Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1902-10-17
CHAPTER XVI.
0f Course

The men who were oppose to Mer-
rick had seen firearms before; some Of
them had doubtless fought through the
bloody Franco-Germ war under the
banner OF Louis Napoleon, and hence
they were hardly to be deferred in
their purpose by the fierce aspect of q
love pilgrim at bay, and levelins a
little pocket revolver.
True, it looked serious enough with
so determined a foeman facing them,
but there was no coward present.
Merrick might have done much more
damage had not luck been against
him.
His intentions were of the best, but
it was perhaps fortunate in the end
that some one struck his arm just as
he let fly his first shot, which went
wide of the mark and wounded where
he grimly meant to XIII.
Constance shrieked as she saw them
bear down upon her lover; when his
weapon was torn from his hand in
the scuffle he still struck out man
fully, and gave warm welcome to
those who closed in.
1t was of short duration, of course.
since Mark did not possess the pow
ers of a gladiator, and those who
engaged him were seven to his one.
Painting for breath, with his coat
half ripped from his back, his hat lost
and hair disheveled, while blood
oh 10.
face, he finally ceased to struggle.
Count Leon saw that thus far, his
game so boldly wrought, had met with
complete success.
Jones was still missing, and by this
time the doughty count had about
come to the conclusion that it had all
been false alarm with reference to
The ability Of the wonderful Yankee to
interfere with their grand scheme.
The natural pride that causes man
to puff out and strut like a king when
his plans are successful was again
taking hold upon the African explorer.
An exodus at once began.
There was no attempt of any kind
made to prevent the triple abduction.
The whole army of Monaco's prince.
ling could not have stayed these des-
perate cavaliers, and surely it did not
behooye any OF the cosmopolitan
guests of Monte Carlo to interfere at
the risk Of their lives.
So the good people focked about
the gardens again; the buzz of eager
conversation arose, very like the drone
of great hive Of bees, and many
eyes were glued upon the star.lit har-
Dor, where the rocky promontory Of
Mentone ran like great scimetar into
the sea.
Meanwhile. the last scene in the
exciting drama was being enacted be-
low.
Jones had bided his time, knowing
that he held the trumps with which ta
sweep the board. Some men take the
keenest satisfaction in allowing mat
tiers to almost reach victory for the
opposing forces ere showing an in
vincible hand.
Merrick was grinding his teeth in
anger because he found himself I'M
able to assist Constance down the
steep path that would take them to
the beach
He knew now that the sensation he
experienced at sight Of the English
boat had some foundation; and he was
far from being superstitious man.
He did not intend to give UP with
ont one more desperate struggle:
,ley had torn half Of his coat from his
back, and might as well finish the Job.
At the same time he was fully
aware how hOpeiehsly such battle
|, must ~, With such tremendous odds
isaKainst rim
me descent of the steep path had
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