The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-01-27

east and which west. | had been stationed
on a round knoll or eminence, and | had
walked about its crown so many times du-
| ring my observations that | was now un-
able to decide on the exact spot at which
| had ascended it. At last, however, |
came to tree of which / seemed to have
some recollection, and descended the hill
and walked, as | thought, towards Bonzon-
Vile
By that time the plain was quiet, aud |
heard nothing save an occasional iar-Off
bugle note | walked on for an hour
through the thick white fog seeking for
some familiar landmark. None came.
began to realize that | was lost. | stood
and wondered what to do Then | went
forward again. A church clock struck the
hour, six. close by. Clearly, | was near a
village | came to a road, and FASTENED
along it, and presently fell into the han ds
of French picket. | had walked west
instead of east | was at Gravelotte.
The picket marched me into the village,
and led me before their colonel, fierce
looking militaire, who glared at me from
behind a table at which he was evidently
writing dispatches "What's this?' said
he "A spy?"
Now, unfortunately for me, | cannot
speak French, but my knowledge of Ger
man is extensive. Ireplied to the colonels
question in English. He shook his head.
| then spoke in German, and his face grew
dark A soldier interpreted my answer.
$50 ~ said the colonel "a pretty story,
indeed He speaks German like native,
and processes to be an Englishman. Ev-
erybody knows that an Englishman can
speak no other language than his own.
An English artist, eh See what papers
he has.
drew all my papers from my breast
pocket voluntarily and handed them over.
As ill-luck would have it, had that morn
ing made plan of the surrounding coun-
try in my sketch-book. The French col
onel looked at this narrowly, and nodded
his head 'As thought, said he. "What
is this but man? Come, Mr.. Spy, what
have you to say
''Tell the colonel said | to the inter
prefer, "that am no spy, but the special
war correspondent of great English news
paper, and that what | said before is true
These are my credentials-bid him look at
them"
The colonel tossed the papers aside con-
tcmptuously. "What of them ?" said he.
"They may have been stolen, forged-how
do know? He speaks German-he looks
like a German-he has maps, charts, draw
ings on him-entin, he is a spy. Take
him out and shoot him..
A corporal tapped me on the shoulder
and motioned me towards the door Twas
so surprised at the colonel's last words that
l stood motionless; but when |. realized
their full meaning suddenly found tongue,
and rated the whole group in foreible Eng
lish. The colonel shrugged his shoulders,
and repeated his commands, and the file
of soldiers began to hustle me out. Be
fore we reached the door, however, he
stopped us Spy said he, "we will give
you chance. Tell us all you know of
the Prussian movements, aud we will con
slider your case
II shall do no such thing" said l. II
am an English gentleman, and l will not
do dirty work for either French or Prus-
sian"
''Take time, said he "Think it over
Caporai call in a sous-tiemenant and two
men"
A young officer and two priyates entered
the room of the farmhouse in which we
were standing and saluted
"You see this man, said the old colo
mel, pointing to me. keep him safe till
day break; then bring him to me- He
turned to me again s'Think over my offer,
Mr.. Spy? If you accept it, well; if you
don't, you will be shot in the morning
The young officer and the two men
marched me out into the fog again and
took me to cottage close by. was
placed in room where fire burned on
the hearth, and an oil-lamp shed some lit
tie light on plain deal table My guar
dian signed to me to sit down; and then
one of the soldiers, after a whispered COLO
| guy with the lieutenant. left the cottage,
and presently returned with food and drink,
which he set before me- Desperately
placed as | was, ate my supper; and when
| had finished, filled and lighted my pipe
| thought things over, and could see no
chance of escape.
Monsieur said l, addressing the young
omcer VINO sat near me on the nearth, Il
shall certainly have to die tomorrow morn
ing, if your colonel persists in his foolish
conduct, and should like to write last
letter to my friends. Will you have the
goodness to provide me with writing ma
terials ?"
The lad responded in the affirmative, and
bade one of his men fetch pen, ink, and
paper.s While he was gone, the young
officer-wbo was certainly not more than
eighteen or nineteen years of age, and had
frank, open face-looked at NE curiously,
and presently inquired if | was really an
Englishman. He spoke English so well
that was surprised.