The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-08-04

in the wood"
 "Selim, too?' asked Browne casually.
 "Oh, no! Selim was exploring said Chase easily.
 'Neenah is very beautiful" ventured Lady Agnes.
 ''She is exquisite" replied Chase, with the utmost sang froid. "Selim bought her last winter for a ten carat ruby and a pint of sapphires."
 That explains her overwhelming love for Selim,' said the princess quiet ly. Chase looked into her eyes for a moment and smiled inwardly.
 We finally got to the edge of the cliff and unearthed the rope, which we already had fastened to the trunk of a tree. l was obliged to carry Neenah for the last quarter of mile poor lit tie girl. She was tied to my back, leav- ing my throat and chest free, and down we came. Simplest thing in the world. Presto. Here am I with my happy family at my heels.'
 "Well, we can't sit here and dawdle all day!" exclaimed Deppingham. we must be moving about-arrange our batteries and all that, don't you know. We've got to stave these devils off for | two or three weeks at least, and we'll have to look sharp. Browne, that's the third cup of coffee you've had. Come along! This isn't Boston" As they left the breakfast room Chase stepped to Genevra's side and | walked with her. At the foot of the stairs, where they were to part, she extended her hand, bright smile in her eyes.
 | You were and are very brave and | good" she said. He withheld his hand. and she dropped hers, hurt and strangely veXed Don't you care for my approvah or do you"- | "You forget. princess, that my hands are still suffering from the bravery you would laud," he said, holding them resolutely behind his back. | "Oh I rememberv' she cried in quick comprehension. ''They were cut and bruised by the rope. How thoughtless | of me! What are you doing for them? ? | Come, Mir. Chase, may I not dress them for you? I am capable-I am not afraid of wounds. We have had many l of them in our family, and fatal ones too" She was eager now and earnest.
 He shook his head with a smile on his lips. "I thank you. They are bet ter, much better, and they have been quite properly bandaged already" l "Neenah?'
 | "Yes," he replied gently. She seem ed to search his mind with a quick, 1n- tense look into his eyes. Then she smiled and Said, ''I'll promise not to bruise the wounds if you'll only be so good as to shake hands with me-
 He, took her slender hand in his | ed it fervently regardless of the pain which would have caused him to cringe if engaged in any other pursuit. There was no longer any doubt as to the intentions of the disappointed islanders. von Bhtz and Rasula had convinced them that their cause was seriously jeopardized. They were made to see the necessity for permanently removing the white pretenders from their path.
 Deppingham, on account of his one time position in the British army, was chosen chief officer of the beleaguered "citadel" A strict espionage was set upon the native servants despite Ball. los assurances of loyalty Lookouts were posted in the towers, and cease less watch was to be kept day and | west tower discovered a long unused searchlight of powerful dimensions. Fortunately for the besieged, the cleo tric light plant was located in the chateau grounds and could not be tempered with from the outside.
 Britt was put in charge of the night patrol, Saunders the day. Selim un- der orders had severed the long rope "A rS~, <rI1 rsa cHo hope to reach the chateau by way of the cliff.
 Extra precautions were taken to guard the women from attacks from the inside. The window bars were locked securely, and heavy bolts were placed on the doors leading to the low CT regions It was now only too ap- parent that Skaggs and wyckholme had wrought we'll in anticipation of a rebellion by the native shareholders. Each window had its adjusta ble grates; every outer door was protected by heavy iron gates.
 By nightfall Deppingham's forces were in full possession of every ad- vantage that their position afforded. Chase came from his room, still stiff and sore, but with fresh, white band ages on his blistered hands. He asked and received permission to light a cig- arette and then dropped wearily into a seat near the princess, who sat upon the stone railing. Her trim, graceful figure was outlined against the dark ness. A delicate, senuous fragrance exha1ed from her person, filling him with an indescribable delight and Ian guor; the spell of her beauty was upon him. and he felt the leap of his blood. | CTo be ContInued.)