Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 432) (1892 04 20)
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n Ls Copyrighted, 1892, by Beanie anp Apams. No 439 $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vol XXIV, a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM St, New York. Five Cents. Clark’s Rash Race. Wy é | ss |
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2 The Young Nihilist. Cool Clark’s Rash Race; THE YOUNG NIHILIST. BY CHARLES MORRIS, AUTHOR or “THE DESERT ROVER,” ‘LAMB Tm,” “HONEST HARRY,” ETC., ETO. CHAPTER I. A RING OF FIRB. Tue sky was clear and bright. The sun ponred down its glittering beams with all the ardor of midsummer. Yet the air had the tingling frosty feel of a Minnesota winters day, and the gleaming snow and ice were full of shiv- ering hints. blew over the scene cut like.a knife as it made the icicles, which bung from the tree-twigs, clink like silver bells, The scene was.a strange one. On one side rose the palago-like mansions of a great city, On the other was the bread level of a wide river, whose banks were formed of massive walls of granite. But no glimmer of water appeared. A smooth expanse of ice extended as far as the eye could reaeh. Andon thisica thousands of people were gatheréd, strangely dressed, and gayly enjoying the ont-door sports of a Russian winter, For the city was the Russian capital of St. Petersburg, the far-famed “ star of the north.” The frozen river waa ria broad Neva, whose flowing surface for half the year was clad in fet- térs of ice. “And these merry-makers were the varied population ot the great capital, serf and noble side by side as they eutered with zest into the winter sports. Here a group of gay skaters shot with sportive speed over the glass like ice, laugbing merrily as their bright-colored scarfs streamed like pen- nants in the sir, Therea Jive of sleighs, drawn by mettlesome horses, shot swiftly past, the bells ringiog out in musical clatter to the sound of the hoofs. Here was a wandering merchant, with hishot buns for sale. There a tea-vender, seated before his steaming stove. And people of every renk were present, from the furred nobleman and the uniformed officer. with their bright-faced and richly -dressec ladies, to the peasant in his high boots and sheep-skin coat, the mercbant in his lon blue caftan and Tartar hat, and the priest with full white beard desceriding to bis weist. The center of principal interess seemed to be a point at which a miniature mountain rase from the surface of the ice. This was a doubly, sloping bill, built of light. frame-work, the one slope presenting a series of wooden steps leading to the summit, the other a smooth sheet of glit- tering ice. Up the stairs toiled an endless Jine of merry-mekers, dragging after them their Jong, low sleds. Down the ice-slope streamed as . endless alife. Like lightning they shot down the smooth decline, with such speed that the narrow sleds sped far away over the level sur- face of the river. The occasional blast of air that~ It was an artificial coasting-bill, made by laying blocks of ice side by side, and pouring water over them, which quickly froze into a smooth path in the keen Russian air, For bours the sport bad continued, laughing troops following each other in quick suecession while crowds of lookers-on stood thickl around, Occasionally an accident happen ' by the overturning of a sled, or a collision be- tween two of the sledders. But every such trouble ended in a laugh, and a return to the scene of sport, But now a new phase of the game attracted the eager attention of all the observers, A youthful figure onskates appeared on the glassy surface of the hill, Down he came, with a frighttal velocity, still holding himself upright as be shot like lighting along the slippery slope. Every eye was fixed, every breath suspended, for it was a perilous enterprise. Nothing of the kind had ever been seen there before. If he should fall he might be crushed beneath the plunging sleds, and it seemed impossible that he could hold himself erect. The daring skater was a tall, graceful youth, ‘with bright, glowing faco, and long hair that streamed from under his close cap, A shout of exultation came from his lips as be reached the bottom of the slope and gHded out upon the level surface of the river, still upright. His ery was echoed by a roar of voices. The excitement of the on-lookers found vent in shouts of congratulation and in ardent praise of the daring youth. They were too soon. His feet struck some obstruction onthe ice, and down he went, hurled far along by the frigltful speed at which he had been moving. The cries were hushed. A shudder passed through the crowd. Twenty heavily-laden sleds | were shooting swiftly in the wake of the skater and in an instant more would be heaped upon his prostrate form, ¢ It was no trifling peril, for the sleds were / moving with thespsed of cannon-halls, But at this critical moment a slender, sinewy fellow leaned from the throng, caught the fitlen youth by the shoulders, and with one quick jerk drag- ged bim out cf the path of the sleds, which the next instant came pinging by, *Confound you for a risky young rascal!” cried the rescuer in angry tores, as be set the youth on his feet, ‘*Don’t you ever try that onagain, I didn’t think there wos a fool in all Russia that would take such a risk.” « “Moybe not,” answered the youth, coolly, as he brushed the snow from his clothes. “ But I calculate that Ru sia hasn’t got all the fools, There are some lett outside.” It was plain that he was not a Russian, for he spoke with a streng foreign accent, “So you're a stranger,” returned the Russian, “What nation, Iprey? You're not a German, And you don’t look like an Englishman.” “What do you think of Yankee?” was the lad’s ars ver, ‘‘Genuine American. Clean out; straight from theshoulder; you bet!” ‘“ American! I might have known it,” re joived -he Russian, while all around looked on with interest, ‘Ib is just like the daring of the
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The Young Nihilist. Yankees. They don’t care a fig for their lives.” | ** Now don’t you be talking no such blooming nonsense as that,” returned the young skater, with acomical shrug. ‘‘I calculate there’s some common sense emigrated to America, We ain’t all idiots, if we are ready to take a wild bit of risk now and then,” The Russian looked with interest at the fresh face, high brows and proud look of the speaker, who seemed as if he was ready to sustain the honor of his country against the world. The Russian himself was not an ordinary-Jooking person. There was a stern decision in the lines of his thin countenance, and a flashing light in his clear blue eyes that spoke of daring and .energy. He was dressed in the ordinary attire of the St. Petersburg moujik, a close sheep-skin coat, with woolly side turved in, high boots into which his thick pantaloons were thrust, and a furred hat with flaps drawn over bis ears. He looked with new interest at the young man on learning his natiovality, and lightly touched him on the arm, saying in low, guarded tones: ‘Come aside with me; I have something for your ear.” The young man looked up into the earnest face of the speaker. “ Allright,” he said indifferently, Tm a trifle in your debt.” The moujik ledthrough the throng, words of praise falling on the ears of the young American as he followed with an air of easy carelessness. In a few minutes they had reached an unoc- cupied space on the outside of the crowd, There were hundreds of people around, however, in all directions, while vehicles of every sort dashed to and fro, The Russian looked warily eround him. No one was within easy hearing. He spoke in alow, cautious voice: “You are an American! You belong to that land of liberty where men are born with a feel- ing for the oppressed of every nation. You are young and daring. Have you the heart fc ussist a man in peril?” ‘I dunno as I’m easy scared,” answered the youth, with a drawling accent. ‘I guess Lowe you one, for I miebt have been clawed up badly only for you. Pitch it out! Let’s bear what’s in the wind.” “T am surrounded by foes,” whispered the Russian. ‘I am wanted by the Government. Agents of the police are all around me. They are slowl closing inon me. I know it, thoug they think I am blind to their presence, I will be seized if I attempt to leave the river. I will be seized if I stay here.” His voice was thrilling with emotion. The youth looked around him, but could see no evi- ‘dence that any one was paying attention to his Aa tea He answered with a shrug of oubt. “ Haven't you been dreaming a trifle? Folks here don’t seem to be bothering their brains about you.” “You don’t know Russia,” was the intenso reply. ‘‘If you have ever been on a prairie in your own country and surrounded with a circle of fire, then you will know. I tell you that the “T guess | are in more danger than you think, fire is all around me, I see no escape. The penalty is death or Siberia.” He spoke this last word in a shuddering tone, asif it meant something far worse than death, Tt meant exile to the terrible mines of the frozen North, the home of death-in-lite. “Say the word,” cried the youth excitedly. “Tet it out, What can I do?” “ Let me have your skates,” rejoined the Rus- sian. ‘You are in no danger. With them I can make a dash for safety. I rescued you from death, You owe me something in return.” “J dunno about the death,” answered the dar- ing young Yankee, ‘I’ve crawled out of worse scrapes than that. But you can have the skates, if’ you can peg out of trouble on them.” He seated himself on the ice to remove his skates. ‘The Russian crouched before bim. “Do not let them see what we are at,” he said, “Lot me cnce get on the skates and he will be a swift man that overtakes me.” A minute sufficed for the exchange. » The skates were screwed firmly on the heavy boots of the ‘‘suspect,” whose face was burning with the excitement of hope. He continyed to crouch on the ica however. ‘Leave me,” he cautiously remarked. * You Leave me i will not stir till you and hide in the crowd, are well out of sight.” “Maybe that’s good advice,” rejoined the youth. ‘I ain’t sare thet they eculd hear the scream of the American Eagle away off here, and I don’t care to see the inside of a Russian lock-up. Good-by and good-luck.” 4 He walked carelessly away. A short dis- tance brought bim into the crowd that sur- rounded the ice slide. Reeching here ne stopped and looked toward bis late companion, who was stil crouched upon the ice. Suddenly the latter sprung to bis feet. A graceful gliding motion showed in an instant that he was a practiced skater. And now the youth saw that the strange tale told him wasa true one. A ring of more than twenty men had suddenly appeared, encircling the Russian and closing in upon him, They were ununiformed. They were, in fact, the secret agents of the Russian Government. Nor did the skates of the fugitive give him an advantage, for they were all similarly provided. He moved uncertainly to and fro in the midst of the closing circle as if in doubt what to do, The heart of the youth throbbed with impa- tience and anger. “Why don’t the fool make a break? he queried, half aloud. ‘ Much use giving bim my skates. He’s a gone sucker if be don’t dive for it. Hang his picture, I thought he had more go in bim than that!” His soliloquy was brought to a sudden con- clusion by the fall of a beavy band on bis shoulder, and the stern vision of a beardcd face thrust closely in to his, “ Hillo, neighbor!” he cried. ‘* What's bu’sted? *pose you just lift that paw.” ‘‘ Hardly,” answered the other. ‘ You are my prisoner, You have been aiding 8 criminal | toeseape. Do you know what that means in i; Russia#”
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CHAPTER IL A DASH FOR LIBERTY. Tur events we bave just chronicled bad caused a sudden flush of excitement in the surrounding crowd. They fell cff on seeing the capture of the young American asif in fear of infection, rounded him and his captor. Remarks like the following passed among the timid people: **T knew it! He looks like a villain,” “Nobody but a daring rascal would skate down that bill.” “Took at bis evil face! committed murder.” “¢T wager he is a Nibilist.” At this dreaded word the crowd drew still further back, with looks of affright. The very name of a Nibilist was growing to be a terror in Russia, The young American remained silent in the grasp of bis captor. He was interested in something else, which now attracted the atten- tion of the crowd also. For the Russian skater, who was circling doubtfully within the ring of men who surrounded him, now made a despe- rate dash toward one portion of the line, The skaters moved quickly up to intercept him, yet he kept on as if determined to force his way through. He was nearly within reach cf a burly fellow before him, whose arms were outstretched to grasp him, when be made a sharp turn, and dashed off at a rapid flight in another direction, There was a quick reverse movement of his foes, but it was too late. His former maneuver had made a blank space in the line, and in a twinkling he was through it. A shout of exultation burst from his lips. “Come on!” he shouted, in ringing accents. “Here’s the river before us. My cap to the man that runs me down!” He was off like a flash, with a straight, smooth stroke that told tne practiced skater, Tbere was a moment of confusion ere his bafiled cap- tors got upon his track. Away he shot, over the smooth ice, a hundred paces in advance. “Hurrah!” cried tha young American. ‘By Christopher Columbus but he’s a coon! I knew it was in him! I knew he’d show his heels to the police!” This exclamation was in good Yankee En- glish. Ib was lice so much Greek to the police- man, who still kept his hand on the shoulder of the youth, But the tone was unmistakable, “You're a friend of his, are you?’ asked the Russian harshly. ‘‘ You lent him your skates. You aided him to escape. Come with me; you are a dangerous character.” He dragged his captive forward as he spoke. **Let go, you big-whiskered ourang!” the latter angrily. from a side of Jeather. swallow, Let go, I say! know who you’re holding.” “Who are you? You're not the Prince Royal of Germany?” asked the officer, with a sneer, “No, but I’m first cousin to the President of she great United States. I’m a nephew of Uncle am. I wonder if he has But he can skate like a Maybe you don’t In a moment an open space sur- | cried | “JT don’t know the man If you don’t let me slide you'll find , ou've stirred up a hornet’s nest as big as the rracks,” “Come ahead now, little whipper-snapper. I fancy we've got scissors in Russia big enough to clip your wings.” The powerful officer dragged his captive on- ward. They were now out of the throng, and | on a clear space of ice not far from the river- side. Far down the icy plain went on the flight and chase of the fugitive Russian. On with long | swift strides he darted, at a speed that none of his pursuers could emulate. They toiled eavi- ly on in his rear, with curses and iraprecations. By the time they had passed the limits of the crowd he was a quarter-mile in advance, Some spiteful pistol bullets were sent singing after him, but they whistled uselessly through the air. He laughed in scorn as he waved his hat defiantly bebind him. ‘Pres Russia forever! Come on, you dogs of despot! - I defy you to catch Ivan Stretz- itz. On he sped down the smooth ice, now far be- low the crowd, though many sleighs shot along the snow-covered edge of tis stream. Behind him came his pursuers, following with the per- sistency of the sleuth-hound, though the best of them was no match for the swift fugitive. Meanwhile the captor of the young American had dragged his prisoner beyond the thick of the throng, and wus heading toward the granite quay, with which both banks of the river were hned. ‘* Now sea here, old hoss,” cried the indignant boy. “I like fun, but this is rubbing it in. Let go my collar if you know when you're well off. If you don’t—” ‘Go on, little wasp. What will you do?” came the scornful demand. “T'll show you a Yankee trick, that’s all.” **You show me a trick?’ The burly officer looked down on his captive as an elephant might look on a cat. “Yes, and here it is,” How it happened could not be easily told. There was a quick trip, a wild swaying of legs and arms, as the Russian sought to keep his footing on the ice, and then down he went like a feiled ox, bis head striking the hard surface with a crack like a cocvanut. “T bet he sees a whole siy full of stars!” cried the Yankee boy, springi-g away with a gay laugh. He headed straight toward the quay, but he had not gone ten steps before his boots slipped on a smooth spot, and he went down in a heap, r He quickly sprung to his feet again, but the felled policeman was now up, and rushing to- ward him with brandished club, “Tl brain youif you stir!” he shouted. ** You treacherous imp, stir at your peril!” The reckless youth started to run; but he was still on the same treacherous spot, and his feet again slipped. Ere be could recover, the officer had him by the shoulder, and was brandishing the ciub over bis bead. “You Yankee dog!” he hissed. had your spurt; it is my tury now!” ** You have
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The club came down viciously. Only that the boy jerked his head quickly aside he would have been felled by the blow. With a vicious oath the infuriated officer again raised his weapon; but it did not come down, for a sudden and un- expected event at that moment bappened. All that we have described had been observed by more than the parties interested and the staring crowd. A group of skaters, who moved on the skirts of the throng, seemed to take a more active interest in it. As the lad was led away by his captor, several of these followed, circling about as if they were concerned only in sport. When the officer made his vicious blow, two haben oye skaters were clos3 at hand. he uplifted club did not again descend, for at that instant the two men darted up, one on each side. In a moment they had caught the officer’s The Young Nihilist. arms, and with a harsh Russian malediction , they drew him sharply backward, kicking his heels from under him. Down he went again, with force enough to erack any ice less than a foot thick. All these events had passed so quickly that it was impossible for any one to come to the aid of the discomfited officer, though now several men were moving hastily toward the spot, “Quick!” cried the two men, in hasty accents, ‘Come with us, boy, or you are lost.” Seizing the young American’s arms, one on each side, they skated swiftly away, sliding him onward between them. Sharp cries came from behind, and the men of whom we have spoken put themselves in pursuit, Two or three of Lae baa on skates, and a quick chase fol- lowe The two men who held the boy were at a dis- | ‘They would quickly bave been | advantage. overtaken but for the apparently awkward movements of several skaters, who got in the way of and hindered the pursuers, “Clear the way, you stupid idiots!” cried one of the latter, furiously. ‘‘ We are officers of the a We will arrest you if you interfere with us He had hardly spoken ere one of the awkward | Squad fell at full length immedietely in front of him. He was moving too rapidly to stop, and away he went sprawling over the prostrate man. The latter sprung to his feet and sailed away with a laugh of disdain, It was evident that the apparent awkwardness was part of a well- managed game to cover the escape of the flying prisoner. In a moment more the game of the rescuers was apparent. An empty sleigh stood on a snowy spot near the line of the quay. Into this tka two men flung the youth as if he had been a bale of merchandise. ‘They leaped in after him and seized the reins, The mettled horses darted swiftly away. “Stoop! Stoop!” cried the man at the rib- ns, in tones of warning. t was just in time, for a brace of bullets whistled over their bent heads. The baffled of- cers were trying the effect of pistol practice. lon With a quick spurt the animal sprung for- ward. The shaft horses followed, Away went the team at a mad pace down the ice-bound stream, quickly leaving their pursuers far in the rear, and winding in and out perilously among the other vehicles on the river. The sleigh was a very handsome’ one, fur- lined, and with thick fur robes. It was drawn by three mettled iron-gray horses, two in the shafts and one as leader, the latter running with such long traces that be seemed no part of the sleigh outfit. ‘Go it, old chaps!” cried the rescued youth, in delight. ‘This is what I call sport. Didn’t aa fs did things up this way in Russia.” “We do many yueer things in Russia, in these days,” answered one of themen. ‘ We live here now with our livesin our hands. It would have been a Siberia job for you, boy, only for us.” “What made you take all this trouble then? You don’t know me.” “You rescued Ivan Stretzlitz. You have made ten thousand friends in Russia by that act. He who helps one of us he!ps us all. Life | for life is the motto of the free Russians.” The boy looked at the earnest face of the speaker, and a low whistle came from his lips, “That's prime,” he muttered. ‘‘ But don’t you drive a gallus team for your sort of folks?” A laugh of triumph came from the man’s bearded lips, ‘* We bave borrowed this sleigh, boy,” he an- swered. ‘It belongs to one of the dukes of the empire. He had left if standing empty for a minute just when we wanted it.” ‘*You stole a duke’s sleigh! Oh! cracky! If this ain’t a nice joke [ll give in! But, bless me for a high old coon, if I haven’t put my foot in it! : Some excitement had been created in the line of vehicles by the spectacle of the well-known sleigh of the titled dignitary whirling at such a pace through them, and with such unaccustomed occupants, But its speed rendered pursuit hopeless. Af- tera few minutes it left the river, at a con- venient place, and sped up into the streets of the city. Gawaed for five minutes more, through street after street. The sounds of excitement were left far bebind them. A quiet, deserted side- street was now reached, The horses were drawn up with a jerk. “Out, boy !” cried the men, as they sprung to the pavement, A Jash of the whip on the horses, and they darted off again, with the empty sleigh. * And now, my Jad, to cover; for there will be the very Old Nick to pay for this day’s work,” ; cet hurried onward, followed by the rescued lad, CHAPTER III. A BOY WITH A GENIUS FOR SCRAPES, WITHIN a handsome apartment of a large St. With a crack as loud as that of a pistol, the Petersburg mansion were two persons, a lady whip unfolded its lash in the air and fellon and a gentleman. Inside the room it was as the leading horse, which had been lagging in warm as mid-summer, although it was pierc- the traces, ing cold outside, Not a breath of the outer air %
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8 The Young Nihilist. could get into that room, with its close double windows, while a genuine Russian stove, a huge affair of brick and iron, sent a flood of heat through the room, Russian houses are built for warmth, not for ventilation... Flowers bloomed in the windows of the room as though they had been in a sum- mer garden of the tropics. Tbe furniture was rich and costly. Valuable pictures graced the walls, Delicate articles of virtu adorned every available space in the apartment. ‘The persons present were evidently not Rus- sians. They lookcd more like Americans in face and attire. The lady had a fresh, deli- cately cut face, with bright blue eyes. She was young pretty and tastefully dressed. Her com- panion was a handsome middle-aged gentle- man, enough like ber to be ber fatber, “Clark isin some trouble again; I know he is,” she pettishly declared, as she walked ner- yously about the room. “He has a perfect genius for getting into scrapes,” “At any rate, Helen, you must admit that he has a genius for getting out of them,” was the laughing reply. “But he is so wild and reckless. It is two days now since we have seen him, and no one knows where he is or what mischief heisin. I declare he quite puts me out.” Her slender fingers drummed impatiently on the table. “But, my dear,” answered the gent’eman, leaning easily back in his chair, ‘this is not the first time by a dozen. Yet you kuow he always turns up right.” ‘‘But be gets into all sorts of wild company, you know that. Look what a harum-scarum way of talking he has picked up. One might think he had been trained in a horse stable, and you can do nothing with him, You might as well talk toa post. He is just incorrigible.” The gentleman continued to laugh at her ex- cited impatience. “You know that is my idea of training, Helen,” he remarked. ‘I want my children to know the world, and be fit to deal with it. began by giving you both a solid treining in honor, honesty, and good sense. I fancy the rson that has those three elements can go hrough fire without getting scorched. I hardly think you are the worse for being allowed to have your own way. As for Clark fet him sow his wild oats. He gets into scrapes, but he has never done a thing yet to be ashamed of.” “Oh, he is a good boy enough. Getting, to be as rough and uncouth asa nutmeg ater. “That is only the shell to the cocoanut, my dear. He is sweet as milk inside. Wecansoon rub all that off. And now, will you let me read ny newspaper?” here was a comical distress in his tone that made the young lady break out into a silvery davat ‘“You are as bad as he,” she declared, as she turned quickly away. He unfolded the paper, and was soon lost in its contents. A knitted expression came upon his brow as he continued to read. “More Nihilist troubles, Helen,” he remarked. “Here's a daring escape of one of the ring- But he is ' does,” she declared, leaders of the party. One Ivan Stretzlitz, a fel- low who is concerned in some of their deepest schemes, has skated himself right out of the hands of a score of policemen. They pursued him for ten miles down the Neva, but he flung We snow in their faces, and gave them the slip. ‘Good! she cried excitedly. ‘‘That was a daring act!” “That may be, Helen. But remember you are in Russia. It is dangerous here to praise the doings of Nihilists. Here’s more of it, Another party snatched a prisoner from the hands of the police, stole the sleigh of Duke Shuvaloff, and drove away in the teeth of the authorities. They made their escape, too.” ‘*Good!” she repeated. ‘‘AndIdo not care who hearsit. I can’t choke down my American blood for all the Czars of all the Russi..s.” * You and Clark are born rebels, I do believe,” he answered, as he continued to read. But his face grew grave, his brow contracted, and a look of anxiety came into his face. He crushed the paper somewhat together in his hand, with a nervous clutch. She observed his face with a sensation of dread, “What is it?’ she cried. ‘You have not read me all.” “Nothing of consequence,” “Yes it is. There is something about Clark. I know there is. Oh, read it! He is in some trouble!” “T fancy he is all right.” ‘Let me have the paper! ing soething!” ‘No, no, my child. It is all right, Clark wasinit. But he is safe,” ‘What is 16? she hotly demanded, while her face turned pale, ‘Tell me the whole of it! What has the unhappy young rebel been doing You are conceal- | now?” “Tt must be Clark,” he rejoined. ‘* An Amer- ican boy lent his skates to Ivan, the fugitive. He was arrested by an officer, but be tripped the officer down on the ice, and escaped. 1t was he and some persons that helped him who took possession of the duke’s sleigh. They have ‘left the police in the lurch, No trace of them ' can be found.” “Tt was Clark! It must have been Clark!” she excitedly cried. ‘‘It was just like him! Hoe | helped the poor fugitive! And he fooled all the police of St. Petersburg! Good for Clark!” and she clapped ber hands as if overjoyed in the prowess of her scapegrace brother, “T do not know which is the worst of you,” answered the father, with a perplexed look, “JT wish my business was only settled up here, I would like to take you both into safer lati- tudes.” ‘He will come out all right. He always Turn the tables on me, I don't like this mixing with Nihil- “Go on, hope so, but ists.” ‘* We must hide him away, or ship him off.” “ Woe must catch him first.” The sound of an opening and shutting door seemed to echo their words, one was evidently coming. uss, “6
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The Young Nihilist. y While this conversation had been in progress, out in the streets of the city a youthful figure had been gliding heedfully along. The young American, for it was he, kept in all the retired and half-deserted streets, pushing his way un- der the shadows of the towering Russian houses, He'was enveloped in a thick cloak that cov- ered him like a mantle, while its collar, and his drawn-down cap front, half- concealed his face, temperature ten below zero. After pursuing these retired avenues as far as possible, he at length emerged upon the crowded Nefski Prospect, the grand street of St. Petersburg. This splendid, broad street, with its rows of palatial mansions on each side and its brilliant range of stores, is not surpassed in Europe. Its wide pavements were densely thronged with all the fashion of the Russian capital, while its snow-covered avenue presented a wonderful array of sleighs, carriages, carts and teams of every sort, size and pattern, many of them of strange fashions, such as are seen nowhere out of Russia. The boy walked easily along, with the feoling that there was, perhaps, more safety in a crowd than in the deserted streets. The avenue was very familiar to him, yet he could not avoid noticing the curious character of the store signs that lined the whole fronts of some of the build- ings. These were not printed but painted signs. The front of one store was covered with paintings of iant boots, shoes and slippers; while on another mnets, flowers and feathers appearing in glar- ing colors. Here were ladies in full ball cos- tume, so thin that one shivered with-cold to look at them. There, on a fruit store, were grapes as large as apples, and apples as large as pumpkins, while oranges, peaehes, pears, etc,, made the store front look like a tropical fruit- garden. All down the street this array of flar- ingly-colored signs continued, until the houses looked like a pictorial cegriag es There was no difficulty in discovering what any one had to sell, even to a foreigner. The lack of education in the common people of the city made this sort of sign-board necessary. be young fugitive walked on for some dis- tance through the crowd, carefully looking out for signs of danger. At length he paused before one of the handsomest mansions on that part of the street, and taking a last cautious look around him, opened the door and entered. It was this sound that had been heard by tho fatherly ~ lemienga and the young lady in the salon above, Ina minute afterward the young truant broke gayly into the room in which his father and sister awaited him with grave faces. But tho boy was too full of vim to be easily checked, ‘Back again, father, you see,” he cried, clasping his father’s hand with a warm pressure, “How goesit, sis? Give mea buss!” Hoe flung his arms around her neck and gave her a brotherly kiss. ‘Been worried to death, I know. But I couldn’t belp it. I don’t want to lay truant, but there’s always something turn- iz up. Fran, high | That kind of concealment | was easy, in a Russian winter day, with the | Tam afraid you have got yourself into‘seri- ous trouble this time, my son,” said the father gravely, ‘‘I know all about it. It is herein the paper. I cannot blame you; but itis a bad | affair.” ‘‘ But, what in the world was I to do?” asked Clark, with a comical grimace. ‘You don’t know the whole of it. Does the paper tell how Iskated down the ice-hill and fell, and was jerked by this man out of the way of the sleds?” “There! I knew it was somo of your madcap frolics!” cried Helen. ‘‘ You are always plung- ing head-foremost into trouble,” “I suppose so. I’m a coon on diving,” an- swered the reckless boy. ‘‘ And there’s nota spark of fun without a spice of danger. Any- how, thisman that the police were after saved me from from being sledded over, and I lent him my skates. I wasn’t hog enough to refuse him. Well, then, a .scaly coon snatched me, and a couple of chaps took me away from him, and ran off with me in the duke’s sleigh.—And you can bet high we had-a gallus ride!’ He laughed with as much abandon asif he had been safe in America, instead of in the Rus- sian capital, “Tt is not so amusing,” answered his father stertily. ‘‘Youdg not know what danger you may bein. I must get you out of this country somehow, Where have you been these last two days?” The boy’s face grew suddenly sober. He looked cautiously around before speakiag, then suprencies his father and answered in a low one: - * Among the Nihilists!” a The father leaped up as if.a serpent had stung him. A cry of suppressed ferror came from the lips of the sister, If dsnamite had exploded in their midst they could not have been more startled, “ And Iam one of them,” continued the reck- less boy. ‘I couldn’t help it. I knew too much, I had toswear a deep oath, or they would have killedyme. Iam in for it in the worst way.” “Unhappy boy!” cried the father. ‘* What have you done? Do you know the penalty of joining that crew of murderers? You have the emperor and half of Russia for your enemies.” “And the other half for my friends,” an- swered the youth. ‘ You don’t know what the Nihilists are, father. They are everywhere. ‘In thearmy, in the navy, in the courts, among the nobles, even in the emperor’s palace. And I have learned how to make myself known for one of them whereveriam. If Ilhave made a million of enemies I have made a million of powerful friends.” “Listen to him!” cried Helen, think ‘he gloried in it!” * And what have you to do for all this protec- tion?” **'To obey all orders given me.” “T see how it is,’ cried the father, springing up with decision, ‘* You have got yourself na terrible danger. You must be got out of this country at once, no matter what the cost.” “Not just yet,” came ina hard, stern voice from the door, which at that moment flew open, | “ Ho is wanted in Russia just at present,” “You might
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A The Young Nihilist. In walked a uniformed agent of the Russian pee. Two others stood in the hall just behind CHAPITER IV. A MYSTERIOUS AGENT. More than a week has passed since the date of our last chapter. Clark Cloverly bas again disappeared, gives infinite trouble to his father and sister, for they know that he is in the gloomy depths ofa Russian prison. Mr, Cloverly has exerted himself to have hds son brought up for a hearing, and has availed himself of the serviceg of the American minister, but as yet without success. The course of justice does not run smooth in Russia, and it is a bad country to get into a scrape with the Government, Whatin America would be looked on as a bit of boyish folly was there considered a serious political crime. An aching tooth is not more sensitive thana despotic government. On an afternoon at the end of this time Helen came in from an out-door expedition. She hastily flung off her fur-lined wraps, her face glowing with anger and vexation. ‘*T declare that I hate Peek without souls!” she ejaculated. ‘‘And 1 hate snails! Ihave been to see the American minister, and you might as well try to move an oak tree. He is bound to go on his own pace, like a forty-year- old horse on a race-course. I despise such men!” The irate little beauty flung herself down ina chair, and angrily flirted her fan, ; ‘*Keep cool, my dear,” answered her father quien “You are a worse spitfire than Clark. he minister is doing all he can. You cannot hurry affairs in this country. What took you there? You knew I was attending to that.” ** Because I got tired of fretting and fuming here. Lam terribly worried about poor Clark. They hang men for nothing here; you know that. And they send them to Siberia for less than ciple dg I wish I was home in America, where a bird can sing without having to get a passport,” ‘*] wish to Heaven we were all there!” an- swered her father, with asigh. ‘* And I shall certainly soon get there if we can once settle mi affair, But I fear that will prove diffi- cult. “I know it! They will hang my poor brother. that’s what they will ye ; She twirled the fan so nervously that the deli- cate thing snapped in two, and was flung fret- fully aside. ‘* If they send him to Siberia I will go there with him, Or Tl go after him. They cannot stop me!” “T am gisd you are not a boy,” answered Mr. Cloverly, with a grave smile. “If I had two like you and Clark I fear I would have a sorry time.—What is it?’ to a servant who had entered. ‘ A person to see you, sir.” * Ah! a Russian? “Yes, sir; a moujik.” “ Very well. Show him up here, You need not stay, Helen.” ut this is a disappearance that “Yes I will!” she answered. ‘It may be something about Clark,” The next minute the visitor was ushered into the room. He was a tall, slender fellow, with intelligent countenance and a sharp look in his eyes. He was dressed in the ordinary winter attire of the porters, drivers and laborers of St. Petersburg, namely, a coat of dressed sheepskin with the woolly side turned inward, stout leather boots, with his pantaloons thrust into their wide tops, and a Tartar hat on his reddish hair, Mr. Cloverly looked at him with an inquiring glance. “Do you wish to see me?” he asked. ‘Yes, sir. I was told that you wanted a trunk carried—” He paused as the sound of he servant’s steps vanished in the distance, He looked around him with eager caution. ‘‘ Are we alone?” he asked in low tones, ‘Is there any one within hearing?” “Certainly not,” answered the surprised gentleman. ‘‘There is no one here but my daughter and myself, What has that to do ih POETTIRG a trunk? I want no trunk car- ried. “T must see for myself,” rejoined the stranger. He walked to the several doors of the room, opened them, and closely examined the adjoin- ing apartments. He let the doors stand wide open. “When a man has secret business an open door is better than a closed one,” he said. “A Russian dvornik at a key-hole is a bird that carries tales. Never trust an unsafe word within hearing of your dvornik.” “The dvornik; the porter; why?” i Because all Russian porters are police spies. _“But what do you want? You are dressed likea mere but you bern like an educated Russian. You are not what you seem.” “It is something about Clark! I know it is!” cried Helen, ie ta eas forward. ‘Let the gentleman speak. We are eager to hear you, sir. s ‘Please moderate your tones,” answered the Russian coldly. ‘‘When people conspire they should talk in whispers. The young gentleman is in trouble, but he has powerful friends.” His voice sunk very low. ‘You do not know the society of which he is now a member. It is not the Nihilist. We are not murderers. But we are sworn to free Russia from her chains, I can speak this to you as Americans,” * Yes, 8 ene in sympathy with any honorable e: r liberty. Not with murder. But my boy?’ “He isin danger. He will be condemned.” “No, no! He has done nothing! They cannot condemn him!” cried Helen, fiercely. “They can do what they wish, young lady,” replied the Russian. ‘He is an American. That is in his favor. But he will be asked where be has been, If he refuses to reveal, it may go hard with him. And he dare not reveal, on peril of his life.” “Clark Cloverly is no coward and no traitor, sir,’ answered Helen indignantly, ‘Your
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The Young Nihilist. — threats would have no influence on him, But if he has given his word he will keep it.” “T believe you,” and the speaker looked with admiration into her earnest face. ‘If we had but an army with your spirit, Russia would soon be free. ButIam herein yourservice. I. am here—” He ceased again, and made another inspection of the adjoining rooms, “Your brother is safe,” he continued in cau- tious tones. “If the courts condemn him there are those who are pledged to eles him, and who will, You have access to his prison?” “Tt has been denied me,” answ Cloverly sadly. “But they cannot prevent you seeing him before his trial. You are his father. Youhave @ right to insist on it.” **T will do so.” ““When yousee him hand him this.” He gave Mr, Cloverly a small package. ‘‘ We cannot have access to him except through you, but you can give it to him without suspicion. He must read the inclosed directions carefully, and then utterly destroy them. A scrap of paper in the wrong hands is sometimes as deadly asa bullet.” “But what then? What is this to do?” “Tf he is condemned, we will save him. But he must obey our directions implicitly. Good- day. It is not best that I should stay here too dong. e raised his hat with a polite movement, and quickly left the room The father and daughter looked at each other in wonder and hopefulness. ‘I must confess I do not understand this,” said the former. ‘I am afraid of it.” “You must do as he says,” cried the Gangitee, eagerly. “The man is no police spy. He is honest. I could see it in his eyes.” But we must leave the father and daughter to finish their conversation alone, and to indulge in the hope and dread which their strange visi- tor left behind him. The flow of events hurry us forward to a point a week later in time, and to a locality far different from the richly adorned residence of the wealthy American. We find ourselves, instead, in the dull, gloomy precincts of a Russian police court, with its bare stone walls and the hard, stern faces of its oc- cupants. ark Cloverly is there, arraigned as a crimi- nal before a red-faced judge, but with all his reckless boyish vim of countenance, His father is also present, in company with the dignified American minister, who has consented to per- sunally attend the examination. As we enter, the preliminary part of the ex- amination is over, rather favorably for the prisoner. There is now on the witness-stand the burly officer who had arrested the youth. Clark listened quietly while the policeman gave vert to a tissue of open falsehoods, in which he pretended to have overheard the con- versation between the youth and Ivan, the es- caped criminal. His story made out that the boy was little short of a declared Nihilist. ogre kept silent, though with a peculiar curl of ip. The policeman went on to describe what had happened afterward. One would have imagined, from his story, that the boy was a giant, and he a badly-treated dwarf. he mei! of the duke’s sleigh seemed to be more Clark’s doings than that of his companions, “‘ Will your honor permit me to speak?” asked the American minister, rising in the court. “Certainly, your excellency,” the judge affa- by T nang d ind tly to th : ave listened indignantly is prepos- terous evidence,” remarked the minister. ‘ This man heard a conversation in the open air when he was a hundred yards distant! And, accord- ing to him, he was handled by a mere boy as a man might handle a baby! Shall I have the oO of questioning the prisoner at the r “I shall consider it an honor,” rejoined the udge. j Well then, young man, will you please in- form the court what you think of this testi- mony?” Clark stood upright, and turned a quizzical look on the important witness. “ He’s a fair figure of a coon,” began the boy, shrugging his shoulders. ‘ About the size of a fat whisky barrel. But there are no barrels big enough to hold his lies. Why, the fellow must think the judge of this court has been brought upon pap. If he hada whole side of leather in each ear—and they aren’t much short of it—he couldn’t have heard what. passed be- tween me and Ivan, as they say that man is named, All I know is he hasn’t sent home my skates yet.” A smile of amusement passed through the court. “And about the rest of it! Did you ill-treat him, as he says?” é “Why, Iam alittle afraid my feet slipped, and kicked his heels from under him. He tum- bled like a jackass out of a hay-loft. You ought to have been there!” The reckless boy laughed at the thought. “The prisoner will conduct himself more de- corously,” warned the judge, severely. * All rie your honor,” answered Clark, perry “I didn’t go tolaugh. It came out it- self, A few more questions thoroughly discredited the evidence of the witness, particularly as Clark was sustained in his stone OF the evidence of other witness. The discomfited officer stepped down with a hang-dog look. Mr. Cloverly’s face wore a more hopeful ex- pression. A low-toned conversation passed be- tween him and the minister, while the court proceedings continued. At length the judge raised himself in his seat, with an important air. u ‘We have heard the evidence,” he remarked. ‘It is, so far, not to the disadvantage of the ac- cused. But there is another point to be cleared up. Two days and nights elapsed between the time the prisoner was rescued and his reéurn home. e demand to know where he was dur- ing that interval of time,” ‘I don’t know,” answered Clark. ‘You don’t know?” in surprised accents. “No more than the man in the moon,” re- joined the boy. “There’s too many twists in | your city for me to carry them all in my head, wks “8
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ay The Young Nihilist. They took me somewhere, and kept me there. That’s all I know about it.” “That is a lame story,” was the severe com- ment. ‘‘ What kind of place was it? What sort of people were there?” “Tt was somewhere in the upper part of a house, and the people were Russians,” returned the boy. ‘‘I never saw them before, and am not anxious to ever see them again.” “You are concealing something,” continued the judge. ‘“‘ You were among conspirators— murdering Nihilists. I demand a complete story of everything that passed, from first to last, and detailed descriptions of everybody and every-~ thing you saw.” “You may demand it, bul you won’t get it,” answered the intrepid boy, with a look of indig- nation. ‘‘These people jerked me out of a scrape, and hid me away from danger. And ‘ou want me to betray them! Maybe you don’t know what sort of stuff Americans are made of, or what kind of blood runs in Yankee veins. Before I’d blow on them that put themselves in danger to help me I’d cut my throat; and if ou are not satisfied with that you can cut it ‘or me.” The boy sat angrily down. He bad bad his say. The face of the judge grew redder than ever, as his cheeks puffed out with wounded dignity. “The prisoner is remanded,” he said. ‘They that help to conceal criminals are abettors of crime, move him from the court.” A short conversation ensued between the Americans and the judge, but the latter held firmly to his purpose. “The boy is too outspoken,” said the minister after they had gained the street, ‘‘He might have got off if he bad used a little more discre- tion,” ‘ “That is Clark’s way,” answered the father helplessly. “1 can do nothing with him.” “T admire his way, then,” rejoined the offi- cial, “and I will use my ir fluence with the emperor in his favor. I fancy there will be no difficulty in his release.” Five minutes afterward, as Mr. Cloverly walked on alone, a hand from the passers-by twitched his sleeve. He turned quickly back. “Did the boy get the paper?’ was whispered in his ear. ‘Yes. He read and destroyed it.” “Very good. He is safe.” The speaker disappeared in the throng. Mr. Cloverly stood staring back with surprise, CHAPTER V. A LEAP FOR LIFE. Tux inside of the Russian prison would be no oteetppe place of residence for the coldest- blooded of the Muscovites. For a hot-blooded American boy it was dreadfully aggravating. ‘Clark walked the length and breadth of his narrow cell like a panther in a cage, pausing now and then to deliver a spiteful kick on the stout oaken door. ‘It would be enough to give a blackbird the blues,” be growled angrily. ‘‘If I'd only had sense enough to hold my tongue before that owl-eyed judge, I might have been safe out of I this. | But I never had that much sense, 80 there’s no use crying over spilt milk. Wh didn’t I cook him up some nice story of where was those two days; instead of choking him square off? But it’s just like me. I can’t help b ne out the truth, if I’m choked for it my- self. : He continued his panther-like walk for a few minutes. He then seated himself on his low cot, and took something from his pocket, at which he gazed with doubtful eyes. It was a small vial, not larger than a chestnut, which seemed to contain a bluish fluid. ‘*’'m in for it, I suppose,” he remarked. “If they get me out of the clutches of the law, as they promise, I can’t go back on them. But how am I going to get the chance to use this, that’s the question? I’ve got to get out of this stone cage first, and there don’t seem much show for that.” A step in the corridor attracts his attention. He hastily concealed the vial. The next mo- ment there came the sound of the key in his cell door, The lock clicked harshly, and the door opened, revealing the keeper and a stout uni- | formed person, who looked like an officer of the army. This person’s face wore a harsh expression as he advanced pompously into the reom, and signed to the keeper to withdraw out of hear- ing. “So, you young rogue,” began he harshly, as | he stood bolt upright before the boy, ‘‘ you are | likely to gain nothing by denying the truth_be- fore the judge. We bave found it all out. You area Nihilist. The secret is discovered.” “That's very interesting news,” answered Clark. ‘Iam obliged for tbe information. I would never bave found it out if you hadn’t been kind enough to tel! me.” ‘“‘No bravado, sirrah! Iam here on the em- peror’s service.” “And a jolly old cock you are. But you might have brougbt a few grains of common- sense in alone you, What do you want, anybow? IfIam a boy, I ain’t a fool, and i you've got nothing better in your news-bag you’d better absquatulate.” “We bave found it all out, I say,” answered the pompous officer. ‘The Nihilists are threat- ening the Government on your account, See here. They vow they will blow up this build- ing with dynamite unless you are released!” He waved a sheet of paper in his hand, while he fixed his little twinkling eyes sharply on the prisoner. “Good for them!” cried Clark, in reckless bravado. “They're just the folks to do it, too, if they promise.’ “Then you confess? You acknowledge that you are a member of the gang?” “Dol? What set that bee buzzing in your bonnet? Look here, old hoss,” Clark got up and squared himself defiantly before the officer, “when you go out to buy fools how much do you generally pay? I'd like to know, for I don’t intend to be sold for a fool’s price. If you've got no better business here I guess I can get aiong without your company.” The pompous officer swelled with anger at the disrespectful manner of the youthful prisoner,
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The Young Nihilist. il who seemed to care no more for the dignity of a Russian official than he might have done for the whisking of a rat’s tail. “You are a hardened villain!” he exclaimed. “ And litfle more than a boy! Iam horrified!” He held up his hands to express his overcharged feeling. “Tt is a pity of you,” answered the reckless youth, ‘ You must have took it bad. Quinine might be good for it.” “This interview must come to an end,” re- plied the officer, severely. “T gave you orders to absquatulate five min- utes ago,” interrupted Clark. “T am about to remove you from this prison to a safer one,” continued the officer. ‘* This building may not be safe from the terrible Nibilists, but you are about to be immured in a place where we can laugh at their dynamite threats. You will be there under my charge and you will find that your late insolence will not be profitable to you.” A gleam of hope shot into Clark’s counte- nance, which he immediately suppressed. This action of the authorities was in the exact line of | intention of his secret friends, Decision and boldness, with the help of good luck, were now needed to set him free once more. He resumed his former easy impertinence, to hide his secret intention from the officer. “Glad ’'m going to have you along,” he re- marked, ‘When the Nibilists blow up your shanty I’d like to have you for company. It'll take a smarter coon than you to discount them chaps, let mo tell you that. Say the word. When are we to march?” “Immediately. The carriage is at the door waiting. You are about to be removed to the State Fortress, beyond the Neva. You will have no Nihilist rats to visit you there, I prom- ou. “All right. I’m open for a change,” an- swered Clark, defiantly. ‘Haven’t much bag- gage to carry, s0 you can lead off, as quick as you like.” Ten minutes afterward the doors of the po- lice-station lock-up, in which Clark had been confined, opened, and he had once again a view of the free streets. It was a drear nr ape however. The locality was deserted. Snow was heavily descending. The air blew shrill and piercing. There was only one person visi- ble, a man that lounged along on the opposite side of the street. His band clutched his cap in a peculiar manner. Clark looked at him, as if he recognized a signal in the gesture. A close carriage, drawn by three stout horses, stood at the door. On the box, beside the coachman, sat a uniformed policeman. Clark shrugged his shoulders, The prospect of escape looked blue. He stepped into the carriage, followed by the officer, who closed the door pay bebind him. The vehicle moved quick- oO Side by side on the a seat of the carriage sat the officer and his prisoner, the former bolt upright and stern-looking, the latter lounging back and looking out of the carriage window into the thick falling snow. £ : Clark seemed to haye some object in this | close observation. He noticed every turn made — by the carriage, and seemed seeking to trace the course they were pursuing. At length bis countenance cleared up. All was going right. The carriage had taken the desired direction. He turned with an aggravating look at his companion, who sat with military stiffness, rect and stern, as if he felt bis position to be e cf immense importance. “You don’t often do this sort of thing?” asked Clark, with an irritating manner. “What do you mean, sirrah?” “Carry off boys to the lock-up. Don’t seem like a high-toned business for colonels in the Russian army. I suppose you ain’t less than a colonel?” “A Russian officer only knows one duty, to obey orders,” was the pompous reply. ‘‘ And besides, you are looked upon as an important | State prisoner.” “Am I?’ asked Clark, with a comical look. “Much obliged for the honor, but I calculate I could dispense with it. Guess it ain’t often you | get a genuine American in your clutches, you seem to crow so much about it. Look out now | how you boe your row, I might play you a Yankee trick yet, like I did that po.iceman on the ice.” “You are in different hands now, my young friend,” rejoined the officer, with a look of im- portance. ‘* You are vot the first desperate young criminal I have had to deal with. You will co well to keep quiet.” He drew a pistol from his pocket, and held it in his hand on his knee, while he looked signifi- cantly into Clark’s face. The latter turned his eyes away, as if scared at the sight of the wea- pon, and gazed again through the carriage win- dow. Hevurned back after @ minute, with a look of satisfaction. All was evidently going to his liking “Suppose I was to show you one of those Yankee tricks I spoke of?’ he remarked, thrust- ing his hand carelessly into his pocket. ‘* What would you do?’ **Put a bullet through you,” came the stern answer, ‘That’s what we call a Russian trick.” “It's Russian against Yankee, then. Square Lett my cove! I’m going to show you that ankee trick.” The officer looked into the face of the prisoner, and broke into a discainful laugh, “*T didn’t know that 1 had to do with a fool,” he remarked. “T did, then,” answered Clark sharply, ‘tor I would havo taken a different track. Look out, now. Here’s the Yankee’s trump card,” Before the officer could guess what bis pris- oner meant, Clark had caught his pistol hand in a firm grasp, and was pressing bis other hand on the officer’s upper lip. This hand held the small vial of which we have spoken. The Russian struggled for an instant in the boy’s grasp. But as hedid so, a peculiar odor from the open vial penetrated his nostrils, and was drawn into his lungs. He gasped for an _ instant, and then his head fell back, with closed eyes. He ceased to struggle, His hands lay . limp and moveless, zs
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18 The Young Nihilist. A look of desperate energy had replaced the usual reckless expression of his face. ‘*Ho shall take it all, if it suffocates him,” he muttered between his clinched teeth. ‘‘ It’s life *or life now. Good! Heisdone for. Now for that pistol and a plunge for liberty.” He wrenched the weapon from the rigid hand of the stupefied officer. At the same instant ke opened the door of the carriage and looked out. “Tm safe from him for several minutes,” he muttered. ‘Now for my frionds outside. Hal it’s all right! Here goes for freedom!” At that instant an open, cart-like vehicle had drawn up side by side with the police carriage; so close that their wheels nearly locked, The street was a quiet one. Clark cast a glance at the driver of the vehicle. Something in the ap- earance of the latter decided him. The next instant the door of the carriage was thrown Clark continued to press the vial to his nose. | wide open, and the captive had made his leap for freedom. The bold spring through the descending snow was successful, The agile youth lit in the open cart, bis feet falling noiselessly on the carpet of snow with which its bottom was covered. It was done so quickly and noiselessly that the two men on the box, balf-blinded by the snow blast in their faces, failed to notice what had hap- ened, 3 Clark threw himself postrate in the bottom of the vehicle, which quickly drew away from the dangerous Vicinity of the carriage. Evidently. the whole matter had been prearranged, and the driver knew his part, grb For a minute more they continued to drive in the same direction. Then the open vehicle turned into a street that there ran at right angles to the one which they had been pursuing. At the same moment there came acry from the interior of the carriage like the bellow of an enraged bull. “Phe jig’s up,” cried Clark to the driver. “The dog’s come back to his senses, Let out like streaked Hanning: They’ll be on our track before you could say Jack Robinson.” In response to this stirring warning the driver flercely lashed his horses, which dashed madl forward, Onward they tore, while the soun they had heard still came from behind them. They had gained a considerable distance in advance when they saw the carriage turn sharply into their street, the coachman yelling to his horses, and using the wbip on them with merciless freedom. i A pistol-bullet from the policeman by his side buried itself in the timbers of the cart. “Dash on!” cried Clark. ‘ He couldn’t hit a barn-door at this speed.” Another shot, and the bullet whistled over- head. Clark raised bimself on bis arm and looked backward. The carriage was evidently gaining. “ There’s enough of this sort of fun,” cried the daring boy, as he rose to bis feet, ‘If there’s going to be artillery practice, I am in for my share of the sport.” He drew the pistol which he had taken from the officer and aimed at the pursuers, just asa cy bullet swept by, so closely as to ruffle his UD hy The report was echoed by the discharge of his weapon. In an instant the leading horse of the carriage team stumbled and fell headlong to se ground, the others plunging in a heap upon aim. “ Burra!” yelled Clark, waving bis cap wild ly. “That’s Yankee practice, my lads. Le, out, old chap. We’ve got the whip hand now,” The plunging horses, the instant after, were turned sharply into another street, The driver drew them partly up. “Jump!” he cried, in a hoarse voice, ‘The gateway to the left! This is your place!” A wild spring brought Clark to the ground. He burried forward through the gateway men- tioned into an open court-yard, The veuicle he bad left drove on with its former speed. A minute or two afterward the pursuing car- riage turned with a quick swing into the street. Two horses drew it. The dead animal bad been cut out of the traces. CHAPTER VI. INSIDE A RUSSIAN HOUSE. BrroreE proceeding with our story we must say something about the character of a Russian house. The people of St. Petersburg do not usually live in single houses, but in immense apartment houses, each large enough for a con- siderable number of families. These are of three or four stories above the ground floor, of which all the lower floors are oveupied by wealthy families, while the ground floor may serve for kitchens, store-rooms, or even stables, But these fine families, with their luxurious furniture and their handsome house entrance, know little and care less, of all the inhabitants of their mansion. Above them isa large attic floor, which they never see. It has no connec- tion with the front entrance, but is reached by a rear stairway, and is divided up into a great number of rooms. This attic floor swarms with life. It has a distinct family for almost every room, and holds all sorts and kinds of people, flung is together, like the happy family in a menagerie, There they live and steam, for a Russian house is kept always roasting hot, and a genuine Rus- sian can stand more heat and more cold thay any other individual on the face of the earth. t was into such a scene as this that Clark Cloverly now hastened. The court-yard into which he bad hurried lay in the rear of sucha mighty mansion, and from it opened the stair- way that led to the attic region of the house, The snow swirled around his ears as he ran hastily across the open space and the sharp Rus- sian air cut him like a knife. In a moment he plunged through the doorway. The shelter of the hall once gained, he breathed freely for the first time siuce be had left the prison. ** All jolly so far,” he cried, with a laugh of boyish triumph. ‘If I haven’t flung them coons as neat as wax-work then there’s no use talking. Bet they don’t nab me again so easy.” He hastened up the long flight of stairs. The teed wind and whirling snow followed him up, for the lower door stood always wide open, ike in summer and winter. At the head of the stairs were a pair of stout
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The Young Nihilist. 13 swinging-doors, that closed sharply behind him as he pushed through them. They worked with | strong springs, as a defense against the inrush of the cold. In an instant it seemed to him as if he had suddenly entered another world. The hall in which he stood was as hot as a tropical summer and had a stifling variety of smells. A medley of noises came to his ears, sounds of hammer- ing, frying, scolding, crying, and talking as it seemed in twenty different languages. Clark had a good ear, and he recognized words in English, German, French and Russian with a variety of unknown dialects, all jumbled to- gether, « You might think it was the Tower of Babel broke loose,” he muttered. ‘‘ Anyhow a chap better be in a squalling pig-pen than in the neatest prison that was ever go.up. Now, just let me tumble down on Ivan.” The place in which he stood was a long hall, upon which opened the doors of numerous apart- ments. At intervals other halls branched out from it, also lined on both sides with rooms, People seemed crowded in here like cows in a stable, this one floor holding three times as many families as the whole house below. Clark slowly made his way along, observin closely as he went. He asked no questions, an was evidently moving under strict directions, At length he stopped before a door in a remote corner of the building. “This must be the place,” he muttered, as he announced his presence by a peculiar knock. The door was immediately opened, and there appeared a face which Clark at once recognized, It was that of Ivan Stretzlitz, the fugitive whom he had aided to escape. The latter sprung hastily forward, his eyes beaming with satisfaction. He caught Clark in his arms with a bug like that of a Russian bear, and drew him hastily into the room. “ Brave fellow!” he cried, in a low but intense tone. ‘You have escaped! ‘ou to do it, but I feared some accident. One 8 never sure, Mercy, but won’t the police go wild! Brave, noble soul; you have made friends who will never desert you.” He shook Clark’s hands as if he wished to wring them off. He seemed half beside himself with joy. “T flung them neat, you bet,” answered Clark _ easily. ‘But just suppose you Jet up on that, Iain’t made of cast iron; and my arms ain’t rigged for ore areca Squat down, and we'll have it out in talk.” “Lower. Speak lower,” warned Ivan. “There are ears about, Never breathe a secret louder than a whisper in a Russian house.” “There are more tongues than ears, I rca rejoined Clark, with a grimace. ‘* Anyhow, by the noise outside, you might think everybody were using their tongues, and nobody their ears, Why, you could cut the noise down in slices, ay believe them chaps could hear thun- er. He seated himself on a chair which Ivan offered him, and looked curiously about the room. It was an apartment of no great size, and very sparsely furnished, Several other persons , I knew it was in | | were present, an old woman, and a counle of men, who now came forward and shook hands with Clark, congratulating bim on bis escape. They were men of earnest, determined faces, whom he had evidently seen before. Ivan bustled about, setting the materials of an abundant meal before the youth, whom he seemed to think must be inastate of starvation. He also prepared a pot of steaming-hot tea, one of the chief necessaries of life to a Russian, and which they drink at a heat which would scorch e skin from the throat of any other Chris- jan. Clark was, in fact, hungry enough to do jus- tice to the provender set before him, and as he ate he told the story of bis adventures. More than once he half-choked himself with laughing at the pompous idiocy of the officer, and the way he had played him off. His audience ; seemed to think the story irresistibly funny, | and laughed as if they would split their sides at Clark’s narration. “It’s lucky for me they picked out such a confounded fool to do the work,” he remarked, “Talk about a jackass being stupid! Why, a | whole team of them wouldn’t be a match for him, And didn’tI play him? But it was just as easy as fishing for gudgeons.” ‘*Gudgeons? What are they?” asked Ivan. “They are a sort of fish that you want no bait for, They bite the bare hook, just as the tony officer did.” lark pushed his chair back from the table, quite satisfied. “T ought to be good for another day,” he re- marked. ‘ And now, what’s in the wind?” A long, low conversation ensued, in which the situation of the escaped prisoner was thorough- ly discussed. It was evident that he must keep in hiding for the present. And it was quite as evident to Clark that his new friends intended , to make use of him. He had juined a society _ into which entrance was easier than escape. He could not stay where he now was, The dvornik, or porter of the house, was well known to be a police spy. The bold escape would soon be known over all St. Petersburg. The appear- ance of a strange youth in the mansion would at once excite suspicion, “I might keep you in close quarters here, but | there is always danger of your being seen,” re- marked Ivan, ‘‘Wo have much safer places | than this. You must be got away from here under cover of the night.” ‘ All prime,” answered the boy, with an air of recklessness. ‘‘Any port in astorm. This is a gay joke for nothing but the loan of a pair of skates. But it’s confounded hard to have to crawl about in rat-holes while all this good skat- jing is going. Ill have a fling yet before man sere, oH bet, in spite of all the police of this city, “You may have a chance,” answered Ivan, | with an air of mystery. ‘The Free Russians | have work for their members, Since you have | taken the oath of membership you must obey all orders, whatever the peril.” ‘Suppose I don’t choose to,” answered Clark, with a rebellious —e ~ “Then it will be , rope or poison,” an
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14 The Young Nihilist swered one of the other men sternly. ‘“* Fidel- ity, obedience, or death—that is the motto of our order.” Clark shrugged his shoulders but made no aes ; ight fell early in the December of that high latitude. By the time of our winter twilight it had been there an hour dark. Yet it was nine o'clock in the evening ere the word was given to the escaped prisoner that it was now time to put their enterprise into effect. One of the party leading the way to see that the coast was clear, they descended the long flight of stairs, and emerged into the open court- yard. The snow was still falling. A cold wind drove it into their faces. Clark shivered in the biting air, which his Russian friends did not seem to mind in the least. But a Russian has wonderful powers of. enduring cold. It is said that a peasant will think nothing of sleeping on | asnowbank with the temperature below zero, They will even leave a steaming, vapor bath and take a roll in the snow. As the proverb oes among them, ‘‘ What is death to a German is health to a Russian.” But Clark had none of that iron temperament, and he shivered and drew his fur collar up over his face as he entered the sleigh which stood in the court-yard. “Tt is no great distance,” said one of the men, ; looking at their shivering comrade. “‘Thank the stars for that,” answered Clark. “This is about the wildest night I ever saw in our nipping climate. I bet a camel it is a Gnitet and fifty below zero, <A nightlike this would freeze the nossa off a brass monkey.” He clasped his own, to make sure if it was still on bis face. The sleigh had now turned into the street and was driving furiously onward. It was alone in the retired streets which they followed. No other vehicle was met, The night was too wild for even a Russian to venture out without pressing business. fifteen minutes’ rapid drive brought them to their destination. So far as the darkness and the snow permitted vision it seemed to be a house of moderate proportions in the suburbs of the city. There was a street lamp at some dis- tance, but here all was gloom. Ivan and one of the two men sprung from the sleigh, leaving the horses in charge of the other. Clark followed them, dancing on the pavement to restore circulation to his limbs. “Ten minutes more of that and I’d been a mummy,” he cried. ‘‘I never knew what cold wos before. Streak on like fun before I freeze stiff. A stove is worth ten gold mines now.” A peculiar knock on the house door was an- swered, not by the opening of the door, but by suewier knock fom Seg tth Ivan fol aed up with a second signal. The door now slig oper and some whispered words pal inally the door was flung open. “Enter, brothers,” cried the door-keeper. One of the men remained with the sleigh. The others entered. The door-keeper cast a suspicious glance on Clark, but his face cleared up when the latter gave him the signal of mem- bership, . that all Russia is undermin | **A new brother,” exclaimed Ivan. “Is the chapter called?” ““Yes, You are waited for.” Ivan: proceeded. He led to a room on the second floor, whose door he opened. “TI must leave you here for the present,” he said to Clark. ‘* You are secure here from pur- suit. A meeting of our brothers takes place to- night. I dare not take youtoit. Business of great importance is to be discussed by the higher members of the society, to which the younger members cannot be admitted. Hold yourself in readiness for work. It is our rule to try the courage and ability of every new member, And now, good-nigbt.” Clark was left alone. Ten minutes after- ward Ivan gave the signal of entrance on the door of a secluded apartment in the subter- ranean region of the house, The door was opened, A dim ligbt shone from within. A long, low room appeared, about which were ranged a score of men, their faces hidden by black masks. Ona dais at the upper end of the hall sat a stalwart figure, of whom only a pair of glittering eyes were visi- ble. He held in his hand, assymbol of authority, a human skull. The door closed. The chapter of the con- spirators was completed. CHAPTER VII. A WILD RACE, THER morning sun shone on a striking scene. St. Petersburg was an ocean of snow, The storm of the night before had poured down its white flakes for long hours, until the streets were knee-deep in their chilly blanket. The sky was now clear, but the sunbeams seemed icy cold. They made no impression on the white blanket that covered the city. In the room in which Clark bad been left the night before there were now three persons, Clark Cloverly, Ivan Stretzlitz, and a tall, handsome woman. Jt was Sophie Peroffskaya, destined ere long to suffer death for her deeds. The remainder of the conspirators had faded away, one by one, into the stormy night. No trace of the treasonable meeting remained, Clark was angrily walking the floor, with an | expression of hot vexation on bis face, I don’t see any use in my laying the rat in the hole,” he declared. ‘ n’t believe half that you tell me, And if it is all true it is | nothing to me!” “You should have thought of that before you took the oath of the Free Russians,” said the woman, coldly. | “I took it with a rope around my neck,” an- swered Clark, “And if you don’t keep it you will find the other end of the rope knotted to a tree.” “Tt seems to me that 1 am swinging between two ropes,” rejoined Clark. ‘‘The police have ft one around my neck, and you the other. t is an odd chance if I don’t get choked on one side or the other.” “You need not fear,” replied Ivan. ‘The Free Russians are able to protect you. Youdo not know the order you have joined. I tell you We are every- & % 4
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i The Young Nihilist. 15 lace, the army, the court, and the hut. No one knows or suspects us. We strike and disappear. Death or exile have no terrors for us. Liberty is worth every risk. We are sworn to win the freedom of Russia, or to perish in the effort.” lark heard with interest the story of this migbty secret organization that, like a great tree, sent its roots everywhere underground throughout Russian society. It was like a huge mine, with which the whole nation was mined, and which might at any moment explode, and blow up the whole organization, The mystery of it allured him, and be felt a sensation of pride that be had become a member of such a mighty secret brotherhood of patriots, “TJ must do one thing or the other,” he cried impatiently. ‘1 am not ready to stay here and rust. Give me something to do. I don’t care if there is danger in it, if there is only life,” Sophie looked at him with an expression of pleasure. This was a spirit like her own. “You shall be taken at your word,” she said. “The chapter has chosen you for a dangerous and important duty. It may be an hour, or it may be a week, before the word to act comes to you. But there is a service of danger that needs a person of your dash and boldness. You shall show if you are as daring as you seem.” ‘There is no murder in it? If there is, count me out.” “No, no. Ihave told you we are not Nihil- ists. We have other objects in view,” was the hasty reply. Sophie seemed a little disturbed by his question. * And what are those objects?” “We have already told you all you are yet toknow. Our secrets are not told all at once to new members. Hold yourself in readiness for a dangerous service. he word may come to you by night or by day, in sleep or in wak- ing. Whenever it comes, or wherever, you must on the instant obey, without question. Truth, honor, and silent obedience, such is our motto, Farewell,” With a stately step she left the room, leaving Clark and Ivan together. Three days passed away, during which this involuntary inprisonment continued. Clark chafed at the restraint. His young blood was full of fire, and, as he said, he would sooner dare any danger than rust. He must be doing. At the end of that time there came a mysteri- ous message, of which he only clearly under- stood one point, “Tf you are taken with this upon you, where. In the ‘ou will be hung. If you fail in your duty you will be shot. Courage, daring and o' ence. p the heart of 4 lion in the skin of a lamb.” “Tn the hide of a jackass, I’ve a notion,” growled the discontented youth. ‘‘ However itis work. That's what I’m hot for. And the deuce take the dunger!” } : A sleigh stood at the door, a Lome built, strong affair, drawn by three powerful horses, harnessed side by side, the center horse in the | shaft, the outside horses running free, Over the neck of the shaft horse curved a wide wooden bow, from which depended a peal of bells. There wasa long, cold ride before the traveler, and he was dressed in a thick fur-lined cloak, so word. , The young driver was now as eager to getoff o> ' long that it completely covered all his other garments, The collar closely enveloped his neck, Down over bis ears and cheeks came the furred flaps of his hat. Of all bis body only the eyes, nose and mouth were visible, “He'll need sharp eyes that makes me out now,” cried the reckless boy as he stepped gayly into the sleigh. _‘‘ There’s not as much of me in sight as you could cover with your fingers. The chap that buys me now has got to do it b sample. Good-by. Trust me to put the jo! through.” In a moment.more he had grasped the reins, and touched the leader with the long-lashed whip. Off went the mettled steeds with a bound. Like a meteor dashed the sleigh through the wide street. The sleighing was fine. The air was exhilarating. The horses were fresh and ardent. Their driver was wild with the touch of the keen winter air. ‘Go it, my beauties!” he cried. ‘Let out! Show your paces! Down to your work, lovely! This is prime fun!” The long lash again touched the leader. The mettlesome horse sprung wildly forward, Every vehicle on the street was soon distanced by the dashing sleigh with its reckless occupant, His instructions had been to keep strictly to the retired streets and avoid the main avenues. But the racing instinct was too strong in him to be repressed. The rushing team was turned toward the Nefski Prospect and quickly rounded into that street, with its hundreds of vehicles. Carts, carriages, sleighs, cabs, vehicles of every conceivable pattern crowded the wide ay- enue, Thesnow was smooth and the sleighing prime, and the whole city seemed to be on the street and the wide pavenient enjoying the pleasures of a winter day. Clark guided his horses skillfully in and out through the maze of vehicles. He wasa good driver, and managed to avoid the collisions which his speed threatened. He was not alone in his racing speed. Dozens of sleighs dashed forward at a breakneck pace, One of these overlapped bim. It was drawn by a pair of iron-gray horses. Within sat a richly-dressed man, who looked like a noble, Clark cast his eyes back. As he did so he caught a peculiar signal from the seeming nobleman that made him start as if he had been touched by electricity. It was the signal of the Free Russians. For the moment the wild boy had utterly for- gotten his mission and his danger. It came back to him like a flash by this sign. The talking fingers of the noble gave another signal, which Clark recognized as the danger warning. The iron grays pushed on, A look of stern threat was in the eyes of the noble driver as he fixed them on the confused face of the youthful agent of the conspirators, Clark drew up his borses to a soberer pace. This incident had told him of what he had been assured, that the society of Free Russians were everywhere, and that he could noi move with- out coming into contact with them. And their system of signals was so con pl-te that they could keep up a conversation wiust without a “on
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16 The Young Nihilist. the fashionable drive as he had recently been to enterit. For the first time he recognized his danger. If friends were so thick around him foes might be also. He was known to man: of the police, Perhaps a description of him bad been published, He might be recognized at any moment, despite the fact that only his eyes, nose, and mouth were visible. His efforts to turn off the Nefski were unfor- tunate. Hissleigh got into a knot of carts and carriages, and in striving to extricate itself, came plump upon another sleigh. For the in- stant it looked as if there would beacrash. A ery of alarm in a woman’s voice attracted Clark’s attention. It was followed by an ex- clamation in another tone. “Clark! It is Clark!” ' He had by this time extricated his sleigh, and | looked eagerly around, There stood bis sister | Helen, half-upright in the opposing sleigh, her face a with excitement, her arms out- \ stretched toward her wayward brother. : “Helen!” he cried. ‘I didn’t expect such good luck, It’s all right, Helen. Don’t be troubled about me.” “Tt is not all right,” she huskily replied. “You do not know the danger you are in; zoe description has been published every where. ack to your hiding-place and stay there till we can make arrangements for your escape from the Sc bl This conversation had been in English. The occupants of passing sleighs turned and looked back upon the speakers, Clark reined his team short around toward a neighboring street. “* Good-by, sister,” he cried, ‘I am all right. Don’t be troubled about me. Tell father he can trust his boy to do nothing mean.” The prancing horses plunged wildly onward, Yet a last shrill note of alarm from Helen reached her brother’s ears, ‘* Beware!” she cried. ‘* That officer on the eee bog seems to recognize youl You are in per’ Clark looked in the direction indicated. There stood no less a personage than the official from whose custody he had so recently escaped. The man was petonleding wildly and pointing to the youthful driver, while hoarse cries of anger, alarm, and warning came from his lips, “It’s neck or nothing now in g earnest,” ejaculated the boy. ‘‘ Nip or tuck’s the game, The best horses and the longest whip will win, As he spoke, his own lash descended shrewdly on his horses. Instead of entering the side street, as he had intended, he turned back into the Nefski, and drove furiously onward. Speed was needed. Tho officer had sprung into a passing sleigh. A sharp pursuit was at once inaugurated. Som the wide street dashed pursued and pursuer, threading in and out } among the crowded vehicles. At every moment l= it seemed as if there would be a collision, yet at every moment the sleighs swung free. On they f ,went at a thundering pace, both sides using the h whip freely, while all eyes were bent on them with surprise and interest. The pursuing officer continued to yell in hoarse tones: - “Tt is the young Nihilist! It is the escaped Ts 7 ¢ drew up at the barrier. prisoner! Stop him! Arrest him! On your allegiance to the emperor!” Evidently the pursuing horses were the hetter travelers, or were handled by one who under- stood better the art of winding through a crowd of vehicles, Clark continued to press his steeds, but momentarily the chasing party came nearer. The boy’s face was set with anxiety. He re- membered the dangerous document he bore. Suddenly he passed the nobleman’s sleigh drawn by the iron-grays. It was moving in the opposite direction. Clark again caught a signal from the occupant as it passed. It meant assur- ance of aid. He waited with strained senses for the purpose of his secret friend. It came in a thundering crash. The sleigh of the nobleman had collided with that of the pursuers, There sounded the wicca 2 of wood. The occupants of the overturned sleigh were dashed out helplessly on the snow. A ree of hope and triumph came from Clark’s lips as he drove furiously on, CHAPTER VIIL A HOT CHASER. CLARK was shrewd enough to know that there was not an instant to lose, The alarm would be quickly spread. Before a minute new pur- suers might be on his track. He turned his plunging horses Eat off the main street into a sideavenue, me and speed were now necessary for safety, and the Nefski was too densely crowded. The horses were dashing forward at a breakneck pace, but the wild-blooded driver still plied thewhip. Stand- ing upright in the sleigh, and grasping the reins with both hands, a cry like an Indian war- whoop came from his lips as the rustling winter air whistled eaten 5 his flowing locks, “Come on, you lazy beggers!” he shouted, de- fiantly. ‘‘Let out! You can’t catch this team by crawling, nary time! Pile in, for it ain’t no by-play now.” Ten minutes of this furious driving brought him to one of the gates of the city. No one can leave St. Petersturg without inspection by the authorities, and Clark drew shortly up, know- ing well that he had a serious peril before him. If recognized now, it wasall up with his scheme, Other vehicles were moving about. Peculiar sounds came from far behindhim, They meant nothing to the officials. They meant much to the fugitive. He took them to indicate renewed and sharp pursuit. A keen-faced officer i i out as the sleigh © looked doubtfully “ Whither are you at the pth “Only for an out-of-town run,” answered Clark, indifferently. ‘To Varovitch and back. Quick! My horses are hot. I don’t want them to chill off. - “You are no Russian,” remarked the officer, with a suspicious glance, a hg nl ord = got, = do hago it?” cried ark, impatiently. ere is my passport. T’ve a notion you inl find it all right.” He handed the officer a paper with which ha had been provided by his new friends. Though outwardly calm, he was inwardly fuming with outh, ich way?’ he asked.
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— The Young Nihilist. _19 excitement. The soungs behind him were grow- | “Go it, my hearties! Go it, you beggars!” ing louder every moment. He bit his lips with impatience as the officer slowly opened and perused the document. *¢ Well?” cried Clark. “It is all right, isn’t it? Lord! do you want me to go to sleep here while you're reading?” “Tt seems all right,” answered the officer. ‘*But—” he looked again with growing suspicion at the boy. At this moment another sleigh stopped sharply at the gate. Its occupant, a handsome man, dressed richly in furs, and with an air of author- ity, sprung out and took, without ceremony, the foo. from the hands of the officer. He cast is eyes over it hastily. “ That is all right,” he sbarply said. ‘Here, sir.” He returnedittoClark. ‘* Open the gate, officer. I am in haste.” The officer hastened to comply. This was evidently a person in authority. Yet as the man’s back was turned Clark caught from the new-comer the secret sign of the Free Russians, A sense of wonder filled his mind. They had claimed to be everywhere, in all ranks of society. This seemed no idle boast. “T have been warned to be vigilant,” ex- claimed the officer, as he flung open the barrier. “This youth is not unlike the description of the escaped prisoner.” <f know him. He is all right. Make way there.” At this instant two sleighs dashed into the avenue leading to the gate. They were yet some distance away, but were driving at furious speed, and yelling with all the power of their lungs. It was impossible as yet to make out the meaning of their cries. A race,” said the bigh official, as he drove side by side with Clark through the open gate- way. ‘Shut the gates, Demand their pass- ports. It may be the prisoner trying to escape under the guise of a race.” “ Ay! ay!” answered the officer. The gates clanged to in the face of the racing pursuers. “Now,” remarked the officia], turning with a smile to Clark, ‘I have given you a fair start. Make the most of it. There is blood in your horses. They will not be easily run down.” Fierce, excited cries came from beyond the gate as Clark tae the whip to his animals, “Dolt! Fool! Idiot! You kave let the Nihilist escape! Open instantly! On your al- legiance to the emperor, open!’ ‘What do you mean, fellows?’ answered the angry officer. ‘‘ Your authority! No one passes this gate to-day without credentials.” Clark was already at full speed, driving along a straight, clean stretch of road, as smooth as a skating ah The sleigh bounded like a feather behind his keen-spirited horses, of exultation broke from his lips, “Catch me who can!” he yelled. ‘‘ Fare- well, sir. Thank you for your aid, I and my horses will do the balance.” The official waved his hand in farewell as he turned his horses into a side road. Clark drove on at railroad speed down the snow-crested avenue. His pursuers had not yet passed the gate. Every second was precious. he cried cheeringly to the horses. They seemed to understand him, and stepped out at a free run Arse took them forward with wonderful speed. Sounds of excited voices yet came from be- hind the barrier. The intense excitement of the pursuers had, in fact, hindered their pro- gress. The angered officer, who did not half understand them, became aggravatingly de- liberate. When at length he opened the gate Clark was a full half-mile in advance, The city lay behind him. On each side stretched the level fields, now covered deep in snow. At adistance was the river, its icy sur- face swept clean of snow by the winds. Be- fore him lay the broad high-road, leading out- ward as straight as an arrow. ind him came the pursuers, lashing their horses madly, and tearing onward as on a race-course. It was a question of speed and bottom. Clark looked carefully around, as he handled the ribbons skillfully. * A stern chase is a long one,” he critically remarked. ‘‘ Your horses have more weight to pull than mine, that’s one point gained. Pve got a half-mile start, that’s another. And if you make many bursts like this you will wear the animals out before you’ve gone five miles, Wonder if I hadn’t best play with them a little and coax them on.” He drew his horses up to a soberer pace as he spoke, He glided ata swinging trot along the avenue, while the pursuers came on at a dead run. ** Jolly for moe,” laughed the shrewd fugitive as he measured the distance with his eye. “There’s nothing like playing your gudgeons. They are gaining on me and it sets them wild. Pelt on the whip, my hearties! Make your critters dig. Bet you high I show you a Yankee trick before you are an hour older.” The road was almost deserted. Here and there a cart loaded with wood or a lumberin rovision wagon sed by, bound citywar ut there were no light vehicles from which the Silage could obtain a relay of horses, Only ere and there a low frame dwelling appeared. The road was as uninhabited as if it had been ten miles from the city. An hour passed away. Clark had kept his horses at a swift pace, but not at the killing speed of his pursuers. He had pur ly let them gain on him: The half-mile of bis start was now reduced to less than a hundred yards, Cries of triu cel came from the chasing sleighs which still s swiftly on, side by side. Clark looked critically back. The horses of his pursuers were evidently laboring, They had been overdriven. His own animals yet pulled freely on the reins, He still held them in, however, The excited pursuers lashed their horses more violently. ‘Stop, you dog! Stop, you Nihilist villain!” came the hoarse command. ‘Draw up, you cannot escape!” ‘ Gia pitoe you come and catch me,” retorted ark. *-You fly in vain! We will have you in five | minutes more!”
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18 The Young Nihilist. ! Will you, sweethearts? Did you ever try to . catch a weasel asleep? Don’t have many genu- ine Yankees about these parts 1 guess.” | ““We will have one less when we have done with you.” | Hardly a hundred feet now separated the byt tae “You've got tocatch your fox before youcan wear his brush,” answered the tantalizing boy. **Good-by! Idon’t like yourcompany. Give my respects to your emperor, and turn back be- tore you take cold.” He loosened the tight rein he had kepton his horses, They sprung forward with renewed , speed. An encouraging chirrup from bis lips and the mettled animals settled down in earnest’ to their work. The object of the shrewd boy was quickly evi- dent. His horses were still fresh. Those of his pba were overtaxed. They had been driven eyond their powers. Quickly the space be- | tween them widened. Clark’s horses had been well chosen. They wore full of blood and fire. Though they had already been driven a long distance they were fresh and full of vim. They settled down to | their work in a fashion that opened the eyes of | tne overconfident pursuers, | The latter lashed their wearied horses more ~ violently than ever. Cries of rage came from | their lips as the irritating laugh of the reckless boy met their ears, They were overladen with three men to each sleigh, and the distance be- tween pursued and pursuers began to increase as hos as it had diminished. | “ Stop, or we'll wing you with a bullet!” came the threat. “Much obliged for the warning,” answered Clark, as he crouched behind the tigh back of | his sleigh. ‘‘ Fire and be hanged! Bet youa ‘hat you can’t fetch down this bird on the wing.” | A rattling fusilade succeeded. Bullets flew wildly about. It was impossible to take aim | from a plunging sleigh, and the boy might have stood erect in perfect safety. He saw this, and sprung upright on the seat, waving bis whip defiantly in the air. ‘“‘Warewell! Any word for Moscow? I am | bound straight there.” The road still stretched straight outward, with its white glittering surface brilliant in the | winter sunlight. On, on, on, mile after mile. The pursuers fell more and more bebind. The vigorous steeds of the fugitive shot more rapidly onward. A quarter-mile divided them, Ere loug it was stretched to a half-mile. Clark had regained his start. The horses of the pursuers, worn out with their terrible work, fell into a lagging trot ee which no use of the whip could arouse em. A wild ery of ee broke from the boy’s lips as he again looked back. His pursuers had drawn up and given up the chase in despair. “Hurrah for our side!” he yelled, as he dashed ‘at swinging speed through a roadside village. “The beggars are discounted. Now, if they don’t area me off by telegraph, [ can laugh at pursuit. He pushed on with unabated speed, casting a , ~ doubtful glance on the brace of telegraph wires that ran beside the road he followed CHAPTER IX. THE BEST SKATER WINS, Tom day was growing old when Clark at lengta drove into a large village, which extend- ed in a long line of houses on both sides of the road, These were the low frame buildings of the Russian peasants. But about the center of the village was a large edifice, the posting station, for this was a post village. He drew up his horses to a slow pace as he ap- Pao not without doubt, for that dangerous race of telegraph wires still ran onward above his head. . But bis horses had been driven long | and hard. It was impossible for him to go much further without a relay, or halt for rest. He drew up doubtfully, keenly observing the per- sons who stood in front of the posting-house. There was a group of these, a half-dozen in | ai while not far off was a knot of lounging peasants, who watched with idle curiosity the approaching sleigh. Clark brought his smoking horses to a halt. He held the reins lightly in his hand ashe spoke to the official, a person in uniform, with a stolid face, and a huge military mustache, “T would like a relay of horses,” said Clark, briskly. ‘And quick, if you please. I wish to make another stage before night.” > The official looked at him with an odd expres- ion. ‘‘T will have the horses here directly,” he re- marked. ‘‘They are at the other end of the village. Those creatures of yours look blown. You have driven hard.” * A little of a burst,” returned Clark. ‘‘ Make haste, if you please.” “Certainly. How far have you come, if I may ask?” “T don’t know what all this bas to do with giving me a change of horses,” answered the suspicious young man. ‘Send for the horses first, and ask your questions afterward.” **-You are from St. Petersburg?” ‘¢T see there is no chance for business here,” cried Clark, sbarply. ‘‘1 must drive these ani- mals another stage. Good-by.” He gave his horses the rein, They stepped out again. Butere they had taken three steps several of the bystanders, at a signal from the official, sprung to their heads, Clark saw the movement and used the whip, but he was too late. A strong hand was at the bit of each horse. They plunged violently under the lash, but were held too firmly to es- cape ‘What does this outrage mean?’ be cried, indignantly. ‘‘ Loose those horses, or I’ll make you sweat for this!” “T fancy not,” answered the official, with a grin. ‘You have done it well, young man, but in Russia it is not easy to play with the authorities.” “T don’t know what you mean,” rejoined Clark. He stooped over in the sleigh, asif he was reaching for something on its bottom. “No violence, my man,” cried the official, =~
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oe The Young Nihilist. 19 “Tf you know wher you are well off I would advise you not to draw a weapon.” “Then release those horses,” exclaimed Clark, sbarply, as he continued to bend over, and busy himself about bis feet. ‘* How dare you stop me on the high-road?” “ By authority of the emperor,” returned the stolid official. ‘‘ You are known, my man. You cannot ‘escape, Fast as you drove, there is something that travels faster.” He pointed to the telegraph wires, ‘‘I have here an order for your arrest, so 1 would advise you to sub- mit quietly.” ‘* An order for my arrest?’ repeated Clark, still fumbling about bis feet, while his eyes keenly ran over the surrounding landscape, The village lay almost on the banks of the Neva, whose frozen surface was visible, not far to the left. k *¢ Remove those horses,” cried the officer, in a commanding tone to his attendants. ‘‘ You will © no further to-day, my young friend. You ave played your part well, but you are not dealing with children. Come, sir, your game is ended. You are my prisoner,” Clark raised himself in the sleigh, and stepped awkwardly out, He seemed to walk with difficulty as be moved through the broken snow toward where the official stood. At that point the snow presented a bard, smooth, frozen surface, running off toward the river bank, “There is some mistake here, I tell you,” de- clared Clark. ‘‘I demand to see your war- rant.” The official drew from his pocket a slip of paper in the form of a telegraph messuge. Clark approached, and leaned torward, as if to read it. “T am not acting without authority,” de- clared the official. ‘‘ Here is my warrant, and you are—” He Jaid his hand significantly on the young man’s shoulder. But the sentence was not finished. For at that instant, much to the official’s surprise, he suddenly lost his footing on the slippery snow, and went sprawling down on all fours, while, with a provoking laugh, Clark glided swiftly away. ae lain now. He had had skates in the sleigh. ese he bad taken advantage of the conversation to slip quietly on. A tripping touch from his foot had upset the unwary offi- cial. Away shot the laughing youth over the frozen snow, beyond the reach of his would-be captors, “‘ As long as you won’t give me horses, I will make the next stage on skates,” he cried back. “ And I'd advise you the next time you have a bird to cage, to clip his wings first.” The fallen official quickly scrambled to his feet, with a cry of rage and alarm, “Stop!” he yelled. ‘‘ Hold fast, rascal! It will go the worse with you! After him! Bring the dog back to me!” “Go soak your head, Johnny,” answered the irritating fugitive, as he glided easily forward. “There’s not enough brains there to handle this coon. aps AE : He bad reached the edge of the frozen river. His skates struck the ice with a ringing clang. Some of the Russians were running wildly after him. Two or three of the peasants, with more sense, had rushed into their houses, and came out provided with skates. These they hastened to put on, while the official danced with rage, “Bring him back,” he cried to these men, “You are the best skaters in the village. Bring the hound back and it will be worth a year’s work to you.” Clark wasalready darting with a free, smooth, graceful movement along the ice-bound river. By the time the peasants had strapped on their old-fashioned skates, and put themselves in pur- suit, he had gained a good start. He was very well satisfied, however, that he was not going to escape witbout a brush, and was neither surprised or alarmed when he saw his three pursuers skating over the snow toward the river side. “Maybe you'll bring me back, but I’ve a no- tion you won’t,” said the daring boy. ‘You've got to catch your weasel first, my lads. And then you’ve got to hold him, which is worse than catching him.” The sharp wind had swept the center of the river clear of snow. The ice was, in man places, of glassy smoothness, Clark was a skill- ful skater, and was as fresh as a bird. On he sped, with arrowy fleetness, enjoying the sport as highly as if no group of sleuth-hounds were on his track. The peasant pursuers were his equals in skill. They came after him at a r:pid pace, side by side, The fugitive had inte fair start, but the chase promised to be hot and long. It soon appeared that there was little difference in skill and speed. The question became one of endur- ance. In this game the trainéd muscles of the peasants might be expected to win over those of a mere youth, : Not a word was spaken. Deepsilence be served by both fugitive and pursuers. The clinking sounds of the skates on the ice alone broke the silence of the air. The sharp frost cut like a razor as they drove through it. The pos breath congealed on their faces in the keen cold. The scene around was a striking wintry land- seape. Far as the eye could reach the countr: was flat as a floor, and covered with an unend- ing sheet of snow. The sky was clear, and the rays of the sun, now low in the west, shone with blinding radiance. The only break to the gleaming whiteness wasin the line of the river, where the ice was steel-blue in color, save where it was shrouded in snow. At some distance ahead, however, there was a change of another character. A pine forest made its appearance, stretching on both sides of theriver. But it seemed a forest in white, instead of green, for the evergreen foliage was weighed down with masses of snow. Straight as an arrow Clark kept on. The village was now left several miles behind, Ten minutes more and he entered the forest, through whose mid the river ran. It was darker her but the cold was not so intense, as the cluste trees broke the force of the wind. Behind him came the pursuers with unflag- ging persistence. But a change had taken place. Instead of moving side by side, they were now spread out ina line, They were not st snag:
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20 The Young Nihi of i ae speed, and one of them was a hundred yards in advance of his comrades, It was evident, indeed, that this fellow was aining on the fugitive, while the others were slowly losing, Clark measured the distance keenly with his eye, A knowing smile came to his lips as he turned forward again. “Look out the weasel don’t bite,” he mut- tered. For a half-hour more the chase continued. At the end of that time there was a marked change in the situation, The foremost peasant was not ten yards bebind the fugitive. The others were more than a quarter-mile in the ar. Clark looked around and the same odd smile came to his lips, as the peasant harshly ordered him to stop. He slackened his pace, as if worn out with the long flight, The pursuer came up, foot by foot. “‘There’s no use, my Jad,” he cried. “ You’ve made a bold dash of it, but you didn’t know N who was after you. Give if up, now. The game is over.” Clark’s cloak. Suddenly the latter swept around, with along curve, and faced his pur- suer. “You're a smart chap,” he exclaimed, “ but there’s such a thing as catching a Tartar, Look out that it isn’t you that’s caught.” : ae Dee do you mean?” faltered the surprised asant, be “Only that I hold the winning card in the ~_. game. And here itis.” The shining muzzle of ; Pde arevolver flashed in the eyes of the alarmed ~ Russian. “4 Down with skates instanter! Quick, if you want to get home alive! My fingers are cold, and this play- thing might go off! Down I say, or by the great American eagle—” The Russian hastened tocomply. There was no mistaking the tone of the fugitive. He meant all he said. The crestfallen peasant kneeled on the ice, and began slowly to remove the skate. dently protracting the operation, in the hope that his companions mightcome up. But Clark was not in the mood to be played with. He drew a knife from his pocket, and opened the blade, “Hold still a minute, my charmer, and I'll Hep you with those straps,” he cried. n & moment he drew the sharp blade across the leather skate fastenings, fell with a clink to the ice. “There,” laughed the triumphant he sprung upright again. ‘I intende one of your skates, and leave you the other to et home on, But you can keep them both, I on’t think you will run down this coon with a cut strap, 0G-by, and a lively journey.” Away he went, with a malicious laugh. The Russian rose with a harsh oath. He could have murdered the boy with a good will at that mo- ment. But there was no help for it. The chase was over. The fugitive had triumphed. Clark looked back. The three Russians were clustered together, Helookedahead, Thesink- outh, as to take | He was evi- | The loosened skate | you and take off ono of your : He was near enough to touch the collar of | ing sun was on the horizon. He examined the forest with an attentive eye. “On the opposite side of this wood,” he said to himself. ‘*So my instructions ran. I hope I may strike it before dark, for this isan awk- ward situation. A chap might easily freeze to death in the night.” He skated rapidly onward, keeping a vigilant eye ahead ease CHAPTER X. TRACKED BY WOLVES, Tux sun had sunk below the horizon. The dark night ofa Russian winter was rapidly falling. Only the white of the snow yet lent a little light to the landscape. Clark looked anxiously around him, It was not safe or pleasant to be caught by the night in such a situation, with no sign ofa fone of shelter, Only a Rus:ian peasant could ive through such a night. He must find a refuge, or perish of the biting cold. uddenly it ie lighter ahead. He looked forward eagerly, and then a ery of delight burst from his lips. It was the end of the forest. Its gloomy shadows were replaced by the clearer glow of the open country beyond. With renewed vigor the skater darted onward. In a few minutes he swept beyond the circle of _ trees, and saw outstretched before him the white level of the snow-bound fields. ** Hurrah!” he shouted, in exultation. ‘ It’s all gorgeous now. On the left bank of the river. just back from the forest. So said Ivan, And there itis. Yonder flashes the beacon light.” The gleam of a friendly lamp bad caught bis eye through the gathering gloom. He could make outadark mass on the light snow. A few minutes more, and it took the form ofa clump of buildings. With a glad heart he skated thither. He was saved from the deadly prospect of a night on the frozen river. Within ten minutes Clark was hammering lustily at the door of a low-roofed house, that stood alone, surrounded by outbuildings, like a solitary farm-bouse, No answer came to his first knock, and he pounded again, more lustily than ever, Still silence reigned within, ‘*Hillo, inside there!” he yelled. ‘Are you all asleep, or dead? Open the door, or lll find a way to burst it.” The thought came to him and he gave the | signal knock of the Free Russians. It produced an immediate effect. A return signal came from within. After a second exchange of sig- nals the door opened, revealing the form of a sturdy, stalwart Russian, with a harsh, stern face, which was adorned with a huge beard. He held a lamp over his head, and looked surlily at his visitor, “What a rattling time you keep up!” he growled: ““Who are you, and what is your >usiness?” ““Who I am doesn’t matter,” answered Clark. ‘*My business is to get alongside your stove.” He accompanied his words with some peculiar signals, which the Russian appeared to recog- nize. He made way for the youth to enter, though his face continued frowning and surly, i ——— ene
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~ The Young Nihilist. 21 The room which they entered was warm as an | “T ongkt to have done the same thing six oven. On one side stood a Russian stove, a huge affair of brick and mortar, which filled the bouse with a stifling heat, In_ this chilly country our flimsy stoves would be laughed at. Their brick stoves are heated with a wood fire until every brick is a reservoir of heat, and will continue to give out heat for hours after the fire is extinguished, “Mercy, but that feels good!” cried the cbilled lad, as he crowded up to the hot brick mass, ‘I’m like anicicle, I’m afeared I'll all run away in water when I thaw out. But hang me if you ain’tasurly old curmudgeon! Did you want me to freeze into a statue at your door?” “T was asleep,” growled the Russian, ‘ And I don’t care to oe open house for wanderers. Who are you? What do you want? What brings you here afoot?” “Business,” answered Clark, shortly. ‘‘ Wait till I warm up,” He remained silently drinking in the enliven- ing heat. The Russian seated himself on a bench, and fixed his twinkling eyes curiously on his visitor. He seemed anxious to learn his errand, yet too surly in disposition to demand it outright. Ten minutes of silence passed away. They were minutes of enjoyment to Clark, for he felt that he had got a little the best of his inhos- pitable host, The latter at length broke im- patiently out: ‘Come, sirrah, your business. You are no idle traveler, or you couldn’t have those sig- nals, I know there’s work ahead. Who sent you to me?” Clark looked up with a disdainful smile. “So the shoe is on the other foot, is it? What is your name?” “What is that your affair?” ‘1 can’t tell my errand without Iam sure of my man.” ‘My name is Adam Jeliaboff,” answered the Russian. “Then this is for you.” Clark slipped off one of his boots. He then removed his stocking and drew from the sole of it a folded paper. This be handed with an air of zreat satisfaction to the Russian. “You bet I’m glad to get rid of it,” he re- marked. ‘I’ve been three times to-day witbin aninch of being nabbed. If I’d been caught with that paper on me, you know the balance.” He ran his band significantly around his throat, ge anging may be fun, but it’s not my kind of n. fun, The Russian paid little attention to these words. He had snatched the paper from Clark’s offering hand, tore open the seals, and was reading it with eager eyes. His rugged face worked with a dozen different emotions as he did so. He at length jumped up and paced the floor with heavy strides, his frowning brows yet bent on the document. Finally he sharply turned, opened the door of the stove, and thrust the dangerous paper into the burning coals, Clark watched the moyement with a feeling of satis- faction, hours ago,” be remarked. ‘*Nobody but a young fool would have risked his neck for that slip of paper. My part of the job is done, any- how, ow, what's in the wind?” “T must be off to St. Petersburg instantly,” rejoined the Russian. “The orders are per- emptory. I have not a minute to lose,” . “‘ Best wait till morning,” remarked the youth, with a shrug. “No, It must be immediate, Youcanspend the night here if you wish.” *Nary time,” answered Clark. ‘‘ I'll go with you. But can’t you spread out a bit of proven- der for a starving stranger. I’m as hollow as | an oak log.” | company. The Russian, at this reminder, extracted some food from a chest and laid it on the table before his guest. He then hastily left the room. ‘“All right, my jolly cove,” remarked the hungry lad, ‘‘ Your grub is better than your I’d sooner know what’s inside of Rus- sian pie than all the documents ever got up.” When the peasant returned, ten minutes after- phil the table was empty of everything but ishes. “ That’s right,” he said, approvingly. “We have no time to spare,” He hastened to envelop himself in thick wraps. He looked at Clark’s cloak, with its fur lining, and nodded in approbation, “That will do,” he said. ‘It is a bitter night.” “What’sin the wind?” asked Clark. ‘Sleigh, boat, cart or balloon?” ““We have a sleigbride before us,” answered the Russian. ‘‘Come. Time presses.” sr The open door revealed a sturdy sleigh, drawn by a braco of stout horses, who seemed impa- tient to be off. The Russian returned to the room which they had just left, and brought out with him a close- ly wrapped package, which he carried with great care and thrust under the seat of the sleigh, “Papers of the society of Free Russians,” he explained to bis guest, . “T hope they ain’t the hanging sort,” answer- ed the latter, “I’ve had enough of that kind to rae h! no; they are perfectly innocent, Come sir, we must beoft.” # : : A queer grimace passed over his face as Clark climbed into the sleigh, Evidently there was more in the package than he cared to reveal ta his guest. In a moment he sprung into the vehicle, seized the reins, and gave a chirruping command to the horses. Away they darted at a swift ce. pe Where are your bells?” asked Clark, as the sleigh sped with ghostly silence through the night. “Bells are for merry-makers,” answered the stern-voiced Russian. ‘Silence is our motto— stillness and swiftness. The work of the Free Russians is done in the quiet of night, not in the roar of day.” He fell Tito a stolid silence. Clark crouched by his side, wrapping himself close in his cloak.
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22 The Young Nibilist. The night air was biting, and the swift flight of the horses made a wind that cut their faces like a knife-blade, In a few minutes the sleigh entered the shel- ter of the forest. Here the cold was less intense. as the air lay still under the trees, “ We have a long drive before us,” remarked the Russion, ‘and none too safe a one. This forest is generauy. safe, but I am told that this last show has driven— Ha!” he interrupted himself, as a strange sound broke on their ears— a long-drawn, melancholy howl. “* What is that?” cried the startled youth. “T was about to tell you that the cold has driven the wolves down tbis way. I need not speak. They have answered for themselves.” “Wolves?” cried Clark, as the memory of | some old stories of the wolves of Russia crowded into his brain. ‘‘ Are we in danger?” ‘Our lives dep-nd on the speed of our horses,” answered the Russian, He laid the whip sharply on the horses as ho spoke. But the animuls needed nospur. That fright- ful sound had come to their ears. The howl was repeated, yet nearer. With a bound that tossed the sleigh like a feather the alarmed creatures sprung forward, Onward with their utmost speed they rushed over the crackling snow, tearing through the gloom-laden depths of the forest. Again came the howl, now nearer and louder. A few minutes of anxious suspense passed. Then the white surface of the road behind them faintly visible in the clear starlight, displaye some dark, moving forms. Clark looked back with as much interest as alarm. To be chased by wolves! This wasa new experience, The cry of the savage brutes came in shrill accents to his ears. “Can your horses outrun them?” he asked, “We can try,” rejoined the Russian. ‘If they don’t head us. Keep up your courage, young man. I’ve been through worse dangers and come out safe.” “T don’t scare easily,” was the proud answer of the nettled youth, ‘*Some of them will bite the dust before they touch me,” He drew his revolver, while a look of stern energy came into bis eyes. On for a mile sped the hot chase. Other wolves had leaped into the road, until there seemed a hundred of them in the long, dark line behind the sleigh, The nearest of them were not a hundred feet distant. Their red tongues could be seen hanging from their open jaws as they came lopivg on. And now came a rustling in the bushes, and a roup of lank forms sprung out into the road just ahead of the sleigh. The fierce creatures sprung for the horses, but only one of them suc- ceeded in the desperate effort. A wild scream of pain and fearcameo from the maddened horse, It was echoed by the report of a pistol, and the wolf fell to the ground with a bullet through its brain, At the same instant one of the baffled crea- tures made a agar at the sleigh. It was met by the Russian with a blow from a keen-bladed hatchet that split the animal's skull as if it had been made of paper, ‘There’s two of the devils gone,” he cried. “That will stop them for a minute.” In fact, the other wolves sprung upon their slain comrades ina snarling heap. Rending and raging they tore the flesa from their bones ere yet the blood had ceased to flow, ‘‘That is our best chance,” said the Russian. ‘Feed them on wolf-meat; as long as we can keep it up. Here comes the loping rascals again, Be careful, young man; don’t waste your bul- _ lets.” The incident had bardly stopped the wolfish line for a minute, On they came, again gaining on the sleigh. Clark reserved his fire until a gaunt fellow came very near, and then dropped him with a bullet, This exercise was repeated until every cham- ber of the revolver was empty. It had proved successful in delaying tho pursuers for some time, The edge of the forest could not now be far off. If they could gain the posting village all was safe, ‘Have you no more cartridges?” asked the Russian anxiously. ‘*No; and sh pistol is empty.” “That is bad. Five minutes more and we would be safe. There come the hungry se The head of the chasing line was scarce ten paces in the rear of the sleigb. They were gaining step by step on the fugitives, “Give me the empty pistol,” said the Rus- sian. ‘“‘They e#re suspicious brutes and any thing thrown outstopsthem.” He flung the weapon back on the snow. He was right. Instantly the wolves halted, as if afraid to pass what might be atrap. The dart- ing sleigh gained some distance hefore the wolves ventured past this doubtful object. ‘That was well done,” cried Clark, ‘* Here they come again. One more stoppage and we can discount them, What shall we throw out next?” He eagerly sought in the bottom of the sleigh a noe oLject, but there was nothing to be ound, : “Ts there nothing?” cried the Russian. ‘t Here come the whole ciew. They will lap us in a minute more.” ‘Nothing but this,” cried Clark, with a sud- den recollection. He stooped and drew from under the sleigh seat the package which the the Russian had de- posited there, ‘* We will give them the papers of the Free Russians to feed on,” said the reckless lad, standing upright in the sleigh, ‘* What are you doing?” yelled the Russian, ia a tone of wild alarm, ‘ Hold! On your ife! ; He was too Jate. Clark had flung the pack- age with allbis strength back into the mass of pursuing wolves, The Russian, white with terror, struck the horses a savage blow with the whip. They sprung madly forward, Nothing for the instant followed the fall of the package, The wolves halied, gathered around it; flung themselves by dozens gn it, rending it with teeth and claws,
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The Young Nihilist. 23 Then there came aterrible, blinding flash, A | roar louder than the thunder peal broke on the air. To the eyes of the awe-struck travelers the atmosphere seemed full of the bodies of wolves. One of them fell with a crash into the sleigh. The frozen snow, hurled in masses into the air, poured down in a blinding volley on their heads, CHAPTER XI. PICKING UP THE NIHILIST PLOT. CLARK sat silent as if stunned, while the sleigh tossed wildly behind the maddened flight of the terrified horses, Snow, earth, and bleed- ing fragments of shattered wolves, continued to fall. It seemed to be raining blood and flesh, The Russian, with face of ashy hue, and firinly clinched teeth, rose and flung from the sleigh its ghastly burden, _He shook like an as- pen keaf as he did so. Evidently he passed through a moment of deadly terror. On they went. He looked backward with a shudder. A darker gloom had followed the in tense blaze. A deeper silence had succeeded the ear-splitting crash. The wolfish pursuit bad ceased. Such of the avimals as remained alive had slunk back into the depths of the forest. Clark shook off bis lethargy and looked shrewdly at his companion. He had been thinking intently during the past few minutes. “So it seems the papers of the Free Russians are good for wolves,” he sarcastically re- marked, ‘They must contain very strong language.” “Yes,” answered the Russian briefly. Silence reigned for several minutes more, Then Clark again looked up. ‘“What was it?’ he sharply asked. ‘‘ Dyna- mite?” The Russian shrugged his shoulders, but made no answer, ‘For what purpose were you taking it to St. Petersburg?” The cornered Russian was saved the necessi- ty of areply by their driving at that moment into the village from which Clark bad escaped a few hours before. The streets were filled with peasants gazing around in stupefied won- der, The noise of the explosion had come to their ears, and shaken their huts like an earth- quake. Dozens of questions-‘were hurled at the trav- elers as the sleigh rattled through the double line of villagers. The Russian yelled back: ** A dynamite mine exploded under the road, | pam escaped with our lives. Good-by. Can’t stop. : Away went the sleigh, A cry of another character broke from one of the villagers, as he recognized the figure of the young man, who reclined silently back in the sleigh. “Itis he! The young Nihilist] The escaped criminal! Stop the sleigh!” They might as well have attempted to stop a lightning flash. The borses were yet mad with terror, and rushed on with ungovernable speed. Clark caught a glimpse of the face of the official whom he had so cleverly tricked that afternoon. But in a minute they shot past, ere be could rub his sleepy eyes open, In a minute more they were a the village and on the open road beyon ; *We have left a meat-market for them, if they like wolf,” remarked the Russian, ‘ Now for the city.” ‘*You have not answered my question yet,” said Clark, “It was dynamite, then?” “Tt wasn’t butter and cheese, at any rate," growled the surly Russian. “And what were you taking it to St. Peters- burg for?” ““That’s none of your affairs; nor mine either. You must know, young man, it is our duty to obey orders, and ask no questions.” “That’s a cock that won’t crow in these dig- gings,” answered Clark decidedly. ‘‘ You and lg friends are trying to buy me for a fool, ut I’ye a notion you'll make a bad bargain, When I joined the Free Russians I was told they had mo murdering intentions. They were only organized for political agitation. Tbat’s allvery pretty, but I don’t approve of dynamite politics. Do you suppose I’m too blind to see through your game? That Free Russian dodge is a pretty one, but it won’t go down, I am net to be warped into the Nibilist crew by lies.” “What do you mean?’ cried the Russian angrily. ‘‘You have taken the oath of our society. You know the penalty of treachery. Duty ordeath. There are no half-way measures, The knife or the pistol for the traitor. Such is our motto.” “TI cannot be tricked into joining murderers,” answered Clark with stern resolution, ‘If I find any trace of murdering designs I will save the victim at the risk of my life. There is my platform in plain words. Now do your worst.” Silence succeeded, The Russian made no an- swer to the declaration of his indignant com- [eae Clark lay back with closed lips and shing eyes. He bad taken bis stand, and in- tended to keep to it tbrough thick and thin. The moon was now rising in the eastern sky, and flinging its mild beams athwart the snow. The sky of the winter night was glittering with stars. Far before them stretched the road, straight as an arrow, in a long white line. The horses, now brought down to a more sober speed, rusbed onward with a steady gait. Deathl silen e and solitude reigned around, The soli- tary team looked likesomething ghostly flashing | through the depth of the nigbt. Midnight was not far distant when they | reached the vicinity of the city, visible afar like t a dim glow on the borizon. lightened up as they came nearer, with its multitude of gas- lamps. “Can we get safely in?” asked Ulark, “Iran a heavy risk in getting out.” “Trust me,” returned the Russian. “The Free Russians leave nothing to chance.” He drove around to a barrier different from that at which Clark had emerged. The officer of the night came out with his lantern and asked a few questions, But the keen eyes of the ob- servant youth failed not to notice that certain mysterious signals passed between his compan- jon and the official. Clark lay back with re- doubled surprise. _ “Nihilists bere, too!” he said to himself, “ By Pe
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The Young Nihilist. Jove, it isas Ivan declared! They are every. | where. The whole country is undermined and honeycombed with them.” The streets of the city seemed deserted as they drove onward. They were well-lighted, and here and there a human form started up out of the darkness, but no other vehicles appeared. In fact the Russian seemed desirous of avoiding observation, and drove only through the most retired avenues, carefully avoiding the Nefski and the other fashionable streets. He at a drew upin the court-yard of a house near the center of the city. ‘* We will spend the night here,” he remarked, briefly, to Clark. There was a tone of authority in his voice, as if he dared the young man to rebel against his decision, But the latter was quite wise enough to know that he had no choice. He must haunt the hiding- places of his fellow-conspirators, Be- sides, he knew just enough about their designs | to make him anxious to learn more. “How about your horses?’ he asked, as the Russian led the way into the house. ““They will be attended to,” was the brief re- Ply. ; i he mansion seemed a large one, The Russian walked onward as if thoroughly acquainted withit. No one appeared. It seemed freely open to any one who chose to enter, ; After passing several halls and stairways, however, a man made his appearance from a side room. Clark recognized him at a glance as one of the persons who had accompanied him in the sleigh with Ivan. He looked without a trace of surprise at the travelers. : ~ **So you have arrived,” he briefly said. ‘Yes, and tired out. Find us some place to sleep. This young man has done a hard day’s Mork? * Follow me.” He led on through the mansion. Finally he opened the door of a room and turned to Clark. “You will find a bed in there. You have done your duty faithfully. Good-night. May you have dreams of freedom for Russia.” Clark entered the room. But not to stay there long. His first movement was to hastily throw off his heavy boots. His next was to step out again into the hall. In the distance he could see the gleam of the light borne by the man who had just spoken to him. At once he ut himself stealthily on the track, first fixing his memory the location of his bedroom, *Itis one of the thinnest things out,” solilo- quized the shrewd fellow as he moved cautiously onward. ‘Did they fancy I was too blind to see their signs? I am suspected, I perceive that. And there is some game afoot which I am not to know. But if I don’t find it out it won't be my fault. If they think to make a cat’s-paw of Clark Cloverly, they’ve got hold of the wrong coon. I didn’t swear to help mur- derers, and if there’sa game of this sort afoot, [ll blow on it if they knife me the next minute. They can’t warp me blind into a gang of mur- derers.” He was trailing the distant lamp as he thus soliloquized. It moved forward through sev- eral passages. Finally it halted. Clark was near enough to perceive the forms of the two men, who-had paused before the door of a room, This they now opened and entered. He again moved forward with his eyes fixed on this door, “Tt may be « blind chase,” he said to him- self, ‘‘ but if there is Say thing to be learned, I am not going to wear ears and not use them, I want to know just where I stand.” He moved with great caution. Other ears might be on the alert, and he did not care to be caught prowling about that house at midnight, His shoeless feet fell noiselessly on the uncar- peted floors. He reached the door of the room through which the two men had passed, A faint murmur of voices came from within. Clark applied his ear to the keyhole, and to the crack at the bottom of the door, but in vain. No words could be distinguished, He bit his lips in spite. In vain he‘ooked around. No solution to the difficulty appeared. Itseemed as if he must go back without the much-desired information. The eyes of the young eavesdropper glittered with determination, He set his lips firmly. “Nothing ventured, nothing won,” he de- clared. ‘‘If I give the alarm, so much the worse, but there’s only one way for it,” Clasping the door-handle he turned it very carefully and slowly. The latch was drawn noiselessly back. ith still greater caution he ulled at the door. It opened without a sound. The occupants of the room had fortunately neg- lected to turn the key. So slowly was this performed that he wasa full minute in opening the door sufficiently to reveal a slender crack, through which the light within was just visible. He now with thesame care released the latch. Carefully he opened the door a little wider, making a crack large enough to look through. No Salraey were visible within. They were out of the line of sight from his position. This was an agreeable discovery. They were not likely to observe that the door had been opened, And the main object of his enterprise had been gained, The low murmur of talk was now replaced by distinctly audible words, ‘*T suppose this is what some folks would call dishonorable,” said Clark, to himself. ‘ But when a chap has got a rope around his neck, a pistol to his ear, and a knife over his heart, he isn’t ina position to draw fine lines, I'll take the risk on the honor; but I’m bound to find out what's in the wind.” The words that came to his ears shaped them- selves into sentences, The conspirators talked in RY tones, but his hearing was sharp and quick, “So your plans have changed since morn- ing?’ The voice was that of Adam, his late companion. : “Yes. It is lucky we can do without your | stuff now, since it has been wasted on the wolves.” ** Ah!” answered Adam, in ashuddering tone, “I never had such a scare in my life. Only a miracle saved us from being torn into ribbons,” ““T wouldn’t care to take such a risk, But this is our game in short. The tyrant goes to the marine ade to-morrow. This we have ust learned for certain. The mine under ttle Garden street isall ready. Your package
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The Young Nihilist. £5 but we will have to use what we have.” ‘Suppose he does not take that way?” “Then there is only the hand grenade plan, Ryssakoff and Grenevitsky are ready for the work. They will push up and fling them into the tyrant’s carriage, There is a spot near the bridge over the Catharine Canal where the street is out of order, There the carriage must goslow. That is our place to strike.” Their voices now fell so low that the listener could not make them out. | When be again was able to understand them the subject of their conversation was changed, “ What you tell me of this boy must be looked into,” came to his ears, “He is not to be trusted,” “What shall we do with him?” “Lock him up till it isover. Then he can do no harm.” Clark had heard enough. He cautiously closed the door and slipped away. ‘“‘Forewarned is forearmed,” he said. ‘‘ You can lock the cage, but you will not have your bird in it, to have my share in the game.” In a few minutes he reached his room. Here he drew on his boots. Ina minute more he was making his way toward the outer door of the house, “Ym afraid, my good friends,” he said to himself, “‘that you will be locking the stable door after the horse is stolen.” CHAPTER XII. THE THROWING OF THE BOMBS. Iv was the afternoon of the 13th of March, 1881, a day of vital interest to Russia. The parade of the Marine Corps had been fixed for that day. All St. Petersburg was early alive, for it was known that the emperor, Alex- ander II., who had for some time kept himself close in bis palace, in dread of the Nihilists, would be present at the review. ; There was great joy among the loyal inhab- itants of the city, and great fear also, for the enemies of the Government were known to be many and fearless. No one could tell what that day might bring forth, The streets were crowded with people in holi- day attire. The police were fully on the alert. A strong force of military was under arms, and stationed at various points about the city. Every conceivable precaution had been taken, When the emperor drove, in his handsome state carriage, along the Nefski, toward the review grounds, such a roar of welcome went up from the assembled people that it seemed as if all St. Petersburg were faithful subjects of the czar. The imperial carriage was surrounded by the military staff of the emperor, and followed bya If murder is in the wind I am going | of dynamite would have made the thing sure, | everything that éxists, who wished to overturn | the world and replace it with a new one, were present in hundreds, and many a dark face and an angry scowl followed the imperial party in its progress. here had been an effort to warn the emperor of his peril. At an early hour that d:y a paper had been given to the officer on duty at the door of the Winter Palace, with request that it be taken to the emperor. But the officers in charge, fearing that it might contain some deadly ex- plosive, bad detained it. | In the crowd that surged backward and for- ward in front of the palace might have been seen the slender yet graceful form, the handsome face, and bright eyes, of Clark Cloverly. It was his hand which bad sent the document men- tioned into the palace, after he had made a vain effort to be himself admitted. He bit his lip with spite on seeing the imperial cortege drive out into the street, “He laughs at my warning then? Thinks it the rapentad of some lunatic perhaps. Iam afraid he will find it sober truth. He should know by this time the men he has to deal with.” Clark followed discontentedly the crowd, which surged onward toward the parade ground. Since escaping from the Nihilist head-quarters he had been fully determined to warn the em- peror of his danger. But being himself in mo- mentary peril of arrest he was obliged to proceed with great caution. His efforts, so far, had failed, and he walked gloomily along, trying to devise some new plan by whick to checkmate the murderous schemes of tho Nihilists. There was little danger of his being recognized. The crowd was too dense, and every one too much occupied with other thoughts. Suddenly along the center of the street a horseman dashed at full speed. He was in the uniform of the palace, and there was something in his face that gave a sense of SHS trouble to the observing people. In his hand he firmly clutched an open letter. In a moment he had come and gone, the iron hoofs of his horse fall- ing almost noiselessly on the snow-clad surface of the avenue. People looked at one another in doubt. What meant this messenger who had'come and gone like a phantom? Was he the bearer of ill- ' tidings? He dashed onward at full speed. The review ‘had ended when he reached the parade ground, | The dense bodies of troops were marching off in serried array saluting the emperor as the assed, Alexander of Russia sat erect on bis 10rse, his tall figure, handsome face, and digni- fied bearing, making him noticeable in the | throng of richly-dressed officers and noblemen who surrounded him. | The horseman pressed into the titled crowd. large body of mounted Cossacks. It seemed im- He was recognized as a high official of the pal- possible that danger could approach him, The ace, and way was at once made for him. He cortege drove rapidly on through a bright sun- banded the paper which he bore to the emperor, light that seemed to presage good fortune, and and spoke a few words to him in a low tone. the roll of loyal congratulations went up like a’| Hundreds of curious eyes were bent upon the continuous peal of artillery. ‘pair as the emperor opened and cast his eye Yet throughout the crowd the disaffected over the paper, his florid face growing slightly were everywhere. Men who hated despotism, pale as he perused its contents, who demanded a popular government, who It was the warning letter of Clark Cloverly. dreamed of a republic, even many who hated The officials of the palace had ventured to open ie
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The Young Nihilist. it, after the emperor’s departure, and had at once dispatched it after bim. The czar crushed the note of warning in his hand, and remained for a moment in silent re- flection, He then handed it back to the offi- cer. “*T doubt if this is not some uneasy fool’s de- vice,” he remarked ina low tone. ‘* However, we will not go back through Little Garden street, It may be mined, as this document says.” * And the Catharine Canal bridge, sire?” “That we will have to cross. Ride back at speed, and see that the police are on the alert there.” In a half-hour afterward the last of the re- viewed troops marched from the ground, and the imperial party turned toward the city. The roars of congratulation which greéted the emperor on bis return were more entbusias- tic than those which had previously weleomed him. So much of the danger of the day had passed, In a half-hour more he would be safe within the solid walls of the Winter Palace. The conspirators, of whom there were many in the street, looked on with some disquiet, The carriages were not taking the expected direc- tion. Little Garden street which lay in the direct return road, was avoided by a long detour, “ What does it mean?’ said one to another. ‘Can any suspicion have got abroad? All our work is useless,” “ Looks as if there was a traitor somewhere in the camp,” was the reply. ; } Clark Gloverly had sought the vicinity of the bridge over the Catharine Canal, the next point of danger. It proved to be here, as the con- spirators had said. The bridge was obstructed with snow, and a large party of moujiks were | li at work, actively shoveling a free passage for the imperial cortege. A force of police bad gathered, in accordance with the instructions given. The carriages of the coming ree broke into view. The wav- ing plumes of horsemen, the pennoned spears of the Cossacks, told that it was the emperor who came, Clark pressed forward. is young heart was beating high with excitement, his brain throbbing with anxiety. Some last effort must be made to warn the emperor of his dan- r. ae Stand back there!” cried an officer, sternly. eee I say! There is room on the pave- ment. ‘Let me pass,” demanded Clark, ‘I must see and warn the emperor, There is a plot to attack him at the bridge.” ‘Maybe you are in the plot,” replied the offi- cer, suspiciously. “You, rather,” was Clark’s sharp answer. “If you refuse to let me see the emperor, it is you who put himin peril. Stop him yourself, then, and hand him this paper. It will warn him of his danger.” The officer took the proffered paper. He was about to open and r ad it, when a cry came from a fellow-official, who had been attracted by thecontroversy. - “Ha! it is the young villain that escaped us esterday! Arrest him! It is the American Ninilist! © Ina moment the hands of two strong police- men were laid on Clark’s shoulders. Almost at the same instant the head of the approaching cortege came up. The emperor and his staff swept swiftly by. The close-rid- ing troop of Cossacks followed. There was something of the savage in their wild, bearded faces, brown and wrinkled as if by years of wind and sun. On went the train, but there came a sharp recoil. The head of the party was checked by the workmen, who had not been given time to move out of the way. The carriages slowed up, and the horsemen were pushed back into a crowding throng. It was a fatal check. Clark, firmly held by his captors, groaned with anxiety as he saw one of the mowiks spring quickly forward, and fling some objct at the emperor’s carriage. Fortunately it was thrown witha bad aim, It struck the ground behind the carriage, and exploded with a sharp report, scattering its dangerous fragments in all directions. None of the imperial party were hurt, but two Cossacks fell wounded from their horses. The murderous effort had been made and failed, The Prefect of Police, who was ina sleigh just behind the imperial carriage, sprung out and seized the assassin, who drew and fired a revol- ver. His aim was a wild one, however, and ere he could repeat it the weapon was dashed from his hand. The explosion of the bomb was followed by a hush of excited fear. Acry of dread broke from the crowd of spectators. The mounted troops pushed forward with intense anxiety, while cries of rage and fear broke from their ps. The carriage of the emperor stopped, and he stepped out into the street. “Fear not, my children,” he said; “I am safe, you see, The assassins have failed.” A shout of glad congratulation followed his words. It was checked by an alarming sound. Tho terrible roar of another exploding bomb filled the air. With acry of deathly pain the emperor sunk to the ground. Clark had witnessed all this with a feeling of intense horror and anxiety. All his efforts to | warn the emperor had failed. His death seemed | fated. A groan of intense feeling broke from his lips as he turned furiously to his captors, | crying out: | “Tt is you who have killed the emperor! I would have warned him! If he dies, his blood is on your heads!” By this time a terrible excitement surrounded | the imperial party. In vain the police sought to keep back the anxious spectators. They surged forward in a dense mass, The excitement caused by the explosion of the first bomb had enabled several persons to break through the cordon of police. One of these had pressed close up, and flung a bomb at the very feet of the emperor. The flying fragments of this terrible weapon had broken both his legs and penetrated his body; and, by a strange retribution, one of these deadly aagmee had struck the mur- derer himself. He lay bleeding and dead al- | most by the side of his prostrate victim,
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The Young Nihilist. 27 *t Back—back!” cried the prefect. ‘* Place him in rg Be To the palace at once! It may not serious. The emperor yet lives, good people! Quick! there may not be a mo- ment to lose!” In a few minutes more the cortege had swept on. But what a terrible change those few minutes had made. The great Czar of the Russias, five minutes before well and full of vigor, now lay bleeding and dying, hastening back to die in the palace which he had recently quitted in all the vigor of full life. In the excitement Clark had disappeared. The frenzied rush of the people had released him from the hands of bis captors, and when they bethought themselves again of their prisoner he | had vanished. He was far away, hurrying toward the dis- tant streets, into which the tidings of the terri- ble deed preceded him, running over the city like an electric flash. The heart of ihe busy city ceased for the moment to beat. Its breath was-held for a dread instant of awe and horror, CHAPTER XIII. THE DOOM OF A TRAITOR. THERE was terrible excitement in St. Peters- burg for the succeeding days. And the echo of tbis excitement covered the whole civilized world, Everywhere the swift electricity bore the tidinss with lightning speed. ‘‘The great Czar of the Russias has fallen! Alexander, the emperor, lies dying!” And the whole world waited anxiously for further tidings. Would he die? Would he re- cover? Soon came speeding the fatal news. The emperor was dead. It was a moment of world-wide excitement. The Nihilists had_tri- umpbed. Everywhere the Socialists, the Com- munists, the advocates of human rights, the haters of despotism, rejoiced. There was joy- ful clasping of hands by the down-trodden of the nations, for they were mad enough to im- agine that the bursting of that bomb bad freed the world from oppression, and that Russia nations, They have been taught better since then. It is easy to kill a man, but it is not easy to change a government. The police of the great city were busy in seek- ing to trace the hiding-places of the murderers. Of the bomb-throwers, one was dead. The other was a prisoner. But he was dumb to their questions. He had the true Nihilist spirit. He could die, but not betray his confederates. The city was scoured far and wide. Every suspected place was visited. The police had some clews, and were not long in i the mine under Little Garden street, of whica they had been warned. It was dug to the cen- ter of the street, and loaded with dynamite. It led to the cellar of a neighboring house, from which the mine would have been exploded, had the emperor passed that way. In this house two prisoners were secured. Among others eagerly sought for was the American boy, Clark Cloverly; but he had van- , ther’s house was visited, but he ' ished, His iscovering | covered, | them with terror. ' ened death, had not been seen there. Only a dreadful anxiety of the father and sister was there dis- The murder of the emperor bad filled : Clark was among the con- spirators! He was known! It would be death to him to be taken! We must follow the adventures of the young fugitive, who had slipped from the loosened hands of his captors and sunk hastily into the crowd that was hurrying toward the point of the explosion. Clark made his way slowly from that danger- ous locality toward the heart of the city. He had little fear now of being recognize The pone were too full of terror and excitement to ave a thought left but for one thing—the fatal assault on the emperor, But be was shrewd enough to know that this would not last. It was necessary to seek some hiding-place in advance of the sharp search which would soon be instituted. He had learned enough of the haunts of the Nihilists to know where to conceal himself, and long before the police could get on his track he was safely beyond their reach. Two days passed away. In the upper rooms of a Russian house in a secluded portion of the city had gathered a group of stern-faced men. There was a look of fierce triumph on their faces. Their voices were deep with the thought that they had slain him whom they viewed as their great oppressor. In the group was one woman, Sophie Peroff- skaya, whom we have already-met. Sheseemed the leading spirit in tho business for which they were now assembled. This business was no ordinary one. Another deed of vengeance was to be done, In their mnidst stood, bound and_helpless, a culprit, ac- cused of treason to the Nihilists, and doomed to the death of a traitor. It was the Ameri¢an youth, Clark Cloverly!. Accused of treason by some who bad observed his efforts to warn the emperor, he had been seized and imprisoned immediately on entering this biding-place of the conspirators, and was would quickly wheel into the ranks of the free | bow brought. into: &- coutell sof; Sie aaeewees suffer the penalty of bis alleged treachery. But there was no flinching from the threat- Tbe fearless youth stood proudly before bis accusers, and returned their dark and lowering looks with glances as bold and stern as their own, “You accuse me of treason,” he boldly said, “Treason to what?” “To the society, to which you_swore al- legiance,” answered Sophie. ‘‘ You were warned at the time that death would follow any foul play. You shall find that we are not to be trifled with.” ‘Nor am I,” answered Clark. ‘' You de- ceived and lied to me, Ib was the Free Rus- sians I joined, not the Nihilists, There was to be no murder done, It was only political agi- tation. Ido not belong to the bloodthirsty ~ Nihilists. I cannot be false to them. If you kill me it will be a murder,” “That plea will not answer,” rejoined the stern-faced woman. ‘‘You joinedus. That is If you chose to do it blindly youhave pognge. 1 had the chance to open your eyes since, We la
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‘fhe Young Nihilist, have but one way of dealing with treachery, | ror, I did my best to save him, If you murdered and that is by death to the traitor.” “By murder, you mean,” cried the undaunted boy. ‘lam no member of your bloody gang. You can kill me if you want, but you can not make me acknowledge that I ever joined such a crew. I was free from you the moment I learned that you were liars.” Sophie paid no attention to this remark, but turned to one of the men present. It was Adam Jeliaboff, Clark’s companion in the sleigh- ride. se mee have you tosay in this matter?” she e The surly conspirator fixed his eyes harshly on the prisoner, and replied: “From the moment that the dynamite ex- hae among the. wolves this young man ned traitor, I could see it in his eyes, and hear it in his words, When we reached the city I intended to have him kept under lock and key until the deed was done. But he es- caped from the house for the purpose of betray- ing us.” ‘I escaped because I found you out,” an- swered Clark, ‘‘ Did you suppose I was fool enough not to see that you were making a cat’s paw of me? I followed you. I beard your talk, and that I was to be locked up until the whole business was over. If you want to know the truth there it is. You played with me, You Jet me know half your schemes, and now want to hold me responsible for the whole of them, You made a bad bargain, let me tell you ao you bought an American boy for a ‘ool. Sophie turned, with no heed to Clark’s words, and signed to another of the persons present, There was nothing of the woman in her eyes, They had rather the baleful light of the tiger, ‘What have you to say in this matter?” she asked. “T saw the prisoner at the door of the Winter Palace,” was the reply. ‘‘He was refused ad- mittance. He then guve a folded paper to the officer of the gate.” Sopbie turned to another. ““What is i evidence?” she asked, *T saw the tips near the bridge,” was the answer. ‘‘ He sought to pass the police, but was stopped. He then handed a paper to the officer.” **Did you hear any words?” “Yes. He said that the emperor’s life was in ee He had come there to warn him of the plot. “That is enough,” remarked the woman, sternly. ‘‘The evidence of treason is conclusive. His purpose failed, and the despot was removed, But none of us are safe while a traitor lives. ‘What have you to say to the evidence offered?” She turned to Clark, who stood upright, though his hands and feet were bound. *“T don’t see that any such farce was needed,” answered he, boldly. ‘‘I could have told you all that; and more, if you want toknowit. It is you whoaretraitors, not I. You brought me into your society by a lie, You kept me there | by lies. I learned the truth when I heard the dynamite explode, From that moment I ceased to be one of you, and yowed to save the empe- | despite his cries and struggles, him in spite of me, it was no fault of mine. There you have it all.” He faced his unrelenting foes with a boldness which they could not but admire. Yet there was no show of pity in their eyes. Death or blind obedience was the motto of their society. Sophie again faced the ring of stern men who surrounded the accused captive. “You have heard,” sheasked, ‘t‘ Whatis your verdict?” _“ Death!” came in harsh accents from every ip. A slight shudder passed through Clark’s frame. He shut hiseyesforan instant, It was horrible to see death sonear him, Yet he was bound to show no craven spirit. The honor of America was to be upborne. He threw off the momentary feeling, and faced his executioners with undaunted face, “Have you any word to leave for your friends?” asked the woman, ‘Tell them that I died like an honorable and whole-souled American,” answered Clark. “That is all. Do your worst, murderers.” One of the conspirators advanced. He was a bearded, dark-featured, scowling giant. The mouscles stood out like whip-cord on bis arms, as he bared them for his task. From a sheath he had drawn a Jong-bladed, murderous knife. He caugh 5 the bound prisoner by the shoulder, and raised the deadly weapon. “Look your last upon the sun,” he said. “Death is tae doom of traitors.” The bound lad looked unflinchingly in his eyes. we Strike!” he cried. ‘“ With my last word, I declare that I am no traitor.” The strong arm was drawn back for the dead- ly blow. A murderous light gleamed in the eyes of the executioner. Butere he could strike there came a sudden change. A man who had stood for the last minute in the doorway sprung forward and seized the uplifted arm. “By Heaven!” he cried, ‘you shall not kill him! If he dies I die with him, for I owe him my life!* e wrenched the knife from the murderous hand, and fiung it across the room. Clark looked up with a surge of hope. It was Ivan Stretzlitz, whom hoe had rescued on the ice. This diversion produced a fierce commotion in the throng of conspirators. “How dare you interfere?” cried Sophie, “Ho has been condemned, ard shall die.” ‘He shall not!” answered Ivan as fiercely. “He tells the truth, He has been cheated and lied to. I helped to do it myself. You all know that I was opposed to the killing of the emperor. You deceived me as well as him, By Heaven, you shall not harm him!” “He shall die, I say!” cried Sophie, ‘Seize this other traitor, brother Nihilists.” The men threw themselves on Ivan, who resisted fiercely. For a minute there was a sharp struggle. It ended in his being felled to the floor by a hard blow. Two of the men threw themselves upon him, and held him
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The Young Nihilist. 29 | The brawny conspirator recovered his knife and again advanced toward the condemned captive. But ere he could reach him there came a | sharp whistle that filled the room with its shrill sound, And in through the open door rushed a dozen armed men. Tn an instant every person present was coy- | ered by the threatening muzzles of revolvers, A stern voice cried: eea| ‘Surrender or we will shoot you down like dogs! Up with your hands! The man that at- | temps to draw a weapon dies!” : The conspirators shrunk back in dismay. It | was a party of the police! They were prisoners | in the hands of the authorities! CHAPTER XVI. BEFORE A RUSSIAN JUDGE. Tae emperor was dead. A new emperor was ' upon the throne. Yet the high hopes of the conspirators did not seem likely to be realized. They had murdered the despot, yet Russia was no more free than before. The ebains were drawn around her more closely than ever. The police had done their work actively. Most of the Nihilists directly egncerned in the | assassination were in prison. There was no doubt of their guilt, and no hope of their escape | from the gallows. Every member of the society trembled, from end to end of the country, for it was not sure but that the whole secret of the association might be laid bare, and all the mem- bership betrayed. Yet those who thought so did not know the spirit of the prisoners. No words came from their lipsin betrayal of theircomrades. Threats and promises were alike useless. Torture would have been wasted. They could die, but they could not prove false to their oaths. Among these captives was Clark Cloverly. The fact that he bad been rescued from a party of Nihilists, who were about to kill him, seemed of no avail in his case. He was immured as closely as if he had been one of their chiefs, and, so far as appeared, he would be dealt with as severely by the authorities, His father and sister were in serious trouble. They had interviewed the Government oflicials, but had been rudely repelled. “T always knew how it would be!” cried Helen, angrily. “I knew that Clark would get into some terrible scrape, and I wish we had never seen this ridiculous country, In America you could sbout out your opinion in a crowd and you would only be laughed at. Here they hang you if you whisper them above your breath,” “T would give all my fortune to be away from here with that unfortunate boy,” groaned the father. ‘‘ Yet I have hopes, Helen. The American minister has called on the authorities, They can hardly refuse bim.” “Much good he will do!” exclaimed Helen. “Why, they will laugh in his face,and he not know it. I’d be of more use myself.” “You!” answered Mr. Cloverly. ‘I would not trust you, Helen. You’d break out in some | hat. ‘I will go this instant. ‘You shall see if I don’t do more than you and the minister to- gether.” ‘No, no;_you shall not!” “Tndeed I will, I am not going to desert poor Clark while there is a hope Jeft. And if | they refuse me they shall know in plain Jan- guage what I think of them,” Cloverly attempted another remon- strance, but he was too late, She was gone, She had all the impulsive disposition of ber brother, and nothing could stop ber when she ence made up her mind, Mr. Cloverly sat for an hour in groaning de- spair. He then seized his hat and sought the residence of the American minister. That gentleman was in his office and greeted him with a hopeful smile, “ All is going well,” he said. ‘I have seen the authorities, and have their promise that your son shall have a hearing early next week.” * And do they give any hope?” “They refuse to commit themselves.” He was interrupted by the entrance of a mes- senger, who handed him a folded note. Thishe opened and read, while a look of great surprise passed over his face, “This is unexpected, Mr. Cloverly,” he said. “Your son is called up for a hearing immedi- ately. Iam requested to out: you, and to be aes I did not look for such promptness as is. “T hope it is a good sign,” exclaimed Mr. Cloverly, as he seized hishat, “Shall we go at once?” ‘Yes, certainly.” Within an hour they were in the ante-room to the justice’s court. ‘The hearing was to be pri vate. When they were admitted there was no one present but the judge, a couple of police. men, the prisoner, and two or three persons probably called for witnesses. Yes, there was another—Helen Cloverly. She turned with an expression of triumph to | her surprised father, ‘Did I not tell you?” she cried. “Tt takes a New York girl to bave things done quickly, and they shall not hang Clark except they hang me with him.” She walked impulsively to her brother, threw ber arm around him, and looked with devoted affection into bis eyes. “Don’t you fear, Clark,” she said. “It is only a boy’s wildness, They can’t hang folks for that.” ‘“T have been a fool, Heleu,” he replied. “ But if they begin to hang people for being fools ’'m afraid there will be only the judge and the hangman left; and then they will hang each other as the biggest fools of all.” lt was very evident that Clark had not lost his spirits. The examination had progressed for some time before the entrance of Mr, Cloverly and the minister. It was now resumed by the judge, whose face bore a very raed aspect. °. terrible treason, and get yourself in prison, in- stead of getting Clark out.” an “Dll see about that!” cried Helen, seizing her “The prisoner forgets that it is a very serious crime that he stands aceused. Death is | the only penalty. Yet in consideration of your , youth it may be commuted to banishment if
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|. 30 _ The Young Nihilist. ‘ou will tell all you know concerning the ibilists, That is the only favor we can show.” ‘*And where will you banish a fellow to?” asked Clark. ‘To the United States?” “To Siberia.” ‘Much obliged, but I guess I won't take any. | As for blowing on | I’d sooner be bung at once. anybody, I’ve a notion you are waking up the wrong coon, I didn’t flinch under the Nibilist’s knife, and I guess you can’t scare me.” “Good for you, Clark,” whispered his impul- sive sister in his ear. ‘Don’t go back on America, Let them see that you are true Yankee born.” “You refuse to name your associates in the assassination?” ; “T have no associates in the assassination,” answered Clark decidedly. ists, 1 know you have them all in prison now. TI have seen others, but I don’t know their faces or their names. black mask,” “Where did you see them?” “T know no more than the man in the moon. I was taken there after dark, and could not find my way again if my life depended on it, I know only the one place, and that is where 1 was captured, along with the other prisoners.” : The judge looked at him with an incredulous ‘ace. “ We know all your movements, young man,” he declared. ‘You went, on the day before the assassination, op a secret mission, You escaped the authorities by skating away. Where did you skate to, and what was your mission?” “Only to take a note toa man whom you have now in prison. What wasin the note I don’t know. But I bad been forced to swear to go it blind, and sol did. 1 returned to the city with this man, Adam Jeliaboft.” “Where did you find him?” Clark described the position of the roadside house, “Have you anything more to say concerning that enterprise?” ‘Only this,” answered the prisoner. ‘I found out by an accident what sort of a crew I was among. I learned that they bad lied to me, and that they were plotting to murder the emperor. |! your imprudence. As soon as I heard that I tried togive him warn- | your efforts failed. And be would be living to-day , question.” He handed them to the judge. ‘‘ And ing of the plot. if the officers hadn’t been so stupidly suspicious. I did my prettiest to saye bis life, and was ar- rested for trying it. When I got away the Nihilists were going to murder me for trying it. And now you are talking of sending me to Si- beria for tryiug it, All I have to say is that it con't pay to try to save an emperor's life in Russia.” Helen squeezed his arm approvingly and looked up proudly into his face. he judge frowned. He apparently did not believe a word of this story. e signed to the ‘‘ As for the Nibil- | You can’t tell much through a | lists, and you are free. | | | ded him. officers, who ranged themselves closer to sna prisoner, ‘* We look on that story as a pure fabrication,” he coldly declared. ‘‘ You have brought no evi- dence of the truth of a word of it. Yet. on ac- count of your opportunity. outh, you shall have this last ‘ell all you know about the Nihi- | Refuse, and go to the gallows.” ‘IT know nothing about them,” answered Clark, ‘I was sworn to obey the Free Rus- | sians, I will not break my oath. If that is not enough, you can drive on to the gallows.” j heavy frown marked the severe face of the udge. ‘*Remove the culprit,” he sternly ordered. *« His fate be on bis own head,” “No, no,” cried Mr. Cloverly, starting for- ward. ‘Let me speak to him! Listen to me, my son!” “Tf he goes I go with bim,” exclaimed Helen, still clinging to her brother, and facing the judge with the look of a young rebel. The scene was interrupted by the entrance to the court-room of several uniformed personages, One of these, a tall, dignified, richly dressed person, spoke in a low tone to the judge, The atter looked at the prisoner with a change of expression, **Do you recognzie me?” asked the stranger of Clark, stepping close to him, The indomitable youth looked him over from head to foot, with a keen glance. “Tvs a notion I do,” be replied. ‘You are the sharp gentleman I saw at the door of the Winter Palace. You refused to let me see the emperor. I then gave youa paper for him. If pia ta that paper he might have been alive to day. “He did read it, but too late,” answered the | official sorrowfully, He turned and signed to one of kis compan- fons. ‘his person was dressed in the uniform of a common policeman, “Do you recognize this man?’ he asked Clark. “Calculate so,” answered the prisoner, ‘ He's another of the sharp ones, He stopped me from getting to the emperor’s carriage at the bridge. gave him a paper of warning too, All the thanks I got was to be arrested,’ The palace official looked with interest on the undaunted prisoner. “You have been very imprudent, young man,” he said. ‘But you did your best to redeem It is not your fault that Here are the papers in here is a third.” The judge opened the latter first. A change of expression came upon his face as he glanced over it. “From the emperor?” 4 Yes.” “The prisoner is released,” remarked the judge cold'y. “ By order of the emperor. The special clemeucy of his sacred majesty is accor- I bow to the decision, But let me warn you, young man, to keep clear in future of Russian conspirators, This is not a safe country to plot in.” We need not pause to deseribe the scene that followed, The congratulations of the minister; the ardent joy of Mr. Cloverly; the wild en- thusiasm of Helen who had been worked up to a nervous fever, and almost went into hysterics of joy at the release of her brother.
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a f Clark was the coolest of the party. “T) do my neatest to keep out of such scrapes, you bet,” he remarked, ‘I’ve come within an ace of being knifed, and withina deuce of beine roped. Ouce is enough for any reasonable Yankee.” We have conducted Clark Cloverly through his adventures among the Nihilists to bis fortu- nate release, It is not our purpose to give here any more of his life’s story. It is enough to say that the pardon of the emperor contained no requirement of exile, He was free to remain in Russia, a permission very desirable to his tather, whose business there was in no condi- tion to'close up. As for the Nihilist prisoners their fate isa matter of history. Some of them went to Siberia, some to the gallows. Among the exiles to Siberia was Ivan Stretzlitz. His declaration, which the police had overheard, that he was op- sed to the murder of the emperor, had saved nim from hanging: But he was condemned to no lighter fate, the living death of the terrible mines of Siberia, “Tye got enough of plots and conspirators,” declared Clark, “ yet I'd give something to save ean Vd be dead this minute only for nim, “Now, stop all such nonsense,” cried his father, severely. ‘I will send you back to Amprica if I hear anotber word of the kind.” “That would suit me toa fraction,” answered lark with a shrug. “This may be a good country for slaves and policemen, but there’s ret room enough to breathe for a full-blooded Yankee,” TUE END. CIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 32 inclusive, 15 to % popu- lar dialogues and dramas in each book. Each vol- ume 100 pages 12mo. Speakers, Nos, 1 to 241 inclusive. Each speaker 100 pages 12mo, containing from 50 to 75 pieces, YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERIES, Dime Book of Winter Soorts., Dime Book of Summer Athletic Sports, Dime Gents’ Letter Writer. Dime Book of Etiquette, Dime Book of Verses, Dime Book of Dreams. Dime Fortune Teller, Dime Ladies’ Letter Writer. Dime Lovers’ Casket. Dime Ball-Room Companion, Dime Book of 100 Games, Dime Chess Instructor. Dime Book of Beauty. (2 The above books are sold by newsdealers everywhere, or will be sent, post-paid, to any ad- dress, on receipt of price, ten cents each. Bxapix anp Apams, Publishers, 98 William st., N. Y, The Young Nihilist. 3i Half-Dime Singer's Library 1 Waoa, Fatma! and 59 other Songs, 2 CapTain Curr and 57 other Songs, 8 Tur Garxsporo’ Har and 62 other Songs. 4 Jounny Morcan and 60 other Songs, 6 Put Srrige You Wir a Fraryer and 62 others, 6 Grorar THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. Tux Bette or Rockaway and 52 other Songs. 8 Young Fruvan. You're Too Fresg# and 60 others 9 Suy Youne Grrr and 65 other Songs. 10 I’m tHE GovERNoR’s ONLY Son and 58 other Songs 11 My Fawn and 65 other Songs, 12 Comin’ Toro’ Tux Rye and 55 other Songs. 15 THe RoLvickine IrisHwan and 59 other Songs. 14 Onp Doa Tray and 62 other Songs, 15 Wnoa, CsARLIE and 59 other Songs, 16 In rHis Wuaat By anp By and 62 other Songs. 17 Nancy Ler and 58 other Songs. 18 I’u THE Boy THAt’s Bounpd To BLazE and 57 others, 19 Tae Two Onprans and 59 other Songs. 20 WHAT ARE THE WiLp Waves SAvyinG, Sister? and 59 other Songs. 21 Inpi@nant PoLiy Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 nm Op Arm-CHarr and 58 other Songs, 23 On Conny Istanp Breacu and 58 other Songs. 24 Op Sruon, THe Hot-Corn Maw and 60 ofhers. 25 I’w in Love and 56 other Songs. 26 PARADE oF THE GusxRps and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo, Heavu, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 °Twitt Never po To Gin rt up So and 60 others. 29 Brum Bonnets Over THE RorpeEr and 54 others, 80 Tur Merry Lavanine Man and 56 other Songs. 81 Swerr Forset-nn-Nor and 55 other Songs. 82 Lectte Baspy Mine and 53 other Songs. 83 De Banjo AM DE InsTRUMENT FoR Mx and 53 others, 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 85 Just ro PiLuase THe Boys and 52 other Songs. 86 SKATING ON ONE IN THE Gurren and 52 others. 87 Kotorep Kranks and 59 other Songs. 88 Nit Desprranpum and 58 other Songs. 89 Tne Girt I Ler? Bentyp Me and 50 other Sengs 40 °Tis sur A Lirrir Fapep Ftowsr and 50 ethers 41 Prevry WoiLneLMtna and 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN ‘THE Barn and 63 other Songs. 43 H, M.S. PINAFORS, COMPLETE, and 17 other Songs Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address, on ree ceipt of Sia cents per number, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pusrisners, 98 Witiiam Srreet, New York,
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BEADLE’S Pocket [ABRARY. 839 Rardo, the Boy Gypsy; or, Reckless Rolf’s Re- volt, By Wm, G. Patten, 840 Billy Bubble’s Big Score, By Charles Morris, 841 Colorado Steve’s Dash; or, Old Buncomb’s Sure Shot. By Philip S. Warne. - 842 Snap-Shot Sam; or, Ned Norris’s Nettle. By or, Peleg Prancer Bucksin Sam. 843 Mike, the Bowery Detective; of Vermont. By Edward L, Wheeler, 844 The Drummer Sport. By Edward Willett. 345 Jaques, the Hardpan Detective; or, Captain Frisco the Road-Agent. By J. ©, Cowdrick. 846 Joe, the Chicago Arab, By Charles Morris.] 847 Middy Herbert’s Prize; or, The Girl Captain’s Revenge, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 848 Sharp-Shooter Frank. By Buckskin Sam. 849 Buck the Miner; or, Alf, the Colorado Guide, By Maj. B. L. St. Vrain. 850 Ned, the Slab City Sport. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 851 Rocky Mountain Joe. By Col, T. H. Monstery, 352 New York Tim; or, The Boss of the Boulevard. By Charles Morris. 853 The Girl Pilot; or, Ben, the Reef-Runner. By Roger Starbuck, 854 Joe, the Boy Stage-Driver. By Maj. St. Vrain. 855 Texas Frank’s Crony; or, The Girl Mustang Rider, By Bueks in Sam, 856 Idaho Ned, Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 857 Guy, the Boy Miner. By Col. P. Ingraham, 858 Jersey Joe, the Old Tar. By Mrs. Orin James. 859 Dandy Dick’s Dash; or, The Boy Cattle - King, By Oll Comes. 860 Jim’s Big Bonanza; or, Jake Dodd and His Gang. ty W. J. Hamilton. 861 Oregon Phil, the Sport; or, The Marshal of Two Bits. By Philip S. Warne. ootblack Detective. By EB. L. meer. BY 862 Kit, the 863 The Ocean Racer; or, ‘Trusty Tom, the Tar, T. C. Harbaugh, 864 Fritz’s Old Score; or, Sib Cone’s Right Bower. By Ned Buntline, 865 Crack Shot Harry; or, The Masked Rider. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 866 Gold Dust Rock, the Whirlwind of the Mines, By G. Waldo Browne. 867 Fred’s Bold.Game. By Paul Bibbs. 868 Jim, the Sport in Wake-up. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 869 Captain Blake’s Jonah. By Roger Starbuck. 870 Denver Kit’s Double. By Major H. B. Stoddard. 871 Blue Blazes Dick; or, Danger Doll of Dynamite. By T. 0. Harbaugh. 872 The Sea Cat’s Prize. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 873 Larry O’Lynn’s Dash; or, Kyle, the Renegade. By Joseph F’, Henderson. 874 Jim, the Sport’s Big Boom; or, The Bonanza King’s Rival By Edward L. Wheeler. 875 Bowery Bob, Detective. By Jo Pierce. 876 Buckskin Dick’s Clean Sweep; or, Jonathan Jenks’ Still Hunt, By Col. Arthur F. Holt. 877 The Deadwood Sports. By Lieut. 8. G. Lansing, 878 Bronco Billy, the Saddle Prince. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 879 Dick, the Stowaway; or, A Yankee Boy's Strange Cruise. By Charles Morris. 880 Young Dick Talbot; or, A Boy’s Rough and Tumble Fight from New York to California, By Albert W. ‘iken, 881 Dandy Bill's Doom; or, Deerhunter, the Boy Scout, By Oll Cooms, sig ae babel George, the Boy Pioneer. By Ed. Villet. 883 Wild Bill, the Pistol Prince. By Col. Ingraham, 884 Brimstone Bill’s Booty; or, Mariposa Marsh at Dead ele Guich By nee Ee non The Boy Tramps; or, The ughs of Demon si Hollow, By J. ML. ‘Hoffman. 886 The Montana Kid; or, Little Dan Rock’s Mis- sion, By Morris Redwing. 887 The Boy Detectives. By TC. Harbaugh. 888 The Pony Express Rider; or, Buffalo Bill’s Frontier Feats, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 889 New York Bill, the Dodger By Edward Willett, 890 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick; or, Spring Steel, King of the Bush, By J: seph E. Badger, Jr. 891 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By Major Henry B. Stoddard, 892 Texas Jack, the Mustang King. By Colonel Prentiss Ingrakam. Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. Ry Noah Nuff. Tom Temple's Big Strike. By Barry Ringgold, Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles Morris. Detective Paul's Right Bower. By OC. D, Clark. Tip Tressell, the Flatboat Boy. By Ed. Willett, Captain Jack in Rocky Roost, By Col. Ingraham, Harry Somers, the Magician. ey 8. W. Pierce, Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. By Roger Starbuck. Tim, the Mule Boy of the Mines. By Chas, Morris, Flatboat Fred on the Mississippi, By E. Willett. Jake, the Colorado Circus Boy. By Bryant Bainbridge. Texas Charlie’s Wild Ride. By Col. P. Ingraham, Wide-Awake Ned; or, The Boy Wizard. By Barry Ringgold. 406 Giant Pete and His Pards. By T. C, Harbaugh. 407 Old Ruff’s Protege; or, Little Rifle’s Secret. By Captain Bruin Adams. 408 Stowaway Dick Abroad; or, The Desert Rover. By Charles Morris. 409 Doctor Carver, ‘the Champion Shot. By Col. P. Ingraham, 410 Captain Fly-By-Night, the Colorado King-Pin By Jos. E Badger, Jr. 411 New York Jack’s Mettle; or, Old Traps and His Chums, By Barry Ringgold. 412 Sam Spence, the Broadhorn Boy. By Edward Willett. 413 Revolver Billy in Texas; or, The Lone Star State Rangers. By Col. P, Ingraham. 414 Dasher Dick’s Dead Lock; or, Plucky Joe, the Boy Avenger. By J. M. Hoffman. 415 Pony, the Cowboy Chief. by H. B. Stoddard, 416 Panther Dick's Death i By A. F. Holt, 417 Fighting Fred of Frisco. By T. OC. Harbaugh. 418 Buckskin Sam’s Wild Ride. By Col. P Ingraham, 419 Friseo Guy's Big Bonanza. By Roger Starbuck, 420 Pat Mulroony'’s Pard. By Emerson Rodman. 421 'Tim, the Boy Acrobat. By Charles Morris. 422 Red Spur RK Iph, the Texan. By C. Dunning Clark. Dashing Bob, the Pony Express Rider. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, Tom Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C.D. Clark. Darky Jumble’s Wild Ride. By Barry Ringgold. the Fire- 393 894 895 896 897 898 899 400 401 402 403 404 405 423 424 425 426 Wolf-Cap; or, Tbe Night-Hawks o Lands. By Capt Chas. Howard. Bessie, the Border Girl, By Henry J. Thomas, 428 Nebraska Charlie, By a 1 P. Ingraham, 429 Bill Beeler’s Bonanza. By Edward Willett. 430 Lorg Shot; or, The Dwarf Guide. By Captain Comstock, 431 1 illie, the Reckless Rider. By Maj. H. B. Stod- dard, Ex-Scout, 432 Cool Clark’s Rash Race. By Charles Morris. 433 Old Grizzly in the Rockies. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Ready April 27. 484 Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post, Ready May 4. A New Issue Every Wednesday. Brapiy’s Pocket Lrspary is for sale by all News dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on re ceipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAms, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, 427 «