The Red Cloud chief., 1902-02-21

OF a child. No doubt you condemn me
for using such heroic measures to
accomplish my purpose, but | am a be-
lever in the adage that the end justi-
fies the means. You know that which
may ruin me should II come out, and l
I'M surely at liberty to defend my
self. Besides had other reasons for
my actions"
Paul knew what she meant, and his
old feeling OF repulsion came back.
Such determination appalled, him
a IL possible to escape from the
clutches of this wonderful
once she set her mind upon his cap
ture?
A less stubborn man might have
yielded to what he vas pleased to call
the inevitable. but Paul was saved
from this fate by the memory OF u
face.
Though Hildegarde might be lost to
him forever, he could not forget the
charm of that modest blush which sig
nailed the condition of her heart to-
ward him.
BY hat memory he was ready to
steer his craft. whether dire disaster
or the fayoring winds Of fortune over
took him.
My visit to Berlin he said, "is n
of pure defense. but in clearing the
innocent ii will be necessary to place
the blame Just where 1t belongs. You
| understand what that means. Ger
many is no place for you, Countess.
and II you are as wise as | take you
to be you will pass over the border
without much delay"
She looked at him strangely.
II am unable to quite fathom the
motive that influences you to warn
me. | had imagined that you hated
; me-" she said. slowly.
Not that, Countess; not that. I
only regretted that | was unable to re-
turn the unfortunate regard you ex-
his heart to act-that is, beyond his
control"
Then. in spite Of my work, you say
you have not despised me, Paul?" with
a vein of eagerness In her voice.
81 am afraid | was beginning to
when suffering the ~indignities your
agents chose to heap upon me; but as
I saw you ministering to these poor
suffering wretches all that passed
away. | would not have harm come to
you, Countess"
Then turn back to Heidelberg"
II have too much at stake to do that.
Come what will | shall go to Berlin"
There Is war in sight"
II know It, and perhaps | may be
given an opportunity to see some ac-
ton. In my present frame of mind
nothing would suit me better
She looked troubled.
Surely you would not take up arms
against my beloved France?"
you forget that German blood flow
ed in the veins of my forefathers.
And, in truth. | am utterly Indifferent
as to the cause that takes me to the
field, since it is only the excitement OF
battle that I desire"
You grieve me very much, Mon
sieur. | would see you fighting for thu
lilies OF France with the keenest o
pleasure. Perhaps a commission
DO not mention it. Remember
Countess. I have given you ample
warning Of my intentions once | reacl
the capital. If you are wise you vii
vanish Immediately. At any rate,
shall not hold myself in blame SHOULD
something unpleasant happen to shov
you the interior Of a gloomy German
fortress"
Have no fear. am well able t
look out for myself. Perhaps | hav'
influential friends closer to the thron
than you may suspect"
She was called away at this juno
ture by Sir Noel, who had need Of he
valuable assistance in binding up
wounded arm.
A remarkable woman!
Yes. Paul was compelled to &c
knowledge that he had never met no
heard of her equal. He hoped h
would never see the Countess again
but fate willed otherwise, as futur
events would prove.
His next concern was to reach Bel
lin.
Ito be continued.)