Amador ledger., 1906-05-11

sonally to the Emperor, receiving his con-
gratulations, then retired to our tents for
food and rest. But the surroundings were
so novel and of such interest that hunted
up Fleischmann, the modest center of an
enthusiastic group of admirers, and with
him made tour of the camp.
1t was an enormous aggregation of men,
and 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 in the highest degree of per-
fection. 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, were close behind. The en-
gineers 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
ientand commonly cheerful under such priv
ations. But here no man could complain
or shortage of food or drink, nor of lack
Of variety. The countless wagons, loaded
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 in the Club. 1t was
common report that some fatal shortcoming
would show out at the critical moment.
Perhaps this French characteristic, so well
VU0 cihI for Garr
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's s command to re-
port to him at once. Fleischmann and 1
hurried back, wondering what was on foot
AS we crossed the great Verdun road an
automobile corps passed, just arrived from
a scouting expedition south. The cars were
large and heavy, of high speed and great
radius of action. All the vulnerable parts
were armored, 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, Latour2"
l spoke cautiously. "Only that we were
friendly in Paris, your majesty, and that
he was sentenced to die this morning. II
suppose he has paid the penalty
For full half minute the Emperor look
ed into my eyes. I knew he questioned my
veracity..
Il have here a message from the cha
teau', he said finally. ''It seems that your
precious Mademoiselle Lagunay is playing |
tricks on us. She left this morning at day |
re for
ion she carried-Latour. Griesman is after |
them with squad of cavalry"
l stood there like one struck dumb. My |
establishment and chagrin must have been |
ly as he rose from his chair:
For your sake he said, 81 have order |
ed that Madamoiselle be not harmed, |
though she has very flagrantly violated her |
parole; but l can not speak for what may |
happen If Griesman should encounter re-
sistance. You may go.''
Dismissed thus l could but stagger out in
to the sunlight where Fleischmann await |
ed me. God! What had she done? Latour
aided to escape in her carriage! Griesman
n pursuit scoundrel, Griesman, whom
had so nearly disembowelled for insulting
Aimee! Short shrift might she expect from
him. He was justified in shooting every
member of her party.
1 told Fleischmann the facts He swore
iercely. He had already joined me in my
hate of Griesman.
What will you do?' he asked.
DO? Why cut for the chateau as fast
IS I can,'' I replied.
but how? You can not go without per-
nission.''
Permission the devil I ask permission
IF no man." I started for the corral, to
get my horse. I was so blind with rage,
hat nearly ran into a huge automobile
standing in the road. Instantly I knew
what to do
I turned to the chauffeur-private. ''This
s the Vinton machine, see. am Berlin
gent for its sale. Let me see how it runs
The private saluted and stepped out. 1
eaped to the wheel seat. ''Jump in,
1 said. Let me show you a
perfect automobile
The big sergeant obeyed, but hesitatingly,
is though suspecting my ruse. I released