The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1909-11-25

doggedly Suddenly he started look
ing intently 10 the left along the line
of the bill Chase followed the dlrec-
ton of his gaze and uttered a sharp
exclamation OF surprise
Several hundred yards away, out
lined against the blue sky beyond the
knob. stood the motlonless figure of
horse and its rider-a woman In
green habit Chase turned his horses
head and rode rapidly toward her. She
had left the road to ride out upon the
crest of the green knob Chase was
in the mood to curse her temerity.
AS he came up over the slope she
turned In the saddle TO watch his ap-
proach He had time to see that two
grooms from the stables were In the
road below her She smiled as he drew
up beside her, not noticing his uncon-
scious frown.
$50 those are the fabulous mines of
Japat?" she said gayly, without other
greeting. Where Is the red glow
from the rubies?'
who gave you permission to ride so
far from the chateauT' he demanded,
almost harshly. She looked at him In
amaZement.
Am u trespasser?" she asked coldly.
81 beg your pardon" he said quickly.
81 did not mean to offend. Don't you
know that 1t is not safe for you to-
"Nonsensew she exclaimed ~ am
not afraid of your shadows. Why
should they disturb mer
"Lookp He pointed to the distant
assembage. Those are not shadows.
They are men, and they are making
ready to transform themselves into
beasts. Before long they will strike.
Won Blitz and Rasula have sunk my
warships. You must understand that
1t is dangerous to leave the chateau
on such rides as this. Comet We will
start back together-at once"
II protest, Mr.. Chase, that you have
no right to say what l shall do orr
at isn't q question of right. You
are nearly ten miles from the chateau,
in the most unfrequented part of the
island. Some day you will not return
hunt for you then"
How very thrilling" she said, with
a laugh
Il beg of you, do not treat 1t SO
lightly" he said, so sharply that she
flushed. He was looking intently in
the direction of the men. She was not
slow to see that their position had
been discovered by the miners. will
you come with me nowW
ct seems so absurd! But l will
come, of course. | have no desire to
cause you any uneasiness."
AS they rode swiftly back to the tree
lined road faint chorus of yells came
to them across the valley. For some
distance they rode without speaking
a word to each other. They had trav-
ersed two miles of the soft dirt road
before Chase discovered that Selim
was the only man following them.
The two men who had come out with
the princess were not in sight.
THE dogs! So. you see, princess,
your escort was not to be trusted"
said Chase grimly.
"But they have stolen the horses"
she murmured irrelevantly. "They be-
long to the chateau stables"
(Which direction did they take, Sc
limp
They rode off by the Carriers high
way, excellency, toward Arafat"
at may not appeal to your vanity,
your highness, but 1t Is my duty to in
form you that they have gone to re-
port our clandestine meeting"
"Clandestine! What do you mean,
sir2"
THE islanders are watching me like
hawks. Every time am seen with
any one from the chateau they add
fresh nail to the coffin they are prepar-
ing for me. It's really more serious
than you imagine. ] must therefore
forbid you to ride outside of the park"
II dare say you are right. Mr..
Chase" she said at last, quite frankly.
81 thank you"
II am glad that you understand" he
said simply. His gaze was set straight
before him, keen, alert, anxious.
II begin to fear, Mr.. Chase" she
said. with faint smile. that Lady
Deppingham Deceived me in suggest
ing Japat as rest cure. 1t may In
terest you to know that the court at
Rapp-Thorberg has been very gay this
winter. My brother, Christobal, has
been with us after two years absence.
He came with his wife from the ends
Of the earth, aud my father forgave
him In good earnest. Christobal was
very disobedient in the old days. He
refused to marry the girl my father
chose for him. Was 1t not foolish of
him?'
mot II 1t has turned out well In the
end"
81 dare say 1t has-or will. She is
delightful. My father loves her. And
my father-the grand duke. should