Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1915-08-17

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 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 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
u beg your pardon. but mademoi'
selle is 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"
81 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 matter? / 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. Il can man
age"
1t was not long before they arrived
at the hunting lodge.
Count Sachio introduced his guests
with a few words in his own language
They stared politely. smiled discreetly
but made Kitty welcome.
Now, 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
well for me to excuse myself. Is there
any way In which / may get back to
the cottage where left my man."
mot so fast, not so fast as all that
ma cherie, You have not tested out
my humble place as well as l would
ask Come, what you think of it?
Not his words so much as his man
ner sent swift alarm into Kitty Gray
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 louC
cry Of terror-the appeal for help-f
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.
"Roleau." She cried aloud, "a
mol"
Kitty guessed, rather than knew
| that Roleau's uneasiness on her &C
count had led him to pursue her
Such, indeed. was the case.
"Who are you. MANI demanded
| Count Sachio, imperiously. Il an
| Sachio of Grahoffen, man-one whC
need not declare himself to you. Your
life shall pay for this!"
Good. Why not now, my friend?
| retorted Roleau calmly. II have seer
men of many sorts before now, bu
none that / feared This lady is In
my care. She will ride with me, ant
we will ride better horses than thai
| on which | came"
Even as he spoke he passed rapidly
among the spirited mounts of the lit
tie party lately arrived. Two he Sc
lected for himself and Kitty. Will
the others he was busy with few
strokes of the short knife he wore
He grinned as he came out from
among the horses.
| $50, Monsieur Sachio of Grahoffen,
said he, you will ride with shor
girths IL you follow u.s." In truth hs
had cut piece out of the girth o.
each one of the unused horses.
| An instant later he and Kitty wer<
mounted and speeding away.
|