Previous - next
of the storm makes me hope that it will not last long.
About three o'clock the day will begin to break, and the descent,
which we cannot risk in the dark, we shall be able, if not with ease,
at least without such danger, to attempt after sunrise."
"Let us wait, brother," replied Nadia; "but if you delay,
let it not be to spare me fatigue or danger."
"Nadia, I know that you are ready to brave everything, but,
in exposing both of us, I risk more than my life, more than yours,
I am not fulfilling my task, that duty which before everything
else I must accomplish."
"A duty!" murmured Nadia.
Just then a bright flash lit up the sky; a loud clap followed.
The air was filled with sulphurous suffocating vapor, and a clump
of huge pines, struck by the electric fluid, scarcely twenty feet
from the tarantass, flared up like a gigantic torch.
The iemschik was struck to the ground by a counter-shock, but,
regaining his feet, found himself happily unhurt.
Just as the last growlings of the thunder were lost
in the recesses of the mountain, Michael felt Nadia's hand
pressing his, and he heard her whisper these words in his ear:
"Cries, brother! Listen!"
CHAPTER XI TRAVELERS IN DISTRESS
DURING the momentary lull which followed, shouts could be distinctly
heard from farther on, at no great distance from the tarantass.
It was an earnest appeal, evidently from some traveler in distress.
Michael listened attentively. The iemschik also listened,
but shook his head, as though it was impossible to help.
"They are travelers calling for aid," cried Nadia.
"They can expect nothing," replied the iemschik.
"Why not?" cried Michael. "Ought not we do for them what they
would for us under similar circumstances?"
"Surely you will not risk the carriage and horses!"
"I will go on foot," replied Michael, interrupting the iemschik.
"I will go, too, brother," said the young girl.
"No, remain here, Nadia. The iemschik will stay with you.
I do not wish to leave him alone."
"I will stay," replied Nadia.
"Whatever happens, do not leave this spot."
"You will find me where I now am."
Michael pressed her hand, and, turning the corner of the slope,
disappeared in the darkness.
"Your brother is wrong," said the iemschik.
"He is right," replied Nadia simply.
Meanwhile Strogoff strode rapidly on. If he was in a great hurry
to aid the travelers, he was also very anxious to know who it
was that had not been hindered from starting by the storm;
for he had no doubt that the cries came from the telga,
which had so long preceded him.
The rain had stopped, but the storm was raging with redoubled fury.
The shouts, borne on the air, became more distinct.
Nothing was to be seen of the pass in which Nadia remained.
The road wound along, and the squalls, checked by the corners,
formed eddies highly dangerous, to pass which, without being
taken off his legs, Michael had to use his utmost strength.
He soon perceived that the travelers whose shouts he had heard
Previous - next
