The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-09-29

In 1870, having been just graduated
from college, went abroad TO see
something of the world before settling
10 my life work. There was great
deaf 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
TO Paris and. 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 DESTROYS
TO witness a similar contest between
the French and the Germans.
was received kindly at the head
quarters of Marshal MacMahon, but
there we're few great battles, and the
two nations did not seem disposed to
tight one for the benefit of a young
American who had come across an
ocean TO see the fun" SO after re-
naming for time with the trench
/ determined to join the Germans. |
realized that passing from one army
TO It's opposing one during actual war
was a 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 n similar affair So, selecting point
between the lines where the French
had no outposts. left them and. walk
ing down road. was taken in by n
l'rusSian vedette.
This was rather a tame adventure.
and was on the lookout for some
thing more exciting. Though | was
not aware of 1t, something more eXcit'
ing was on the lookout OR 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 civility by the
officers Of his staff 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 20 pretty much where pleased.
but paid little heed To me. The frus-
slams showered me With attentions,
but was not permitted TO go about Mt
all. Indeed. excuses were made 10
keep me at headquarters.
One evening General MaDteufers
chief OF stan gave dinner at which
were several ladies' was the guest
Of honor and was seated beside yer!
beautiful woman who spoke English
with n broken accent | was young
and correspondingly susceptible. there
fore it is not surprising that before the
evening was spent had fallen under
spell which. had been older !
might have seen was purposely thrown
over me- Before the party broke NJ /
and this lady were left alone together
Suddenly her manner changed from
ightness to intense seriousness.
Il am being watched she said.
Watched"
YES they know my mission.
What mission?"
Il saw you at MacMahOn's head
quarters. | was receiving my instruc-
lions while you were there Save me-
How"
They know that MacMahoD has
sent some one into their lines for in
formation. II you take the risk for a
time will go free. II suspected you
can prove that you are an American
and will not suffer cannot prove
that am not a Frenchwoman. Here
Is the information bear Take 1t. II
they find 1t on me die. Keep 1t for me
till the danger is past, then give It to
me-"
She thrust little roll Of tissue paper
upon me. At the moment she did so a
Prussian officer entered. and | had no
opportunity to hand it back without
being seen. To do 50 would be equiya-
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
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 so 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
Manteufel's headquarters, was
searched and the paper found on me.
As was being led away | passed
the lady who bad given me the paper
The officers were apologizing to her
for something, and heard them tell
her her carriage was waiting for her
was kept under guard till morning,
when an officer came hurrying toward
me. As soon as he-reached me he said
angrily. you are foolr'
Il am at any rate not a spy"
mo: the real spy has gone. We
learned that some one was among us
and suspected two persons who came
N at the same time-this woman and
yourself. AS soon as the woman had
gone beyond our reach she sent us
proof that she was in MacMahon's
service and had duped you. You will
depart for our rear at once
had had all OF war ! wanted and
went.
Wy A RTrrr,rN ON TTTTnN