The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1915-08-06

hunt. The apparent leader of the
party, a stalwart, sturdy man, darl
of hair and richly clad-rode slightly
| in advance of the others.
Catching sight of young woman
and very pretty outstanding thus
alone on the forest road. this gentle
man pulled up suddenly. "Bonjour
monsieur" said Kitty, with her usual
recourse to the French language.
'Eh bien. c'est que vous parlez Fran
cais?" And at once he himself broke
| into voluble French, much to Kitty's
delight.
81 am an American" she went on to
say.
Il ask pardon, mademoiselle," re-
joined the dark man-whose bold
eyes, after what seemed to Kitty to be
the fashion of the country, now were
carefully estimating her, line by line
II beg your pardon, but mademoi-
selle is alone? Why"
"My companion is i'll yonder at the
peasants house. There was an acct
dent yesterday with our motor-he is
not yet able to travel"
81 am riding but now to my own
hunting lodge, a few miles yonder at
the edge of the forest; why not come
with me 80 that we might speak over
this matter? I am entertaining
friends there-a little house party
there are other ladies. You will be
made welcome. If you can ride"
"Oh, yes," said Kitty. 81 can man.
age"
1t was not long before they arrived
at the hunting lodge.
Count Sachio introduced his guests
with few words in his own language.
They stared politely, smiled discreetly,
but made Kitty welcome.
Nov, be off with you ALL" ex-
claimed Count Sachio. ITO the wood
land paths, since the morning is so
fresh.'
"Mademoiselle, you will have re-
freshments?" he asked, as, laughing
gayly, the others dispersed.
Nothing more for me than a cup
of tea," said Kitty gravely. Lest you
think me rude-perhaps it may be,
we'll for me to excuse myself. Is there
any way in which may get back to
the cottage where left my MANI"
mot so fast, not so fast as all that,
ma cherie! You have not tested out
my humble place as well as I would
ask. Come, what you think of it?
Not his words so much as his man.
ner sent swift alarm into Kitty Gray's
heart. Swiftly she arose and made
back as he, warmed somewhat by his
wine, now advanced toward her, smil- |
ing. Her gesture angered him and he
stepped forward, but more swiftly. |
At once Kitty gave voice to a loud |
cry of terror-the appeal for help-a |
first weapon of defense. For, |
even as she did SO, she heard the |
sound of hoofs on the trail beyond the
edge of the forest.
"Roleau!" She cried aloud, "a
noi!"
Kitty guessed, rather than knew.
hat Roleau's uneasiness on her &C
count had led him to pursue her.
such, indeed, was the case.
"Who are you, man." demanded
count Sachio, imperiously. Il am
'achio of Grahoffen, man-one who
iced not declare himself to you. Your
lie shall pay for this!"
Good! Why not now, my friend?"
etorted Roleau calmly. II have seen
Zen of many sorts before now, but
one that / feared. This lady Is in
ny care. She will ride with me, and
re will ride better horses than that
n which l came"
Even as he spoke he passed rapidly
mong the spirited mounts of the lit
q party lately arrived. Two he Sc
,cted for himself and Kitty. With ,
le others he was busy with few ,
.rokes of the short knife he wore.
q grinned as he came out from
nong the horses.
$50, Monsieur Sachio of Grahoffen,"
lid he, you will ride with short
rths II you follow u.s." In truth he
I'd cut a piece out of the girth of
Ich one OF the unused horses.
An instant later he and Kitty were
ounted and speeding away.