The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1886-11-18
MAN OR PHANTOM7
A WAR CORRESPONDENCE STORY.

WAR Correspondents STORY.
During the Franco German war l rep
resented leading English journal,
which, by the way, exchanged its reports
with an American paper of national
prominence, as war CO respondent. Upon
my arrival in Germany soon after the
declaration OF war presented my GRE
dentials to the proper authorities, and
after much delay was attached to the
Royal Saxon Army Corps, as brave a
body of warriors as was ever gathered
together for purposes Of destruction and
carnage. followed the fortunes of the
gallant corps through the fall campaign
and was with them at the siege of Paris.
1t is unnecessary 10 pay tribute to the
bravery of the noble Saxon lads who,
after repclling the savage attacks of the
courageous enemy, shared their scanty
allowance of pca-sausage and rye bread
with the half starved French guards
who had been fortunate enough to be
captured.
As might be expected my constant
presence at headquarters and my unvarn-
ishcd reports of the doings of the corps
secured me the friendship of some of the
officers, while others found it hard work
to conceal the pique excited by my let
tiers. Among my dearest friends and
defenders was Lieut.. Baron Ludwig Won
Il, an adjutant to one Of the regi-
ments attached to the corps. 1t had
been my good fortune to render slight
service to the lieutenant during the
opening days of the war, and with an
enthusiasm which was inexplicable to
me, he defended my every action and let
no opportunity pass by to sound my
praises. 1t was but natural that such
disintercstcdness challenged my admira-
ton, and soon our friendship had ripen-
ed into an intimacy such as can only bt
established amid the surroundings ir
which we were placed. Nothing marred
these pleasant relations until Christina.
Eve, when a stray shell from one of the
forts struck the tent in which the lieu
tenant and l were celebrating the grea
German holiday. In moment realized
that he had been severely wounded
while had escaped unharmcd. An ex
animation of the wound proved that hi
life was in imminent peril, and the stat
surgeon concluded to send Won Il tt
his home in Saxony. In pursuance o
the doctors directions we parted thei
and there, and the early morning trail
bore my friend to the arms of his anxiou
family, while 1 continued my excitin!
life among the sanguine soldiery.
The week following this incident wa
devoid Of interest, owing to the inac
tivity of the French, but on the mint
day the forts opened fire, and from whis
pered conversations at headquarters
cleaned that the morrow would sec
sanguinary conflict. In order to be pre-
prepared l left the tent OF the most ad
vanccd Saxon outpost at o'clock in til
afternoon for the purpose of preparin
Typographical notes concerning the prob
able field of carnage. My work was 500
competed. Silence and solitude intel
rupted at rare intervals by the CHEEKY 20,
vive2" of the French outposts or til
gruff "Wer da2" of the German sentinels
tempted me to rest under pro
tecting shed, and before I rea
lied 1t l had settled down fc
little nap. When l awoko the darknc.
told me that the evening had far &C
vanced, and looking around saw tha
terrible srov storm had covered m
tracks. Escape was impossible. Ikne'
not how to reach my friends, and to IA
in the hands of the French meant di
grace and perhaps dishonor.
Making the best Of an ugly situation
I drew my heavy fur ovcrcoat clos,
around me, pulled my cap over my ear
and retreated once more within the shct
Scarcely had settled into a comfortab
position when was appalled,. Was
possible! Yes, there at the rickety do
of the shed stood, real as life, Lieut.. vc
. l., his right arm extended, his lc
hand resting upon his sword belt, ar
speaking in low but di,tinct whispe
"Bcwarc Of the Franctireurs!' Su
denly as the apparition appeared
. vanished.
Imagine my feelings; I cannot d
scribe them. / verify believe that n
, hair stood upon end. Astupor followt
this fear and a trance-likc slumbc
How long / remained in this condition
i. knew not at the time, but well do ! 7
d member the awakening from the tranC
% My nervous system was totally derange
e nv hands refused to do service; in fs
had not the strength 10 light mat
to look at my watch. With groaI