Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-28
BY L. J. BEESTON

quartered himself in this splendid chateau, which
old the days of Henri trois
He remarked, in a sngularly pleasant voice.
"Here the Fifteenth Corps of the enemy, just
past Artenay, the broad road to Paris. They
fought well here, and repulsed third brigade Of
cavalry"
"The prisoner, General, interrupted the officer
at his right shoulder.
Fouchard, between two Mecklenburg infantry
men, was led into the room. In twink1ing he be
came transformed. A dispirited, abject deserter
no longer, he drew himself up and folded his arms
pardon, Monsieur lie Commandant,' said he
in French Il am no deserter; and if l said had
news for your ear it that particularly wanted
to YOU"
Won Breisach, still leaning forward upon the
table, fixed his calm gray eyes upon this assured
wreck in rags. He had an oval, somewhat effemi-
nate face, with dropping brown mustache He
a answered quietly in perfect French "You had
Il knowit. My message is of private nature
Fouchard glanced from to the other Mecklen-
burger.
Retire" ordered the General without the least
hesitation.
His men went out. The palld faced officer bv
the window took up pistol and watched the
Frenchman closely.
"Monsienr lie Commandant,' said Fouchard,
raising his voice and squar1ng his shoulders, Il
have the honor to bear you verbal invitations
My superior officer, Captain Raoul, Count Al
phonse de Vilours Dagobert offers personal truce
of SIX hours duration, and requests the high honor
of yourself and staff little supper that he is
giving
The Prussan started. His brows contracted, and
he regarded Fouchard steadily Varying express
sons crossed the faces of his officers; and he who
held the pistol edged foot closer to the Frenctman
who seemed oblivious of his presence.
Won Breisach broke an absolute silence. "You
franc-tireur?'
Fouchard bowed in his best STYLE
Then you belong to an irregular corps that has
no officers"
"Count Dagobert is Captain, Monsieur, all
the same
do you imagine that that will prevent my
having you shot?'
Certainly do"
"Where is your eader?"
"Pardonnes moi the truce is not declared
"He sent you with this message?"
Fouchard bowed still more courteousy.
Lie number one!'
The devil" muttered Fouchard, looking the other
aight in the face
He is giving supper is hep Won Breisach leaned
* in his chair. His brows contracted no longer
stead, the suggestion of twinkle cleaned in his eyes
he stroked his long mustache. "Of what does this
,per consist
Souchard cleared his throat. He observed the
nkle and felt distinctly the better for it. He an
cred, "There is chicken broth, Monsieur
den goose or two, some champagne, and excellent
ars. .
That is all?"
'Oni, Monsieur; but there is plenty of it,
Lie number two!'
Nom du chien!' growled Fouchard.
The white faced officer interposed. Permit me to
k this rascal out, my General?'
9ouchard looked him up and down with fine con-
1pt.
Wait, Tresckow'
that instant the door that opened into the other
room where the meal was being prepared was
she'd little ajar, and the face of woman of about
rty-six appeared at the aperture. Fouchard her
swift, sudden glance; and he saw that she
thout coming into the she watched the franc
,ur.
And what guests to meet at this banquet"
There are nine of us, General"
All as we'll off as YOURSELF
Peste! you will have to pardon evening clothes,
ich not of the best cut, will admit