Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-04-14


Perhaps, gna' fraulein, you dom
realize to the full the danger you dit
run. No chance was worth 1t, believe
me-"
You, chamois hunter, say that:"
"But I'm a man. You are woman
and women should keep to beaten
paths and safety"
The princess laughed. II shouldn't
wonder" said she. IF that's a I;lae
tian theory, Rhaetiar mans theory
I've heard your emperor holds It,"
"Who told you that, gna' fraulcin?'
He gave her sharp glance, but hel
gray eyes looked innocent Of guile and
were therefore at their most danger
Gus.
"Oh, many people have told me
Cats may look at kings, and the mosi
insignificant persons may talk of EN-
perors. I've heard many things OF
yours"
Good things or bad?"
mo doubt such things as he truly
deserves. Now, can you guess which
But perhaps l would tell you without
your guessing if | were not so very
very hungry" She glanced at thc
pocket of his coat. from which pro
truded a generous hunch of black
bread and ham, thrust in probably al
the instant when she had called for
help. Il can't help seeing that you
want it all"-she carefully ignored the
contents of her rucksack, which she
could not well have forgotten-'or
would you share it,"
The chamois hunter looked surprised
though not displeased; but, then, this
was his first experience of feminine
explorer, and he quickly rose to the Oc.
casion.
There Is more. much more bread
and bacon, where this came FROM" he
replied. "Will you be graciously
pleased to accept something Of our
best?"
IF you please, then l, too, shall be
pleased" she said. Guiltily she re-
membered Miss Portman. but the dear
Letitia could not be considered now.
If she were alarmed, she should be
well consoled later.
Il and some friends Of mine have a
a sort Of hut round the corner from
this plateau and a short distance on"
announced the chamois hunter. with a
gesture that gave the direction. mo
woman has ever been our guest, but
l invite you to visit it and lunch there,
or, If you prefer, remain here and In
few minutes / will bring such food
as we can offer. At best it's not much
to boast Of. We chamois hunters are
poor men. living roughly"
The princess smiled, imprisoning
each new thought Of mischief which
flew into her mind like trapped bird.
"I've heard you're rich In hospitality"
she said. 'I'll go with you to your
hut, for 1t will be chance to prove
the saying"
The eyes of the hunter-dark, bril-
liant and keen as the eagles to which
she compared him-pierced hers. "You
have no fear?' he asked. you are a
young girl. alone, save for me, In a
desolate place. For all you know, my
mates and l may be band Of brig
ands"
"Baedeker doesn't mention the ex-
istence Of brigands In these days
among the Rhaetian Alps" replied
Virginia, with quaint dryness. "Pve
always found him trustworthy. Be-
sides, I've great faith In the chivalry
Of Rhaetian men, and If you knew how
hungry 1 am you wouldn't keep me
waiting for tax of brigands. Bread
and butter are far more to the point"
Even search for the rare edelmann
may waltz"
"Yes; the eielmann may wilton
me-" The last two words she dared
but to whisper.
"You must pardon my going first"
said the man with the bare brown
knees. "The way is too narrow for
po!iteness.'
"Yet | wish that the peasants at
home had such courteous manners as
yours" Virginia patronized him pref
tily. "You Rhaetians need not go to