Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1914-08-08

who didn't seem to like anybody. II did nd
matter whether It was wise OF not; a worldI,
point of view was farthest from her youthful
thoughts. 1t was her own affair; her owr
heart.
Five days later, as she and the ridlng maa
ter were cantering along the road, ENJOYING
every bit of 1t, they heard the beat of boof,
behind. They drew up and turned. ride,
was approaching them at run. 1t was III,
head groom. The man stopped his horse in
cloud of dust.
Sir, the stables are on ire!n
"Fire?"
All the riding masters savings were I'M
vested in the stables. The fact that he had
solemnly promised never to leave Florenc,
alone and that he had accepted a Renerou,
bonus slipped from Lis mind at the though,
OF hre, terrible word to any horseman, Hs
wheeled and started of at breakneck speed
his head groom Gathering behind him.
Florence naturally wondered which of two
courses to pursue: follow them, when an.
would be perfectly helpless to aid them, o,
continue the ride and save at least one horse
from the terror of seeing flames She cbos.
the latter. But she did not ride with the
earlier zest She felt depressed. She Lowell
horses and the thought Of them dying in thos.
wooden stables was horrifying. VIZ.
The fire, however, proved to be incipiept
But 1t vas plainly incendiary. Some one had
set fire to 1t with purpose in view Nor,o,
recognized this fact almost as soon as the fire.
men, lie had come this morning with the idea
OF surprising Florence. He was going out ., ,
horseback to join her.
Ills spine grew suddenly cold A tr,,t
She had been left alone on the roadI He ,o,
over to the garage, secured a car. and won,
humming out toward the river road. A tran
ana only by the sheerest luck had he turned
up In time.
Meantime Florence was walking her moun,
slowly. For once the scenery passed uroh-
served She was deeply engrossed with her
thoughts some of which were happy and soma
OF which were sad. If only her father could
oe win her she would be the happiest girl
alive. ''' s'ii
one was brought out of her revery bv the
Sisnt OF man staggering along the rood
anead OF her. Finally he plunged upon bis
iace In the road. Like the tender hearted girl
sue was, she stopped, dismounted, and ran N
Tue lallen man to give him aid. She suddenly
round her wrists clasped in two hands like
ron The man rose to his feet, smiling evillv.
She struggled wildly but futilely,
Better be sensible" he said. ct nm
stronger than you are. And | don't wish n
lurt you. Walk on ahead of me. II will ho
utterly useless to scream or cry out. You
an see for yourself that We are in n desertod
part OF the road. If you will promise TO act
enslDiy shan't lay hand on you. Do vop
lee that hut yonder, near the fork in the roal7
'ell stop there. Now, march,"
She dropped her handkerchief, later her
raceiet, and finally her crop, in hone thar
neSe slight clews might bring her help. She
new that Jones would hear of the fire. and
ndinS that she had not returned with rho
lding master, would Immediately start ont in
ursult She was beginning to grow very
'Hu Oh JONES' who never spoke unless spoken
D. who was always at .hand faithful and
'yal.
From afar came the low rumble of n motor
ne wondered If her captor heard it. He did.
lt MS ears tricked him into believing that IL
'me from another direction. Eventually tbav
rived at the hut, and Florence was forced
enter Ihe man locked the door and waited
itslde for the automobile which he was ov-
'cting lie was rather dumfounded when bo
w that it was coming from the city, nor
ling toward it.
1T was Norton. The riderless horse told
III enough; the handkerchief and bracelet
Id crop led him straight for the hut.
Inc man before the Lut realized by tbis
ne that he had made a mistake. Flo at.
"pted 10 reenter he hut and prepare to
fend it till his companions hove in sigbt
II Florence, recognizing Norton held the
or with all her strength. The man snarled
d turned upon Norton, only to receive n
ashing blow on the jaw.
Norton flung open the door. "Into the car
orenee There's another car coming nm
; road. Hurry!"
1t was not long chase The car of the
to bandits, looking like an ordinary taxicob
S high power machine; and 1t eoinsd
iftly on Norton's four-cylinaer. The ra-
rter waited grimly
heep your head DOWN. he warned Flor
e. I'm going to take pot at their tire.
en- they get within range. If miss. I'm
aid well have trouble Under no circum-
noes attempt to leave this car. Here they
nel
de suddenly leaned back and fred. II w,s
chance. The manner in which the cars
e iurching made poor target for a unrks-
even OF the first order. Chance di-sc,.a