The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1900-02-09
in his stride. To my horror 1 saw that the

ground began to be furrowed and cut mp by
ravines and that we were approaching the
bed of river. l had, therefore, to slacken
the pace, and at the same time our new our
suers sighting Us came on with all the speed
of their fresh horses. Castor scrambled in
and out of the ravines like cat, but we
were going slowly now, and the enemy had
all the advantage of the level ground to come
up, which they did at dreadful rate. With
the failing strength of my COMPANION dared
not risk jumps, weighted as l was, but the
brave horse did his utmost, as if knowing
our danger.
'For Gods sake hold oni" cried out as
we topped a deep ravine with plunge that
almost caused Angola to slip from my grasp.
and as l said this i heard a shot and a ball
from an arquebus whistle over my head.
The enemy were in the rough ground now
themselves, but they were within gun range,
and dreaded that some of them might dis
mount and pick me off. This, however, did
not occur to them, and on we went, with
every now and again bullet, fred from
horseback with an unsteady aim, singing
past us. My charge had twisted her arms
into my shoulder belt and held on bravely,
but saw by her white face and the blue
coming into her lips that this could not last,
and if she tainted there was an end of all.
At the outside it was matter of few
minutes now, one way or the other; but as
came to the crest of another ravine saw
before me steep bank leading down to a
small stream that was swishing along in a
white flood, and on the opposite shore
sight that made my heart leap, for drawn up
in array, evidently reused by the sound of
the shots, was a strong body of men at arms,
and over them huttered the pennon of
Hardwood, red hand on a white field. l
knew in a moment we were within the
kings outposts.
Saved" l shouted in my joy. "Saved!"
and risking all l made the horse fly the
last ravine, and the next instant we had slid
down the bank, and the white water was
churning round Castor as he dashed into the
stream.
A puff of smoke above us, flash as of
lightning, deafening roar, and one of No
varro's nine Founders belched out a storm
of grape that Kissed over our heads in the
direction Of our pursuers, and stopped them,
beaten and baff1ed. One effort more, we
were out of the stream, up the bank, and
painting, breathless and still bleeding, with
my companion in dead faint in my arms, 1
Ieined in Castor. In a moment we were sur
rounded, but the faces were kindly, and, dis
mounting slowly, placed my ifeless bur-
den on heap of cloaks that were flung to
the earth for her, and then, turning round,
saw Hardwood before me. It was the first
time we had met since the affair at Arezzo,
when was cast forth dishonored man. l
did not know how to greet him, and there
was a constraint in his face, for l saw he
knew me, and was, like myself, at a loss for
speech. I had, however, to take the matter
in my hand.
"Signore," I said, accept my thanks.
This lady is the Countess Angola Castel-
lani, ward of the Florentine secretary,
whom have brought off from Perugia, and
have to take to the convent of st. Jerome"
He tugged at his tawny mustache.
81 have merely carried out orders-you
have nothing to thank me for, signore. My
instructions were to prevent any of Bagli-
oni's men crossing the Sanguinetta and to
protect all fugitives from the territories OF
the Borgia."
I bowed and added, with pain in my
tone l could not conceal, for this man was
once my friend:
call the same, l thank you, signore; l
have, however, four followers"
81 can do nothing for them if they are on
the other bank" he interrupted, and went
on: "St. Jerome is not half league from
here. My men will make up litter, and
help to bear the lady there. It will be
easier for her. l wish you good day." He
turned on his heel and gave some orders to
his men in English, a language do not
know. leaving me standing by the body of
Angola. All the misery of the past came
back to me in fash Would the stain never
be wiped out? All the kindness had re-
ceived from Bayard and the cardinal, all the
efforts made by those who believed in me,
seemed to be swept away as dust in the
wind. Almost did feel that would &C
cept the ban cast on me and turn wolf III
earnest. 1t cost me much to restrain myself
from drawing on Hardwood, but glance
at the still pale face before me recalled me
to my duty. A man very kindly brought me
little wine; knelt down and forced some
of it between her blue lips. In a short time
she revived, some color came into her cheeks
and she attempted to rise, with look of
fear on her face at the number of armed
men she saw around her.
''There is nothing to fear, madam" said,
to reassure her, you are safe, and in an hour
will be at St. Jerome-a litter is being made
ready for YOU"
Without a word she held out her hand,
and thanked me with this and the look in
her eyes.
The litter was now ready, half a dozen
men volunteered their services, and, placing
her therein, we started for the convent. Ere
we had gone half mile we heard shouts be-
hind us, and / was more than glad to see
Jacopo and my men riding up.
How did you get off" asked, as they
came up.
Gin the rear of the troop from Magione,
excellency," was Jacopo's reply; "they did