Amador ledger., 1906-05-04

I spoke of the bitterness of war, of the
loss of men and property, of the inevitable
severance of personal and commercial ties.
ut seems to me to be so futile war; l
said. what is to be gained? why resort
to violence and bloodshed? think of the
enormous expense and the resulting in
crease of taxes. Why not arbitrate, your
Majesty?'
The Kaiser's expression hardened. SIT is
sometimes recessaY in life to assert ones
dignity by force" he said, after period
of silence. Il represent great nation.
We have been mocted, trampled, spit upon.
We have borne insults to the point of mad
ness. 1t is time to strike back. This very
day messages came to me from your grea:
the affairs of the world is undeniable, and
from the King Of England, my Uncle.
They suggested arbitration. l replied that
1 proposed first to administer punishment,
using what, in !our. country, you are
pleased to term the big stick, the club,
the hand of castigltion. Is this not their
own policy in the last stages of disagree
ments? Remember Cuba, and the Trans
yaal. No, it is too early for arbitration.
There will be two great battles. One, on
land, is before US; the other on the sea;
not until then, will the Emperor of Germany
listen to Intervention"
l could make no reply. The argument
| was conclusive.
Your Majesty l said. "a French spy
was captured today after the skirmisf
at Menigny."
He waved his hand impatient1y. ''I know
He was caught red-handed. He had notes
maps. He dies at sunrise.
''IIe is my friend" l said simply. ''l
have known him for years-a splendid
man."
rs he any less a spy?" The words came
suddenly, like bullets from a gun. ''Ye
you would have me set aside the rules Of
war because he is your friend. Understand
young man, that your own position is none
/ a rd mo wi
uplifted, warning finger. There is room
for explanation, for instance, as to how il
happens that you start from Amiens on I
pleasure trip, in a French war-balloon, l;
Jaune by designation, and coming from thu
west are wrecked in yonder tree HI
pointed to the white case of the balloon
that fluttered in the night wind high in thu
great oak behind the Chateau, ''when thu
! basket of that same balloon, containing
French General of Staff and wireless
telegraph, drops within the German line
far to the east, in Lorraine. Were IT no
for your nationality, tomorrow's sun nigh
| look down upon your own body as we'll a.
that of katour's lying dead before squat
| of infantry"
"Then Latour must dep asked. I wal
pleading without hope. For myself fears,
not.
"Latour must die. 1t is the rule of war
rule not to be broken"
He turned away to speak to an approach
ing officer, and climbed the steps to m!
room. Ny dear friend-my poor Latour
In the night was awakened by my valet
Before I could aMse Lowenberg burst int
! the room. I'VE are to advance immedi
ately,' he said. "a surprise party, witt
probable sharp fighting. 1 want you witt
me. Come at once"
l dressed with all haste. Aimee wa
asleep and I would not waken her. l wrot
her a hasty note, explaining the arrange
ments for her departure, giving it to he
maid; Hurrying down to the courtyard
found my horse stamping with impatienc
| minntpS l1tar InXVqn
and were galloping along the main road t
the west. In the moonlight we could se
the glitter Of helmets and sabres. TIL
! horses. The very air quivere1 with impend
| ing violence. We were in the midst of war
(TO be Continued Nert Week.