The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1915-07-24

sharp exclamation. "Here come two
riding, a man and woman. swear.
| ! believe IL is the two, both come to
life again!
They advanced now more slowly
and pulled up at the foot of a little
ravine, where cross trail came in
from the right, leading no one knew
where, out into No Mans Land be-
tween the two kingdoms of Gretzhof-
fen and Grahoffen. Here the .depres-
sion concealed them and they awaited
the arrival of the two travellers.
That came in due course. but with
it almost spontaneously yet other
events. A sound of shouting became
audible. To the right along curving
cross-road Of the desert, there came
into view, riding at top speed, whoop-
ing aloud as they spurred forward, a
ragged band of drunken rufflans--
none less than party of the banditti
which in those somewhat lawless days
infested this open and little-traveled
region, a sort of No Mans Land.
Come. your money-your valu-
ablesl" exclaimed the leader of these
ruffians. You know me? am Lam
dozi, chief of the Brotherhood. My
men like work none too well, and we
must eat and drink Your money,
please-or we will take 1t whether or
not you please"
Contemptuously, Count Frederick
reached into his pockets and flung
upon the ground before them such
valuables as he had.
The bandit now turned to repeat
this process with the other two stran-
gers, whom they could not classify
as friends or foes of those whom they
had now found in the motor car.
What have we here-a woman, and
beautiful one!" exclaimed the BAN
dit chief She wears no jewels-per-
haps she has not much money for us.
But still, there are other ways. What
say you, my fellows, shall we hold
her for ransom?'
Inc man RoIeau mere raised his
hand and spoke with authority
MY friends, he said, what l have
is little and it is yours, for you are
my brothers and l know you must live
as we'll as l. know you are friends
of the kings troops-shortly we will
ride thither together, if you don't
mind. AS for this lady, lay no hand
on her. | tell you she is highness
of a foreign land, none less than Amer
lea across the sea-"
"And why not fit for ransom then?"
demanded the bandit chief.
Because, / tell you she is one OF
the ladies of the kings household-she /
is protected by King Michael Ii him
self, no less She is of his rank
in life, l tell you, my brothers.
Irresolute the bandit turned toward
his men, but murmur of assent rati-
fed what Roleau had saidA
Good" said he suddenly. II know
you well, Roleau. The lady is safe
with US. We will do more-we will
accompany you 10 Ine Walls OIL tne
city itself, so that you may be safe
from any of our brotherhood"
Under the walls of Gretzhoffen it.
self they met troop of the kings
horse, riding out for practice. Their
officer was not unknown to Count
Frederick-and for that matter, the
eader of the bandits, Landozi himself.
seemed not unknown. Lettering along,
hey rode now up to the city's gates,
Yet another event transpired be- {
ore the two parties separated near 7
he city's gate. An additional party
# horsemen, riding hard from the des-
'rt, appeared-none less than Count
Sachio, friend or two and a small
,roup of retainsrsl
"Sachio!' exclaimed Count Fred.
rick. my friend, you come but just .
D time"
II may we'll believe II" said Sachio
ryly, gazing at the assemblage about