The Washington times., 1915-07-04

dent rays Of a downright sun. 1t was
what was known locally as the desert
"a neutral ground, not titled and In
capa BILE of successful tillage. which lay
between the two Kingdoms of Gretz-
hoffen on the east and Grahoffen on the
west. Ii had in fact been the purpose
of Frederick to cross the line between
the two Kingdoms. a journey OF no
great length. as distances are estimated
in our own country.
Whether it was the heat of the sun
which had expanded the air in the mo-
tor tires, or whether there was some
no time to determine; yet suddenly. with
the usual rifelike report, there was an
explosion of the tire. The car was prac-
tically helpless.
Kitty looked about her vaguely, fear
fully, but as she bent from the open
window she heard in the distance the
chug of another motor. driven rapidly,
thrown wide open and coming forward
at great speed. Her eyes kindled as she
caught the meaning of this, she waved
her hand, endeavoring to attract atten-
ton. Her gesture did not escape the
man at her side, who uttered an eX-
clamation as he turned and saw the
rapid approach of the pursuing car.
is your work She has it on her person.
You must-yes. you must take 1t at
once"
Without hesitation, his long Jaws shut,
his small cold eyes emotionless, Gra-
hame advanced in his task of robbery
from the person-robbery upon the
highway-and robbery from a woman
AS he laid hand upon her. all the hot
Indignation of Kitty's soul famed up.
She battled as best she might, and so
defeated the man in his purpose of
snatching at the string which he saw
suspended about her neck. His suspi-
cions we're we'll founded. for once more
. l,A
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 a dastardly hand and
struck the girl in the face. She fell,
stunned at his feet.
exclaimed his master, as with thin
smile Grahame held up the chamois
bag.
But Count Frederick ripped it open,
into his pocket. Even as this happened,
the pursuing car was closing In upon
them II was Roleau who sprang from
the seat and hastened forward, revolver
in hand. AS he did so weapon crack
ed from the car of Count Frederick, and
Roleau. stumbling. fell forward and lay
still.
Come, Grahame-quick." An instant
later they had taken possession of the
motor impressed by Roleau and, intimi-
doing in turn, they forced him to turn
about and head for the city.
You ruffian" said Count Frederick
once more. You struck a woman
How long has she remained senseIess,
she herself scarce knew. but when Kitty
stirred, raised her head, she saw lying
close beside her the figure of the man
who had sought to befriend her as once
she had befriended him-Roleau. the
mysterious messenger of a master who
had apparently no mercy in his soul.
Kitty suddenly raised her hand to her
neck. The cord was gone. The packet
was missing. Her priced possession
the mysterious coin, had been taken
from her. They had left her barely
life-and had been careless even as to
that. A bitter sense of failure and
desolation setted upon the girls heart.
She gaZed out over the sandy plain.
The waveing lines OF heat arose flicker
ing. as she had seen them in the desert
OF her own country. The giant figures
of the mirage. the Fata MoTgana, as
the Spanish call it, rose stalking along
N" horizon, now large, new small but