The Breckenridge news., 1906-05-02

sonally to the Emperor. receiving his con-
gra tulatio 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 or an
enthusiastic group OF admirers, ana WIN
him made tour OF the camp.
1t was an enormous aggregation or 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
aud 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, or
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 lrrltates him so much as
hunger and thirst; In which circumstance
he furnishes the most unpleasing contrast
to the French soldier, who is always pat
lent and commonly cheerful under such priv
ations. But here no man could complain
OF 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, ! 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
oOmmon 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 5 command to re-
port to him at once. Fleischmann and l
hurried back. wondering what was on foot.
As we crossed the great Nerdun road an
automobile corps passed. just arrived from
a scouting expedition south. The ears 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 Ninton
type.
his face stern. He sat at 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. Latour7"
I 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 a minute the Emperor look
ed into my eyes knew he questioned my
veracty..
Il have here a message from the cha
teau'', he said finally. ''It seems that your
precious Mademoselle Lagunay Is playing
tricks on MS. She left this morning at day
light with her servants, and for compan-
ion she carried-Latour. Gresman Is after
gnUu1 %
stood there like one struck dumb. My
astOnishment and chagrin must have been
evident, for the Emperor spoke less severe
ly as he rose from his chair:
For your sake" he said, Il have order
ed that Madamoisele he not harmed,
though she has very fagrantly violated her
parole; but l can not speak for what may
happen II Grlesman should encounter re-
sstance. You may 60.
Dismissed thus I could hut stagger out In
10 the sunlight where Fleischmann await |
aided to escape I'm her carriage Griesman
n pursut-that scoundrel, Griesman, whom /
/ had so nearly disembOwelled for insulting
Aimee! Short shrlft might she expect from
him. He was justified Ia shooting every
member of her party.
l told Fleischmann the facts He swore
hercely. He had already Joined me In my
hate OF Griesman.
what will you doi" he asked.
"Dol Why cut for the chateau as fast
as l can" ] replied.
But how? You can not go without per-
mission"
Permission the devil l ask permission |
Of no man. - / started for the corral, TO 1
get my horse. I was so blind with rage, |
that ] nearly ran into a huge automobile
In the road. Instantly | knew
what to do.
/ turned TO the chauffeur-priyate. This
Is the Vinton machine, see. | am Berlin
gent for its sale Let me see how itruns. "
The private saluted and stepped out /
eaped To the wheel seat. 'Jump In,
| said. Let me show you a
perfect automobile -
The big sergeant obeyed, hut hesitatingly. |
as though suspecting my ruse. / released |