The Red Cloud chief. [volume] (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923, 1916-07-27

bedchamber. He rushed on through
the wide hall, down the stairs to the
floor below, and back to the point
whence led down the galleries of the
cavern's floor under the castle itself.
He smiled now grimly as he has
tened. AS yet he was unhurt, and az
yet he was unsupported Once more
his sanguine soul lusted for success
and counted on It.
He met no opposition. heard no.
where in these portions OF the palace
any football or any voice. Thus for
moment or two he strobe on--and
then paused. frozen In his stride BY
that which confronted him.
Sachio was sure that he had seen
the last OF the young American. He
reasoned that In all likelihood Count
Frederick-of whose absence he knew
quite well through his own secret
agents-had joined her somewhere.
He knew Of the wreck Of the Prinz
Adler. Sachio was clear in his own
mind that these two enemies OF his
were gone. never again to confront
him
And yet now. as though spirits sum-
moned by his own thoughts. they
stood before him-both of them-the
tall nobleman and the slender. shrink.
ing girl leaning on his arm. Yes, It
was they! His enemies had arisen
from the very grave to confront him.
He paused irresolute. unnerved. not
believing what he saw. and for the
time himself made no speech.
What do you here. Sachio?" broke
in the deep voice of his enemy, once
his friend--a friend once too oftep
betrayed.
II came by virtue of my sword"
said Sachio. boldly now, seeing that
he might not evade this issue.
by virtue of your sword only shall
you escape from here. Sachio.' said
Count Frederick, calmly Stand back
Of me. mademoiselle. and giva me
reach"
In a flash the swords of the two
went out and Joined in the encounter.
Each was an excellent swOrdsman, and
for moment neither had advantage.
The young girl screamed in terror at
the sight, for she knew the redoubt.
able reputation Of Sachio as a swords
man. and long ere this she had Sc.
lected the one whom she desired to
see victor In this or any encounter.
But Count Frederick did not glance
her way. His eye was still fixed on
that OF his opponent. Only, softly.
gently. he repeated to her. Stand
m
Sachio was full Of tricks. He had
no wish to waste time here. and yet
knew not how to pass the blade now
opposing him. Suddenly he flung up
his hand to his chest as though struck.
hoping to find his foe off his guard
for just an instant. It did not result
so. The steady point Of Count Fred.
erick lay cleaning before his breast
ready to thrust. And for another rea.
son was this subterfuge worse than
useless one for Sachio. AS he caught
his hand against his bosom there
came from it's concealment in his
pocket something metallic. which fell
| upon the floor. It rolled but briefly.
for II was not round-this piece of
metal. 1t was half coin.
Upon this Kitty fell with a sudden
cry. She knew in fash what was
this bit OF metal. She knew how
Sachio must have priced it, and now
how Sachio. In the luck of the game.
had lost, and lost by his own hand.
Agile as a cat. the girl stopped. ran
In, and emerged with the bit OF metal
in her hand. And still the eyes OF
the two fighting men dared not turn
her way. Sachio laughed, and tossed
over his shoulder haunting word.
1T Is worthless, mademoiselle." said
he-"counterfeit-' nothing"
Count Frederick said nothing, but
he heard her words coming to him
now from behind his shoulder.
II have got them!" she exclaimed,
both halves OF the coin--they are
ours-they are ours--I am going now
come quick-as soon as you can
But the cold eye OF Count Frederick
never turned from the face of his ad-
versary. He made no answer to these
words. although he heard the sound
Of her footballs back OF him as she fed
down the hall toward the interior OF
| the caverns.
well. Sachio." said Count Fred
erick, your trickery failed. Your at
tack has failed at every point. Fate
fights against you, Sachio. You have
lost the toss OF the die. You have lost
the CON-
The strong wrist Of the swarthy
nobleman covered his breast with his
extended steel, His eyes, bold even
in this extremity. met that of his op.
ponent. But Sachio knew the die in
deed was cast. He knew now that he
had failed.
For one moment he edged on inch
by inch, endeavoring to reach a point
from which he might spring past
Frederick, and so follow the fleeing
girl down the passageway. But always
the other edged inch by inch in front
Of him. Always the cold eye looked
into his. Always the steady steel