The Leon reporter., 1902-07-03
AT Swords Points;
A SOLDIER OF THE RHINE.
By ST. GEORGE RATHBoRNE
CopyriEAt, Yok


"Have you been 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 so
positive, so utterly reckless of conse-
quences that one could almost believe
he expected 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.
II have not, Monsieur lie Major" he
said firmly.
"Ah! Then you freely admit that
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, 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 dungeon and put your
case before drumhead 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 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 concealing
something from me-something |
should know"
Something you shall know" de-
clared the other, placidly. nodding and
smiling. "It is for your ear alone,
Monsieur lie Major"
The soldier waddled forward, while
the countess hissed and showed her
utter disgust by crying: L
| o,,Jg 4
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. sI have come upon
FOOLS errand. There are no spies
in Metz-there will be no need of any
after tomorrow, the 27th for Metz
will no longer be ours. Sergeant, take
your men off. Go and tie crepe upon
your left arms, soldiers of France, fol
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-I congratulate
you on the very happy outcome of this
adventure-for you. Pardon my un-
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 he1
lovers arms, and the sight must have
inspired Paul, for he Immediately
strobe over to where the blushins
nurse stood.
"Hildegarde, once told you that a
Rhinelander never loved twice.
failed then to explain my meaning
kept back by a dreadful fear of fam
lily secret. l have found mother and
sister, and you must hear the sac
story connected with the past OF. this
parent it is now my duty to love and