Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1902-06-27
AT Swords Points;
OR.
A SOLDIER OF THE RHINE.
By ST. GEORGE RATnBoRNE
By ST. GEORGE RAThBORNE
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Copyright by STREET & SMITH. New

haste to this apartment to find that he
had doubtless been enjoying a delight
full tete-a-tete with this rival little
beauty at the time the soldiers came.
This bold American had won her
love--in her maidenly eyes he was
everything that could be deemed man
| ly, and in dreams at least he had told
betrayed whenever they met-as she
bound up his wounds after the duel
with Conrad she had been thrilled
when their hands CHANGED to come in
contact, and ever since then delicious
hope had found Judgment in her heart
that they might be nearer and dearer
than friends.
This was now apparently scuttled
| forever, and she must summon the
pride which belonged to her by birth,
in order to conceal the intense misery
the death of her hopes caused
| Well, the major had received his lit
tie curtain lecture, and was primed up
for the boiling point.
When he left the countess and turn
ed upon the others who formed part
OF the dramatic personae connected
with this closing scene in the play.
Rhinelander knew they must look out
for squalls, for the major was CALLED to
action and meant to enter upon the
warpath.
Paul saw this and nerved himself for
the encounter.
The bombastic major, having wheel
ed with military precision, bore down
upon Paul, who awaited his approach,
supported by the doctor.
1t was a moment of considerable sus-
pense.
Much would depend upon what the
major was about to say, and hence
Paul eagerly awaited for him to speak,
hoping to discover a peg upon which
to hang their expectations
1t was to Sir Noel he addressed him
self.
Monsieur, already the execution of
my duty has been delayed too long
Whatever protest you may desire to
make, it must be presented to the
higher officials l am sent to make the
arrest, and wish it distinctly under
stood that already both of these gentle
men are prisoners of war;
Sir Noel recognized the fact that a
point had been made in the case, but
he was too smart to betray the slight
est uneasiness, since that would be aid
ing the enemy.
At least there was hope, because the
major had not proven bully, who
would hustle his prisoners away with
all haste.
Through his own pride of manner
and speech the Frenchman might be
endorsed in the joist-men as gallant
as he have many times gone down be-
fore the rude plunge Of adversely.
Monsieur lie major" said the Eng
lishman slowly, 81 would not wish to
interfere with your duty as a soldier.
l have every respect for your army
and for you individually. But this
man is my friend. l am his sponsor
before the commandant, and you as a
gentleman would not blame me if l
endeavored to the best Of my ability to
free him from his wholly unwarranted
detention. You know that he has been
placed upon his sacred parole-you are
not ignorant of the fact that he has
been given the entire freedom of the
city, and hence as much right to be in
this particular spot as any Frenchman
among you. l desire to make this
point particularly plain in order that
whatever happens you may not have
cause to regret having done the wrong
thing"
The major smiled and bowed.
What you say is very true, mon
sieur, but that liberty of which you
speak expires whenever the person on
parole breaks his given word of honor
We have abundant reason to believe
this party has done this objectionable
thing of conspiring with certain spies,
the enemies of our country, to betray
our weakness to the Germans. I rec
ognize the point your make, m'sieur.
but it does not swerve me one iota
from the course mapped out for my
observance. Unless you can produce
something stronger your friend must
return to his cell and stand before the
drumhead court"
Hildegarde had turned very white
at these woras but she did not alto
| gether lose hope.
The impatient countess, who secretly
feared Sir Noel. here uttered a SEN
| tence in low tone. doubtless with the
| intention of fastening action in the
| game.
Immediately it shall be DONE" re-
turned the major. once more raising
| his sword and half turning to address
| his men.
If trump card remained to be
| played now was the time for its ap-
pearance.
A word of command and the giant
guards closed in around the prisoners.
Sir Noel still stood by Paul, and even
saw this significant move without
showing the white feather.
He put his hand to his pocket and
drew out folded paper.
The countess, seeing the action. felt
that there was danger of defeat even
though she could not guess the nature
Of the bolt that threatened.
How deliberately Sir Noel unfolded
his paper.
All! monsieur lie major" he said.
The stout soldier not daring to look
toward the countess, turned his head.
At sight Of the paper his eyebrows
wont IN in token NJ surnriSe