Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1902-07-04


you, German soldier Of the line, have
entered Metz for some purpose other
than sight-seeing?" eagerly.
Karl 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, fol- 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 spy, there is no
other course open for me but to con-
vey you to dungeon and put your
case before drumhead court. Resist
ance, you realize. is utterly useless. l
shall proceed to have you searched on
the spot, so that you may not get rid
G. any discriminating evidence"
"Ah, do" said Karl, composedly,
"since 1t 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 be 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 concealng
something from me-something
should know"
Something you shall know" de-
clared the other, placidly. nodding and
smiling. 1T is for your ear alone,
Monsieur lie Major"
The soldier waddled forward, while
the countess Kissed and showed her
utter disgust by crying:
Fool! coward! you would lose ALL"
Karl spoke few sentences in low
Tone
Whatever their import, they startled
the French major, who looked at him
in amazement.
"Can you show me the proof" he
demanded, hoarsely.
Apparently it was the fashion to
produce papers, for Karl took one
from some concealed pocket.
Paul had a glimpse Of it, and felt
sure the peculiar chirography was ex-
actly the same as that which char
acterized the Bazaine letter or pass
port Sir Noel carried.
At any rate, the effect upon the ma
jor was quite as startling-his hand
trembled as it held the magical docu-
ment, and his little eyes glowed like
sparks Of fire.
Enough" he cried, handing it back
to Karl hastily. II have come upon
fools errand. There are no spies
in Metz-there will be no need Of any
will no longer be ours. Sergeant, take
your men off. Go and tie crepe upon
your left arms, soldiers of France, for
we are undone."
Evidently the gallant fighter had
read that which chilled his heart.
The order was given.
Tramp, tramp, tramp, the tall guards
marched out of the room-tramp
tramp, tramp, they went down the
stairs until all had disappeared
Those who were left stood and
stared.
"Gentlemen-ladies- congratulate
you on the very happy outcome Of this
adventure-for you. Pardon my I'M
warranted intrusion, and, bon soir"
With this the stout, discounted ma
jor betook himself off, accompanied by
the countess, whose angry voice could
be heard far down the stairs as she be-
rated him for not taking drastic meas
ures to accomplish their desired end
in spite of the commandant and his
passports.
Already Beatrix was clasped in her
lovers arms, and the sight must have
inspired Paul, for he Immediately
strobe over to where the blushing
nurse stood.
"Hildegarde, once I told you that a
Rhinelander never loved twice. !
failed then to explain my meaning
kept back by dreadful fear of a fam
lily secret. have found mother and
sister, and you must hear the sad
story connected with the past of this
parent it is no" my duty to love and
cherish After that, If you do not look
down on me because of the shame upon
my name, | want to tell you of my love
for you, which will live to the end of
nv life, whether I win your consent to
be my wife or not
And Hildegarde put her hand in his
like the noble, truehearted girl she
was. saying:
"My heart has boen yours this long
time. Herr Paul -AAke my hand and
all have with it. I do not wish to
hear the story now-at some other
time, perhaps. Stop, do not insist
may have an idea as to the truth, but
it is enough for me to know you are
innocent. l am only too happy to
trust my whole future in your hands"
What could he say?
He sealed the compact as any bold
| lover would have done, and the bar
gain made while German shells still
exploded in the streets Of Metz was
founded upon such mutual respect and
perfect faith that neither could ever
regret it.
The sturdy Briton appeared to be
especially tickled over the fact that
Karl had seen his lead and gone him
one better in the way of legerdemain.
"You came very near ending our