The Red Cloud chief. [volume] (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923, 1916-07-20

being like another certain bit of parch-
ment of which Count Sachio had
robbed her. As yet she could not de-
cipher the torn half.legible screed
Row came she by II, and why? She
herself could scarcely have told why
she had paused to take 1t from the
pocket of the dead sailor in the cav
ern when, Just before their flight, she
had bethought herself that possibly he
bore upon his person some proof OF
his identity. Thus far she had not
had time to look at the soiled and
crumpied bit. She concealed 1t now
in her mind the growing suspicion
that providentially she might have
been put in possession of the other
half OF the torn paper which Sachio
had coveted She had ceased to won.
der at fortunes caprices now and soon
indeed all thought of this torn parch.
ment was banished from her mind.
She forgot that possibly 1t also spoke
Of broken coins or treasure chambers,
or other things Of ancient history in
these lands whose very stones had sto.
ries could they but tell them.
Restored somewhat by food and
drink, and having regained tritle Of
her self.respect by the DOMINIC OF
some woman's garments which she
found in the cabin. Kitty Gray's buoy
ant spirits began once more to assert
themselves. AS she loked at her
face in the little mirror she spoke
half aloud the resolution which she
saw in the reflected features.
I'm not going to England said she.
I'm not going to America. I'm going
back to Gretzhoffen, TIL my work Is
done! Surely they will put us down
at that port-it Is as near as any.
THEY'VE shall see"
An hour later she returned to the
deck to make her duties to her host
more completely-little as she had
been impressed by his personality or
his conduct. which later she was ready
to stigmatize as odious.
She met Count Frederick. much i'm.
proved by change to well-titting
suit OF fannels which he had found.
He smiled now happily at seeing her.
You're looking ripping. mademoi-
selle!" said he. II did not SEQ you
have that frock, on the island yonder."
Nor did notice that your trousers
were so well pressed there" retorted
she.
At this moment Wyndham joined
them. Il was just saying to Mr..
Iny a
that we owed him very great debt
of gratitude, and that you"
quite the other way about. assure
you" said Mr.. Arthur Wyndham. the
brewers son, as he pressed somewhat
too warmly the hand which Kitty ex-
| tended him. 1T Is l who am the
| debtor. swear, l never saw one
change so much"
His gaze. which passed over Kitty
| In her new apparel, was quite too Ian
| gushing. Kitty Gray made such con-
versation as she could. UnConsciously
she drifted to the side of Count Fred.
erick, and finding herself there. Won
dered why she had done SO. Once
more she was alone. at the mercy OF
men. There was not another woman
| on this boat. But now. II it came to
choice, she knew which CT these two
men she would elect as her protector.
Count Frederick made some excuse
and departed presently. so that Kitty
found herself alone with Wynlham.
She liked little enough the ardor Of
the gaze which he bent upon her now,
and arose to leave him.
You will excuse me-" said she Il
have forgotten something"
But as she turned she heard him
stride suddenly toward her, felt his
hand upon her arm.
mo, no." said he. "Wait-why do
you so? Finding you here-such q
woman-saving your life and all that
do you think am man of stone
do you thinks"
II think you must excuse me-" said
Kitty Gray. icily.
"But you just said you owed debt
Of gratitude
THAT any woman rescued from a
peril owes to any gentleman"
"Oh, ] say, come now" he rejoined
How about little kiss to the honest
sailor who was lucky enough to save
your life! It's far from home or help
and no one knows say. now"
She sprang from him with startled
scream, a name upon her lips which
came readily enough when she needed
aid.
Count Frederick heard her. He came
at speed-and arrived Just In time to
see Mr.. Wyndham pursuing his amor
Gus advances to the extent Of casting
an arm about Kitty as she would have
fled. The sight was enough. Without
pausing for any question he sprane
forward and sent Wyndham Keeling
; against the corner OF the cabin with
one swift sweep of his arm. With the
other arm he pushed Kitty away. An
instant, and he had Joined her and was
! half carrying her toward the door.
Sudden wrath now seized the soul
J of this gentleman lately atuned to soft
er emotions. "Stop!" he called out