The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-04-12
THE SPECTRAL RIDER.
From the Federal Australian.

| From the Federal Australian.
At Baden. Baden horse-races was
to take place; a great many specta-
tors had assembled. The elite had
not yet arrived, and. as therefore
the races had not begun, Che sports
men estanding in groups. Among
these were two officers of the army.
"Do you really intend toilet DEVILS
Daughter take part, Poseneck ?' ask
ed one of them.
"Undoubtedly; she has thes best
chance"
"But who will you get to ride the
mare?"
81 shall find some one ;sif not I
shall ride her myself" M
"Ifyour Cousin Arno wehld rids
her there might be a chance of win
ping, but as he Is engaged to be mar
ried his affianced probably viii not
allow it; and she cannot be blamed
for doing so, for on that horse one
risks breaking his neck"
The steeplechaser spoken of, Arno
Won HoEenstein, was present. and
therefore Kurt Won Poseneck hoped
to gain his aid, for he knew how pas.
sionate!y fond his cousin was of this
sport.
He found him, accompanied by his
intended and his future father-in-
law,
III suppose it grieves you not to
take part to-day ?" said Poseneck
and turning to the young lady he
added; "You may feel flattered that
he intends TO give it up for your
sake"
~ suppose we now will try to get
seats, for soon all will be taken," said
Arno, with sigh.
While he led the way Poseneck
whispered tothe young lady "Have
you not word of comfort for me,
VictOrine?" Unknown to others
she slipped little note into Kurt's
hand. He escaped as soon as possible
to read it undisturbed.
1t contained the following words:
Forgive me; l was forced to COM
ply with the wish of my parents my
entreaties, tears, remonstrances were
in vain; therefore / am the affianced
of Arno Won Hohensteien 1 am lost
to you forever, but 1 shall never for
get you"
Poseneck's lowering glance rested
upon the woman he loved. the affianc.
ed of another. There she stood. u
stately figure, with aclear, dark com.
plexion and lustrous black eyes, beside
the MISUNDERSTANDING blonde, her
future husband. At that moment
Poseneck vowed that it should not
be.
Shortly before the steeplechase be-
gan he appeared in the paddock, ac-
companied by Arno. NOtwithstand-
ing the opposition of VictorIne's faith.
er, he mad succeeded in persuading
him to ride the mare. Victorine had
greatly influenced his decision, for
when Poseneck whispered to her to
assist him she without hesitation did
80.
1t was beautiful sight when the
II horsemen who were to take part
in the races took their positions,
Devils Daughter, powerful. dark
brown, thoroughbred mare, under
Hohenstein's guidance. attracted all
attention,
The more restless she was the more
composed and immovable sat. her
rider. AS Victorine heard the al
miring exclamations she felt tor the
first time certain interest in her fu-
ture husband.
She was aroused from her thoughts
by Poseneck's voice saying rather
ironically.
"You are looking at your intended
with great interest,"" and as she look
ed up he continued, lowering his
voice, "You shall be mine." and to
himself he murmured, "This decides
his fate"
Victorine cast frightened glance
at the tall. commanding figure of
Poseneck, as he slowly moved on.
What could he mean? Death and
destruction to the unfortunate Ho'
henstein? She knew that two years
before Poseneck had killed in duel
the Count of Pruckwitz. a suitor of
hers, who was favored by her rela-
tives, When he returned from the
fortress where he had been confined
for several months he found her still
true to him. But her passionate
love was now mingled with admir-.
ing awe. His demoniacal and au.
thorltative manner, instead of repel-
ling her, attracted her and ruled her
entirely,
Kurt Won Poseneck combined an