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Conspicuous among the gypsies who had hastened from the western provinces was the Tsigane troop, which had accompanied Michael Strogoff as far as Perm. Sangarre was there. This fierce spy, the tool of Ivan Ogareff, had not deserted her master. Ogareff had traveled rapidly to Ichim, whilst Sangarre and her band had proceeded to Omsk by the southern part of the province.
"I am not a teller of fortunes. But what does it matter since Monsieur's fortune is so plainly written upon his face." "And what is that?" "The fortune of the fortunate. Bien sr. The bon Dieu cared well for those who rode in automobiles." The Frenchman smiled and glanced at Markham, who was busying himself with the donkey's pack. "Mademoiselle is very blonde for a tsigane," he ventured again.
We have said that his plan was to penetrate into the town, make his way to the Grand Duke, gain his confidence, and, when the time came, give up the gates to the besiegers; and, that done, wreak his vengeance on the brother of the Czar. The Tsigane Sangarre, who had accompanied him to the Angara, urged him to put this plan in execution. Indeed, it was necessary to act without delay.
But he did not know that part of this scene, although it passed so rapidly, had been observed by Sangarre, Ogareff's spy. The Tsigane was there, a few paces off, on the bank, as usual, watching the old Siberian woman.
Sangarre, holding one of those daires, which she played between her hands, encouraged this troupe of veritable corybantes. A young Tsigane, of about fifteen years of age, then advanced. He held in his hand a "doutare," strings of which he made to vibrate by a simple movement of the nails. He sung.
This woman was more strictly guarded than anyone else, and, without her appearing to notice, was constantly watched by the Tsigane Sangarre. Notwithstanding her age she was compelled to follow the convoy of prisoners on foot, without any alleviation of her suffering. However, a kind Providence had placed near her a courageous, kind-hearted being to comfort and assist her.
She therefore immediately left the encampment. A quarter of an hour after, she reached Zabediero, and was shown into the house occupied by the Emir's lieutenant. Ogareff received the Tsigane directly. "What have you to tell me, Sangarre?" he asked. "Marfa Strogoff's son is in the encampment." "A prisoner?" "A prisoner." "Ah!" exclaimed Ogareff, "I shall know "
Then, after the last chorus, the remainder surrounded the Tsigane in the windings of their dance. At that moment a shower of gold fell from the hands of the Emir and his train, and from the hands of his officers of all ranks; to the noise which the pieces made as they struck the cymbals of the dancers, being added the last murmurs of the doutares and tambourines.
It would have been difficult, in this miserable dress, to judge of either his size or face. Near him was the Tsigane, Sangarre, a woman about thirty years old. She was tall and well made, with olive complexion, magnificent eyes, and golden hair. Many of the young dancers were remarkably pretty, all possessing the clear-cut features of their race.
A noise far along the balcony attracted him. He flew towards it, found nothing but a cat purring, and returned. The luscious music of the Tsigane band, one of the nine orchestras which he owned, reached him faintly over the edge of the quadrangle. Then he decidedly did hear human footsteps on the balcony. They were the footsteps of Shawn. 'She's gone, sir. Took the lift, and whizzed off in Mr.
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