The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1915-09-03
INSTALLMENT SIX
CHAPTER XXI.

In the Underworld.
Whichever way she turned, escape
seemed quite cut off for the young
woman, whose adventures now hat
carried her into such desperate case
Behind her still rose the sounds OIL
combat, where Roleau and Ian 1oz
fought with the occupants who re
NAMED in the thieves den. On ahead
in the passageway, others of the gang
swarmed in, cutting off exit by the
main gallery. And here, holding heI
as his prisoner, was the man she
feared most of them all, as the most
apt to win in this contest for the pos
session of the coin-Frederick, the no.
bleman of Gretzhoffen, whose resolu-
ton matched her own.
She beat at him with her hands as
he swung her lightly from the ground,
but he only smiled at her protests
only smiled when he saw himself out
numbered by these newcomers who
confronted them in the main exit. At
bay, he stood beside his captive and
waited those who sought to make
them both captives.
Roleau and Landozi, seeing that
Kitty had escaped, glared at one an
other for moment before they under
stood that they both were her friends.
From what they heard they knew that
she still was besieged In the main en-
try way A moment later Roleau
forced his way out the rear entry of
the den, closely followed by Landozi,
as agile as himself. They armed
themselves at the car which had
brought them fither, and sprang for
ward to the entrance of the main gal
lery, eager to assist the woman whom
they both sought to serve.
This thanking attack upon the en-
envy was more than Offset by the
march in the rear of the main en-
envy himself-Blake, the renegade.
who, finding himself freed of his as
sailants, sprang into the passageway
after Kitty. She, as he knew very
well, was in possession of the coin.
He found her there in the company of
before had seen, and who now showed
small fear of himself or of the others
confronting him. There was no time
for Blake to figure upon what relation
these two might have-the coin was
all he cared for.
"Give it to mel" he demanded as |
he sprang at Kitty with a raised |
weapon
Count Frederick stepped toward
him. Fellow, what is it that you
want? Leave this young lady alone"
He has it! Search him. exclaimed
Kitty quickly, pointing to Frederick
himself That individual experienced
a swift surprise at this sudden turn
ing of the tables upon him. But the
ruse worked-unceremoniously the
apaches laid hands upon Count Fred
erick and hailed him back to the rear
Of the subterranean passageway. Be-
ieving that he had taken the coin
from Kitty, they set her advice into
vigorous effect at once.
A pair of thieves still guarded the
Exit, but these now were to meet the
escaped Roleau and his confederate,
Is keen for conflict as they, and bet
er prepared for it. Kitty heard rapid
ihots, the acrid smell of powder filed
he place. Then, before she had fur {
her time for thought, she felt herself
hurried forward, the strong hand of ]
loleau upon her arm.
Quick, excellency," he called, there
5 yet time"
AS she felt the cool air of the outer
7orId upon her cheek Kitty shook OFF {
trace of her despair. The coin still (
vas In her hand-she might yet es-
ape. o
Cut of by some OF the apaches from o
ne car toward which they sprang, Ro-
,au turned and hurried Kitty to the o
NO horses which had brought Ian c
OF and herself thither. An instant
ter they were mounted and fleeing, Il
aving LAndozi to fend for himself, 7
J they well knew he could. What d
lterested them more was the cries
!, the two .rufflans who themselves o.
Id sprung to the car and now were d
'ankfng 1t furiousiy with the intent tt
pursuing them in their own motor. OF
Within the den where these things W
ID occurred Frederick, count OF In
now was prisoner to the o.
t-faced leader OF the apaches, the
negade Blake. The latter stood W
enacing him. OF
"Why be agitated, my friend? de- 81
anded the nohleman, coolly enough. tn
vou see / have not the coin. The ov
RI has outwitted you-myself as dr
sll. swear, her wit Is nimble 1t
ouKh! She has left me-and you II
IN the lurch. and has escaped once c.
,re. She has hung me to you, % on
lssian travellers sometimes ding