The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1915-07-24

This Lady
hunt. The apparent leader Of the
party, a stalwart, sturdy man, dark
of hair and richly clad-rode slightly
in advance of the others.
Catching sight of young woman
and very pretty one-standing thus
alone ON the forest road, this gentle
man pulled up suddenly. "Bonjour,
monsieur" said Kitty, with her usual
recourse to the French language.
Eth bien, c'est que vous parlez Fran
cais?" And at once he himself broke
into voluble French, much to Kitty's
delight.
Il 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 lire
u beg your pardon, but mademoi-
selle Is alone? Why?"
"My companion is i'll yonder at the
peasants house. There was an acci-
dent yesterday with our motor-he is
not yet able to travel"
Il am riding but now to my own
hunting lodge, few miles yonder at
the edge of the forest; why not come
with me SO that we might speak over
this matter2 / 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 q 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 ALI" 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
gayiy. the others dispersed.
Nothing more for me than cup
of tea" said Kitty gravely. Lest you
think me rude-perhaps it may be
well for me to excuse myself Is there
any way in which ! may get back to
the cottage where left my MANI
"Not so fast. not so fast as all that,
ma cheriel You have not tested out
my humble place as we'll as / 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 loud
cry Of terror-the appeal for help--a
woman's 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.
"Roleaul" She cried aloud, "A
mol"
Kitty guessed, rather than knew,
that Roleau's uneasiness on her ac-
count had led him to pursue her.
Such, indeed was the case.
''Who are you, mani" demanded
Count Sachio, imperiously. q am
Sachio OF Grahoffen, man-one who
need not declare himself to you. Your
life shall pay for this!"
Good Why not now, my friend?"
'etorted Roleau calmly. Il have seen
men of many sorts before now. but ,
none that I feared This lady is in ]
ny care. She will ride with me, and
We will ride better horses than that
IN which l came"
Even as he spoke he passed rapidly
lmong the spirited mounts of the lit .
lie party lately arrived Two he Sc :
eeted for himself and Kitty, With !
he others he was busy with a few
trokes OF the short knife he wore. !
Ie grinned as he came out from !,
mong the horses :.
so. Monsieur Saehio of Grahoffen,"
aid he. you will ride with short ),
irths If you follow US" In truth he !,
ad cut a piece out of the girth of :
ach one of the unused horses. =
An instant later he and Kitty were !,
lounted and speeding away. y