West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1907-05-02

cry. God, It's the duke-deadF' Then
/ knew that the king needed me no
more. and. throwing down my reyolv-
or. I sprang out on the bridge There
was "A cry OF wild wonder. "The king"
and then I. like Rupert Hentzau. sword
In hand. yaulted over the parapet. IN.
tent on finishing my quarrel with him
where I saw his curly head iifteen
yards or I'm the water OF the mOat
He swan swiftly and easily. I was
weary and half crippled with my
wounded arm. / could not gain on him.
For time made no sound. but as we
rounded the corner OF the old keep 1
cried:
stop. Rupert Stop"
saw him look over his shoulder. but
he swan on. He was under the bank
now, searching. as guessed. for a spot
that he could climb. knew there TO
be none. but there was my rope, which
would still be hanging where l had
left It. He would come to where It was
before l could. Perhaps he would miss
IT, perhaps he would find IL. and II he
drew Il up after him he would get a
good start OF me. l put forth all my
remaining strength and pressed on. At
last began to gain on him, for he, &C.
cupied with his search, unconsclously
slackened his pace.
All, he had found IT. A low shout OF
triumph came from him. He laid hold
OF 1t and began to haul himself up.
was near enough TO hear him mutter.
How the devil comes this hereY" |
was at the rope, and he, hanging I'm
midair. saw me, but I could not reach
him.
Hello! Who's heref" he cried in
startled tones.
For moment believe he took me
for the king. l 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, man7"
And so saying he gained the bank
l laid hold OF the rope. but | paus-
cd. He stood on the bank, sword In
hand, and he could cut my head open
or split me through the heart as
came up. let go the rope
Never mind" said /, but as am
here l think I'll stay"
lie smiled DOWN on me.
"These women are the deuce he
began, when suddenly the great bell
of the castle began to ring furiously,
and loud shout reached us from the
moat
Rupert smiled again and waved his
hand to me.
81 should like a turn with you, but
it's a little too hot" said he And he
disappeared from above me.
In an instant, without thinking of
danger, laid my hand to the rope.
was up. l saw him thirty yards off,
running like deer toward the shelter
of the forest. For once Rupert Hcnt-
Eau had chosen discretion for his part.
i laid my feet to the ground and rush
ed after him, calling to him to stand.
He would not. UnwOunded and, vigor-
Gus, he gained on me at every step;
but. forgetting everything In the world
except him ana my thirst for his blood.
j pressed on, ana soon the deep shades
of the forest of Zenda engulfed us
both, pursued and pursuer.
1t was 3 o'clock now, and day was
dawniug l was ON long, straight
grass avenue. and u hundred yards
ahead ran young Rupert. his curls
waving I'm the fresh breeze. 1 was
weary and painting. lie looked over his
shoulder ana waved his hand again to
me. He was hooking me, for lie saw
he had the pace of me. l was forced to
pause for breath. y moment later Ru-
pert turned sharply to the right and
was lost from my sight.
1 thought all was over and in deep
yeXation sank on the ground, but |
was up again directly, for a scream
rang through the forest, woman's
scream Putting forth the last OF my
strength. | ran on to the place where
lac had turned out of my sight. and,
turning also | saw him again. but.
alas, j could not touch him. He was i'm
the act Of lifting girl down from her
horse Doubtless it was her scream
that I heard. She looked like II small
farmers or n peasants daughter. and
she carried a basket on her arms
Probably she was on her way II the
early market at Zeuda. Her horse was
stout we'll shaped animal Master
Rupert lifted her down amid her
shrleks. The sight of him frightened
her, but he treated her gently, laugh
ed kissed her and gave her money.
Then no jumped on the horse. sitting
sideways like woman. and then he
waited for me. on my part waited
for him.
Presently he rode toward me, keep
ing his distance. however He lifted
up his hand, saying:
"What did you I'm the CASTER"
Il killed three Of your friends" said /.
what You got to the cells7"
Eyes"
And the kingf"
"He was hurt by Detchard before /
killed Detchard but I pray that he
lives"
you fool" said Rupert pleasantly.
conc thing more did"
And what's that"
II spared your life was behind
Won ON the bridge. with a revolver I'm
my hand"
"No1 Faith ! was between two
fires"
"Gct or your horse" 7 cried. and
fight like man"
bei'ro % lady, said he pointing TO
the girl 'Fie your majesty
Then Goo my rage hardly knowing
what ] did, ] rushed at him. For
moment he seemed TO wayor Then ne
rc.uol h.s horse Boz and stood waiting
lYr ma ON ! went ln my folly. I
seized tl' bride. and I struck 40 him.
Iln THu.aI and thrust at me- fell
beck pucn and rushed iu at him
.sHu ul .Hs time 7 reached his face
Eo.,.. I'll r.