The Spectator., 1915-10-29

their den for stolen goods--yes, yes. . know. But dare you go with mel" T must dare it," said Kitty firmly. Perhaps my friends will follow me- do not know--but even if not, you and I must get back what he has stO- len from me-"
 And what was it, excellency?" "No more than broken bit of coin.. captain, of value to none as it is now. of great value to me provided I can attain it and the other half" You need say not more. The er- rand is enough to interest me-be- cause now I shall have that fellow Blake where have longed to find him.
 He shall not ride with us again. But come," he added. s They found their way through the darkening streets in the purlieus of Gretzhoffen town. Under the leader ship of the chieftain they threaded street after street, alley after alley, until at length their party descended into steep gully in less important portion of the city. A faint light showed through the chinks of a wall which seemed to be the facing of a bank, but which really concealed some sort of den within. Wonder, excellency," whispered Landozi, "is the place where they hole up-like rats in a sewer-and they have no more principles-they are worthy of no more. Come, my men, close in
 He pushed against the door round which shone the gleams of light, and hastened into sort of /passageway- Their entry attracted no attention for the time.
 Only two of the gang remained, the others having departed on one errand or other of their own. When Kitty and her companion looked through the little window, which gave in upon the recess under the bluff, they saw sit-
 ting close to the table two men
 Blake, the renegade, and another of his band. The keen eye of Kitty de- tected Blake's hand lying upon the table-and near it the object which she sought-the missing coin. Quick" whispered Landozi, and as he spoke he broke into the room. Without hesitation he flung himself
 upon Blake, and Kitty, wishing to be
 of service, and finding no better
 means, caught up an empty bottle which stood near and dealt. so inter
 esting a blow upon the head of the
 remaining ruffian as to put him out of ha hat ror h.
 later she had caught from the table
 the coveted coin.
 Let him go, Landozi - quickl Come! l have got it!" she exclaimed l And an instant later she was in the
 passageway once more. She had almost made her way out
 into the open, when in the semidark-
 nevs she felt a strong hand clutch at her wrist-heard low laugh at her | ear
 "Roleau!" she cried aloud. No, not Roleau," said a voice she ! knew we'll enough-the voice of the | Count Frederick
 'So, you have it! Very we'll, cling
 to it. then-but don't drop it. To pre-
 vent that I will even hold your hand
 in mine"
 You brute!" exclaimed Kitty, sob
 ping now in the intensity of her emo
 tions-"after all l have done to get l it-and it is mine!" | Why argue it, my dear young
 lady?" exclaimed Count Frederick "l
 have told you I must have it. ! regret
 as much as you that l must disturb you"
 | Release me-let me go!" | Painting, she looked up at him in the
 half light What she saw was face
 grim and full of purpose-a face which
 it seemed to her she would always
 hate-but in which at least there was, no trace of any fear. l Come" he said, and flung an arm,
 about her waist as he stepped toward.
 the open. Let Roleau fend for him. | self am satisfied with what l have
 now"
 An instant later he halted. From what sounds he heard at the rear, ho
 knew escape was cut of there. And
 now crowding in at the entrance of
 the main gallery in which they stood.
 there came yet others of the thieves
 band, barring exit there as we'll. Count Frederick, shielding Kitty.
 stood at bay.