The citizen., 1910-04-01
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
COQUETTE and WOMAN.
BY MRS. MINNIE NELSON KINDS,
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.;

girl opened ner eyes. Sne was seated
in the bow of rowboat with band
age knotted tightly across her mouth.
Her captor, typical brigand, even to
the brass ear rings and red kerchief,
was facing her, rowing in short, back
handed strokes, instead of the Ameri-
! can fashion.
Earlier in the day Natica Lawton
had refused, with petulant whim, to
make one of the party who had
started from the villa on an all day
trip through the mountains. David
Graham was the first man who had
not succumbed to her little high
ness" as her uncle called her, and it
was to pique him that she had elected
to remain at home.
Seated in a walled inclosure,
shaded by luxurious vine with dusky
leaves and purple-sided fruit, she
had been gazing at her beloved
sea, where the shimmering of its
myriad hues blended with the sky
line in delicate, wonderful blue,
when her reverie was rudely inter-
rupted by the apparition of a swarthy,
cruel face just above the coping She
had promptly tainted and now she
was here alone in the power of this
desperado. Of course, he had heard
of the rich "Americanos, who had
hired the Tilla for the season, and
had captured her for ransom. She
wondered why no other boats were
MI oh =
fiesta day. Turning her head toward
the cliffs, Natica's eyes filled with
tears as she thought of the happy
party somewhere in those very noun
tains.
Suddenly movement attracted
her; in tiny cove something moved
1t was boat, and as it fioated out of
the shadow she discovered the stand
ing figure of a man looking toward
her through field glasses. She cast
quick glance at her captor, but he
saw nothing but the approaching
storm. The girl dared not signal,
but moment later she was over
joyed to see the boat following them.
Natica watched him through half
closed eyes, and when he turned his
head and nodded with a familiar
gesture she almost swooned with joy.
1t was David. Suddenly he sprang
up and made motion as if to dive
over the side of the boat, then, point
ing to Natica, he repeated it frantic
ally.
Natica, all alert, caught his mean
ing. An expert swimmer, she knew
that she could keep afloat in spite of
her skirts, until David reached her.
Drawing her feet stealthily under
her she gave sudden, strong leap
over the side; ere the brigand lost
his stroke she was several feet away.
The astounded man was caught nap
ping, and when he saw David's boat so
near the swimming girl, he snatched
his knife from his belt and shook it at
David with wild curses.
A shot from David's pistol put an
end to this pleasantly, and with
howl of pain the man shook his
bleeding finger, grabbed up the oars
and rowed sullenly away with never
backward look.
Thank Heaven, he left his gun at
home," said David, as he pulled Nat
lea over the side of his boat and tore
off her bandage.
Il suppose he thought that awful
knife was enough to scare woman,
laughed the girl Historically. Then
she went all to pieces
"Oh! avid! if you hadn't come" :"
she lobbed shiveringly.
You poor little girl" replied
David, wrapping his coat around her
and fighting down wild desire to
take her in his arms.
Instead, he said D." Come now; brace
up, little Highness, we have got to
run for it. Here comes the storm
"Ooh-oo," said Natica, pulling the
coat over her head at vivid flash.
Don't look at it," advised David
calmly.
He's like a stone,' thought Natica
wrathfully.
A desolate hut proved welcome
shelter.
Now" said Natica. recovering her
accustomed poise, will you appease
my curiosity"
It's simple enough. After lunch
the rest of them wanted to explore
the Telmath Cave; have been there,
so | agreed to smoke and await them
here. Fact is, l wanted a nap the
worst way" he answered.
Natica often teased him with an
ability to sleep at moments notice.
But how did you know was in
that b&at?"
Il happened to turn my glasses on
the Villa and, framed in the opening
of the pergola, recognized your blue
gown. Then, when i caught glimpse
of that same peculiar blue in the boat,
why, then came after you" finished
David lamely, with construction In
the throat at thought of the moment
when he discovered Natica's golden
head above the bandage.
The storm ceased and ray of sun
shine shot through the window, re-
vealing the anguish in his look to
Natica.
He loves me-" she said to herself,
''and he shall tell me So" setting her
white teeth firmly. what are we to
do now, my lord?" she queried lightly.
''1f you can climb, we have just
about time to meet the returning