The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-09-30
COPYRIGHT 1915 81 WRIGHT a. PATTERSON

"Follow me when you can. I'll leave
a trail.' And as she caught up book
from the table Roleau guessed what
she had meant by this-a paper trail.
She looked this way and that, but
could see no trace Of the stranger
who had thus treacherously intruded
upon their own plans. A strange feel
ing came to her mind that perhaps
she had seen him elsewhere before
now. Where could that have been?
Ransacking her memory she conclud-
ed that he must have been some one
of the band of banditti who had sur
prised her and her companions in the
desert.
Trusting to fortune to bring her
aid, she ran forward in the general
direction which she supposed the man
had taken, She passed from the floor
of the gallery, which held no trace Of
footprints to the softer ground where
she might see the trail, and caught it
now. He was running in great leaps
towards the edge of the forest, where
the road came in. Yonder lay the
trail to Gretzhoffen. He seemed bound
for that. Yes-she presently heard q
sound Of horses hoofs.
Horses" thought Kitty to herself,
recalling the stables where some of
Sachio's mounts were kept-indeed,
she doubted not that some might be
saddled and waiting in the yard. It
was true-an instant later her own
flying hoofbeats pursued those now
lessening In the distance. And as
she fed Kitty left trail.
AS for Roleau, his faithful heart
was wellnigh broken when, having
seen his mistress follow his advice
and make her escape, he found him
self in spite of all unable to join her
in the pursuit of the escaping thief
who had their coin. The grasp OF
Sachio upon him did not relax, and
now others REINFORCED their leader.
"Ah, well, messieurs," he said grin
ming, at length. you have the argu-
ment."
Search him!" exclaimed Sachio.
II have lost the coin. 1t was here. 1t
is gone-he has it about him some
where"
The companions Of the count COM
piled, but could make nothing Of the
search, Roleau stoutly asserting that
he knew nothing of it and had it not
in his possession.
II dropped it on the floor in the
scuffle," exclaimed Sachio. Surely
this man must have it, or it has wings!
l had it in my hand but now, this very
moment. That American-surelys she
is witch. Did she take it, fellow?
Tell me?" He turned furiously upon
Roleau.
Monsieur, how can l tell?" replied
the latter.
At last, however, there came the
sound of one driving furiously.
ION guard, gentlemen!" exclaimed
Sachio. I'VE do not know who comes
Il hope it may be Rudolph"
It was indeed this missing stranger
the man who had been left bound in
Frederick's apartments.
It should be understood now that
when Count Frederick had returned
to his own apartments and found his
private room occupied by a man who
evidently had been there for no good
purpose-a man left trussed up and
bound by yet other intruders-he had
had some parley with the helpless In.
truder in the way of learning wha,
had been the cause of his strange
plight.
Il know wou, fellow" said he. "You
are of Count Sachios suite. You have
been CHARTERED here with him as a
guest of this house-and now you
would rob me!
"Your excellency," exclaimed Ru
dolph, "spare me! was found here