The Spectator., 1915-12-07
iNSTALLMENT SIX
CHAPTER XXI.
In the underMorId.

Whichever wav she turned, escape seemed quite cut off for the young woman, whose adventures now had carried her into such desperate case. Behind her still rose the sounds of combat, where Roleau and LandOzi fought with the occupants who re- mained in the thieves den. On ahead, in the passageway, others of the gang swarmed in, cutting off exit by the main gallery. And here, holding her as his prisoner, was the man she feared most of them all, as the most apt to win in this contest for the pos session of the coin-Frederick, the mo- bleman of Gretzhoffen, whose resolu- ton matched her own.
 She beat at him with her hands as he swung her lightly from the ground, but he only smiled at her protests only smiled when he saw himself out numbered by these newcomers who confronted them in the main exit. At bay, he stood beside his captive and waited those who sought to make them both captives.
 Roleau and Landozi. seeing that Kitty had escaped, glared at one an other for a moment before they under stood that they both were her friends. From what they heard they knew that she still was besieged in the main en- try way. A moment later Roleau forced his way out the rear entry of the den, closely followed by Landozi, as agile as himself. They armed themselves at the car which had brought them hither. and sprang for ward to the entrance of the main gal lery, eager to assist the woman whom they both sought to serve.
 This flanking attack upon the en- emy was more than offset by the march in the rear of the main en. emy himself-Blake, the renegade. who, finding himself freed of his as- sailants. sprang into the passageway after Kitty. She, as he knew very we'll, was in possession of the coin. He found her there in the company of a stranger-a tall man whom he never before had seen, and who now showed small fear of himself or of the others confronting him. There was no time for Blake to figure upon what relation these two might have-the coin was all he cared for
 Give it to mel" he demanded as he sprang at Kitty with a raised weapon.
 Count Frederick stepped toward him. Fellow what is it that you want? Leave this young lady alone"
 He has it. Search him!" exclaimed Kitty quickly, pointing to Frederick himself. That individual experienced swift surprise at this sudden turn ing of the tables upon him. But the ruse worked-unceremoniously the apaches laid hands upon Count Fred erick and haled him back to the rear of the subterranean passageway. Be lieving that he had taken the coin from Kitty, they set her advice into vigorous effect at once
 A pair of thieves still guarded the exit, but these now were to meet the escaped Roleau and his confederate, as keen for conflict as they, and bet ter prepared for 1t. Kitty heard rapid shots, the acrid smell of powder filled the place. Then, before she had fur ther time for thought, she felt herself hurried forward, the strong hand of Roleau upon her arm.
 Quick, excellency," he called. there is yet time"
 As she felt the cool air of the outer world upon her cheek Kitty shook off a trace of her despair The coin still was in her hand-she might yet es- cape.
 Cut off by some of the apaches from the car toward which they sprang, Ro- leau turned and hurried Kitty to the two horses which had brought Lan- dozi and herself thither. An instant later they were mounted and fleeing, leaving LandoZi to fend for himself, as they we'll knew he could. What interested them more was the cries of the two rufiians who themselves had sprung to the car and now were cranking it furiously with the intent of pursuing them in their own motor.
 Within the den where these things had occurred Frederick count of Gretzhoffen, now was prisoner to the rat-faced leader of the apaches, the renegade Blake. The latter stood menacing him.
 Why be agitated, my friend?" de- manded the nobleman, coolly enough. You see I have not the coin. The girl has outwitted you-myself as well. I swear, her wit is nimble enoughi She has left me-and you in the lurch. and has escaped once more. She has flung me to you, as Russian travellers sometimes fling