The Spectator., 1915-11-12

hunt. The apparent leader of the party. stalwart, sturdy man, dark of hair and richly clad-rode slightly in advance of the others.
 Catching sight of a 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.
 'Eh bien. c'est que vous parlez Fran cais?" And at once he himself broke into voluble French, much to Kitty's delight.
 T am an American" she went on to say.
 T 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 wonder at the peasants house. There was an acci- dent yesterday witS our motor-he is not yet able to travel"
 T am riding but now to my own hunting lodge. few miles wonder at the edge of the forest; why not come with me so that we might speak over this matter? 1 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. T can man. age"
 It 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
 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 1t may be we'll for me to excuse myself. Is there any way in which I may get back to the cottage where I left my man?"
 Not 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 loud cry of terror-the appeal for help-a womans 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 moi"
 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, man?" demanded Count Sachio, imperiousiy. T 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?" retorted Roleau calmly. "I have seen men of many sorts before now, but none that I feared. This lady is in my care. She will ride with me, and we will ride better horses than that on which I came"
 Even as he spoke he passed rapidly among the spirited mounts of the lit- tie party lately arrived. Two he se- lected for himself and Kitty. With the others he was busy with a few strokes of the short knife he wore. He grinned as he came out from among the horses,
 "So, Monsieur Sachio of Grahoffen," said he. you will ride with short girths if you follow us.' In truth he had cut a piece out of the girth of each one of the unused horses.
 An instant later he and Kitty were mounted and speeding away.
 CHAPTER TX.