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"But, Dobri, why? what? "Petko, no questions. More than that, no remarks," interrupted the scout earnestly and firmly. "Another time I will explain. At present I ask you to trust, believe, and obey your friend. If you would save your life and that of Giuana leave this village within an hour. Go where you will, but leave it."

"Yes, yes," returned Marika, with a look and tone of despair, "I know that Dobri is dead; I saw my darling boy slain before my eyes, and heard Ivanka's dying scream; no wonder that my brain has reeled so long. But I am strong now. I feel as if the Lord were calling on me to go forth and work for Himself since I have no one else to care for. Had Giuana lived I would have stayed to nurse her, but "

When this friend, Petko Borronow, left Yenilik at the death of his mother, it was to take charge of the little farm in the Balkan mountains, the desolate home where his sister Giuana, an invalid, and a beautiful girl, was now left in solitude.

"I will both trust and obey you, Dobri," said Petko, returning the squeeze of his friend's hand, which he had not yet let go. "I said that time pressed, Petko; God be with you! Farewell." The scout turned, stooped to kiss Giuana on her pale cheek, and before either could utter another word was gone.

Before the grey dawn had dissipated the mists of morning, the village on the height was fought for, lost, and won; its dwellings were reduced to ashes, and those of its inhabitants who had escaped massacre were scattered like sheep among the gorges of their native hills; but Petko and Giuana Borronow were safe at least for the time with a kinsman, among the higher heights of the Balkan range.

Dobri Petroff immediately disappeared in the opposite direction. At a later hour that night he entered the cottage of young Borronow. Giuana, Petko's sister, reclined on a rude but comfortable couch. She was singularly pretty and innocent-looking, but very delicate and young. Her friends called her Formosa Giuana or Pretty Jane.