The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1915-11-26

more ABOUT the cOnulllOn OF tuOso I"O
we left yonder in the desert. Yes, I'll
ride back the very way Just came"
Mile after mile slipped ribbon-like
beneath their speeding wheels. Soon
they had left behind them almost all
sights of the green commons and the
fenced fields which lay under the
wallis Of Gretxhotfen town. 1t was
Grahame who frst detected, far ahead.
q little dust cloud OF advancing trav-
elers. He called the attention OF his
master.
Glasses, Grahame-find what It Is"
Even the stolid Grahame gave
sharp exclamation. Here come two
riding, q man and q woman. swear,
believe 1t 10 the two, both come to
life again!
They advanced now more slowly
and pulled up at the foot OF a little
rsvine, where q cross trail came IN
from the right. leading no one knew
where, out into No Mans Land be-
tween the two kingdoms of Gretzhot-
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 spontaneously 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 q
ragged band OF drunken rufhans-
none Jess than 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 ne? am Lam
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"
Coutemptuousl-, 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 OF foes of those whom they
had now found in the motor car.
What have we here-a woman, and
a 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 a 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 |. | know you are friends
of the kings troops-shortly we VIII
ride thither together, If you don I
mind. AS for this ladv, lay no hand
on her. tell you she Is highness
of a foreign land, none less than Amer
lea across the sea-"
And why not fit for ransom Them
demanded the bandit chief.
Because, | tell you she is one oil
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 murmur of assent ratl
fed what Roleau had said.
Good" said he suddenly. 81 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 troop of the king
horse, riding out for practice. TheiI
officer was not unknown to Count
Frederick-and for that matter, the
leader Of the bandits, Landozi himself
seemed not unknown. Lettering along
they rode now up to the city's gates
Yet another event transpired be
fore the two parties separated neal
the citys gate. An additional party
of horsemen, riding hard from the des
ert, appeared-none less than Count
Sachio, a friend or two and small
group OF retainers!
"Sachio!" exclaimed Count Fred
erick. my friend. you come but JUS
in time"
81 may we'll believe it," said Sachic
dryly," gazing at the assemblage abou
him. Had met this gentleman" h
nodded toward Landozi, with whose
identity he was well enough acquaint
ed, perhaps l might have needed
greater argument"
"All is we'll that ends well, my goot
sachio!" exclaimed Count Frederick
Be my guest instead OF my host. Ride
with me now to my own home and a
another day will return with you t
your hunting lodge"
"You know this LADY," asked Sachi'
, aside. nodding towards Kitty.
: But slightly" rejoined Count Fred
! erick. And you?"
But slightly" smiled Sachio, an