The Elbert County tribune., 1915-11-26

their den for stolen goods-yes. ~. Z
know. But dare you 90 with mer'
Il must dare It," said Kitty firmly.
Perhaps my friends will follow mo
l do not know--but even II not, you
and must get hack what he has sto-
len from me-
And what was 1t. sxcellencyf"
mo more than . broken bit OF coin,
captain. of value to none a. II II now,
OF great value to me provided I can
attain 1t and tho other half
you need say not more. Tho er,
rand is enough to interest me-be-
cause now i shall have that fellow
Blake where have ionged to md him.
He shall not ride with US again. Bus
come" he added.
They found their way through the
darkenins streets in the purlieus Of
Gretzhoffen town. Under the leader
ship Of the chieftain they threaded
street after street. alley after alley,
until at length their party descended
Into steep gully in less Important
portion OF the city. A faint light
showed through the chinks Of q wall
which seemed to be the facing OF q
bank. but which really concealed some
sort of den within.
"Yonder. excellency." whispered
Landozi. is the place where they hole
up-like rats in sewer-and they
have no more princlples-they are,
worthy of no more. Come. my men,,
close In"
He pushed against the eoor round
which shone the CLEANS of light. and
hastened into a sort OF passageway.
Their entry attracted no attention for
the time.
Only two of the gang remained the,
others having departed on one errand,
or other of their own. When Kitty
and her companion looked through tho
little window. which gave In upon the,
recess under the blufr. they saw ait
ting close to the table two men
Blake, the renegade, and another or
his band. The keen eye OF Kitty de-
tected Blake's hand lying upon the
table-and near It the object which
she sought-the missing coini
Quick" whispered Landozi, and as
he spoke he broke into the room
Without hesitation he flung himself
upon Blake. and Kitty. wishing to be
OF service. and finding no better
means. caught up an empty bottle
which stood near and dealt so inter
esting a blow upon the head of the
remaining rufiian as to put him out Of
the combat for the time. An instant
later she had caught from the table
the coveted coin.
Let him go, Landozd --quicki
Come! have got it," she exclaimed
And an instant later she was In the
passageway once more.
She had almost made her way out
into the open. when In the semidark-
ness she felt strong hand clutch at
her wrist-heard a low laugh at her
ear.
'Roleaul" she cried aloud.
mo, not Roleau," said voice she
knew well enough-the voice of the
Count Frederick.
| so. you have It! Very well. cling
to it, then-but don't drop it. To pre-
vent that Will even hold your hand
in mine"
You brute!" exclaimed Kitty, sob
bing now in the intensity OF her emo
tions-'after all | have done to get
it-and 1t is mine!"
why argue it. my dear young
lady?" exclaimed Count Frederick. II
have told you must have 1t. regret
as much as you that 1 must disturb
you"
| Release me-let me go!"
| Painting. she looked up at him In the
half light. What she saw was q face
grim and full of purpose-a face which
1t seemed to her she would always
hate-but in which at least there was
no trace of any fear.
| Come" he said. and flung an arm
about her waist as he stepped toward
the open Let Roleau fend for him
self am satisfied with what have
now"
| An instant later he halted. From
what sounds he heard at the rear, he
knew escape was cut on there. And
now crowding in at the entrance of
the main gallery In which they stood.
there came yet others OF the thieves
band, barring exit there as well.
Count Frederick. shielding Kitty.
stood at bay.