The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-02-13
VlCE-GOVERNOR OF METZ

! iitical prisoner. Fraulein Won Sterne
wishes 10 see you. She declares she
can thwsrt the plans OF those who
are tunneling!'
Bring her" said the governor
briefly.
Soon the general stood ehrdlu
Soon the general returned. usher
ing Fraulein Won Sternes She was Il
German maiden OF perhaps twenty.
with low, wide forehead from which
fia&en hair. ripping bit. was
drawn neatly back. A Ions, thick
braid hung over each shoulder. Her
eyes were deep blue and innocent.
She had been hut few days con-
fined. and the cell had not yet robbed
her OF the healthful color Of lip and
cheek
You are the spy" began the gov
ernor. bluntly.
The girl met his glance placidly ami
without fear. II am no spy. excel
leuEy." she answered in perfect
French.
The governor frowued. You were
found on remote part Of our forth
fications, in conversation with a Ger
man soldier"
1T was my brother. / had not seen
him for many months | told him
nothing of the conditions here, nor did
he ask
Wei, we viii let that pass. You
are not on trial yet What do you
know of this German tunnel2"
You mean what do / know of the
tapping sound ,"
The governor stirred impaticntlv
Yes: but it is the same thing. is it
not?"
She replied. choosing her words
with care.
"A force Is working against You
To undermine your fortihcations.
know what ana where That force IS
and can show you how to checkmate
it.
Your price"
My freedom. and safe conduct out
of Metz"
"Supposing you are deceiving us ."
the governor threatened.
You will know before you release
me. viii you not?" rebuked the girl.
gently
The governor gnawed his finger,
seowling thoughtfuliy; the girl look ed
down. General Moran watched her
hungriiy his eyes on the sweet face
on the CLEANS the nrelight awoke In
her hair. Surprising his eyes upon
her. she blushed family. The vice
governor heart beat tumutuously.
The governor struck his desk a re-
sounding blow with his list II ac-
cept!" he cried. General" to the
vice governor. have IA company of
sappers ready for duty in the CORR
dor near the dungeons within a quar-
ter of an hour. See that the entire
garrison Is put under arms. Have
the artillery redouble its FIRE"
At the door Of a vacant cell ad-
joining her own the girl paused. IN
there" abe said.
As hehtted a brave man. the goy-
ernor OF Metz was first to throw opetr
the door and enter, but the vico-gov
ernor was close at his heels They
faiscd their lanterns and 81 w--=--trrrtf1=
ing. The cell WAS hare. The older
man was turning angrily when the
familiar sound came to his cars.
He peered into the distant corner
and the mystery was solved The
roof had sprung a leak and water was
falling, drop by drop. into n puddle
on the floor The peculiar arrange
ment of corridor aud cell had diff
fused the sound over wide area.
driving thousands into cold sweat
of fear.
There is the force which is work
ing against you, said the fraulein.
The soldiers. crowdiug about the
door, saw and understood and a
great gust of laughter, a sound Of re
lief and joy as well as appreciation
OF the girls cleVerness, rolled through
the fortress like a wave. Other sol
diers heard and laughed, too, without
Knowing Why, bat" Feeling somehow
that the beast which had been gnaw-
ing at their heels had been driven
back, toothicss
Three nights later the fraulein and
General Moran stood without the
foruiications, waiting for the father
who had been notified and was come
to convey his daughter To q peaceful
home far from Metz
Presently the signal was given as
agreed, and answered
AS they heard the sounds OF a eau
.tlplls ;appfeach General Nor rai ,sAt ,yek
the girl in his arms and kissed her
on the lips 'Until the war is over
sweetheart he whispered.
Soft arms went around his neck
and the kiss was given back to him.
Until the war is over" she replied.