The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1906-05-04

sonally to the Emperor, receiving bis con-
era tulations, then retired 20 our tents Tor
food and rest. But the surroundings We're
50 novel and Of such Interest that hunted
10 Fleischmann the modest center or an
enthusiastic group OF admirers, and Win
him made q 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-
lection. This was no haphazard INVASION
Through his stan, the Emperor was in con-
slant touch with his troops. II mattered
not at what hour an inquiry might arise as
10 ammunition, ratiOns, health, spirit, OF
any given number of his men; the answer,
exact and accurate, was before him ia 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 eommlssariat, 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
OF a shortage of food or drink, nor of lack
OF variety The countless wagons, loaded
with supplies for men and animals. Inn
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 in the Club. 1t was
common report that some fatal shortening
would show out at the critical moment.
Perhaps this French characteristic, so well
known was responsible for the German
aftr- an IA N
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 command to re-
port to him at once. Fleischmann and
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, Latour7"
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, l knew he questioned my |
yeracity..
~ have here a message from the cha
teau' he said finally. 1T seems that your
precious Mademoiselle Lagunay is playing
tricks on us. She left this morning at day
light with her servants, and for compan-
ion she carried-Latour Grlesman Is after |
hem with squad of cavalry"
| stood there like one struck dumb. My
establishment and chagrln must have been
evident, for the Emperor spoke less severe
" as he rose from his chair:
For your sake, - he said. II have order
ID that Madamoiselle be not harmed,
hough she has very fiagrantly violated her
parole; but | can not speak for what may
happen II Griesman should encounter re-
'istance. You may go.
Dismissed thus could but stagger out In
o the sunlight where Fleisehmann await
ID me. God What had she donel Latour
ided to escape IN her carriage Griesman
b pursuit-that seoundrel, Griesman, whom
had so nearly disembowelled for insulting
Aimeei Short shrift might abe expect from
lin. He was justified In shooting every
member of her party.
/ told Fleischmann the facts. He swore
iereely. He had already Joined me In my
what wiz you dor he asked
Dor Why cut for the chateau as fast
IS ] can ] replied
But howi You can not 80 without per-
Mission"
Permission the devil ask permission
4 no man." / started for the corral. to
et my horse. | was so blind with rage.
hat / nearly ran into huge automobile
landing ia the road. Instantly | knew ,
What to do
/ turned to the chautfenF-pfivate. This
J the Vinton machine, ] see. ! am Berlin (
gent for its sale. Let me see how II runs
The private sauted and stepped out, Fl
saped to the wheel seat Jump ia, {
said. Let me show you a [
effect automobile"
The big sergeant Obeyed, but hesitatingly, ,
$ though suspecting my ruse. released