The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1915-11-05

nunt. nj apparent leader OF the
party, = stalwart, sturdy man, dark
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.
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 IN American" she went on to
say.
Il ask pardon, mademoisella." 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-
sslle II alone? Why?'
my companion is Ill yonder at the
peasants house. There was an acct
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 90 that we might speak over
this matter? an entertaining
friends there-a little house party
there are other ladies. You will be
made welcome. II you can ride"
"Oh, yes" said Kitty. Il can man
age"
It was not long before they arrived
at the hunting lodge.
Count Sachio introduced his guests
with q few words in his " language.
They stared politely, smiled discreetly.
but made Kitty welcome.
Now, be of 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 gravcly. Lest you
think me rude-perhaps 1t may be
we'll for me to excuse myself. Is there
any way In which l may get back to
the cottage where l left my man."
mot so fast, not SO fast as all that.
ma cherie! You have not tested out
my humble place as we'll as l would
ask. Come. what you think Of 1t?
Not his words SO much as his 4
ner sem swift alarm into Kitty Gray's
heart. Swiftly she arose and made
back cs he. warmed somewhat by his
wine, nov 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,
oven as she did so. she heard the
sound Of hoofs on the trail beyond the
edge OF tho forest.
"Roleau." She cried aloud, "A
moi"
Kitty guessed, rather than knew,
that Roieau'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
Sachio OF Grahofen. man-one who
need not declare himself to you. Your
life shall pay for this!"
Good! Why not nov, my friend?"
retorted Roleau calmly. Il have seen
men Of many sorts before now, but
none that l feared. This lady ID In
my care. She will ride with me, and
We will ride better horses than that
on which / came"
Even as he spoke he passed rapidly
among the spirited mounts Of tho lit
tic party lately arrived. Two he 90.
lected for himself and Kitty. With
the others he val busy with q few
strokes OF the short knife he wor
He grinned as he came out from
among the horses.
80. Monsieur Sachio OF G~rshoken,'
said he, you will ride with short
girths II you follow 10" In truth he
had cut . piece out OF the girth OF
each one Of the unused horses.
An instant later he and Kitty were
mounted and speeding away.