Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1910-08-26
His Glimpse Of War
-:
by r. W. KEENAN,
Copyright, 1910. by American Press
Association.
by r. W. KEENAN,

something Of the world before settling
to my life work. There was great
deal TO see at that time-namely. one
OF the biggest wars OF modern times.
The Germans under Won Moltke were
marching across the French border.
Landing at Cherbourg. went directly
10 Paris aud. taking letters from the
American minister. set out for the
front TO get glimpse OF war. Having
been ten years too late In my birth
TO take part In our own great struggle
In America, was extremely desirous
to witness similar contest between
the French and the Germans.
was received kindly ut the head
quarters Of Marshal MacMahon. but
there were few great battles, and the
two nations did not seem disposed to
tight one for the benefit Of young
American who had come across an
ocean TO sec 'the fun" 80 after re-
naming for q time with the French
determined TO join the Germans. l
realized that passing from one army
TO Its opposing one during actual war
was serious business. but had
heard so much OF the thrilling episodes
OF war from friends who had fought
In the American contest that my
young blood was fired TO participate
In similar affair, 40, selecting point
between the lines where the French
had no outposis. left them and, walk
lug down road, was taken In by u
l'rusalan vedette.
This was rather tame adventure,
and | was on the lookout for some
thing more exciting. Though | was
not aware OF II, something more excit-
Ing was on the lookout for me.
presented my credentials, which
were my passport and my letters to
the French commanders. had struck
the troops under General Manteufel,
and II was at his headquarters that the
documents were examined. | was
treated with the utmost civlllty by the
officers OF his stan. Indeed, could not
but contrast the attention | received
with that OF the French officers, who
upon the statement of the American
minister. vouching for me, permitted
me to 60 pretty much where pleased.
but paid little heed to me. The Prus-
SLAMS showered me with attentions,
but was not permitted TO go about at
all. Indeed. excuses were made to
keep me at headquarters.
One evening General Manteufel's
chief of staff gave dinner ut which
were several ladies'. was the guest
of honor and was seated beside very
beautiful woman who spoke English
with broken accent. was young
aud correspondlngly susceptible: there
fore Il IL not surprising that before the
evening was spent had fallen under
n spell which, had been older,
might have seen was purposely thrown
over me. Before the party broke up
and this lady were left alone together.
Suddenly her manner changed from
llghtness TO intense seriousness.
Il am being watched" she said.
"Watched?"
Eyes; they know my mission"
"What mlsslon?"
II saw you at MacMahon's head
quarters. l was receiving my instruc-
tIons while you were there, Save me!'
"HowT
"They know that MacMahon has
sent some one into their lines for In
formation. II you take the risk for
time will so free. Ii suspected you
can prove that you are an American
and will not suffer. cannot prove
that l am not Frenchwoman. Here
Is the information bear. Take 1t. IL
they find II on me die. Keep II for me
till the danger Is past, then give 1t to
me-"
She thrust little roll OF tissue paper
upon me. At the moment she did SO u
Prussian officer entered, and had no
opportunity to hand II back without
being seen TO do so would be equlva-
lent to informing the officer that she
was spy,
But II found with the paper In my
possession | would be shot.
From that moment was not for u
second free from observation. When
we were about to depart the chief of
staff came to me and said:
1--WE move at o'clock. The general
will have. no one except soldiers with
us. We have kept you at headquarters
for your own good You have seen
nothing; therefore you may 60 back
whence you came"
without waiting for reply he con-
Quoted me to the picket line. Glad to
go free with the lovely spy's pellet,
walked hastily away: was followed
and arrested. Taken back to General
Manteufels headquarters, was
searched and the paper found on me-
As was being led away passed
the lady who had given me the paper
The officers were apologizlng to hei
for something, and heard them tel