Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-11-17
MAN OR PHANTOM?
A WAR CORRESPONDENTS STORY.

During the Franco German war 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 l presented my Gre
dcntias 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 TO pay tribute to the
bravery Of the noble Saxon lads who,
after rcpelling the savage attacks of the
courageous enemy shared. their scanty
allowance of pca-sousagc 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 unvorn-
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 piquc excited by my let
tiers. Among my dearest friends and
defenders was Lieut.. Baron Ludwig Won
L, an adjutant to one OF the regi-
mcnts 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 on
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 ripcn-
ed into an intimacy such as can only be
established amid the surroundings in
which we were placed. Nothing marrcd
these pleasant relations until Christmas
Eve, when q stray shell from one Of the
forts struck the tent in which the lieu
tenant and were celebrating the great
German holiday. In moment realized
that he had been severely wounded,
while had escaped unframed. An ex-
animation Of the wound proved that his
life was IN imminent peril, and the staff
surgeon concluded to send Won l. tc
his home in saxony. In pursuance oi
the doctors directions we parted ther
and there, and the carly morning trair
bore my friend to the arms Of his anXiou:
family, while I continued my exciting
life among the sanguinc soldicry.
The week following this incident wa
devoid of interest, owing to the mac
tivity of the French, but on the INIT
day the forts opened fire, and from whis
pcrcd conversations at headquarters
cleaned that the morrow would see {
sanguinary conflict. In order to be pre-
prepared left the tent OF the most ad
vanccd Saxon outpost at o'clock in th
afternoon for the purpose Of preparin!
Typographical notes concerning the prob
able field of carnage. My work was sool
competed. Silence and solitude, inter
rupted at rare intervals by the CHEEKY "Qu
vive7" of the French outposts or tn
prutf over dal" Of the German scntinels
tempted me to rest under a pro
tecting shed, and before / real
lied it | had settled down TO
little nap. When l awoke the darknes
told me that the evening had far ad
vanced, and looking around l saw tha
terrible snow storm hal covered m
tracks. Escape was impossible. 1kne'
not how to reach my friends, and to fal
in the hands OF the French meant dis
grace and perhaps dishonor.
Making the best of an ugly situation
/ drew my heavy fur ovcrcoat close
around me- pulled my cap over my ears
and rctrcatcd once moro within tho shed
Scarcely had settled into comfortabI
position when wa. appalled,. Was
possible! Yes, there at the rickcty doc
of the shed stood, real as life, Lieut.. vo
Il, his right arm extended, his lc
hand resting upon his sword belt, an
speaking in low but diitinct whisper
"Bcware OF the Franctircurs" Sue
denly as the apparition appeared
vanished.
Imagine my feelings; I cannot d
; scribe them. ! verify believe that n
hair stood upon end. Astupor folowc
this fear and trancc-likc stumble
How long / remained in this condition
knew not at the time, but well do r.
member the awakening from the tranc
lJ, ,,rynua e,eto,n yyns totally dera n uct