The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-08-21
SIX
CHAPTER XXI.
In the Underworld.

Seemed quite cut of for the young
woman, whose adventures nov had
carried her into such desperate case.
Behind her still rose the sounds OF
combat, where Roleau and Landozi
fought with the occupants who re-
manned In the thieves den. On ahead,
in the p~assageway, others Of the gang
swarmed in, cutting OF exit BY the
main gallery. And here. holding her
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 resoIu'
1on matched her own.
She beat at him with her hands as
ne 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. slared at n an
other for a 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 hither. and sprang for
ward to the entrance OF the main gal
lery, eager to assist the woman whom
they both sought to serve.
This fianking attack upon the en-
envy was more than Offset by the
march in the rear Of the main en-
iemy himself-Blake. the renegade
4who, finding himself freed Of his as
saflants, sprang into the passagewa!
after Kitty. She. as he knew very
well, was in possession Of the coin
He found her there in the company o.
q stranger-a tall man whom he nevel
ibefore had seen. and who now shovel
small fear Of himself or OF the other'
kconfronting him. There was no tint
for Blake to figure upon what relation
these two might have-the coin way
all he cared for.
"Giye 1t to me-" 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 Fredericl
himself. That individual experienced
q swift surprise at this sudden turn
fng Of the tables upon him. But int
ruse worked-unceremoniously th'
apaches laid hands upon Count Fred
arfck and hailed him back &c the real
of the s~ubterranean passageway. he
iievfng that he had taken the colt
from Kitty, they set her advice int
vigorous effect at once.
A pair of thieves still guarded thu
exit, but these now were to meet TIT
escaped koleau and his confederate
as keen for conflict as they, and bet
Ter prepared for it. Kitty heard rapit
shots, the acrid smell of powder fhlet
the place. Then. before she had FUR
Their time for thought, she felt hersel
hurried forward. the strong hand o
Roleau upon her arm.
"Ouick, excellency," he called, "ther'
is yet time"
AS she felt the cool air OF the QUITE
world upon her cheek Kitty shook OF
trace OF her despair. The coin still
was in her hand-she might yet es
cape.
Cut on by some OF the apaches from
the car toward which they sprang. Ro
ieau turned and hurried Kitty to TIT
Two horses which had brought Ian
DOH and herself thither. An instan'
later they we're mounted and fleeing
leaving Landozi to fend for himself
A they well knew he could. VIVA
interested them more was the criei
Of the two rufians who themselves
had sprung to the car and now werI
rrsnkng It ~furiously with the inten'
Of pursuing them in their own motor
Within the den where these thing
had occurred Frederick. count 0
Gretzhotfen, now was prisoner to th'
rat.faced leader OF the apaches. th'
renegade Blake. The latter stool
menacing him.
why be agitated, my friend?" dc
manded the nobleman, coolly enough
rYou see | have not the coin, TIT
girl has outwitted you-mySclf al
weIl. / swear, her wit is nimbl'
enough! She has left me-and yo'
lin the lurch, and has escaped ono
more. She has flung me to you. a
Rrssian travellers sometimes hinI
omething to stop the wolves which
pursue them. While you are rend',
nEsme she gains time! But why rend
ne9 II l had the coin | would give
tkto you now, for l fancy a whole;
hroat more than l do a divided CON-
But you see l haven't it"
very well monsieur" said the
enegade leader. Il am forced to be