Best Russian Short Stories
[Illustration: ANTON P. CHEKHOV, RUSSIA'S GREATEST SHORT-STORY WRITER] BEST RUSSIAN SHORT STORIES Compiled and Edited by THOMAS SELTZER CONTENTS INTRODUCTION THE QUEEN OF SPADES _A.S. Pushkin_ THE CLOAK _N.V. Gogol_
this confusion. Take it," he cried, lifting the babe from the bottom of
the boat, and flinging it towards its unfortunate father.
The child fell within a short distance of Darrell, who, hearing the
splash, struck out in that direction, and caught it before it sank. At
this juncture, the sound of oars reached his ears, and he perceived Mr.
Wood's boat bearing up towards him.
"Here he is, waterman," exclaimed the benevolent carpenter. "I see
him!--row for your life!"
"That's the way to miss him, master," replied Ben coolly. "We must keep
still. The tide'll bring him to us fast enough."
Ben judged correctly. Borne along by the current, Darrell was instantly
at the boat's side.
"Seize this oar," vociferated the waterman.
"First take the child," cried Darrell, holding up the infant, and
clinging to the oar with a dying effort.
"Give it me," returned the carpenter; "all's safe. Now lend me your own
hand."
"My strength fails me," gasped the fugitive. "I cannot climb the boat.
[Illustration: ANTON P. CHEKHOV, RUSSIA'S GREATEST SHORT-STORY WRITER] BEST RUSSIAN SHORT STORIES Compiled and Edited by THOMAS SELTZER CONTENTS INTRODUCTION THE QUEEN OF SPADES _A.S. Pushkin_ THE CLOAK _N.V. Gogol_