The independent-reporter., 1909-12-16
CHAPTER XVIII.

kEENAH.
Y~ tELTM'S wife, Neenah, saved
my life" 1t was the next
morning. and Chase was relat-
- ing his experiences to an eager.
marveling company in the breakfast
room. "She has sister whose hus
band was one of the leaders In the at
tack. Neenah told Selim, and Selim
told me. That's all. Days ago Selim
and cached the rope at the top Of the
cliff, anticipating just such an emer
gency as this and intending to use 1t
II we could reach the chateau In no
other way. l figured that they would
eut off all other means of getting. into
your grounds.
"Neenah. came up from the village
ahead Of the attacking party. out OF
breath and terribly frightened. We
didn't waste a second, let me tell you
Grabbing up our guns we got oat
through the. rear and made a dash
across the stable yard. 1t was near
midnight The servants. all of whom
were upand ready to toin in the eight,
attempted to head us off. We had a
merry little touch OF real warfare just
back Of the stables. 1t was as dark as
patch, and l de0t believe we hrt any
body. But 1t was lively scrambting
for minute OF two, let me een you"
Deppingbam's big blue eyes were
fairly snapqing. His wife put her
hand on his shoulder with an impulse
strange to her, and Ge1epra saw q
light blaze In her eyes. IL hope you
potted q f>w of lem. Serve lem jolly
well right df''-
.'Selim says he stumbled over some
thing that groaned as we were racing
for the back road. / was docking oui
for Neenxh" He glanced ipvoluntari
ly from Lady Agnes to the princess, q
touch of confusion suddenly assailing
him '.Selim covered 4the retreat" be
road we turned up the embankmeni
and struck into the forest. Dropping
down behind the bushes, we watched
those devils from the town race pell
NELL howling and shooting. down the
chateau roRd. There must have been
a hundred of 'em. Five minutes later
the 'bungab,w ws ;afire. 1t was as
bright as ,day, amid II had no trouble ir
recognizing Rasula In the crowd. Sc
Tim led the way, and followed with
Neenah. Hang it all, Browne, l dldn1
have time to save that case of ciga
m hnn
boxes"
''Xou might have saved the cigarettes
IL you hadn't been SO occupied in say
ing the fair Neenah," said her lady
ship, with provoking smile.
ALAS | thought, of that also, but toe
latei STILL virtue was its own reward
Imagine my delight when we stopped
to rest 10 have Neenah divide her OWE
little store of Turkish cigarettes with
me We had a bully smoke up there
In the wood"
"Selim, ,too?' asked Browne casually
"Oh. no! Ssiim was exploring" said
Chase easily.
"Neenah Is very beautiful" yentured
Lady Agnes.
'tShe Ii exquisite" replied Chase
with the utmost sang froid. N,Selim
bought her last winter for a ten carat
ruby and a pinto 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.
I'VE finally got to the edge Of the
cliff and nnearthed the rope, which we
already had fastened to the trunk OF
a tree. I was obliged to carry Neenah
for the last quarter OF mile. poor ait
tie girl. She was tied to my back. ieas-
ing my throat and chest free, and down
we came. Simplest ahing in the world
Presto! Here am with my happy
family at my heels"
"WeIi, we can't sit here and da wdle
all day" exclaimed Deppingham. I'VE
must be moving abont-arrange our
batteries and ali 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 fxn'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, n 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 approval. or do you
You forget. princess, that my hands
are still suffering from the bravery
you would laud," he said. holding them
resoiutely behind his back.
"Oh, rememberr' she cried In quick |
comprehension. They were cut and
bruised By the rope. How thoughtiess