The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-03-30
CHATTER XIX. 0a Shn M~s.r~~x


 of them was a stranger to me; but the other I recognized as fellow named Giovanni. They had either crossed with Ahmet or had been placed by Beitano as an additional means of pre- venting Masita's escape.
 As soon as I saw this pocketed my revolver. I could rescue her without violence. Let the lad go, Giovanni" said as I reached them.
 "Beppor' he exclaimed in surprise and some fear.
 Yes. Beppo. Do what I say and do 1t at once"
 But Beitano's orders were
 Do what say first and talk after wards l broke in sternly.
 He was holding Masita and drew back step, but his companion caught hold of her and faced me resolutely. T don't take my orders from you" he said.
 Does Beltano know you are coming here?" asked Giovanni nervously.
 T will answer to him. Do as say"
 The two men whispered hurriediy together over Masita's head. Then the question was repeated. this time by the second man: and I could tell rby his manner that Giovanni had said enough about me to change his tone.
 My patience is out Do as say" cried sternly. Giovanni waited for no more and re- leased his hold of Mkasita at once. His companion hesitated a second or two and then with a sfrug of the should CTS loosed his hold. 'It's your doing" he said to Giovanni.
 Now that this foolery is done, get me horse at solferino's. Giovanni"
 There are two here for our use" he replied and led me to where they a4a Nf n nf indeed: but I did not wish them to see us mount. They would have de- tected Masita's sex in a moment. Go down to the boat and see that all is in readiness for me to leave the instant return" told them.
 They went offs but Giovanni returned a moment later. You will have to he careful, Beppo. The carabinieri are on the lookout for you"
 Masita heard this. She had not opened her lips before them after that one cry of alarm; but the instant he had left us alone she urged me to let her go by herself.
 "You have seen for yourself that this Is impossible. There is no time to lose" I replied, and without any more ado I swung her up into the saddle.
 You are very masterful." she pre- tested.
 Can you manage the horse on that saddler'
 For the second time she laughed; but this time there was touch of ner- vousness, almost of hygteria In the laugh. T can manage" she mur- mured.
 On that mounted and we set out.
 Those men frightened me. I think" she said presently.
 They would have taken you back to the Island. You might we'll we scared"
 ''Is there to be no end to my obii- gatlon to your w
 "YeA when you reach your house. I am sorry it gals you so much"
 How dare you say that7 You know that r." She checked herself and left the sentence unfinished.
 No matter what I know or do not know. If you feel able now. we had better push on."
 For answer she urged her horse and cantsred on for some distance. She sat her horse perfectly. observed, as I let her keep a little way ahead. When we came to the hill where had had so narrow an escape of capture on my return from her house, she drew rein and waited for me to join her.
 T am quite safe now. You must so back, she said at once
 T am not going back, shall not leave you until you reach your house. We are only wasting time"
 "r. am among my own people now. No harm can possibly happen
 "We are wasting time" repeated.
 But will not have you with me. I will not" she declared emphatically.
 Then I will go on ahead" and suit ing the act to the words I clapped my heels Into my horses Hanks and rat tied down the slope and up the other side at a smart pace, leaving her no option but to follow.
 She caught mo up and passed me. and then drawing her horse nearly on his launches. she turned so that he block ed my path.
 "vou shall not treat me as a child in this way" she exclaimed almost an- grily. You must return while it Is safe. If you ride on again I will not follow"
 "You are very wilful; but if you think your will Is stronger than mlne you do not understand me. I tell you plainly that no plea. no argument and resolve to see you safe before leave you"
 Then listen to me-" she replied. her voice vibrating with energy. "If you won't do what say. declare on my word I will ride back to, the boats and return to the island"
 You speak like child" exclaim- ed; and before she could guess my in- tention I seized the hridle of her horse and digging my heels into my own an- imal I forced the two to cantev on. keeping my grip of her rein. and turn Ing a deaf ear alike to her protests. approaches. and apger.
 In this way we Sraveied for a mile rmore. until knew that we had reached the boundary of her estate. released her then and she halted im- medIately. pulled up also and looked for a very angry outburst.
 But she laughed. "It was a coward " trick" she deo'raed.
 There was no other way and I am not easy to cross"
 Don't I know that now? You do not leave me much chance of not learn Ing if. I was never treated so In all my life. You made my very blood boil with rage. If I had, a whip could have struck you"
 T knew that you had none: and do not fear your anger. I know that this gate leads to your house. Win you ride there or shall take the horse back with me?"
 Where are you goingT she asked after a slight pause.
 T have not yet decided. My task Is finished. You will be safe now that you are on your own ground"
 But you?''
 I laughed. q can look after my self.'
 T mean. would you rather have the horse ar will 1t hamper yOu2" Sha