Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1907-08-09

Rupert smiled again and waved nj
hand to me.
II should like a turn with you, blu
it's little too hot" said he. And b.
disappeared from above me.
In an instant, without thinking O
danger, / laid my hand to the rope.
was up. / saw him thirty yards on
running like q deer toward the sheltel
of the forest. For once Rupert Hent
Eau had chosen 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
Gus, he gained ON me at every step
but, forgetting everything in the worl(
except him and my thirst for his blood
/ pressed on, and soon the deep shades
of the forest Of Zenda engulfed us
both, pursued and pursuer.
1t was o'clock now, and day was
dawning. was on long, straight
grass avenue, and hundred yards
ahead ran young Rupert, his curls
waving in the fresh breeze. was
weary and painting. He looked over his
shoulder and waved his hand again to
me. He was hooking 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.
/ thought all was over and In deep
yexatiOn sank on the ground, but 1
was up again directly, for a scream
rang through the forest, q woman's
scream. Putting forth the last Of my
strength, / ran on to the place where
he had turned out Of my sight, and,
turning also, I saw him again; but,
alas, could not touch him. He was in
the act of lifting girl down from her
horse. Doubtless 1t was her scream
that l heard. She looked like a small
farmers or peasants daughter, and
she carried q basket on her arms.
Probably she was on her way to the
early market at Zenda. Her horse was
q stout, well shaped animal Master
Rupert lifted her down amid her
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 a 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 In the castleT"
II killed three of your friends" said I.
"What! You got to the cellsY
Eyes"
'And the kingi"
"He was hurt by Detchard before I
killed Detchard, but 1 pray that he
lives"
"You foolw said Rupert pleasantly.
Zone thing more did"
"And what's thatf"
81 spared your life. I was behind
you on the bridge, with a revolver in
my hand"
"No? Faith, I was between two
1res!'
"Get off your horse" I cried, "and
light like man."
Before lady," said he, pointing to
he girl. "Fie, your majesty"
Then In my rage, hardly knowing
what did, rushed at him. For
moment he seemed to waver. Then he
eined his horse in and stood waiting
or me. On I went in my folly. /
eized the bride, and struck at him.
lie parted and thrust at me. fell
Jack pace and rushed in at him
gain, and this time I reached his face
nd laid his cheek open and darted
Jack before he could strike me. He
eemed almost daZed at the fiercenesH
f my attack; otherwise 1 think he
must have killed me. 1 sank on my
nee, painting, expecting him to ride
t me. And SO lie would have done,
nd then and there, I doubt not, one
r both Of us would have died, but at
be moment there came shout from
ehind us, and, looking round, I saw
ust at the turn Of the avenue man
n q horse. He was riding hard, and
e carried a revolver In his hand. 1t |
,as Fritz Won Tarlenheim, my faith
I'll friend. Rupert saw him and knew
hat the game was up. He checked his
ush at me and flung his leg over the
addle, but yet for just moment he
,aited. Leaning forward, he tossed
is hair off his forehead and smiled
nd said:
EAU revoir, Rudolf Rassendyll"
Then, with his cheek streaming |
lood, but his lips laughing and his
ody swaying with ease and grace, he
owed to me, and he bowed to the |
arm girl, who had drawn near in
'embling fascination, and he waved
ls hand to Fritz, who was just with
/ range, and let fly shot at him. The
all came nigh doing its work, for 1t
.ruck the sword he held. and he drop
ed the sword with an oath, wrlnging
Is fingers, and clapped his heels hard
4 bis horses belly and rode away at q
allop.
And watched him 60 down the long
ySoue, riding as though he rode fol
Is pleasure and singing as he went
Or all there was that cash in hisi
heck.
Once again he turned to wave his
and, and then the gloom Of the thick
Is swallowed him, and he was lost
'om our sight. Thus he vanished
'ckless and wary, graceful and grace
IS, handsome, debonair. vile and un-
And flung my sword pas.