The Spectator., 1915-11-12

sharp exclamation. "Here come two riding, man and a woman. ! swear, I believe it is the two, both come tG life again!
 They advanced now more slowly and pulled up at the foot of a little ravine, where . cross trail came in from the right, leading no one knew where, out into No Mans Land be- tween the two kingdoms of Gretzhof- fen and Grahoffen. Here the depres- sion concealed them and they awaited the arrival of the two travellers.
 That came in due course, but with it almost synchronously yet other events. A sound of shouting became audible. To the right, along curving cross-road of the desert. there came into view, riding at top speed, whoop- ing aloud as they spurred forward. . ragged band of drunken ruff1ans- none less than a party of the banditti which in those somewhat lawless days infested this open and little-traveled region. a sort of No Mans Land.
 Come. your money-your valu- ables!" exclaimed the leader of these ruffians. You know me? l am Lan- dozi, chief of the Brotherhood. My men like work none too well, and we must eat and drink. Your money. please-or we will take 1t whether or not you please"
 Contemptuously, Count Frederick reached into his pockets and flung upon the ground before them such valuables as he had.
 The bandit now turned to repeat this process with the other two stran- gers, whom they could not classify as friends or foes of those whom they had now found in the motor car.
 What have we here--a woman, and beautiful one!" exclaimed the ban dit chief She wears no jewels-per- haps she has not much money for us. But still, there are other ways. What say you, my fellows, shall we hold her for . ransom?"
 The man Roleau here raised his hand and spoke with authority
 My friends" he said, what have is little and it is yours, for you are my brothers and know you must live as we'll as I. I know you are friends of the kings troops-shortly we will ride thither together, if you don't mind. As for this lady, lay no hand on her. I tell you she is highness of foreign land, none less than Amer ica across the sea-
 And why not fit for ransom then?" demanded the bandit chief. Because, I tell you she is one of the ladies of the kings household-she is protected by King Michael II him. self, no less. She is of his rank in life, tell you. my brothers. Irresolute the bandit turned toward his men, but a murmur of assent ratt- fled what Roleau had said. Good" said he suddenly. q know
 you well, Roleau. The lady is safe with us. We will do more-we will accompany you to the walls of the city itself, so that you may be safe | from any of our brotherhood" Under the walls of Gretzhoffen it. self they met a troop of the kings horse, riding out for practice. Their officer was not unknown to Count Frederick-and for that matter, the leader of the bandits, Landozi himself, seemed not unknown. Loitering along, they rode now up to the city's gates, Yet another event transpired be- fore the two parties separated near the city's gate. An additional party of horsemen, riding hard from the des- ert, appeared-none less than Count Sachio. a friend or two and a small group of retainers!
 "Sachio!" exclaimed Count Fred. erick. My friend, you come but just in time"
 q may well believe it," said Sachio dryly," gazing at the assemblage about