The Red Cloud chief., 1902-04-18
AT Swords Points:
A SOLDIER OF THE RHINE.
BY ST. GEORGE R~ATHBORNE
BY ST. O RATHBORNE
Copyright, by STREET & SMITH, New York.

Have you been q prisoner on pa
role, the same as this gentleman
Karl shook his head in the negative,
while the others hung upon his words
eagerly, waiting for the light that was
so slow in coming Karl seemed sc
positive, SO utterly reckless of consc-
quences that one could almost believe
he expected a corps of the Feldwache
with their spiked helmets to apear
upon the scene whenever he chose TO
turn wizard and utter the magical
words that insured their coming.
Il have not. Monsieur ie Major" he
said, firmly.
"Ah! Then You freely admit that
you. a German soldier of the line, have
entered Metz for some purpose other
than Sightseeing" eagerly.
Kari did not hesitate an instant in
replying.
Even that is true he said, calmly.
Whereat Paul mentally groaned, and
the Britisher elevated his eyebrows in
surprise. for both of them believed
the frank soldier of the Rhine was
giving himself bodily into the hands
OF the enemy.
Since you have confessed that your
mission Is that of a spy, there is no
other course open for me but to con
vey you to a dungeon and put your
case before a drumbead court. Resist
ance, you realize, is utterly useless. |
shall proceed to have you searched on
the spot, so that you may not get rid
OF any discriminating evidence
"Ah, do" said Karl, composedly
since it will save me very much
trouble in explaining certain facts
which had better been whispered in
your private ear facts that your com
mander most particularly desired
should he kept secret"
His words. of course. aroused the
majors curiosity. Since seeing the
magic paper carried by the English
man, he was fearfully afraid of eX-
ploding some other hidden mine.
Come, monsieur said the accom-
modating major. you are cuncealinp
something from me-sOmothing
should know"
Something you shall know" tie.
clared the other, p%lacidly. ~nodding and
smiling. 1T is for your ear alone
Monsieur lie Major
The soldier waddled forward, while
the countess Kissed and showed hel
utter disgust by crying:
Fool. coward! you would lose ALL
Karl spoke "A few sentences in a low
tone.
Whatever their import. they startled
the French major, who looked at hin
in amazement.
Can you show me the proof" HI
demanded, hoarsely.
Apparently it was the fashion I,
produce papers. for Karl took on,
from some concealed pocket.
Paul had n glimpse of it, and fel
sure the peculiar c~hirography vas OK
actly the same as that which char
port Sir Noel carried.
At any rate. the effect upon the ma
jor was quite as startling-his han,
trembled as 1t held the magical docu
ment, and his little eyes glowed lik
sparks of fire.
Enough" he cried. handing it bacI
to Karl hastily. Il have come upol
a FOOLS errand. There are no spie
in Metz-there will be no need of an
after tomorrow, the 9th. for Met
will no longer he ours. Sergeant, tax
your men OF. Go and tie crepe upo'
your left arms, soldiers Of France, 70
we are undone."
Evidently the gallant fighter ha
read that which chilled his heart.
The order was given.
Tramp. tramp, tramp, the tall guard
marched out of the tram
tramp, tramp, they went down tn
stairs until all had disappeared.
Those who were left stood an
stared.
"Gentlemen-ladies-l congratulate
you on the very happy outcome of TIL
adventure-for you. Pardon my M
warranted intrusion, and, bon solr."
With this the stout, discounted M
jor betook himself off. accompanied b
the countess, whose angry voice coul
be heard far down the stairs as she b,
rated him for not taking drastic mea.
ures to accomplish their desired On
in spite of the commandant and h
/, passports.
, Already BeatriX was clasped in h,
lovers arms, and the sight must ha,
inspired Paul, for he immediate,
strobe over to where the blushir
nurse stood.
: "Hildegarde, once | told you that
Rhinelander never loved twice.
- failed then to explain my meaning
kept back by a dreadful fear of a fan
=, lily secret. I have found a mother al
I a sister, and you must hear the 50
, story connected with the past of tn
I parent it is now my duty to love ar
q cherish. After that, If you do not loo
down on me because of the shame upC
my name, | want to tell you of my lo'