Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-12-10
!: in THE BY
Arthur w.
HsIS Marchmont
!: OF Love-.
Copyright, 1909, Dv A.W. AIarchmont

COPYRIGHT, 1909, bU III Mdrchm0nt n
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"R rs terror of night" said to
myself as galloped through the
III sludgy mire of the country road
to Mobanne in the bewildering
darkness and through the rain which
was driving down like the sleet of
WATERFALL terror Of a night for a
lovers meeting truly, and, though l
had ridden close on ten miles through
it and had had to dodge n couple Of
French scouting parties, doubted
whether a dainty little beauty like
Lota would be able to venture the 200
yards to our rendezvous even I'd see
me.
But for the war we should have been
man and wife before this, for we had
fought down the opposition of her
friends, and the fact that was the
rich Graf Won Hollebrann had helped
to overcome their objection on the
score Of my nationality.
With the outbreak of the war, how
ever, all their opposition had been re-
newed with thousandfold virulence,
and Lota had been forbidden to see me
or to write to ian enemy of France
actually in arms against her." Our
love had laughed at the prohibition.
We had met twice while my regiment
lay so close to Mobanne, and had ar
ranged this third meeting to try to
cheer the poor little trembling heart.
drew rein as neared the house and
went very cautiously till reached the
little side gate of the grounds where
she was to be. / stood there, shrouded
in the deep darkness of the overhang-
ing trees, and waited. But l knew
the French scouts were out in the dis
trict, and, having no mind to be taken
prisoner, I soon began to develop i'm
patience and was meditating the eX-
pediency of forcing the gate and ex-
ploring the grounds themselves when
heard the catch click as if some one
were opening it, and a moment later
ed figure.
SIS that you, Lota?' asked, though
the rainstorm nearly drowned my voice.
"Hush" The figure held up hand,
MS of one warming or reckoning.
In trice was on the ground by her
side, but it was not Lota.
"You are to follow me-" said the
woman, putting her head close to my
ear. "Don't speak a word"
| led my horse through the gate, fas.
tened him to the bough Of a tree and
hastened after the dark figure, now
passing quickly and noiselessly toward
the house.
understood at once that Lota, scared
by the weather, had resolved to risk O
meeting in or close to the house, and
knew there would be plenty Of need for
caution in such venture. 1 followed,
therefore, without putting one of the
questions that rose to my tongue.
When we reached the house, my
guide pushed open one Of the long
easement windows and led me first in
to a small room that was in darkness
and then opened the door Of one be-
yond, where saw lights.
entered, expecting, Of course, tc
meet Lota, but instead found myself
face to face with three French officers
of cavalry, one of whom was sitting a
a table porting over some papers, the
other two leaning over him, all three il
deep consultation.
I stopped dead in my establishment
My first thought was that had fallen
into trap laid for my capture. My
hand flew to my sword, and l resolved
to sell my life dearly. The fear of pos
sible consequences to Lota stayed me
however, while the manner of the Off
GERS changed my opinion. They were
apparently expecting me.
"Good evening, Herr Lieutenant
said the man at the table Us the other!
drew back and stood behind him. "Yo,
are late, and we were just studying
your route, fearing you had been de
\ layed or prevented"
His manner was obviously genuine
but why should he "fear'' I had beer
detained?
sit is very ugly night, gentlemen
answered evasiyely, as If in e1plana
ton.
'True, and some of our fellows ar'
on the road too. Where are the pa
pers"
What did this mean-papers? Thel
they did not know the object CT m.
visit. I began to scent deyilment
though what course to take could no
see. Obviously they did not know me
Was I supposed to know them?
"Papers?" echoed, with look as O.
suspicion. "Who are you, gentlemen
"Good," he replied. smiling, "ant
quite right. But you know no name
are to be used in this matter"
"But I have never seen you BEFORE
said I, emboldened by my first success
full shot.
"We are here in the place Of thos
you have hitherto seen," was the IN
swer. "Caution is good, but make you
mind easy"
II want some proof" said 1 coolly
and an exclamation of impatienc
burst from one Of the two listeners,
red bearded, fierce looking man. TIL
one in command checked him.
II have proof for you some O
your previous papers" said he to me.
"Show me-" And stretched out m.
hand.
'Do you doubt our word, you?" crie'
the red man very angrily and Wit
contempt in his voice.
read his meaning. lie took me 70
spy. I had been plunged head owe
heels into pretty little spy conspira
cy, and unless my wits were brisk til
affair might prove ugly enough.
The three drew together, and the re-
man. whom 1 heard addressed as car
tain, was demonstrated with sharpl
by the officer in command, maJol
At the close the major handed me
packet of papers, and while / turne'
them over with obstinate carefulness
made my plans.
A glance showed what they were
vital revelations Of the disposition an
strength Of the German troops in til