The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1908-03-31

better nearer the mountain top IN q
more hidden place than this. 1t does
not love tourists"
"Nor do l, in truth" smiled the
chaEQ:S hunter.
You took me for one"
"Pardcn. gna' frauleln-not the kind
of tourist we both mean"
Thank you"
But YOU have not said if l might
help you in your search. This is a
wild region for young lady to be
exploring in alone
II feel sure" responded the princess
graciously, that if you really would
you could help me as well as any one
in Rhaetia."
You are kind indeed to say so.
though don't know how have de-
served the compliment"
Did it sound like a compliment:
Well, leave it SO. meant because
you are at home in these high alti-
tudes, and the rare thing | speak of is
a plant that grows in high places. 1t
is said to be found only in Rhaetian
mountains. though have never heard
of any one who has been able to track
it down."
"Is it our pink Rhaetian edelweiss, of
which we are SO proud: Because II il
is and you will trust me l know ex-
actly where to take you to find it
With my help you could climb there
from here in a few moments.
She shook her head again, smiling in
scrutably Thank you. It's not the
pink edelweiss. The scientific. the ESQ
teric name I've promised that I'll tell
to no one. but the common people in
my native country who have heard of
it would call the plant edelmann.
'You have already seen 1t on the
mountain, but not growing?"
Some chamois hunter. like yourself.
had dropped it perhaps. not knowing
what its value was It's great deal
to have had one glimpse-worth run
ming into danger for"
Perhaps. gna fraulein. you don't
realize to the full the danger you did
run. No chance was worth it. believe
me-"
"You. chamois hunter, say that?"
"But I'm 4 man. You are woman,
and women should keep to beaten
paths and safety"
The princess laughed. 'T shouldn't
wonder" said she. "if that's Rhae,
tian theory. Rhaetian mans theory
I've heard your emperor holds it."
.'Who told you that. gna' fraulcin!'
He gave her sharp glance. but her
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 most
insignificant persons may talk of en-
perors. I've heard many things of
yours"
Good things or bad?"
NO doubt such things as he truly
deserves. Now. can you guess which
But perhaps | would tell you without
your guessing if I were not so very,
very hungry" She glanced at the
pocket of his coat, from which pro-
truded a generous 'hunch Of black
bread and ham. thrust in probably at
the instant when she had called for
help. 81 can't help seeing that you
have your luncheon with you. Do you
want it all"-she carefully ignored the
contents of her rucksack, which she
could not we'll 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. "N'ill you be graciously
pleased to accept something Of our
best"
IF you please. then I. 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
we'll consoled later.
II and some friends Of mine have a
"a sort Of hut round the corner from
this plateau and a short distance on, y
announced the chamois hunter. with q
gesture that gave the direction. "No
woman has ever been our guest, but
l invite you to visit it and lunch there,
or, if you prefer, remain here and IN
a 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
few into her mind like trapped bird.
"I've heard you're rich in hospitality
she said. 'I'll 60 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 q
young girl, alone. save for ME. in q
desolate place. For all you know, my
mates and / 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. 1--WE
always found him trustworthy. Be
sides. I've great faith in the chivalry