Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-09

free baron gave a brief command and he
and his troops posted rapidly down the
bank. The young girl breathed a sigh Of
relief; her eyes were yet full of from
the death struggle she had witnessed Fas-
cinated, her gaze had rested on the drown
ing wretch; the pale face, the look of ter
ror; but now she was called to a realization
of their own situation by the abrupt de-
parture of the squad on the opposite shore.
They have gone" she cried. in surprise,
as the party vanished among the trees.
But not far" The TESTERS glance was
bent down the stream. See. where the tor
rent broadenS. They expect to find ford
ing place"
Once more they set forth: he knowing full
Well that the free baron and his men, ac-
customed to the mountain torrents. I'M
bridled by the melting SHOWS, would, in all
likelihood. soon find a way to cross the
freshet. His mind misgave him that he
had loosened the bridge at all. Would 1t
not have been better to force the conflict
there. when he had the advantage of po-
sition? But right or wrong. he had made
his choice and must abide by It.
| To add to his discontinue, his horse.
! which at first had Jagged, now began to
| limp, and. as they proceeded. this lameness
| became more apparent. With twinge of
| heart. he piled the spur more strongly. and
! the willing but broken creature responded
| as best 1t could. Again 1t fastened its pace.
| seeming in a measure to recover strength
| and endurance, then. without warning.
| lurched fell to its knees and quickly rolled
| over on its side. Jacqueline glanced back:
I the animal lay motionless: the rider was
| vainly endeavoring to rise. Pale with APP
| prehension she returned. and. dismounting.
stood at the head of the PROSTATE animal.
| Determinedly the jester struggled, the per-
| spiratiOn standing on his brow in beads. AT
| length breathing hard. he rested his head
| on his elbow.
| Here am I caught to stay. Jacqueline"'
| he said. THE horse is dead. But you-you
| must still go on
! clo OH O
| down at him. She scarcely knew what he
was saying: her mind seemed in a stupor;
| with apathetic eyes she gazed down the
road. But the accident had happened in a
| little hollow. so that the outlook In either
| direction along the highway was restricted.
| my emperor is both chivalrous and
noble" continued the PLEASANT. quickly. go
| to him. You must not wait here longer. I
did not tell you but 1 think the free baron
will have no difficulty in crossing. You
have no time to lose. Go: and-good-byr"
| "But-he had a long way to ride-even II
] he could Cross she said slowly, passing
| her hand over her brow.
| Jacqueline!' he cried out. impatiently.
She made no motion to leave. and, read
| ing In her face her determination. angered
| by his own helplessness he strove violently
to release himself. until wrenching his foot
| in his frantic efforts he sank back with q
| groan. At that sound Of pain, wrung
from him in spite Of his fortitude. all heI
| seeming apathy vanished. With low
cry. she dropped on her knees in the road
and swiftly took his head in her arms.
| 1t was he. not the young girl. who spoke
first. He forgot all FERTILIZERS and his
| He only knew her warm, young arms were
| about him; that her heart was throbbine
| wildly.
"Jacqueline!' he cried. passionately
"Jacqueline! And threw an arm about
! her. drawing her closer, closer.
Did she hear him? She did not reply.
Nor did she release him. She did not even
| look down. But he felt her bosom rising
| and falling faster than its wont.
"Jacqueline." he repeated. ARE you listen
| ing?"
She stirred slightly; the pallor left her
! face. In her gaze shone light difficult
to divine-pity. tenderness, a warmer pas
| sionf Where had he seen 1t before7 In
| the cell where he lay injured: in his walk
| ing dreams? It seemed the sudden dawn of
| the full beauty Of her eyes; a half-remem-
bered impression which now became real
/ Yet even as she looked down his face
changed; his eager glance grew dark: he
listened intently.
The sound OF horses hoofs beat upon the
ar.