The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-03-09

sharp exclamation. "Here come TIVE
riding, man and a woman. l swear,
1 believe it is the two, both come to
life again!
They advanced now more slowly
and pulled up at the foot of little
ravine, where a cross trail came In
from the right, leading no one knew
where, out into No Mans Land be-
tween the two kingdoms of Gretzhof-
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
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 ruffians-
none less than a party of the banditti
which in those somewhat lawless days
infested this open and little-traveled
region, sort of No Mans Land.
Come, your money-your valu-
ables!" exclaimed the leader of these
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 it whether or
not you please"
Contemptuously, 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 or foes of those whom they
had now found in the motor car.
| What have we here-a woman, and
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 ransom?"
The man Roleau here raised his
hand and spoke with authority
''My friends" he said, what 1 have
is little and it is yours, for you are
my brothers and know you must live
as well as I. 1 know you are friends
of the kings troops-shortly we will
ride thither together, if you don't
mind. AS for this lady, lay no hand
on her. I tell you she is highness
of foreign land, none less than Amer
lea across the sea-"
and why not fit for ransom then? p
demanded the bandit chief.
Because, l tell you she is one OF
r. To- h,
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 a murmur of assent rati'
fed what Roleau had said.
Good" said he suddenly. 81 know
you well, Roleau. The lady is safe
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 kings
horse, riding out for practice. Their
officer was not unknown to Count
F'rederick-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 near
the city's gate. An additional party
of horsemen, riding hard from the des,
ert, appeared-none less than Count
Sachio, friend or two and a small
group of retainers!
"Sachio!' exclaimed Count Fred
erick. MY friend, you come but JUS
in time''
Il may we'll believe it," said Sachit
dryly,'' gazing at the assemblage abou,