The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-09-30
CHAPTER \.
THE FACE IN THE WOODS.

Scarcely had Blanche left the soldiers
side when wild cry of voices, followed
by the sharp sound of firing, came from
the village. Hartmann fastened to the
hilltop and looked down. The whole
place was in commotion; wreaths OF
smoke we're coming from the house win
dows, while down the further hillside
galloped troop of calvary half concealed
in the clouds raised by the horses hoofs.
Hartmann recognized them in mo-
ment. They we're Uhlans.
A scene too common in those days fol-
lowed. The few struggling Franc Ilreurs
who occupied the place were speedily
put to fight, but the armed villagers from
roof and windows continued the sklrmlsh.
AS the Uhlans galloped along they rode
down the affrighted men and women who
still fingered in the streets; then, pauslng
in the market place, they aimed with
their pistols at the figures who fired at
them from above. The firing grew fainter
and fainter; only every now and then
there was the crack of rifle and wild
shrek or cry. Dismounting, some of the
Germans. forced their way into the houses
to unearth the hidden enemy. Those
they found had short shrift.
Scarcely knowing what he did, Hart.
mann descended the hillside. Troops of
panic stricken men and women rushed
past him, making for the shelter OF the
cliffs. He was standing close above the
highway, when he perceived just below
Linn scattered group of cavalry follow
ing the fugitives at hard gallop. AS
they came up they reined in, wild and
covered with dust, and he recognized
among them his brother officer Vogel, who
had been with them when he first en-
countered Blanche de Gavrolles.
lie hailed MIN IN the German tongue.
yogel looked up and uttered an amazed
cry. =. =,
"Himmel! 1t is Haltmann-alive!"
Hartmann nodded and descended TO the
road, where he shook hands with his COM
rade.
Where the thunder have you been?"
growled Vogel, wiping his brow. I'VE
gave you up for dead"
II escaped, as you see."
We'll, there is no time to be lost. We
must get out of this as we came. Mount
up behind me; there, give me your hand. "
Il cannot. am prisoner on parole. '"
Parole or no parole, now is your
chance. Come before the French devils
return upon US in force"
1T is impossible, :" answered Hartmann.
Away with you. I shall not break my
word"
AS he spoke large body Of French in
fantry we're seen approaching along the
highway at the rear. Hartmann turned
and fastened up the hillside under the
shelter of some trees. He heard the word
of command, then the clatter of horses
hoofs and the Germans had disappeared.
Fortunately for him, he was not per-
ceived by soldiers Of the advancing body.
They passed by rapidly, every now and
then pausing 70 fire at the retreating
Uhlans.
In a few minutes Hartmann reached
his former point of vantage, close to the
little chapel. Here he paused, and, look
ing down, saw the French soldiers throng-
ing the market place, while the little body
of German cavalry, now sadly decimated,
galloped until they reached the farther
heights.
He entered the gate and passed into the
shadow of the woods. AS he did so lie
heard q sound MS of foot crushing the
brushwooa among the trees at his side.
lie paused ana looked III the direction OF
tho sound, but saw nothing. Reassured,
ht moved slowly on till he came in sight
Of the chateau.
Behind and on each side Of him the
woods stretched dark and gloomy. Close
to him was the trunk of fallen tree; be
sat down, thinking. Suddenly he seemed
to hear q sound again, as of some one
moving in the wood close to him. He turned
his head, and this time saw, glaring from
the foliage, what seemed pair of human
eyes.
The next moment there was flash, a
sharp report. He staggered u his feet,
and, with low cry Of pain, fell forward
upon his face.