Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1906-05-11

sonally to the Emperor, receiving his con-
ordinations, then retired to our tents Tor
food aud rest. But the surroundings were
so novel and Of such interest that l hunted
up F'leschmann. the modest center OF an
enthusiastic group or admirers, ana WIFI
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
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. 1t mattered
not ut 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 c0mmissariat, 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
lculuuu CueeTlul uuueT SUCH priv
| atoms. 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, l 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
| known, was responsible for the German
cock-sureness. At any rate, there was nc
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 rsde 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 ut small table in a
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, Latourr'
l 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. i knew he questioned my
veracity..
81 have here message from the cha
teau'' he said finally. at seems that your
precious Mademoiselle Lagunay is playing
tricks on us She left this morning at day.
light with her servants, and for a compan-
ion she carriei-t -a9our. Griesman is after
them with a squad of cavalry"
! stood there like one struck dumb. My
establishment and chagrin must have been
evident, for the Emperor spoke less severe
ly as be 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 | can not speak for what may
happen If Griesman should encounter re-
sstance You may CO.
Dismissed thus | could but stagger out in
to the sunlight where Fleisehmann await
ed me. God! What had she done? Latour
aided to escape In her carriagel Griesman
n pursuit-that scoundrel, Griesman, whom
Aimee! Short shift might she expect from
him. lie was justified in shooting every
member of her party.
/ told F'lelschmann 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
as | can" / replied.
But how' You can not go without per-
mission"
Permission the devil. ask permission
of no man." / started for the corral, to
get my horse. 1 was so blind with rage,
that l nearly ran into a huge automobile
standing in the road. Instantly l knew
what to do.
/ turned to the chauffeur-private. "Ths
Is the Vinton machine, / see. / am Berlin
agent for its sale. Let me see how it runs. 4"
The private saluted and stepped out. ]
leaped to the wheel seat. Jump in,
Fleischmann, / said. Let me show you q
perfect automobile"
The big sergeant Obeyed, but hesitatingly,
as though suspecting my ruse. l released