The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1915-11-26
CHAPTER VII.
In the Desert.

In the Desert.
Convinced against her will, as she
hurried along in the grasp OF the TWO
powerful men, that compliance would
serve her purpose better than resist
ance, Kitty Gray took her place on the
seat of the motor car.
More and more admire you" said
the man at her side. as the motor
swung into its speed. What wom-
an you are! If you would but give
me time"
you shall have all the time you
ask. Monsieur lie Comte!"
For the first time now Kitty looked
about her, scarce having realized how
long their journey had been. So
great had been their speed that by
this time they had cleared the city
walls of Gretzhoffen and passed the
titled farmlands of the villages. 1t
was what was known locally as the
desert-a neutral ground, not titled
and incapable of successful tillage,
which lay between the two kingdoms
OF Gretzhoffen on the east and Grahof-
fen on the west.
Whether 1t was the heat OF the sun
which had expanded the air in the mo-
tor tires, or whether there was some
sharp stone under the wheel. there
was no time to determine; yet sudden
ly, with the usual rifelike report.
there was an explosion of the tire.
The car was practically helpless.
Kitty looked about her vaguely
fearfully, but as she bent from the
open window she heard in the dis
lance the chug of another motor. driv-
en- rapidly, thrown wide open and
coming forward at great speed
Quick! Grahame," the count de
manded. This is your work. She
has it on her person, You must-yes
you must take It at once"
AS he laid hand upon her, all the
hot indignation of Kitty's soul famed
up. She battled as best she might
She defeated the man in his purpose
OF snatching at the string which he
saw suspended about her neck His
suspicious we're we'll founded, for once
more Kitty had concealed her portion
Of the coin in a little bag which she
carried thus. Baffled, and knowing
that he had small time to finish his
work, Grahame at length raised das
tardly hand and struck the girl in the
face. She fell, stunned. at his feet,
You ruffian, what have you done!'
exclaimed his master, as with a thin
smile Grahame held up the chamois
bag.
But Count Frederick ripped 1t open
took from 1t what he saw. and thrust
It into his pocket. Even as this hap
pened, the pursuing car was closing in
upon them. 1t was Roleau who sprang
from the seat and FASTENED forward
revolver In hand. As he did so g
weapon cracked from the car Of
Count Frederick, and Roleau. stun
bling, fell forward and lay still
Come Grahame-Quick." An in
slant later they had taken possession
Of the motor impressed by Roleau.
How long she remained senseless
she herself scarcely knew. but wheI
Kitty stirred, raised her head, sht
saw lying close beside her the figure
Of the man who had sought to be
friend her.
When after a time she ceased in ;
useless effort to lug the heavy bod!
of Roleau into the shelter Of the car
she turned to gaze about her. Sh,
paused, her gaze arrested. Yes,
) little caravan apparently from som,
far of land, and journeying hithe
) frankly enough across the neutra
ground between these two little king
! doms.
J The apparent leader Of this littl
r caravan was a reticent, dark bearded
man. He advanced now quietly to
ward the young woman,
: The lady is in distress? There ha
been trouble here-robbers. bandits
t your man has been killed. perhaps