The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-11-28

the girls face had appeared. Softly she put
apart the tent folds and looked ont.
There was no one in sight. The sounds
continued, but they came from the other
side Of the tent The sheer face of a rock
wall confronted her. The tent had been
placed beside the rock for shade or shelter.
The rock lowered twenty feet above her
head. abrupt. unsca1able. To right and left
1t extended out Of eyeshot.
Pauline crept through the opening in the
tent. The free air revived and strength.
ened her She peered around the canvass
edge and saw the gypsy camp laid out be-
fore her.
She crept along the tent-side until she was
within hearing OF the voices OF the men that
had come family to her ears from within
the strange prison house.
~She won't trouble you long," Pietro. the
lion tanner was saying.
what do You mean?" asked Michel
Mario.
No answer came Immediately and Pauline
rising to her feet. peesred again.
She saw the hand of Pietro returning to
his breast something that flashed menacing-
ly in the sun. For an instant she drew
back. her hand pressed to her heart.
Panic seized her. With fear came strength
almost courage. She dashed from her
shelter out into the midst Of the circle of
the covered wagons. tho lolling people.
The gypsfes were taken by surprise.
the wagon, had gained = good hundred yards
before the startled cry of Pietro announced
that he had discovered her escape.
The shouts and screams of fifty men and
her speed. She did not feel the tumult OF
her tired heart until she sank crouching.
in a copse of briar Just beyond the camp
enclosure
There, in half swoon- she heard the thud
of many footsteps She realized d1mly that
the gypsies were searching the woods for
her. She felt that her hiding place was
secure-but she did not know the wood
craft of the strange people who had been
her captors.
It was only a few minutes after she sank
fainting in the copse that the heavy. lowse.
head Of Pietro peered through the bushes.
Pietro grinned evilly. He turned as II to
call the other gypsies. but seemed to change
his mind He stopped over Pauline. who
lay still now. exhausted. frightened beyond
her strength.
Pietro looked back again. Tho sound Of
the hunt was growing more distant. He
HE will ask more and more money II he
holds her prisoner. It is best to end It
now" he muttered.
He raised the knife. Pauline did not even
make q sound She tried to raise herself
but fell back upon the ground All she could
do was gaze at the assassin with wide won
dering eyes. For there was marvel and
mystery unfathomable to her innocent heart
in such colossal cruelty.
Az Pietro poised the knife for the deadly
blow. she watched It. fascinated.
The knife descended. She shut her eyes.
awaiting the swift death.
Death did not come. The heavy hand OF
Pietro was caught in . grasp even mightier
than his own The knife was caught from
him and he was flung back.
Michael Mario bent over Pauline
$50; you tried to escape mef' he ques-
toned in his musical voice. Come, my
beautiful one. You do not understand how
kind are my people to those who are beau
tiful. This" he added. with q turning
gesture towards Pietro. "is craven inter
loper a pariah among US"
He raised Pauline She tried to thrust
him back. but could not He took NO
advantage Of her weakness, but began to
lead her gently. with almost deterrent care.
back towards the camp.
AS they entered the circle Of the Wagons,
the Princess Singoalla was treading softly
behind them. Suddenly she rushed to
Mario's side, her clenched hands lifted
above her head.
$50 you have found new friendship-'
50 soon," she screamed. impeding him.
With his freq hand he reached ont and
struck her viciously. She fell. and for = mo-
ment covered on the ground. Then she