Double Beal. a Fert ; z geek r Bobin New York. | a P : Spotter Bob's Rowery Racket, ieee * ‘ ee ‘ He nee ee BY COLON “KL DELLE BARa, aay , 2%. he Lt ; : , on of the Re *, The Vailed Lady. eae: re ae ona . Seomeede, or, The Gamibler’s Big Cinna So ee ther: CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, Be aye $ Dame fs or, The Bo tloe of ye or, ¢ Doge’s Deughter. Dek De re 4 joo Express Rider. a amos or, Tha Children of the Chaco. bre Muntera; or, The Land of the Elepban oSenes t or, Skipper JaberCoffin’s oulna ys or, The Br Brothers of the Plumed Lanes t Riders ere! ¢ Fay Fy he Hing the Robber of the Rhine. Bt “ ah Mile nook, the Animal King: or, eeaed the World. j ad j ; mer 5 eee ne st a Jon's War Trail, — . ae tle BY CAPT. J. F. 0. ADAMS, f ¥ Chats Sol; or iar the ec Nick Whiffles’ " bist Shot ot the Woe, Bg se Senet of th Pets te ag t Boath. eas e? BY T. ©. HARBAUGH. Nick o the Night; or, The eth: Spy of 76. The Midden Lodge}; or The Littl Hunter. ene ale wet. or, Tne Forest Captains, Dan Sack ks or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Tratt. Kit Macetece. the Wood-Hawk: or, Old Powder-faca, Midnight adack 3 or, The Boy T renee, Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, Klewa Piarley the White Miamnger. Judge Lynch Jdrit or, The Boy VigDante. Gold Tritger, thes ap rt; or, The Girl Avenger. Tornado Tomy or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 8S Ned Temple, the Berder Boy; or, The Mad Hunter. Arkan-aw ¢ or. The Quen of Fate’s Revenge. Navaje Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. {S Cuptain Mullet 3 or, Little Tonknot’s Crusade. rh Plucky Phil; or, Rom, the Re’ Jezebel. 1 BI Bravos or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 55 Captain Apoli: » tne King-Pin of Rowte. 267 The lénekakin Detective; or, The King of Road-agents. 279 Old Winehy or, The Buckskin Desreradoes, 294 Dynamite Dan: or, The Bowle Blade of Sochetopa. 802 The Mowntain Detective: or, The Tr sger Jar Bully. 816 Old Eellpae, Trump Card of Arizona, $26 The Ten Purds: or. The Terror ot Take-Notice B86 Bie Benson: or, The Queen of the La-ro. 845 Pitiless Matty; o*, Ked Thanderthol'’s Secret, B56 Ooo! sami nd Par’; o The Terrible Six. 766 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, 386 Captain Cutlasas or, ‘he B ccuneer’r Girl Foe, 396 Rough Rob; or. The a of Blue Blares. 411 The Siiken Laaeos ov, The Rose c Rane Robin, 418 Fellx Fox. the Boy Spotter; or, The Gajd Gang of New Yo.X 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox; or, The Mystery of Room 91, 445 The City Vamptresy; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon, 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox's Hunt. 477 The &xceistor Sport: or, The Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport, 502 Branded Ben, the Night pers. 512 Dodger Dick, the WharfS jetective. 621 Dodger Dick’s Beat Do ‘hee or, The Gotham Gold Gang. 528 Fox and Faleon, the Bower) Shadows, BBR Yodger Dick } the Doek Ferret, 548 Dodger Dick’« Double: or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodeer Dick's Deaperate Care. 568 Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidoeg; or, The Garg of Three. 5678 The Two Shadows; or, Dodger Dick’s Stop Game, 5S2 Dodger Dick's Props or, The Mon from Jersey. 594 Lite Lon, the Street-Slpger Detective, 610 Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. 626 The Champion Parda; or, The Luciler uf Silver Bar, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp, U58 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 671 Jersey Jed, the Roy Hustler: or, S2adowing the Shadower. 655 Happy Hugh, the Boy Musician Detective, ote Photograp red, fhe Camera Sharp. 715 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. TSF Datay Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game. fy | Billy Winka, the Rell Boy Detective, 754 Billy Winks, the Poss Boy Shaiow, 768 Eagle Ned, the Boy on Guard: or, Toe Camp Spiders, ixo Tonkaway Tom, the Red Wizard Ran Ol, the Hatters Ferret Foul PI p, the Battery Ferret; o:, ence eeutrs a 9T Davy Doon'« Big Bounce. , 905 Dandy Nuyewet, the Bow Shadow, 921 The Boy from Denver. BY CHARLES MORRIS, WII Somers, the Boy Detective. , Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. . Pleay une Pete? or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detocther Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Raga, Andsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Mel Kea, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry the Harhor Pollee Boy, Will Wildfire tn the W ~ Billy Baggage, the Railroad —. A nb Htockett yor, Will Wildfire Wine and Loess ett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett. the Bank Runner. The Hidden Handy or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. Fred Malyard, the Life Boat Box; or, The Smuggters. Rob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shad emesis or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Pant, the Viger von 212 Dashing Dave, the Danty De tective, © Tom Tanner: or, The Black Sheep of the Flocs. Sam Charceal the Premium ben? R285 Srasew Sam ng ahs Moentty Be 242 The Two * Hooda”; or, bénandeat Rill nod His Gang, aee Wick Dashaway : or, A Dakota Boy in Cnicans. 2 The Young Sharps: 01. Rollicking Mile’s Hot Trafl, ara Bl Jim, the Detective Apprentice. , ally Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 3o8 The Water-Hound; or. The Young Thorougnored, 805 Dashaway, of Daketa: or, A Western Lad in Quaker Crty, 824 Kalph Keady, the Hote) Boy a meets ln ee BOR WOR ms i ns > ssassapessees SNSCOSRACIONVSSSED SEEy awas 4 pile felaativks or Entombed Alive, ato odge t or, The Mvstery of Frank Hearty. ABN ia Whee Raek ets or, How He Fought for Hone, ~ 5O1 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp tor the Sharper, bOC The Seeret * ervice Boy Detective. aoe wing the Kid: or, A Lamb Amone Wolves. m Bruce of Arksananat or, The Wolf in the Fold. Gos Plucky saul the Roy Speculator. 667 Rob and Ram, the Dalay Detectives. 709 The Curbstone Detectives or. Harry Hale's Big Beat, a Detective Fran k’s Aweep-staken. Ned Norm me the Gamin Broker, hg 4 it the Shine’em-up Detective. oit Lightaing, the Mountain Mascot, BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 17 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortanes ofa Bowery Girl, 6 bod Colt, the Crow-Killer. 9 Sol Ginaer, | the Giant Trapper. Ruek : ‘Nate Fe be Ber Tale of fi = im Gotham. Ac t or, The Fortunes of a Foundting. feu the Cireus Fines. 498 Taos Ted, tae Arizona Spor’ Bis ost $e orado, the Halk Breed Detective. in New York: or, The Cowboy's Fighs | ~ BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR 6.4, a. 1 Be Ty, the Boy Bullwhacker, 94 Humale Bill's Bet ¢. or, The Gambler Guide, REED EUR Se. ee es a c Sgy! ¥ aie BEADLE’S« H ALF- |)IME* LIBRARY. OM Each Issue Complete-and Sold at the Unizorm Price of Five Cents, >y all Newadenssre. BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. * 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Lack. a - 5BT ld Buckeye, the Sierra Shadew. i - 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. or, The Men Whneet a! a me. | ace pon ngs the ‘aces Sianeames: a - Jittle L tnuing’s League; or, ©. tod Inland J - 688 Plueky Bawt 1, a Roy P' Pro tor, aaa { ti Fed Goig eee Bigs Th Sli nD Go wat an’s ath; or, Rec 928 Gold-Dust Dan's Snap-Shot. rs ; if KY JOSEPH £. BADGER, JR, 1p 2 Vellowstone Jnek; or, The % mie f 48 Black John, the Roud-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreas, i 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, ie 11 Muatawg Sam ; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-llnwk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance tothe Reseue, 160 The Black Glant : or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, 168 Dendly poh or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Kay Trallers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Patt, 8 The ae’ Parda; or, Dainty Lance Upmaska. : 1 Crooked Cale, the Calibay of Celestial City. © The Karr, mene W olf; or, The Beautiful Deeoy, A 9 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ Leaget ‘ 885 Old Double Fiat ws or, The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Wooda> or Danie) Boone’s Last Tams 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective P 625 Chincapin Dan, the oy reile rs 677 Chinenpin Dan' « Secon 688 Chincapin Pan's Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Mead, TOS Lirht-Menart Lute’« Legae TIS Ligh!-leart Lute’» Last T2B Kilverhblude, the Shoshone. 729 Kilverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border ot Dew 789 Silverblade, tho Hostile; or, The Border Beagle’s 748 Bilverblade the Friendly; ; or, The Border Beagie’s Boy Puaé BY ©. DUNNING CLARK. 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Moontains, 0 Tho Vankee Rajahy or, The Fate of the Black Shecem BY LIFUT. H. D. PERRY, U. & N. 176 The Dor F Run ayers or, The Buevaneer of the Siam. 180 The Seca Tratler; or, A Vow Well Kept. 4 ¥ 192 Oaptain Kitt or, The Mystery of Montaak Poles. ‘ BY JACK FARRAGUT. B15 Ned, the Cabin Koy; or, The Witch of the Fort. 820 The Sea Sorcerens; or, The Boy Biippes. ; BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. a Five Dick; or, The Yellow Chiefs Vengeance. an " ¢ Land Pirater; or, The League of Devil's cha som ‘ My 1st The Helpless Hand ¢ or, Backwoods Re’ ed. tae ; 9 The Gold-secker Guide} or, The Low ecoste. a oe aN | BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG@® ‘ pat ae 89 Leland Jim: or. The Pet of the Family. _ ‘91 The Captain of the Clubs or. The Rival Athietem r 101 Jack Narkaway in New York. MISOELLANEOUS AUTHORS, | The Wilda- Worse Hunters. By Capt ‘Mayne Reta f , } erick Whitta’ Cv as Adventures or Haren Munchausen. a ¥ Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. Aladdin g or, The Wonderful Lamp. Robinson Crusoe. wy Hines ones.) : ¢ Aindbad the Ballor. His Seven V. verre a | 22 whet Sea Ferpent; or, The Boy Ro! Crosse. By Juea 7 Law ' . | 20 ei | 81 rail. ss 88 The Ocean Preghenats or, The Red Pirates o: the e bi A Queen. © 8. Finn. ; i t By Texas J id en a. Medbtaiond Camp. By A.C. Troms 95 The Rival Rovers; o The Freebooters of the Missiestppe By Lient.-Col, Haseltine. 98 Rebin Hood, the Vu'lawed Earl: or, The Merry Men 0’ Green wood, a te Prof, Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain H Ite Holn > hs 112 The Mad Hunters or, TheCaye of Death. Ry Burton Saxe, » 1244 FsORy+ the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George 128 The Young Privateers or, The Pirate’s Btromghold. Bw * jem 148 Sharp Ram; or, The Adventures ot a Friendlies Boy, By J: Al der Patten. : i 227 Ducky Darrell, et, The ‘Grece ‘Rangue 4f the Voto roe e ward ponte « Fearnnught the New Y rk a.1. i Carribers, By 8. 86 The Roy Clown: or, BM Ned Wylde, the Roy BI The Boy Rifess or Th ter ~ 961 Fer 266 Kilibar. the Guide; »r, Davy arren. =“ \ 298 Rea Claw, the Dnotyes ‘Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cit aa 4 metoc ~ Te B1T Peacock Pete. tne Lively Lad from Leadville. By Liew tenant Alfred me. ae The Rky, Hetectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Live and Monea, Maior Mickey Free B50 Reed Ralvh, the ‘River Rovers or, The Brother's Re Tene ey rercn Une Ticetbladl Deticliva,. By A. Ss Meavin, . R45 Raltimore Ren the e 4 ot RTA Gold-Wuat Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match. €& H. Mores , 876 California J Joe's First. Trail. By Colonet Thomet a q 415 Biity Rombahet, the CHM Climber. By F. 8. Wanthr, . he ack Bh vy John arner. : i. | Comance e ick and His Three Invincielee. By Henrv J. omaa. 2 The Cowboy Puke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. me td Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. ; Og - aes pad Bi bay Ag soe ae Bi as yt? - ; o Den eetive’a Double. Gerald Carlton. : 721 Mavertek he Ariens: De Detective; or, The Wiaard of ‘ . Trkon Pora, v een i 809 Ton Danton, the Gent from Denver. By King Keene, of @ ‘ a14 Ae o High “She Rvises Detective, By C. © ; emg e Frisco ° . ; 880 The Grim 3 odgers in Stng Aliey s ot, Cities Rub a T en. a nVe . wa R81 The Chieago Prummer's« Peal. By J. G. Bethaes 841 Prinee | Chariles the Cat’s- Paw Sport. By Mam dnke 881 Billy Rrine, the Swamp Fox. Py Chas, F. Welles celeht BIE Mi, the Sapphire Epa on ho Detos- 879 Blue-ticht A New Ieasuc Every Tuesday. tive’s Lone Hand. The Half-Dime Libr: fe for sale Gantaper copy, or capt by taal ox eocehat re) sh Rete ier ee.

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MY MOTHER-IN-LAW. By “Bricxror.” oom noe Bh > eae BIG JOKE BOOK SERIES. “OH! MAMMA, BUY ME THAT!” A Coxuuection or Jotiy Joxes AND Foxe Srories. Illustrated. 64 pages, GRIN’S CATECHISM OF FUN. Illustrated. 64 pages. THE TROUBLES OF MR. AND MRS. BOWSER. Illustrated. 64 pages McGINTY’'S JOKE BOOK. Illustrated. 64 pages. WIT’ AND HUMOR OF THE BENCH AND BAR. 48 pages. WIDE-AWAKE SKETCHES. Illustrated. 80 pages. SOME SCREAMING YARNS. Illustrated. 64 pages. ROARING JOKES FOR FUNNY FOLKS. Hilustrated. 64 pages. “JOLLY JOKES FOR JOLLY PEOPLE.” Illustrated. 64 pagea. “THE BUTTON BURSTER; or, FUN ON THE RAMPAGE.” TIllustrated. 64 pages. LAUGHING GAS; or, DRIVE DULL CARE AWAY. Illustrated. 64 PUT THROUGH; or, FREEMASONRY AND ODD FELLOWSHIP EXPOSED. By “ Bricxror.” TIllustrated. 64 pages, “FUN ON THE ROAD.” A ReEcorp or AMERICAN Wit AND Humor. 48 pages, PRICE 12 CENTS EACH BY MAIL. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN. HUMOROUS PUBLICATIONS. THE CELEBRATED Diustrations by Hopkins. 88 pp., Paper, 8vo. > This is one of the most humorous stories of the day. Every man and “Woman in the country should read this sério-comic experience of a man with ds mother-in-law, who made home torrid for him, and how he succeeded, after any attempts and failures, in getting rid of her. FOR FIRST BABY; on; Tae Invexicrrms or Our Honey- moon. By the author of ‘‘ My Mother-in-Law,” etc. Illus- trated. Paper, 8vo. This is a witty and charming narration of a young married couple. It pre- gents vividly the first attempts of a young husband at housekeeping. errs IN SEARCH OF A WIFE. By the author of ** Our First Baby,” etc. 64 pp., Paper, 8vo. This story is not founded on fact, but there fs so much comical human ” mature in it that truth couldn't make it any better. It should be read by every: body contemplating the great lottery of marriage. Laughably illustrated by ‘Thomas Worth. . "ARMING FOR FUN; or, Backyarp Grancers, By “ Brick: ror.” Illustrated by Thomas Worth. Paper, large 8vo, A laughable story. The experience of Timothy Budd and his wife at city gardening is brimful of fun ; and thousands who read it will exclaim: “I’ve been there!” PARSON BEECHER AND HIS HORSE. By « Nia ” Illustrated by Thomas Worth 96 pp., Paper, large 12mo. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book, brimful of fresh, brilliant humor and iaughable situations, the author claiming it to be the best of his many humor~ ous productions. FRED DOUGLAS AND HIS MULE. Companion to “ Parson Beecher and His Horse.” By the same author Tlustrated. 96 pp., large 12mo. As astory of the late war it deals with people who “ were there,” and will , at popular with the “ Vets,” many of whom enjoyed the very fun that LAUGHING SERIES, ? BOUNCED; on, Tae Apventures oF AN Untucky Man. Joun Carzoy. Illustrated. Paper, 8vo. THE QUIET YOUTH; on, Just Lixe Hw Uncis. By “ Basco ror.” Iustrated. Paper, large 8vo. BEANWHACKER’S TROUBLE; orn, Nor a Brr Lie He Uncie. A sequel to “‘Just Like His Uncle.” By Jonm Carpoy. Illustrated. Paper, large 8vo. DEACON BOGGLES AND HIS LIVER PAD. By Was! Wanver. Illustrated. 64 pp., Paper, 8vo.. This book is a humorous record of the Deacon's frantic struggies with than malignant enemy of the human race—the dreaded Liver Pap. THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS SHOWN UP. By “Barrce- Top.” Tllustrated. Paper, 8vo. ‘‘Don’t make any mis- take.” JO G THE GRANGERS; or, Experrence or SassaFRAS Dopcrr. By the author of ‘‘ My Mother-in-Law.” 64 pp., 16mo, DRY GOODS DRUMMER. By Tom Wonper. 88 pp., 16mo. This is one of the funniest of all the Laughing Series, and its glimpses of the trials, scrapes, and troubles of a Drummer on his travels are precisety the medicine to cure the blues and make the reader happy. TRIP OF THE SARDINE CLUB. By “ Bricxtor.” ' 16mo. Profusely Illustrated by Thomas Worth. This book is full of fun and sentiment, giving personal observations ané historical reminiscences of places on the Hudson between New York and Albany. SURAPES OF FARMER SKOOPENDYKE. Tlustrated. Me buys a Billy Goat. He Gives Widow Snugg a Sleigh- His Experience with Dr. Bungle. Mrs. Maloney’s 96 pp, depicted. . @te., etc, Paper, 8vo. 80 pages. Aay of the above books sent by mail on receipt of 12 cents. Postage stamps taken. 'M. J. Ivers & Co., Publishers, (amos sunivan, ropriter) 379 Pearl Street, New York

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Sumbers 1 te 7 3 inclusive, Eaeh Vr fated 100 Hoge: darmit ones from 50 to 75 pieces. America, . at . i rt of Washington, ; . for the Maine ee j f on the Battlefield, Italian Struggle, / a teticne and Ris’ g. ard’s Oration, td Nationality, Our Natal Day, Solferino, FE aE te ee SR, Intelli pean the Basis of | Webster's Whe Liberty. | A Vision in the Forum, Charge el Light ead, The ‘Dime | American ae BA No. me J. Jeboom’'s Oration, A Dutch Cure, The Weather. The Hea Term, An Ol Bal 1 gata" y Night’ 3 *In a Just Cease." "| No Peace with Oppres- ' sion, A Tale of a Mouse, A Thanksgiving Sermon, The Cost of Riches a Lives Imperishable The Prophecy for the Y'r Unfinished Problems, Honor to the Dead, Immortality of Patriots, lit’! System, Press. j wzfter the Battle, Woman's ‘Rights, t } is ‘The Glass Railroad Right of the Geverned, q . Gase of Mr. Macbeth, Ladder, : Prof, on Phrenology, Annabel Lee, Alon 1 Washin on’s Name, The ; Rebellion of 1861, The sailor Boy’s Syren, | Disunion. \ Dime National Speaker, No. 2. [my y Union and its Results,’ hio, 4 ry ’ j Country’s Future, Oliver Hazard Perry, , a Statesman’s Labors, | Our Doma e , ‘True Immortality, Systems of ef, } Let the Childless Weep, e Indian Chief, ae > Our Country’s Glory, The Independent Farmer | e-em a Househoki, Mrs. Grammar's & | mee ndence Bell, How the Money Comes, Be pee vH The holar’s Dignity, Future of the Fashions, teh The les of Pro a Loyalty to Liberty, Bray iP 4 Christmas es mg Our Country, First, Last, bck ty of Christianity, , and.Alway ; As The True Pio ng? Law, British A a BM pty One Great Need, Defense of Jefferson, Rien The Ship and the Bird, National Hatreds, a Zerumeclys § sh, Murder Will Out,” my expansion, Strive for the Best, a Hopkins, Early ng, ae, Bashfull Man’ 8 sory D of Kindness, eee Ua ae = Sereal es Smack in | The Depading’ chan, a and Poor, ° the Re of the Law, Purity of ithe No Bttugete, Ge-lang! yo Up, id Age, \» The Rats of Life, Deautitul and Ten ie ks Gores Glory of U.S., | The Worm of the ibe sens Fools, Man and te ees e ~M : Washington, \ e ag Sat r Great Taheritance, Wakintion, aa on Henry Clay, The Deluge. AE at “Dime Patriotic igen No. 3. 9 merica to the World, History Our Fieg int ; Love of Count Worzber'a M Riche a of ; a- We a the alee.” at r ni vat Ps i Cates al” | Lag fan se ays Kentu Bey sw : Be ad. : The J “A tas Cook Year and the April 15, 1851, Cotton, (Union, ‘Spirit of a King Anthem, The Precious Heritage, | The Ends of Peace, The. Element, | Freedom the Watchword * *rain’s h Crisis of Our Nation, bpd s c Duty of Christian Pa- e Brigand-ier-General, Turkey Dan’s ration, 1 Union Sai Speeches, |The Omus of Slav Y ‘Squa e Onus 0 ‘ The Oak o n A ao ta 4 s Trbut t rath uave, SS an png: Tree, Ca Cath hedral, bea My ; ‘i ' tebank, Fee ile on Unser’ _THE DIME PELAREES. Dime Elocutionist, No. 5 > SEC. I. Prrcreues or True Envncration.—Faults in Enunciation; How to Avoid Them. Special Rules and Observations. SEC. IL Tue Art or Oratory, Sheridan’s List of the Passions: Tranquillity, Cheerfulness, Mirth, Raillery, poarspegees ¢ Joy, oon Dieepes Modes lanchol Courage, hr og Commanding, Forbidding, Hea Differen ing, Acquittin Condemning, ing, ioeoiug Bismi penidence, V' Hot tion, i weg Sh ear, Pride, Pili pering Authority, Delight, Gravity, In- eh Grief, hame, morse, Affirming, Denying, Agreeing, Puhorting, Judeng, Approv- issi Veneration, Hope, D eaching, Pardon- Refusing, Granting, De- Desire, Love, Re ving, Wonder, Adiniration, Gratitude, Cu Persuasiow, Tempting, Promising, Affecta- oth, Intoxication, Anger, etc. SEC. Il. Tar Component ELEMENTS OF Ax ORA Lion ge = of Com rases, Viz.: As applied to Senten Clearness, Exordinm, the Narra’ Unity, Stren tion as applied to Words rity, Propriety, Precision. act Length of tence, . Figures of Speech; the the’ Pxoposition, the Confirmation, the Refutation, the Peroration. SEC. IV. Represenrative Exercises IN Prose AND Verse. —Transition ; 2 Flea for the Ox; ge 8 my r tite, and d the D er; Look Upw Essa Onto Musik; amlet’ s Solil iscoveries of uy; Old bapa William Ru oh the Eye; an 0, SEC. V. OsBseRVATIONS OF GOop AUTHORITIES. Dime Humorous Speaker, No. 8. | Devile Dow, Jr.'s Lectures, Ego and Echo Fashionable Weities; Fern Thistles, Good-Natu re, Gottlieb Klebcyergoss, Schlackenlichter's snake, Hosea Biglow's loney How the bake rel July O Lay ou Moon inions, 8 Fourth of Lot Skinner’s Elegy, Matrim Parody Daughter,” Dime Standard Speaker, No. 7. The World We Live In, Woman's Claim Authors of our DH erty, The Real Sia par oF The Citizen's eritage, The Mechanic, Nature and The Modern a nre’s God ood, nr “4 Ossian’s Address to F The Life, The Idler, dence Bell 1770, ec Te ‘hts, The Unbeliever, | The Two Lives, The True Scholar. Judges vot Infalli Fanaticism, Instability ty of Bee room iture, [Crim tian, The Peo vii allible, e, quer, | Poetry Right? Names, ewe ee Lectures, Run Mad, The Codfi Fate or S of Bergeant Thin, The Featu: Quarrel, Hamerican Voodchuck, The Harp of a Thousand Strings, The Tast of the Sarpints, The March to Moscow, The Mysterious Guest, United St States EF veeidents, Va Popping the Yankee Doodle Aladdin, Ze, Moskeetare, John yy ettysburg, No Sect in Heaven Miss Prude’s Tea-Party, The Power of an Idea, in Beneficence of the uffrage, Dream of the Revelers, HowCyrus Laid the Cable The Prettiest Hand, ‘aradoxi Tiley J ere the Miller, Stone, mee of Bonn —— Househ old, e Bibl The Purse and the Sword The Blarne, The § The e Race, The Pi Pin eh her } he Modern e Always Con- frtaatanity’ ob te teal, | apne of ane Rerclees pet Daring, A Shot at the Deeanter. Dime Stump Speaker, No. 8. Hon, z x Stubbs’ Views Old Oeean, The Sea,the a, Sea, the o The Limits to Ha ood-nature a Blessin, Sermon from Hard ‘Bless, ! oi doen, What I Wouldn't Be, The Cold-water Man, \ a a pe ee “ Astronomical, Moon. pap of spe o 8) $ ch e ’ New ve Pastas and ‘Union, Duties of hsisiktoins Fan e Unseen Battle The Man Plea for the Republie, Tempta' tons of Cities, Ameri ea, [Fallacy, Broken Resolutions, ‘* Right of. Secession *’ a | There is no Death, Life's Sunset, Races, Human Nature, A Fruitful Discourse, Lawyers, A Frenchman’s Dinner, Wrongs ¢ of the ge Unjust National Acqui'n The Amateur Coach fire in behalf of Am. man, series of War,[Liberty, | John Thom “d *s Dau’r, A Lay Sermon,’ " " House i rn Dream, It Is is Not Your Basiness: Dime Juvenile Speaker, No, 9. eng 8 8 Fo tooephy | How the Raven Becrmé Out Your B nee Year-Old’s Protest, (A Mother’ s Work, The Suicidal Cat, | The e Same, A Valediction, | Who Rules, ‘opping Corn, eep Story, The Editor, A Little Correspondent, The Same, in rhyme, | One Go n The Fairy Shoemaker, My Dream, [A 9 What Was Learned, n, Press On, I'll Never Use Tobaces, The Horse, ic, The Snake in the Grass, | The Old Bachelor, Tale of the Tropics, Prayer to Light, Bromley’s Speech, Little Jim, The e, second extract Em dmpey 2 s Lament, The Fisher's Child, ed Shrimps on Boots Shaks: an Scholar. Mere A en’s Psalm of Life, Choieg of Hou A | Poor Richard’ « Sayings Plea for Skates, | Who Killed Tom Roper, Playi whe Ball, | ‘Nothing to Do. Ah, Honesty Best Policy, Live for Momething: Heaven, i s ‘Lay of the Hen- Pecked, Ho for the Fields, The Ou Dog, yee on the Braite Wolf and Lamb, Shanghais, : Lion in Love Smile, Frogs Asicing fora King, | Casabianca. ' Sick Lion, Hi Homeopathtc Soup, Country and Town 1___e, | Nose and Eyes, ; Man and Woman, Malt, Home, A Hundred Years t¢ The Lotus-Planter, The Madman and he » Little Things. Little Sermons, A Baby's Soliloquy, Spuffles on Electrieity, , - pentance, e pat hy { ea for Storm, 2 Scent Pat Do ay Lit ittie--Do itWwe pa 9 ter Christmas, Little rt Legs, Shrimps on Amusements, Baw Ball for iteood fn Dime Spread-Eagle Speaker, No, 10, n Buster's Oration, Drum-head Sermons, ans Von Spiegel’'s 4th, | Schnitzerl's Philoso: sored Josh Billings’ s Advice, | “ Woman's Rights,’ Bartel shel] Sermon, ' | Lake Lather, e Boo! he uy The of 9 a Jack La ay Noah and the Devil, | New and Tragedy. cha A Lover's Luck The Ancient Bachelor, ; Pe Digestion Adolphus, oe Whittle’s Speech, ; ‘ion and se, | Jerks ticates, ; Distinction’s Disadvant- | A Word aT vith Snooks, Smith, _ lages, | Sut Lov f Gushalina Bendibus, A Mvle Ride, A Stock of Notion Josh Billings on Buzzera, Speaking for the Sheriff, Il Trovatore, pate : pags Bo) a deta a ing Ve Seer Jock iingytecucng, ‘let Mised r De *s Ann ce-seeker ary 7 spa Old Bachelors, oman, very: ets Rokeay, aud Muller, so pasa on " ‘ 0 Wouldn’ ° Train of Circumstances, te ont Denes n Daddan o Good Advice Lake, The Itching Palm, The. Ameri Ensign, 34 FRR and 7 aapiagtan s Guide No, 11, Soct im)—Ondranaw’ 83 Gutor. Ita mies and ced tentiinete: Ordinary naan a and Formation of, Assemblies, it yey Constitution of, So Geaanmalaan: a hiss By-Laws of, Onter aot Business amd Rules of Government, Local Rules of er, The “ Qu .* How Local Rules of Debate, ae? AS Subjects of Discussion, | The“ me geanne How to eM 11.—How To Depate. be Considered, ae | plemars are few good Rights to the tee cee Debaters hts of ie 8

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{ALO GU ES é 43, WIBITIONS og , ror scHoo *” Home ENT ““Se 2 62 BG imelusive, fF to 35 Pepular Dialogues and Wramas in each boek. Each volame 100 iSme pagen, som post-paid, on receipt of price, TEN CENTS. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William St, N. Y. These volumes have been prepared with especial reference to their availability for Exhibitions, being adapted to schools and pariors wit ee without the furniture of a stage, and suited to SCHOLARS AND YOUNG PEOPLE of every age, both male and female. It is fair to assume ‘et no other books in the market, at any price, contain so many useful and available dialogues and dramas of wit, pathos, humor and sentiment. Dime Dialogues, No. 1. Young America. For three males and two females. | The Golden Rule. For two males and two femaies. were ine’s Destiny. For four females, one male, The Gift of the Queen. For several femaies. of the Muses. For nine ig ladies, The Folly of the Duel. For three male speakers. Taken in and Done fer. For two characters. g a Live Englishman. For three boys. Dogma: For three male speakers. Country Aunt’s Visit to the City. Several charactemm Tasso’s Coronation. For male and female. The ignorant Confounded. For two boys. The Two Romans. For two males. on. For two ladies. The Fast Young Man. Fortwo males. Trying the Characters. For three males, eye i od bo : ae Sears Reokoning, Twelve tee cia toaeks ane Pappy. he 4 Dor atveral “ animalg.* hic’ you Choose or two boys. © Village e Gentleman. For ‘emales e w. For sev characters. ; jag hang of May. For two little girls. and one male. How to write ‘“‘ Popular ’’ Stories. For twe fhe Tea-Party. For four ladies. The New and the Old. For two males. Taree Scenes in Wedded Life. For male and femal. Dime Dialogues, No. 2. A Sensation at Last. For two males. tire. Sniffies’s Confession. For maie and female. : The Greenhorn. For two males. Tne Mission of the Spirits. For five young ladies, The Genius of gy 4 Two males and one female, | The Three Men of Science. For four males, . For Wwe my eyrin Cinderella or, the Little Glass Slipper. The Old Lady’s Will. For four males. » Recret of Success. For three speakers. Doing Good and Saying Bad. For several characters, { The Little osophers. For two little girts. How to Find an Heir. For five males. The Public Meeting. For five males and one femaig The English Traveler. For two males, Dime Dialogues, No. 3. The May Queen. For an entire school. Dress Reform Convention. For ten females, Keeping Bad Conan. A Farce. For five mates, Courting Under culties. Two males, one femag National Representatives. A Burlesque. Fourmales Escaping the Draft. For numerous males. The Genteel Cook. For two males. Masterpiece. For two males and two females The Two Romans. For two males, The Same. Second Scene. For two males. ge tow White Feather. Four males, one female. The Call. A Recitative. For one male, The Frost . For ten or more versoms. ne e. |For three males and two femakem th, Hope and Charity. For three ttle Darby and Joan. For two males and one fe “he May. A Floral Fancy. For six hittle ginks, The Enchanted Princess. 2 males, several femates Honor to Whom Honor is Due. 7 males and | femal The Gentle Client. Several males and one fermi. serecksy. A Discussion. For twenty males. The Stubdletown Volunteer. 2 males and 1 femata. A Scege from “ Paul Pry.” For four males. The Charms. For three males and one femate. three little \ The Right — A Collog For tw C) way. uy. For two What the Le Says. For two males. The Crimes of Dress. A Colloguy. For two bogs The Reward of Bexevolence. For four males. The Letter. For two vuules. Dime Dialegues, No. &. f The Three Guesses, For school or . } BRADLE AAD ADAMS, 98 WILLIAM STREET, N. ¥. Behind Whe Grain “For tines a osu General Dime Book Publishers, Examination Day. For sever) female chareasa n ** ” For ’ -

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' a Be j i) ‘ ; . ey ° 4 GER OA IN | mies el eC Paige Tar ye RL EI aN ’ 979 Buffalo Bill's Relentless Trail. By Colonel} 820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt; or, The Miner|653 The Lasso King’s League; or, The ‘Tigers of i ae. K _ Prentiss Ingraham. . Marauder's Death-Tiack. By Buffalo Bill. Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, “anes. \ 973 The Dread Shot Four; or, My Pards of the) 816 Muffalo Dill's Red Trail; or, The Road-Rider/ 649 Buck Taylor, the Saddle King, Buffalo Bill's a ; Plains. Ly Ccl. W. F. Cody. Renegade's Run Down. By Col. P. Ingraham, Chief of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingraham, i ; 964 Buffalo Bill's Invincibles; or, The Sable Shad-| 812 Iusfalo Bill's Death-Knell; or, The Red Hand | 644 Buffalo Bill's Bonanza; or, The Knights of ! f ‘a ower's Sublime Sacrifice. By ee ee teeta: | Riders of the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingraham. the Silver Circle. By Col. P. Ingraham. E ue : ham. O07 Will Bil, tte Wiid Wes* Duelist; ce, The Girl 639 The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Magnifi- ; * ‘ 960 Buffalo Bill's Blue Belt Brigade; or, Sun- Mascot vf Mooniight Mine. By Butalo bill. cent. By Buffalo BiN,. : - f flower Sam of Shasta. By Col. P. Ingraham. 807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist: or, The Girl! 629 Buffalo Bill's Daring Role; Daredeath ee '] ) 956 Buffalo Bill's Volunteer Vigilantes; or, The Grande Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By Buf- - Dick, King of the Cowboys. By Leon Lewis, A eg eee ; Mysterious Man im Blue. By Col. P. ingra-|_ falo Bill. 509 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of thef J ne rg ham. 704 Buffalo Bill's Winning Hand; or, The Masked Plains. By Buffalo Bill. : he tee 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker's }voman of the Colorado Canyon. By Col. P.| 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail; or, Will Cody, the Bete 4 Doom, By Col. P. Ingraham. MEFaRAMs Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline. ; f | y , ’ ~~ ee es see Fi a Complete. eer | ’ BUFFALO! 943 Buffalo Bill's Block Game; or, The Mounted) 4 : * ames Miners of the Overland. By Col. P. Ingra- of the Colorado. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 936 Buffalo Bill's Black Pard: or, The- Gold Brotherhood. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, ) 927 Buffalo Bill's, Bluff: or, Dus Dick, the| 773 Buffalo Bill's Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. y Sport. By Col, P. Ingraham, Ky By Leon Lewis. ‘ “ . Lad ’ © f 921 "3 . b. 2 +»,| 769 Buffalo Bill's Sweepstake; or, The Wipe-out 4 Tonite Mek bo apes oe pt Behe at Last Chance. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 915 Buffalo Bill and the Surg Sébnt :\.or.Go- 765 Buffalo Bill's Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. P. In- By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. graham. 761 Buffalo Bill’s Mascot; or, The Death Valley 909 Butfalo Bill's League; or, R tterfly. c Victim No, 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ) ; eral ed Butterfly. BY) 757 Buffalo Bill's Double; or, The Desperado De- Col, Prentiss Ingraham. : a,/* 904 Buffalo Bill's \Tangled Trail; or, Gentleman|,.. t°ct!ve- By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Jack, the Man of Many Masks. By Col. P.| 750 Buffalo Bill's Big Four; or, Custe's Shadow. Ingraham, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 900 Buffalo Bill's Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack’s| 748 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's Bill o 8 @ ee hm 8 © 38 ¢& By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 727 Buffalo Bill's Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 722 Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or, Silk Lasso Sam, the Will-o’-the-Wisp. By Col.’ P. In- graham. Ruffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers; or, Emer- ald Ed of Devil’s Acre. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Des- perado’s Defiance. By Col. P. Ingraham. 697 Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Opening Up a Lost Trail. By Col. P. In- ) 874 Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Braves; or, The Card ; Que2n's Lust Game. By Col. P, Ingraham. 869 Buffalo Bill's Road Agent Round-Up; or, The Mysterious Masked Man in Black. By Col. P. Ingraham... A §63 Buffalo Bill's Death-Charm; or, The Man With the sear. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 857 Buffalo Bil!’s Royal Flush; or, The Pony Ri- der's Death-Run. By Col. Prentisa Ingra- ham. : 851 Buffalo Bill's Double Dilemma; or, The Great - Scout's Big Three. By Col. P, Ingraham. Bill. yk: ki we — co FR 5 Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ruse; or, Texas Jack's graham. f Death Shot.” By Col. Prentiag Ingraham. 691 Buffalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or, The Daughter $39 The Ranch King Dead-Shot~ or, Texas Jack's of the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. . \.. Proxy. By Buffalo Bill. ‘lesb B , s ie uffalo Bill's Secret Service Trail. By Major 9 (880 Buffalo Bill's Boys in Biue; or, The Brimston , = Band’s Blot-out. By Col. P. Ingraham. Dangerfield Burr 067 Buffalo Bill's Swoop; or, the King of the R2 y -Shooters; or, The Surgeon 826 ee ee pio a By Col, P. Ingraham, Mines. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. *s Best Bower: or, Montebello the/ 658 The Cowboy Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas. —" Gold cine: “py Col, Prentiss Ingraham. By Colonel Prengiss Ingraham, . SS eee & & ——? 000000000 HE DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on re- _ ceipt of price. : 0000000080 Three. heart. Dozen, By Buffalo Bill. White Beaver, the @xile of the Platte}. or, : ; 4. Wronged Man's Red Trail. By Buffalo y 787 Buffalo Bill's Dead Shot; or, The Skeleton Scout 414 Red Renard Borderland, Boomers of the B € ol. ”| 777 Buffalo Bill's Spy-Shadower; or, The Masked . ton ° © ig Horn. By Col. P. Ingra Ben at Gland Jes By Gol. P. Ingraham. 397 fone izard Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or, Oath-bonnd to Custer, ee By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. “ae Buffalo Buill’s Piedge; By Col. P. Ingraham. Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. By Buffalo Bill. 304 Texas Jack, Queen of the Wild Riders: 243 The Pligrim Sharp; or, The Soldier's Sweet- Government Scout By ®. burr, 92 Buffalo. Bill, Amazon of the West. Burr. , ; Gold Bullet Sport; or, The Knights of the By Buffalo Bill. Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; cr, Life and Love in a Frontier Fort. Overland. 000000000 000000000 189 Wild Bill’s Gold Trail; Dozen, By Cel. P. Ingraham. rump Card; ol. Prentiss Ingraham. 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagger By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts; or, The Doomed By Dr. Frank Powell. 117 Buffalo Bill’s Strange Pard; « Dandy, the Hotspur of the Hills. By Major Sharp-Shooters. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Bravos. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. and Guide. 895 Buffalo Bill's Secret : or, T »,| 789 Buffalo Bill’s Blind; or, The Masked Driver Double. By Coll i Lg taprahane ee re Death’s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- a A ; < . am, 175 Wild Bill's ag Pe ty Bea 4 ieee nonl The Pledged 735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men; or, The Heiress. By biagotr a $ Robin Hood Rivals,, By Col. Prentiss Ingra- } 882 The Three Bills; Buffalo! Bill, Wild Bill and ham. ; Don’s Double ' Band-Box Bili; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth. : 2 F By Col. P. Ingraham. ’ 731 Buffalo Bill’s Beagles; or, Silk Lasso Sam, NEW ISSUES TO COME. 981 The Gold Lace Sport; or, The Texan Sam- son’s Wide Swath. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 982 Chris Crewley’s Winning Hand; Rascally Valet’s Double Game. Morris.° 983 Kid Glove Kris, the Sport. drick. Ready August 25. 984 Buffalo Bill's Life Raffle; or, The Doomed Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. Ready Sept. 1. Ot a a lp the Indian Detective; : : old Buzzards of Colorado, ham. 781 Buffalo Bill's Brand; or, The Brimstone 401 The One-Armed Pard; or, R By Buffalo Bill. or, The By Buffalo Bill. d Retribution in White Beaver’s ay! Sy or, The League of the Prairie Rattler; or, The alo Bull. Buffalo Bill, The Desperate The Indian Dashing the Buckskin King;, By Major Dangerfield or, The By Buffalo or, The a By J. C. Cow- ) 7 00000000 . - SN ; - s : . P "1 / 4 a nF =~ ; ss. Te aap nay ca ‘ 2 ae = v- . . at ve, 7 2090000029)