Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-23


 him.
 Hello. Who's here?" he cried in startled tones.
 For a moment I believe he took me for the king. I dare say was pale enough to lend color to the thought, but an instant later he cried:
 Why, it's the play actor! How came you here, man." ...-. And so saying he gained the bank.
 I laid hold of the rope. but paus- ed. He stood on the bank, sword in hand, and he could cut my head open or split me through the heart as came up. l let go the rope.
 "Never mind." said I, but as l am here I think pH stay.''
 He smiled down on me
 "These women are the deuce"- he began, when suddenly the great bell of the castle began to ring furiously, and a loud shout reached us from the moat
 Rupert smiled again and waved his hand to me.
 .'I should like turn with you, but it's little too hot" said he. And he disappeared from above me. In an instant, without thinking of danger. laid my hand to the rope. l was up. I saw him thirty yards of, running like deer toward the shelter of the forest For once Rupert Hent- zau had choseG discretion for his part. laid my feet to the ground and rush. ed after him, calling to him to stand. He would not. Unwounded and vigor- ous, he gained on me at every step; but. forgetting everything in the world except him and my thirst for his blood, l pressed on, and soon the deep shades of the forest of Zenda engulfed us both, pursued and pursuer.
 It was 3 o'clock now, and day was dawning. l was on a long, straight grass avenue. and hundred yards ahead ran young Rupert. his curls waving in the fresh breeze. was weary and panting. He looked over his | SuOuiueF duu WdNeu HIS huuu oSoih eo me. He was mocking me, for he saw he had the pace of me. was forced to pause for breath, A moment later Ru- pert turned sharply to the right and was lost from my sight.
 I thought all was over and in deep vexation sank on the ground, but l was up again directly, for scream rang through the forest, a woman's scream. Putting forth the last of my strength, l ran on to the place where he had turned out of my sight. and, turning also. saw him again; but. alas. I could not touch him. He was in the act of lifting q girl down from her horse. Doubtless it was her scream that I heard. She looked like a small farmers or peasants daughter, and she carried basket on her arms. Probably she was on her way to the early market at Zenda. Her horse was stout, well shaped animal. Master Rupert lifted her down amid her i shrieks. The sight of him frightened her. but he treated her gently, laugh ed, kissed her and gave her money. Then he jumped on the horse. sitting sideways like woman, and then he waited for me- on my part waited for him.
 1 Presently he rode toward me keep ing his distance. however. He lifted up his hand. saying:
 What did you in the castlei' ! "I killed three of your friends" said |.
 What. You got to the cells?"
 "Yes."
 And the king:'
 He was hurt by Detchard before killed Detchard, but I pray that he lives"
 You fool"' said Rupert pleasantly.
 "One thing more did"
 And what's that:"
 "I spared your life. I was behind [ yon on the bridge, with revolver in my hand"
 "No: Faith. I was between two fires,''
 Get of your horse" I cried. and ! 0EDI llke lNaO.
 Before a lady" said he. pointing to the girl. "Fie. your majesty 1 Then in my rage. hardly knowing what I did, rushed al him. For I moment he seemed to waver. Then he | refined his horse fin and stood waiting for me. On I went in my folly. | seized the bridie. and I struck at him. i He parried and thrust at me. fell back pace and rushed in at him | again. and this time I reached his face | and laid his cheek open and darted back before he could strike me. He seemed almost dazei at the fierceness of my attack: otherwise I think he must have killed me I sank on my knee. painting. expecting him to ride at me. And so lie would have done. and then and there. I doubt not. one or both of us would have died. but a, ! the moment there came a shout from behind us. and. looking round. I saw [ just at the turH O, the avenue a man on a horse. He was riding hard. and 1 he carried a revolver in his hand 1f was Fritz von Tarienheim. my faith full friend. Rupert saw him and knew | that the game was up. He checked his rush st me snd flung his leg over the saddle. but yet for just q moment he waited Leaning forward. he tossed his hair o1 his forsiiead snd smiled and said