The Elbert County tribune., 1915-11-05

sharp exclamation. -Here coma two
riding. man and a woman. swear,
| believe it is the two, both come 10
life again!
| They advanced now more slowly
| and pulled up at the foot OF little
ravine, where a 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 Grahofren. Here the depres-
sion concealed them and they awaited
the arrival of the two travellers.
That came in due course. but with
it almost synchronously 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.
ragged band of drunken rufians-
none less than party of the banditt
which in those somewhat lawless days
infested this open and little-traveled
region, sort of No Mans Land.
Come. your money-your valu-
ables," exclaimed the leader of these
ruffians. You know me? / am Lam
dozi. chief OF the Brotherhood. My
men Ike work none too well, and We
must eat and drink. Your money,
please-or we will take 1t whether or
net you please"
Contemptuously, Count Frederick
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 u.s.
But still. there are other ways. What
say you. my fellows, shall we hold
her for ransom?"
The man Roleau here raised his
hand and spoke with authority
my friends" he said. what 1 have
is little and it is yours, for you are
my brothers and know you must live
as well as I. 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 l tell you she is highness
of foreign land, none less than Amer
lea across the sea-"
And why not fit for ransom them"
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-
fled what Roleau had said.
Good" said he suddenly IL know
you we'll, Roleau. The lady is safe
with us. We will do lhore-%e viii
accompany you to the walls of the
city itself, so that you may be safe
| from auy of our brotherhood"
Under the walls OF Gretzhoffen it.
self they met a troop of the kings
| horse, riding out for practice. Their
| officer was not unknown to Count
| Frederfck-and for that matter. the
| leader of the bandits, Landozi himself.
seemed not unknown. Lettering along.
| they rode now up to the city's gates,
Yet another event transpired be
| fore the two parties separated near
| the city's gate. An additior7i party
| of horsemen, riding hard from the des-
ert. appeared-none less than Cou1t
Sachio a friend or two and small
group of retainers,
"Sachio" exclaimed Count Fred
erick. My friend, you come but just
in time"
Il may well believe it," said Sachio
dryly," gazing at the assenblage about