The Holly chieftain., 1902-07-04

Sir Noel could see the way to lend .
hand. or that Karl himself might
have card concealed up his sleeve
that would sweep tho board.
'.Yqur name!" demanded the major,
grutiiy. rs he frowned upon the smil-
ing young student soldier. who stood
with oae arm thrown reassuringly
around the girl.
Karl Won stettin.' came the
prompt reply.
Native Of Germany"
1T ID true"
.You belong to the army Of the
Grown Pfince!''
3. yes.
Have You been q prisoner ON pa
role, the same ~ this gentleman!"
NArl shook his head in the negative.
while the others hung upon his words
eagerly. waiting for the light that was
30 slow In coming-Karl seemed SO
positive, go utterly reckless of conse-
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.
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 il that Of spy. there is nc
other course open for me but to con-
tey you to a dungeon and put your
case before drumhead court. Resist
ance, you realize, 10 utterly useless.
shall proceed to have you searched or
the spot, so that you may not get rid
Of any incriminatinS 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 earfacts 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 concealins
something from me-something !
should know"
Something you shall know" de-
clared the other, placidly. nodding and
smiling. ut is for your ear alone,
Monsieur le Major"
The soldier waddled forward, while
the countess hissed 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 1t was ! the fashion to
produce papers, for Kari took one
from some concealed pocket.
Paul had glimpse Of 1t. and felt
sure the peculiar chirography was ex-
actly the same as that which char
acterfzed 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 1t held the magical docu-
ment, and his little eyes glowed like
sparks Of nre.
Enough" he cried. handing It back
to Karl hastily. Il have come upon
. FOOLS errand. There are NO spies
In Metx-there will be no need Of any
after tomorrow, the 9th, for -Mstz
Will NO longer be ours. Sergeant, take
your men OF. 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 roqm-tramp,