The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1914-10-21

the girls face had appeared. Softly she put
apart the tent folds and looked out
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. unscalabe TO right andaleft
1t extended out of eyeshot
Pauline crept through. the opening inithe
tent. The free air revived and eth
ened her She peered around the canvass
edge and saw the gypsy campslaid QUIT be-
fore her.
She crept along the tent-side until sheiwas
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 Ions" fpietro, the
lion tanner was saying.
what do you mean?" asked Michel
Mario.
No answer came Immediately and Pauline
rising to her feet, peered again.
She saw the hand Of pietro returning to
his breast something tSat flashed tmenacing-
iy in the sun. For an instant sshe 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 the lolling people.
Pauline, running toward the woods beyond
the wagon. had gained good hundred yards
before the startled cry of Pfetro announced
that he had discovered her escape.
The shouts and screams of fifty men and
women rang behind her. But terror lent
her speed. She did not feel the tumult OF
her tired heart until she sank, crouching,
In copse of brar just beyond the camp
enclosure.
There In a half swoon, she heard the thud
Of many footsteps. She realizeds dimly that
the gypsies were searching thef woods for
her. She felt that her hiding Eplnce was
secure-but. she did not know tho wood
craft of the strange people who had been
her captors.
1t was only few minutes after she sank
fainting in the copse that the heavy. low-set
head of Pietro peered through the bushes.
pietro grinned evily. He turned has II to
call the other gypsies. but seemed toichanga
his mind. He stopped over Pauline, who
lay still now, exhausted. frightened beyond
her strength.
Pietro looked back again. The sound OF
the hunt was growing more distant he
drew the knife from his breast
"IIe will ask more and more money II he
holds her prisoner 1t Is best to end 1t
now" he muttered
He raised the knife. Pauline did not even
make 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.
AS Pietro poised the knife for the deadly
blow she watched 1t, fascinated.
The knife descended. She shut her eyes,
awaiting the swift death.
Death did not come. The heavy mana OF
Pietro was caught In grasp even mlgntieF
than his own. The knife was caught Lrom
him and he was flung back.
Michael Mario bent over Pauline.
49, you tried to escape me?" 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 turning
gesture towards Pietro, sis craven inter-
loper, a pariah among u.s. 20.
He raised Pauline. She tried to thrust
him back, but could not He took no
advantage OF her weakness, but began 10
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 70
Marios side, her clenched hands lifted
above her head.
so you have found new friendship
so soon," she screamed. impeding him.
With his free hand he reached cut and
struck her viciously. She fell, and for mo-
nent covered on the ground. Then she