The Red Cloud chief., 1902-03-14
CHATTER XVI iContinued.l

these resulted In q FOR he
telt positive that he could see signs
of a trap door above, no unusual thing
In these old Berlin houses which have
stood the CRIME and storm of centur-
les.
To reach II he utilized a table that
Hood In a corner, upon the top of
which he placed a chair.
Eureka! The extempore ladder ac-
romplished all that was expected Of
1t, and when he found a small section
OF the ceiling actually yield to his
gentle, persuasive pressure, Paul be-
gan to believe that he had the game
In his hands.
Being a thorough athlete he expert
enced no trouble in drawing himself
up and passing through the opening.
Had he bettered his condition? He
seemed to be In an apartment Of some
sort.
While moving forward to find a wall,
he halted several times to listen. and
thus became fully convinced that there
vas something or some one in the
room with him. This was not pleas
ant, since 1t laid him open to attack
at any moment.
As though the situation was o in
teresting enough for Paul. his hands
by accident. while cropping around,
came in contact with some object that
had rested upon a small table; and
such was the unexpected force en-
ployed that the vase toppled over upon
the floor with a crash.
1t was loud enough to almost arouse
the dead.
Paul heard the unknown spring
erect in surprise and start toward
the spot where the table had betrayed
the intruder.
Bent upon defending himself, he
prepared to receive the party who
rashly advanced, but there wa no
need of warfare.
Suddenly a descending shrek at
tested that the unknown had struck
the chute-the open trap had received
him most afectionately, and v%entured
to kiss his face, no doubt. several
times as he was passing through.
At least, SO far as our friend was
concerned. he wasted no pity upon
the late inmate of the room who had
gone into such sudden exile.
A door would be a very welcome ad-
dition to his requirements Just then.
And he found 1t, since this roof
above was Of the plain everyday cali
bre, and not fashioned to deceive stray
pilgrims.
Once out of the door, Paul found
himself in a hall-at least he judged
1t to be such, for there was no light
to betray the fact.
He could hear voices and the rust
ling Of moving persons around; then
lights flashed up in the same wonder
full manner which had marked their
disappearance when Paul sought to
detain the countess.
1t began to look as though he would
yet be brought face to face with the
forces OF the enemy, and compelled to
fight his way out OF this spies nest.
How lucky he was armed! What a
glow Of satisfaction to draw that little
toy from his hip pocket, and feel that
80 long as 1t remained faithful, he
would control the situation.
But this was not making progress.
To remain where he was increased
his difficulties. whereas by a bold rush
he might be 80 lucky as to reach an
outer door, which, upon being forced,
would bring him to the street.
He found the stairs.
Nothing seemed to hinder his prog
ress in that direction, although there
MN nnnotdnr n hIA vn n To- @AhA, na,A,
of the house consequent upon finding
the unfortunate victim Of the open
trap in the room where the American
had been confined.
Paul reached the outer door and
was drawing the bolts, when a cry at
tracted his attention.
Looking up he saw the countess,
with startled eyes, surveying him.
He bowed with the grace OF a
Chesterfield.
"Ah! countess, you see It is hard to
hold n who has been cowboy anS
Texas ranger" he said.
you are free-you-you will be-
tray me. and 7 shall be shut up in a
gloomy fortress even II my life is
spared. Mon Dieu! how cruel, and /
love you so, monsieur" she cried,
wringing her white hands in distrac-
ton.
Countess, there are some hours be-
fore morning, and you will have unit;
then to escape. l an not without pity.
Endeavor to forget your luckless at
tachment, since only misery can come
of 1t. Countess, l have the door open;
allow me to say bon soir."
She had n last glimpse OF his
manly figure. and then the closing
door hid II from view.
When next they met, these two, the
one who would not and the one who
wooed, II must be under skies that
were glowing with the blaze OF battle
and upon the greensward drenched
with the blood OF gallant men.
CHApTER XVIV