Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-04-26

royal coach Of state. holding out his
eager little hands to some one In the
thick Of the crowd that surged about
him. He was calling some ones name.
but no one could have heard him.
Truxton's straining eyes caught sight
4 the figure in gray that struggled
forward in response to the cries and
the extended hand.
Aunt Lorraine! Aunt Lorraine" he
now heard the name the boy cried
with all his little heart.
Two officers struck at the uncouth.
desperate American as he lifted the
girl from the ground and deliberately
tossed her into the coach.
Turn backr' he shouted. A horse
man rode him down. He looked up as
the plunging animals hoofs clattered
about his head. Vos Engo. with
drawn sword. was crowding up to the
carriage door. shouting words Of re-
joicing at sight of the girl be loved.
He caught Il glimpse of her. holding
the prince in her arms, her white.
agonized face turned toward the mob.
liz ucl
save MIN! Save Iruxton klng!-
From the sidewalks swarmetl we'll
armed hor1es Of desperadoes. firing
wildly into the ranks of devoted
guardsmen Truxton fled from the
danger zone ss fast as his strained
ankle would permit him. Bullets were
striking all about him.
coooo 1oo n,Oo oh h{S r, mo ho,
hind in the scurrying crowd. He turn
ed for single glance backward. Little
Mr.. Hobbs. pale as a ghost. his cap
gone, his clothing torn. was painting at
his elbow.
Soldiers came riding up from be-
hind. turning to fire from their sad
dies into the throng Of cutthroats. led
by the grim old man with the bloody
saber. In the center Of the troop there
was flying carriage. The Duke Of
Perse was lying back in the seat, his
face like that of dead man.
"The prince Is safe!' shouted King
joyously. They'll make it! Thank
Godv'
Colonel Quinnox turned in his sad
die and searched out the owner OF
that stirring voice
"Come" he called.
Even as King rushed out into the
roadway a horseman galloped up from
the direction of the castle. He pulled
his horse to his launches almost as
he was riding over the lodging Amer
lean.
scowling down upon the young man.
Swing up here! Quick. you fool!"
1t was Vos Engo. his face black with
fury. Quinnox had seized the hand
Of Mr.. Hobbs on seeing help for King
and was pulling him up before him.
There was nothing for Truxton to do
but to accept the timely help Of his
rival. An instant later he was up
behind him and they were of after
the last of the dragons.
IF you don't mind. count. I'll try
my luck" grated the American. Hold
ing on with one arm. he turned and
fred repeatedly in the direction Of the
bowling crowd of rascals.
'Ride to the barracks gates. Vos
Engo!' commanded Colonel Quinnox.
BE prepared to admit none but the
royal reserves. who are under stand
ing orders to report there in time Of
need"
Over his shoulder Vos Engo Kissed
to his companions: TT was not idle
heroics, my friend. nor philanthropy
on my part. was commanded to
come and fetch you. She would never
have spoken to me again If had re-
fused"
"She! All, yes. l see! She did not
forget mev' cried Truxton.
Understand. it is not for you that
risk my life"
1T understand murmured Truxton.
a wry smile on his pale lips. You
mean. she is going to pay you in some
way for picking me up, eh? Well. I'll
put an end to that. I'll drop of again.
Then you can ride on and tell her-I
wouldn't be, party to the game. Do
you catch my meaning"
You would, eh?" said the count an
gr:ly. ''I'd like to see you drop of
while we're going at this
I've got my pistol in the middle Of
your back grated Truxton. "Slcw up
bit or I'll scatter your vertebrae all
over your system. Pull up!'
"As you like" cried vos Engo. I've
done my part. Colonel Quinnox will
bear witness" He began pulling his
horse down. Nov you are quite free
to drop off,
Less than a hundred yards behind
loped a riderless horse. The dragon
who had sat the rA.
saddle was lying .~Hv
far back In the
avenue. bullet In q ~
his head. Hob G<a
bling to the mid jZyN
die Of the road. A1&1
the "A m erica /NF
threw up his & 4 W1
hands and shout - VIZ,
ed briskly to the .&H4EN\ IN
bewildered ami >ZW
NAL. Five seconds A8J
later King was In
the So die and
%aovipO along in ~ E.y