Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-24

stopped dead in my dstonishmcnt.
I'm to be met with threat Of murder
after risking my life to come here to
warn you I'll say no more"
A sharp order from his superior
caused him 10 put away the pistol
growing ominously and frowning at
me.
Warning, What do you mean: Who
are you?" | was asked sharply. and
my answer was inspired by the only
plan | could form OH the spur of the
moment. If it cost me my life. re-
solved to find out who was the real
spy.
IL mean that the whole plot Of these
papers has been discovered" | replied
| in an even, steady tone: that at the
risk Of my life came hither; that the
man who wrote those papers will soon
be here. having been supplied with
| false ones to mislead you into taking
steps that may involve you in peril and
| disaster"
The effect of my words was electric
al 4 brief, earnest consultation fol
lowed.
This is a very extraordinary story
SIR" said the major at length. "Who
are you, may ask?"
mo; you may not. Thare are to be
no names mentioned in the affair"
"True, but you have either forced
yourself into the midst Of this matter.
or you have rendered France a valua'
Bile service. must press for your
name. therefore"
Nevertheless l must refuse to give
it." l answered firmly.
"How did you come here?"
81 was at the rendezvous. and your
guide met me and brought me here.
"How did you know of the rendez'
vous2"
81 have told you the whole thing has
come out. could scarcely have been
there If l had not known Of it, ! pre-,
sumo"
But what proof have that your
story Is true?"
Confront me with"-I hesitated as
| If had been about to mention a name
and added-"with the writer Of those
The shot told, and the plea was &C.
| cepted, to my huge satisfaction.
At that moment the third officer. who
had hitherto said nothing, whispered a
suggestion to the major, who nodded
acquiescence and sent him out Of the
| room.
"You will give your word to remain
here quietly"
"I see no reason for that" ! said
sharply. 81 came voluntarily and am
not likely to run away"
| Nevertheless must detain you" re-
turned the major peremptorily.
81 pay no heed to threats" said l.
"By heavens. but the mans a spy,
| tell you. exclaimed the red captain
yehemently.
My blood took fire at this.
"You lie. sir" cried In voice of
passion. and rushed forward and
struck him on the mouth.
| "a thousand devilsv' he shouted and
was for whipping out his revolver. but
was first and covered him.
.Try to draw that weapon and you're
q dead man"' | said sternly. and
meant it. too. as he read in my looks.
The major had not had time to inter
fere. but now he said:
PUT up your weapon. sir. and con
slider yourself under arrest. whoever
you are. Your private quarrel you
must settle some other time"
I'm willing to settle it now across
the table" said l.
"Silencew he thundered.
"Then be 80 good as to send thai
man out of the room or III leave 1t.
But at that moment an interruption
came. The third officer returned and
said the man they had been expecting
had arrived. With him. came also, at
knew we'll enough. the crisis Of mat
ters. Meanwhile my antagonist stood
scowllng at me, the paIior or his cheek
thrown up by the contrasting dark re'
of his shaggy whiskers and beard.
"Let him come in," said the majol
and In the dead silence I heard foo
steps and the clank OF sword as tn
spy crossed the hall.
The instant my eyes fell on him