The Spectator., 1915-11-12

their den for stolen goods-yes, yes, v know But dare you go with mef' T must dare it," said Kitty firmly. Perhaps my friends will follow me- do not know-but even if not, you and I must get back what he has stor len from me-"
 And what was it, excellency?" "No more than a broken bit of coin,. captain, of value to none as it Is now, of great value to me provided I can attain it and the other half
 You need say not more. The er- rand is enough to interest me-be- cause now I shall have that fellow Blake where have longed to find him. He shall not ride with us again. But come," he added.
 They found their way through the darkening 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 a steep gully in Less important portion of the city. A faint light showed through the chinks of wall which seemed to be the facing of d bank, but which really concealed some sort of den within. Wonder, excellency," whispered Landozi, lis the place where they hole up-like rats in a sewer-and they have no more principles-they are worthy of no more. Come, my men, close in
 He pushed against the door round which shone the gleams 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 the little window, which gave in upon the recess under the bluff, they saw sit- ting close to the table two men Blake, the renegade, and another of 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 coin! 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 ruffian 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, Landozi quick. Come! I have got it!" she exclaimed. And an instant later she was in the passageway once more. 1 She had almost made her way out ners she felt a strong hand clutch at her wrist-heard low laugh at her ear.
 | "Roleau!" she cried aloud.
 No, not Roleau,' said voice she knew well enough-the voice of the Count Frederick.
 50, you have it! Very we'll, cling to it, then-but don't drop 1t. To pre- vent that I will even hold your hand | in mine"
 You brute," exclaimed Kitty, sob ping now in the intensity of her emo tions-Hafter all I have done to get. | it-and it is mine!"
 "Why argue it, my dear young. lady?" exclaimed Count Frederick. "I have told you l must have it. 1 regret as much as you that I must disturb, you"
 Release me-let me go!"
 Painting, she looked up at him in tho half light What she saw was face grim and full of purpose-a face which it 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 of 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.