Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1906-05-05

sonally to the Emperor. receiving his con-
gratulations, then retired To our tents Tor
food and rest. But the surroundings were
SO novel and OF such interest that 1 hunted
up Fleischmann, the modest center or an
enthusiastic group OF admirers, ana Win
him made tour of the camp.
1t was an enormous aggregation or men,
aud horses and apparatus of war. We rode
for two hours. taking In the several lesser
camps going TO make up the greater. AT
every step found evidences OF organization
and discipline I'm the highest degree or per-
lection. This was no haphazard invasion.
Through his stan, the Emperor was In con-
slant touch with his troops. 1t mattered
not at what hour an inquiry might arise as
to ammunition, rations, health. spirit, OF
any given number Of his men: the answer,
exact and accurate, was before him In an
incredibly short space OF time. The tele-
phone was relied on for communication,
and wires were always up and working
where needed. The field hospitals, admir-
ably equipped, We're close behind. The en-
gneers worked almost without orders,
seeming to discern the need in advance:
The commissariat, too, was above critic
ism. Your German soldier Is an enormous
eater, caring more about quantity than
quality. Nothing irritates him so much as
hunger and thirst; in which circumstance
he furnishes the most unpleasing contrast
to the French soldier, who is always pat
ienta commonly cheerful under such priv
ations. But here no man could complain
of a shortage of food or drink, nor OF lack
OF variety. Inc countless wagons, lOducu
with supplies for men and animals, i'm
pressed me constantly. In truth, 1 thought,
an army moves on its belly. Here Is the
proof.
Opposed to this discipline stood the French
lack of preparation of which Latour had
spoken that evening I'm the Club. 1t was
common report that some fatal shortcoming
would. show out at the critical moment
Perhaps this French characteristic, so well
known, was responsible for the German
cock-sureness. At any rate, there was no
apprehension of failure. Every man In that
vast army felt certain of success.
We were just leaving the baloon-sheds
when an orderly from headquarters rode up
and gave me the Emperor command to re-
port to him at once. Fleischmann ana
hurried back, wondering what was on foot.
AS we crossed the great Nerdun road an
automobile corps passed, just arrived from
n scouting expedition south. The cars were
large and heavy, of high speed and great
radius of action. All the vulnerable parts
were armorel, and adjustable metal shields
extended around sides and front They
were American machines of the new Vinton
type.
The Emperor's eyes were very cold, and
his face stern. He sat at a small table In
lower room of the stone rOad-house where
he had established temporary headquarters.
Before him were heaped maps and papers.
He acknowledged my salute and spoke to
me harshly:
''What do you know of the spy, LatourF"
spoke cautiously. "Only that we were
friendly in Paris, your majesty. and that
he was sentenced to die this morning.
suppose he has paid the penalty
For full half minute the Emperor look
ed into my eyes. 1 knew he questioned my
vcracity..
81 have here a message from the cha
teau", he said finally. at seems that your
precious Mademoisele Lagunay is playing
tricks on us. She left this morning at day.
light with her servants, and for compan-
ion she carried-Latour. Gresman is after
them with n SDuDd of cavalry ~
l stood there like one struck dumb. My
establishment and chagrin must have been
evident. for the Emperor spoke less severe
ly as he rose from his chair:
For your sake he said, 81 have order |
ed that Madamoisele be not harmed |
though she has very fiagrantly violated her
parole; but | can not speak for what may |
happen If Griesman should encounter re-
sistance. You may CO.
Dismissed thus | could but stagger out in |
to the sunlight where Fleschmann await |
ed me. Cod What had she done? Latour |
aided to escape I'm her carriage! Griesman
pursuit-that scoundrel, Griesman, whom |
| had nearly disembowelled for insulting |
Aimee! Short shrift might she expect from
him. He was justified In shooting every |
member of her party.
l told Fleischmann the facts. He swore
fiercely. He had already Joined me in my
hate of Griesman.
''What will you dor" he asked.
do? Why cut for the chateau as fast |
as I can" replied. ,.,..
"But how? You can not go without per-
Permission the devil. ask permission
of no man," I started for the corral, to /
get my horse. l was so blind with rage,
that / nearly ran into a huge automobile
in the road. Instantly 1 knew
what to do.
l turned to the carbohydrates. "This
is the VintOn machine, / see. am Berlin
agent for its sale. Let me see how 1t runs
The private saluted and stepped out.
leaped to the wheel seat. Jump in,
said. Let me show you a |
perfect automobile
The big sergeant obeyed, but hesitatingly, |
as though suspecting my ruse. l released |