The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-08-16

Five days later as she and the riding mas
ter were cantering along the road, enjoying
every bit of it. they heard the beat of hoofz
behind. They drew up and turned. A rider
was approaching them at run. 1t was the
head groom. The man stopped bis horse in a
cloud of dust.
Sir, the stables are on frel'
"Fire?"
All the riding masters savings were In
vested in the stables The fact that he had
solemnly promised never to leave Florence
alone and that he had accepted generous
bonus slipped from Lis mind at the thought
of fire, a terrible word 10 any horsemsn. He
wheeled and started Of at hreakneck speed
his head groom Gathering behind him.
Florence naturally wondered which Of two
courses to pursue: follow them, when she
would be perfectly helpless to aid them, or
continue the ride and save at least one horse
from the terror Of seeing flames. She chose
the latter. But she did not ride vita Tie
earlier zest. She felt depressed. She loved
horses, and the thought of them diving in those
wooden stables was horrifying
The fire, however, proved to be ncipient
But it was plainly incendiary. Some one had
set fire to it with oppose in view. Norton
recognized this fact almost soon as the fire.
men. He had come this morning with the idea
horseback to join her.
His spine grew suddenly cold. A trap.
She had been left alone on the road lie ran
to the garage. secured a car, aud went
humming out toward the river road. \ trap
and only by the sheerest luck had he turned
up in time
Meantime Florence was walking her mount
slowly. For once the scenery passed unob-
served. She was deeply engrossed with her
thoughts, some of which were happy and some
of which were sad If only her father could
be with her she would be the happiest girl
alive.
She was brought out of her revery by the
sight Of staggering along the road
ahead of her. Finally he plunged upon bis
lace In the road. Like the tender hearted girl
she was, she stopped, dismounted, and ran to
the fallen man to give him aid. She suddenly
found her wrists clasped in two hands like
iron. The man rose to his feet smiling eviy
She struggled wildly but futilely.
Better be sensible" he said Il am
stronger than you are. And don't wish 10
hurt you. Walk on ahead of me. 1t will be
utterly useless to scream or cry out. You
can see for yourself that We are in deserted
part of the road. II you will promise to act
sensby l shan't lay hand on you. De you
see that hut yonder, near the fork in the roali
Wen stop there Now, march,
She dropped her handkerchief, later her
bracelet, and finally her crop, in hope that
these slight clews might bring her help. She
knew that Jones would hear Of the fire, and,
finding that she had not returned with the
riding master, would Immediately start out in
pursuit. She was beginning to grow very
fond Of Jones, who never spoke unless spoken
to- who was always at hand, faithful and.
loyal.
From aiar came the low rumble of motor,
She wondered If her captor heard it. lie did.
but his ears tricked him into believing that il
came from another direction Eventually they
arrived at the hut, and Florence was forced
to enter. The man locked the door and waited
outside for the automobile which be was ex-
pecting. He was rather dumfounded when he
saw that it was coming from the city, not
going toward it.
1t was Norton. The riderle-s horse told
him enough; the handkerchief and bracelet
aud crop led him straight for the hut.
The man before the hut realized by this
time that he had made mistake. He at
tempted to reenter he hut and prepare to
defend it till his companions hove in sight.
But Florence. recognizing Norton, held the
door with all her strength. The man snarled
and turned upon Norton, only to receive
smashing blow on the jaw.
Norton flung open the door. "a" Into the car,
Florence, There's another car coming up
the road. Hurry"
1t was not a long chase. The car of the
auto bandits, looking like an ordinary taxicab.
was a high power machine; and it gained
swiftly on Norton's four-cylinder. The re-
porter waited grimly
Keep your head down." he warned Flor
ence, g I'm going to take pot at their tires
when they get within range. If l miss, I'm