Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-12-10

alter flSKlnS my lie TO come mere 10
warn you I'll say no more"
A sharp order from his superior
caused him to put away the pistol,
growing ominously and frowning at
me.
Warning! What do you mean? Who
IRE you?" l was asked sharply, and
my answer was inspired by the only
plan l could form OH the spur of the
moment. If it cost me my life, re-
solved to find out who was the real
spy.
81 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 a 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. There are to be
no names mentioned in the affair"
''Truc, but you have either forced
yourself into the midst of this matter,
or you have rendered France valua-
Bile service. l must press for your
name, therefore"
Nevertheless must refuse to give
it," answered firmly.
"lIow did you come here?"
81 was at the rendezvous, and your
guide met me and brought me here"
GLOW did you know of the rendez-
vous?"
81 have told you the whole thing has
come out. l could scarcely have been
there if I had not known of it, l pre-
sumo"
"But what proof have that your
story is true?"
Confront me with"-I hesitated ms
If had been about to mention name
and added-"with the writer Of those"
The shot told, and the plea was ac-
copied, 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?"
81 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 I.
"By heavens, but the mans spy,
tell you!" exclaimed the red captain
yehamently.
My blood took fire at this.
"You lie, STRIP cried in voice of
passion, and l rushed forward and
struck him on the mouth.
"a thousand devils!" 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 mani" 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 yor
must settle some other time"
"Pm willing to settle it now across
the tablew said 1.
"Silencew he Numbered.
"Then be SO good as to send tina
man out of the room or I'll leave it."
But at that moment an interruption
came. The third officer returned ant
said the man they had been expecting
had arrived. With him came also, as
knew well enough, the crisis of mat
tiers. Meanwhile my antagonist stood
seowling at me, the pallor Of his cheeks
thrown up by the contrasting dark rel
Of his shaggy whiskers and beard.
"Let him come in" said the major
and in the dead silence 1 heard foot
steps and the clank of sword as tn
spy crossed the hall
The instant my eyes fell on him
could not restrain an exclamation o
establishment. He was man high II
favor with the staff and of excellen
. family, Lieutenant Won Mason. Hi
face fell as he caught sight Of me. H
turned white to the lips and woult
have fled, seemingly, had not the cap
tain, who was nearest to him, clappet
u hand on his shoulder and cried, will
sheer:
"Come in, come in. You two worth.
gentlemen know one another, see."
! bit my lips with rage at the taunt
eve will settle our quarrel now, i
you please" said to him. 81 can sta.
here no longer, major" l added, turn
ing to the man in command. 1 had in
deed seen enough and was anxious tt
get away.
ION the contrary, you cannot leave
was the short reply.
"Cannot" l cried, and 1 backed tt
the door by which / had entered ant
opened 1t quickly, but only to step int
the arms of three men who had jus
been posted there.
ARREST him." called the major quiet
ly. "Disarm him and take him out OF
earshot till l call"
In moneat my sword and revolver
were taken from me, and the men lee
me out into the hail. where l came un
eXpectedly face to face with Lota, who
looked tie picture Of distress and grief
She flew to me and, pushing the mer
aside, took my hands.
"Fritz, Fritz, what is this?" she cried
"There has been some mistake, Lota
but no doubt it will all be set right
Say nothing" l whispered saw Their
that her clothes were all soaked and
soddened by the rain. She had evident
ly been out waiting for me.
AS we stood thus the red captain
came out
1--WE will settle that he began
when Lota broke in:
Captain d'Aguilar, what does this
mean? Why is my-why is the Graf
Won Hollebrann treated in this way?"
as It's the Count Won Hollebrann?
and his eyes lighted.
"Say no more, Lota," whispered.
81 will speak, Fritz. This is an out.
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