The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-09-23

his clear. frank eyes and finely cut teat-
ures. How different, Blanche thought.
from the ferocious Teutons she had pic
tured in her dreams.
Il have been writing letter this morn
ing" be said, after some moments. 1T
is possible that am returned among our
list Of dead, and If SO there will be wet
eyes in the little German town where I
was born. Do you think, frauleiu, that
nay letter could be sent across the lines?"
II cannot tell" answered Blanche; i
will speak to DR.. Huet."
And as she spoke she glanced up into
his face again and saw, to her surprise,
that his eyes were quite moist and dim.
She remembered then his former words
concerning the little sister. waiting for
him IN Germany. And this was one of
the ferocious Teutons whom she and her
countrymen had been taught to hate.
1T is not for myself I care, fraulein,
he continued, smiling gently upon her;
and, indeed, have been very fortunate.
But my mother and sister, poor souls.
should not suffer unnecessarily. I should
| like to set their hearts at rest.
Perhaps, said Blanche timidly, -the
war will soon be over, and them"
The war is only beginning, fraulein,
! Our armies will not halt until Paris is
taken. They are close upon the city even
now. You see, it was q foregone conclu-
sion from the first Your Emperor was
| blind or he might have known"
1T is dreadful" cried the girl. Why
should your people and mine hate each
other so much?"
They are like children, returned Hart
mann, 'and 10 as they are taught. If men
would only think for themselves there
would be no more war. Bad rulers and
bad teachers poison the air We breathe.
And, after all, what is war? A game In
which no one gains, but all suffer alike
the poor above all. 1t is horrible busi-
ness at best"
How strange it seemed to Blanche! In
much the same way, in almost the very
words, her father had spoken to her again
and again.
At this moment Houzel strobe up un-
tremendously and addressed the German
officer.
Come back. You are wanted at the
chateau"
Hartmann tarned, looking back In
front of Grandpre stood file of soldiers
and an officer. While he hesitated Houze]
cried, savagely: =.
Come back! Are you listening2 Al
once!"
Hartmsnn's pale face flushed angrily.
You are not polite, my friend, he said.
However, since they want me, will re-
turn"
Saluting Blanche respectfully, Hart
mann moved as rapidly as his strength
L. - kha hat
Blanche followed, trembling violently.
When they drew near, the soldiers stepped
forward and surrounded the German,
while grizzled French officer, full Of e1-
citement and importance, stood and gave
the word Of command:
Forward with your prisoner!"
Behind the officer stood Lieutenant
and, close by, Huet, the doctor. Hart
mann ssluted in military fashion and
stood waiting to be questioned.
Your name?"
Heinrich Won Hartmann, Captain OF
the Nineteenth Uhlans.
you we're wounded and taken prisoner
several days ago while reconnoitring neal
this placer"
Hartmann bowed.
How are We to know that you are not
one OF the enemy's spies? On you,
honor, have you held any communication
since your capture?"
None. have only just risen from my
bed, and, as you see. am still an invalid.
Very well," said the officer, with a
scowl; you will have to sccompal J US te
Fecamp."
"On foot, monsieur"
"On foot! The devil! You look strong
enough. Yes, on foot. Do you want q
carriage and pnir?"
Here Blanche interfered, and pleaded
80 we'll with the officer, who knew ant
treated her with great respect, that he con-
sented to let the German remain al
Grandpre for another twenty-four hours
after which, if he was still too weak Il
march to Fecamp, he should be taker
thither in some kind Of a conveyance
Perhaps the officer would not have con.
sented quite so readily had DR.. Huet mo-
been present; but few words from thu
Doctor convinced him that to remove
Hartmann summarily would be an act o.
great brutality.
The soldiers departed, accompanied by
DR.. Huet, and once more Hartmann ano
Blanche were left together.
Il have once more to thank you, sait
the German. Really, you seem to be my
good angel"
please do not speak Of it," replied
Blanche, dropping her eyes. before the ar
dent look of gratitude which he bent upoI
her face. You are welcome here unit
you are strong enough 10 60 away"
Before she knew what he was doing, ht
stopped and kissed her hand-so respect
fully, and yet so ardently, that she blushec
red as crimson. Then, as she turned hel
face away, she became conscious OF The
presence Of Houzel, the keeper.
His eyes were averted, but his face wa!
flushed and burning, and the great blscl
veins stood out upon his temples, while
his hands spasmodically grippea his gun
[To BE CONTINUED
A School for the Insane.