Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1916-03-17
CHAPTER Xxx.


Those whose disappearance had
made such havoc In the plans of q
principally now likewise were upon
the point Of certain changes In their
own plans--and counted that any
change must be for the better.
Look" said Kitty as they stood
at the crest Of the cliff gazing out over
the whitetopped waves toward the
nodding sails Of the rapidly-advancing
craft. "A two-master, under heavy
sail. Auxiliary. no doubt. What can
she be-"
1T is what ! also would ASK" said
Count Frederick at her side studying
the craft as intently. Whatever It
be. 1t is our only hope, See, she
seems to have the look Of yacht
Watch her bows as they rise and see
how her spars rake back A yacht
but whose, and what nationality"
There comes their flag" said Kitty,
British! Well, wish 1t were the
flag Of my own country. but better
that than none"
I'VE shall be safe enough under the
Union jack said Frederick. Il count
on good treatment when they find out
who we are
She turned to him with q curious
look upon her face.
Say rather when they find out who
you are, Count Frederick" said she.
You arc noblenan. am an un'
known American girl, cast away with
out friend on earth"
He smiled at her as though amused.
An American girl who has had
place in the plans of two kingdoms.
Perhaps you may not always remain
so unknown, II 1t comes to that"
Look" Once more was her reply
as she pointed to the boat.
A pun Of smoke came from the bow
OF the yacht, followed presently by
the dull boom of the small cannon
mounted there.
"They see our signal" said Count
Frederick. yes, she'll round to and
send in boat, no doubt" And In.
deed such proved to be the plans Of
the little vessel.
There were other results Of the can
non shot which might not have been
suspected The natives, scattered
here and there along the beach, in the
forest, or in their village, were seized
with a sudden terror of what they i'm
agined to be q new enemy. AS fast
as they could they scuttled for shell
ter In the woods or In the caverns
that lay below the hills, the greater
number finding refuge in the latter
hiding places. OF these, some made
their way In their terror quite through
the series Of caverns until at length
they emerged at the crest of the cliff
by way of the passage which had
brought Frederick and Kitty there at
an earlier time.
These found the summit Of the rock
already occupied, The two strangers
who had caused all the turmoil in the
village stood at the summit looking
out at the sea, and waving signals to
the incoming vessel. For an instant
the natives stood irresolute, but 1t was
not for long. They identified these
two white strangers. whoever or what
ever they might be, alike with these
past disturbances ana these new ter
rors. Whereupon with savage shouts
they once more fell upon the unfor-
tunates and made them prisoners
again.
To the left. across a bare ledge OF
rock which showed no trace OF 1t,
there led path whose presence Fred
erick had not suspected. 1t was down
this new passageway that the natives
hOW iOu hitty aAu SOuht HlCuctlth.
They passed down a steep declivity
covered with trees and at length found
their way to the lower beach. where
after time they were Joined by 9TH
ers who cautiously had emerged from
their hiding places. It plainly was the
purpose of all these now to complete
the sacrifice which had been arrested
by the escape of the victim few days
ago. They inflicted preliminary in.
dignities upon them, at least, whether
with the intention of hurrying them
to the sacrificial fire, or OF obliging
them to interpose between the natives
and these new invaders--who. as now
all could see. also were white people
and hence TO be dreaded.
Much Of these operations was cas-
lily visible from the yachts deck. Ap-
parently there were some commands
from the man who stood at the bow.
bipoeulers In hand. Overheard went